The Wearwell Cycle Company Revival Mitts are a very understated but extremely practical design that have delivered, on road and off. However, they are a very snug fit, so you might need to go up a size from your usual.
- Pros: Great fit, wide range of sizes, extremely effective gel padding
- Cons: Quite pricey
Though the name might conjure images of crochet backs and leather palms (it's more a revival of the company name, as Stu mentioned in his review of the Revival bib shorts), they're an up-to-date, contemporary model. The upper backs are a nylon/elastane mix (80/20% respectively), the lower 100% polyester. Palms are 60% nylon, 40% polyurethane.
> Buy these online here
'Ergonomic design' is one of those buzzwords that has begun to lose its meaning. However, at this end of the market I would expect a correctly sized mitt to fit me like the proverbial. In this instance, it does.
Ours were medium, which on balance was just right for my relatively long digits, extending past the knuckles. However, I ummed and ahhed about whether large might have been a better choice. Thankfully, the supple Lycra backs relaxed very slightly during the first 40 miles and there are two little grey tabs for additional grip when pulling them off. Nonetheless, I'd suggest trying a couple of sizes before parting with your cash.
For me, the fit is on par with the Altura Peloton 2 Progels and Specialized's BG Pro mitts and a little closer than these Protective ones.
Ulnar-defending gel padding has been a popular feature for a very long time, but of variable quality and purpose in my experience. Some very pricey models induced precisely the numbness and tingling these squidgy bits are supposed to counteract. Conversely, I've tested budget models that have delivered in every respect. Wearwell has opted for two rows of medium density gel that compresses slightly under load.
Silicone detailing is designed to offer improved grip at key points and a long, relatively thin-pile terry thumb wipe is perfectly aligned for taming runny noses and sweaty brows.
Stitching is neat and uniform throughout. I couldn't see (nor would I expect) anything less from this price point. Reinforced thumb and forefingers are another given and should greatly reduce premature wear.
Performance
Dry conditions have meant plenty of long miles and regular outings on my pared-to-the-essentials 'best' fixed, which sports this Genetic Flare silicone wrap. Unsurprisingly, comfort and control have been superb – no hint of the dreaded tingling or numbness, even after several hours, the silicone palms and silicone grip proving a perfect marriage when hurtling along 1-in-4 descents.
The occasional heavy shower had no impact, just improved the union between them. Backs and palms were saturated within 20 minutes but dried in around the same time with a break in the cloud and gentle breeze. The same applied post-machine washing.
It's been much the same story on my cross/gravel-inspired fixed with its Lizard Skins DSP wrap. Here they absorbed low-level nagging vibration from washboard tarmac, lumpy lanes and gravel tracks with similar finesse.
More spirited outings of similar duration aboard my rough stuff tourer, taking in unmade roads, forest trails and bridle paths, did little to change this perception. The occasional encounter with brambles and similarly prickly foliage pierced the backs but left no lasting impression upon the fabric.
> Look after your skin while cycling: how to avoid sunburn
Mercifully, I've averted contact with terra firma during the test period but the palms' padding density was also welcomed when tackling track nuts and stem and crank bolts with a multi-tool. Black proved an undeniably practical option here too, and the synthetic materials also mean they're very receptive to low temperature machine washes.
Price is my stumbling block when it comes to the Revival mitts. Overall, they have delivered, but then so have the Altura Peloton 2 Progels, which are still going strong without so much as a stray thread. Undeniably competent and very comfortable, in the short term (400 miles or so) the Revivals aren't offering anything above and beyond several I've tested commanding £25 or so.
Around the £35 mark and I'd certainly bite. With a budget of £46, I'd more likely go for something like the Altura and invest the remainder in some silicone/polymer-impregnated bar wrap.
Verdict
Decent quality mitts that perform well but not markedly better than some costing £25
Make and model: Wearwell Cycle Company Revival Mitt
Tell us what the product is for
Wearwell says: "The palm of the Revival Mitt is made from a hardwearing synthetic material which ensures that the glove endures the natural wear and tear of regular rides. A mix of gel and memory foam pads are placed at key pressure points where the hands experience the most sustained periods of contact with the handlebars. Hex-print silicone is added to these to improve grip. The lightweight and breathable stretch fabric on the back of glove helps regulate sweating and also creates a close fit. The lower half of the glove-back and thumb panel are made from a microfibre material that allow the rider to wipe their nose when needed. Meanwhile the zone between thumb and forefinger has been reinforced to offer greater levels of protection and wear prevention typically caused by riding on the drops. Two tabs on fore and middle finger make getting the gloves on and off that little bit easier at the end of a tough day in the saddle. The Revival Mitts are finished off with printed logos at the edge of the palm as well as a raised crest logo on the Velcro strap closure."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Wearwell:
Details
Ergonomically designed for comfort fit
Silicone hex-print on padding for improved grip
Gel padding at palm pressure point
Foam padding at finger base contact area
Reinforcement of main contact area between thumb and fore-finger
Microfibre thumb panel for wiping nose
Lightweight and breathable Lycra back
Two tabs on fingers for ease of glove removal
Velcro closure with iconic Wearwell crest
Subtle branding front and back
Fabric
Upper backhand fabric: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane
Lower backhand fabric: 100% Polyester
Palm fabric: 60% Nylon, 40% Polyurethane
Sizes
Extra Small to Extra Large
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Well made but no less than I'd expect from this price point.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
All components come together rather nicely. Gel padding is certainly a winner in the comfort stakes and materials seem rugged enough for moderate off-road action too.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Seem well made and so should last, though only time will tell whether they are twice as good as some much cheaper, yet very capable models I've tested.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Second skin close but very comfortable.
Rate the product for sizing:
6/10
I'm usually a large, mediums seemed a good fit. That said, there is a usefully wide range of sizes and I'd suggested trying a pair, rather than "clicking to cart".
Rate the product for weight:
9/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
A bit pricey compared to many very good mitts I've tested. Only time will tell whether they're £20 better than something like Altura's Peloton 2 Progels.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Very easy to live with, respond well to machine washing.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Overall, the Revival mitts have delivered in every respect and provided day-long comfort. Seemingly rugged and easy to care for, there's little to dislike in terms of performance, but it's a little early to say whether they are twice as good as several around the £25 mark I've tested.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Great fit, extremely comfortable.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Though performance is good, price is relatively steep.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly, though not at full rrp.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Worth a closer look certainly but there are designs that deliver similar performance and represent better value.
Use this box to explain your overall score
Snug fitting and extremely comfortable mitts but pricey.
Age: 44 Height: 1m 81cm Weight: 70kg
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking
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