Polaris RBS Windgrip Glove

The gloves are off among cyclists over the merits of hi-vis. It's almost as contentious an issue as the wearing of helmets. If you're in the pro camp and visibility is the most important feature to you then you certainly should be seen by all but the most determined texter-at-the-wheel in the Polaris RBS Windgrip Glove. If the main reasons you wear gloves are for comfort and warmth, and you're not put off by the glow, be sure you don't need palm padding and heavy-duty insulation.

RBS refers to 'Really Bright Stuff', which these are, the fluoro material being the Vortex wind protection on the backs. There's also a fluoro logo printed on the inside of the wrist which adds a little visibility to the front of the glove, though not a lot, and it may well be covered by your jacket cuff. When indicating to turn, you will be well visible to following traffic but showing a black palm to oncoming drivers. Once your hands are on the bar, though, forward visibility will be excellent. In fact, these cured me of my Froome-like tendency to look down at the stem as the acid yellow of the gloves burned into my eyes!

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The palms are printed all over with silicone Polaris 'P' logos, which offer fair grip on bar tape. And patches on the pad of the thumbs and forefingers allow you to work your smartphone without removing the gloves, though I found this took a bit of practice. There is ample snot and sweat-soaking room on the fleecy thumbs, too.

Construction is straightforward and tidy. The gloves fitted me well in the large size with plenty of finger length and good stretch. I could feel the internal seams wanting to get under my nails, particularly on the thumbs, which I thought might get irritating, but actually I didn't really notice it while riding.

These are at the lightweight end of full-finger gloves, the fleece interior and the windproofing being the keys to keeping the cold out. I won't comment on their thermal properties too much as I suffer greatly from cold hands and even ski gloves don't prevent this, but I do know other riders who can go all winter in a pair of gloves of this weight. Water resistance is limited.

>> Check out our guide to the best cycling winter gloves here

I had a gripe with the wrists, which I found too short to prevent a gap, and I also didn't get on with the elasticated cuff, which I found too loose, though I admit to having skinny wrists. I would much prefer a Velcro tab for fine adjustment.

Polaris describes these gloves as being 'for all outdoor sports and activities', and their non-bike-specific nature may account for the lack of padding. This might help keep the weight down, but for me it was a noticeable omission, especially when riding out of the saddle. Not everyone likes padding, and you might disagree, but to my mind these gloves may well be ideal for running, but for cycling there are better designs out there offering greater comfort – though not necessarily better visibility.

Verdict

Good for visibility on shorter rides, but not enough comfort for the long haul and they may leave your wrists exposed