These Aramus Elite summer mitts from Lizard Skins are comfortable and well made, easy to put on and off, and a decent price for a quality mitt.
- Pros: Comfortable, easy to wear, well made
- Cons: Nothing really
For track use, or if you don't like any padding, the Aramus Elites are probably worth your time checking out. Made from AX suede on the palm and a breathable mesh on the back of the hand, with the usual towelling strip, the materials are soft against the skin, with a Velcro strap for a snug fit.
The fingers are longer than most mitts I've worn, giving a little extra grip on the bars and, in my case, preventing my wedding ring from taking chunks out of the bar tape.
Between the fingers are two decently sized finger pulls which made pulling the gloves off without them turning inside out a doddle – some gloves I have worn have had these but were far too small and fiddly.
Size-wise they were spot on, the size L tested being just right for my hands (not mine in the pics). This is usually the case but I have found some brands can be wildly different and way too small (usually) or too big.
In use they did a great job, providing a nice amount of grip on the bar, which increased somewhat when the suede was damp. They were comfortable from the off and stayed that way on day-long rides. The towelling strip was as useful as ever, especially in the hot weather we've been enjoying and, as mentioned, getting them on and off was easy so cafe stops were a little more refined, whereas in the past I've not bothered if they were a pain to remove.
Also thanks to the hot weather, the mitts were washed multiple times, in the machine with Halo sports liquid. As long as you remember to strap down the Velcro (otherwise they will stick to anything else in the wash) they came out looking like new, and air-dried outside they were supple and ready to go again.
> Read more road.cc reviews of cycling mitts here
After a few weeks' wear and a bit of abuse they've held up really well, with no stitching coming undone or holes appearing anywhere, and look like they will last at least two seasons if not more. At £25 they sit in the average price range for a good pair of mitts but can be had for less online, making them a good buy.
Verdict
Comfortable and well made summer mitts for those who prefer no padding and simplicity
Make and model: Lizard Skins Aramus Elite
Tell us what the product is for
Unpadded summer mitts for general road and track use.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Lizard Skins:
The Aramus Elite features a perforated AX suede palm,an adjustable TPR strap for a secure fit and lightweight breathable mesh to keep your hands comfortable while you ride.
Finger Pulls For Easy Removal
Perforated AX Suede Palm
Adjustable TPR Strap
Available in S-XXL
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
They are well put together, with neat stitching and the seams positioned where they won't cause any trouble.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
They performed perfectly well for summer mitts, the suede giving some grip when sweating or wet, and were easy to get on and off with the Velcro strap and ample finger pulls.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
They have had some abuse over the test period as the weather has been so kind, so sweated in a lot and washed multiple times. They are still in one piece and looking good.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
The size L tested fitted my hand perfectly and were comfortable all day long.
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
Bang on for the average size L.
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
The materials used are soft against the skin and the accurate fit meant they were comfortable for all-day rides.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
They sit pretty much in the middle of the price range for mitts and for a known brand and good build I would say they are decent value.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
They were washed quite a few times in sport-specific washing liquid and as long as the Velcro was closed beforehand they washed well. As with most mitts, they need to be dried carefully or they will get stiff and uncomfortable.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They are decent mitts that do their job well – comfortable and offering some protection and grip.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Well made, comfortable, grip well.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
A well made and comfy pair of summer mitts at a reasonable price – should last a couple of seasons too.
Age: 46 Height: 190cm, 6'2 Weight: 185lb, 84kg
I usually ride: Boardman AirPro Di2 My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides, sportives
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