Giro’s long-fingered Hoxtons are comfortable multi-season merino and synthetic suede gloves. They are great for spring, autumn and unseasonably warm winter commuting, and are stylish enough to complement workwear for those who forswear Lycra on the ride into town.

The palms are made of synthetic suede, which is eminently soft, with no padding per se, but there are double thickness layers over parts of the hand that have the most contact with the bars.

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The Hoxtons aren’t waterproof, and aren’t suitable for machine washing either. The fabric making up the top of the gloves is 9% merino wool, which allows for good thermoregulation. They kept off the chill and I didn’t overheat in them, but the palms did get a little sweaty on occasion. I liked the neatness of the leather edging too (though it renders these gloves unsuitable for vegetarians).

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Giro_Hoxton_gloves_3 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Along the thumb is a microfibre surface for the inevitable brow-wiping. There’s a good amount of towelling, covering the majority of the thumb.

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Giro_Hoxton_gloves_6 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

The forefingers are responsive to touchscreens by dint of some very discreet metallic threading. I found it easy to use my iPhone while wearing them, which is a massive boon for map reading on the move.

> Keep your hands warm and dry. Check out our guide to the best cycling gloves for winter here

The Hoxtons have what would be called a race fit on a jersey – slim and not overly roomy. They are a unisex design, though chaps may well need to size up for a comfortable fit.

There is a little pull tab on the inside of the wrist, which is reinforced to stand many wears, and a discreet Velcro closure with a soft suede backing completes the pared-down look. I would have liked the cuff to be a little longer, to help cover the gap between jersey and glove as they finished just on the wrist line.

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Giro_Hoxton_gloves_2 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Verdict

Smart city gloves that won’t detract from your commuter outfit

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Giro Hoxton LF gloves

Size tested: M, Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Giro says: “The Hoxton™ LF is a combination of Giro’s Super Fit™ ergonomic design and the supple comfort of a New Zealand Merino wool blend, all brought together with a touch of city style. The full finger design is versatile enough to use for most of the year, offering warmth and style for both cool morning adventures and late night rides home from downtown. The integrated Touchscreen Technology™ lets you stay in touch without removing your gloves.”

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

PALM

Super Fit™ design with three-panel palm for a tailored fit; AX Suede synthetic leather

UPPER

Stylish Merino wool blend fabric, Highly absorbent microfiber wiping surface, Leather accents and detailing, Low profile velcro closure

PADDING

None

FEATURES

Highly absorbent microfiber wiping surface; Sonic-welded pull tab; Low-profile Velcro closure

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

The touchscreen threads started coming loose with time.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Great gloves for chilly starts.

Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
9/10

The merino wool and suedette are a comfortable combination.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

A reasonable price for the component materials.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The soft materials.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not enough cuff length.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 5’7″  Weight: size 16

I usually ride: Trek 7.5 WSD  My best bike is: Turquoise Cruiser

I’ve been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Novice

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, general fitness riding, leisure