Lusso Windtex Terrain Red Gloves

The Lusso Windtex Terrain Red Gloves are a remarkably comfortable, capable choice for general riding. Windproof yet breathable, they are surprisingly water-resistant too, and deliver at both ends of the thermostat. My one minor gripe is their lack of tech-friendly fingers; using smartphones, GPS and similar tech means their removal, which could be a deal-breaker for some.

• Pros: Super-comfortable, perform well in cooler and milder weather
• Cons: Lack of tech-friendly digits

I've tested ours on and off-road, and in both contexts the padding density has absorbed road and trail shock handsomely. No hint of tingling after 60 road miles or, more significantly, 70 mixed terrain mileage, comprising forest trails, unmade roads and lumpy lanes – all surfaces notorious for low-level vibration.

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The mid-density 'grip' padding runs around the palm and ulnar region, both defending against road shock and ensuring good purchase with bar coverings.

Dexterity is good, too, with no need to whip 'em off for pannier rummaging or even tending a flat, although the lack of touchscreen-friendly silicone tips does dictate removal when making a call, taking a photograph or checking your GPS.

The fingers favour those with long, slim digits, but you might need to size down: although large has traditionally been my default, these mediums felt tailor-made.

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Windproof fabrics always rouse suspicions in me – there's often some clamminess, especially when temperatures climb into double figures. In this respect, the Lussos have rivalled the very good GripGrab Hurricane gloves and the fleece-lined Windtex thermal fabric kept my hands temperate at both ends of the spectrum.

That said, I did feel a slight nip around 2-3°C and reached for my Gore-Tex overmitts. Liners might sound like a good idea, but in practice I've found the narrow fingers induced bunching – hence the overmitts for more volatile conditions.

Their water resistance has also impressed me. After riding for an hour or so in driving rain my hands remained bone dry. Another half an hour in and the precipitation turned them slightly damp, but by this point I was headed home.

The long gauntlet cuffs are a nice touch, providing seamless overlap with a jersey and helping to stop the cold and wet from getting funnelled inside.

Grip in wet weather is excellent, too.

Stitching and general standards of construction are uniformly good, with subtle reinforcement between thumb and forefinger. There's no designated thumb wipe, but runny noses are easily absorbed by the outer fibres without obvious sign of staining.

They've washed very well, too. The polyester/elastane mix is hardwearing and machine washable at 30 degrees. Organic gloop shifts without trace, although petrochemical chain lubes required a bit of pre-wash (I've found Green Oil Chain Degreaser Jelly very effective).

Hanging them on the clothes horse at room temperature saw them dry in around 45 minutes, or more like an hour when plucked from the washing machine. In more blustery conditions they're nigh-on wicked dry in around 20 minutes. Realistic timescales for cafe and similar rest stops.

They're good value too: at £30 they're less than most of the full-finger gloves tested on road.cc this season – and outperform quite a few of them.

Conclusion

Overall, the Windtex gloves seem well suited to spring, autumn and milder winters days. I much prefer a fast-wicking water-repellent model over impervious or neoprene designs which can be warm but unpleasantly clammy. Their lack of tech compatibility is a bit disappointing, though, and something I'd happily pay an extra few quid for.

The Terrain Red is one of three designs available, so if the unusual and to my mind attractive contour patterning isn't to your taste, plain black and black/yellow are alternatives.

Verdict

Super-comfortable and very well suited to typical UK conditions, though lack of tech-friendly digits is a little disappointing