They may not be cycling-specific, but the new Gore M Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch gloves have a lot of attributes that work when on the bike. They use some clever technology for fit and their windproofing is second to none.
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Pros: Precise fit, windproofing is impressive for such thin fabric
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Cons: No padding on the palms won't work for all
The Infiniums are created with Gore's new 3D glove construction that it says imitates the natural shape of the hand while using less material.
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It all starts with the various sections of the Infinium material being cut to size before being sewn together using a single seam. Then the clever bit: the gloves are placed over artificial hands and placed in an oven where the heat causes the stretchy fabric to lose a little of its elasticity, which means they hold their shape.
What you end up with is a pair of gloves that fit like a second skin – no obtrusive seams and they are really easy to get on and off.
They still have some stretch left in the material after heating and cooling, so you get a full range of movement around the wrist and the knuckles, plus you have plenty of dexterity for getting into your pockets, undoing zips and so on.
Being a multi-sport glove (that's the 'M' in the full name), they don't come with any padding on the palm, which, if you suffer from pins and needles or the like, you might miss, but I wasn't overly bothered.
You do get some grippy bits at the base of the fingers to stop you slipping on the bars and the index finger and thumb also have touchscreen-compatible tabs.
The most impressive thing for me, though, is the windproofing – especially considering how thin they are. Their material makes them feel like a pair of liner gloves but they stop all but the iciest of windchill. I've been wearing these down to about 5°C and they were plenty warm enough, and if the temperature drops lower you could always where them under a pair of winter gloves.
The Infinium material is also water repellent which keeps out light rain and drizzle, and if you are riding in fog your hands don't get soaked.
And they manage to do all of this while still offering decent breathability.
> Buyer's Guide: Spring clothing – the best gear for this changeable season
Priced at £39.99, it's a lot of glove for your money in terms of performance and overall quality, which is excellent. With their close fit I was worried about stretching the seams when getting them on and off but I've had no such issues.
It's difficult to find comparisons to the Infiniums as most gloves that offer this sort of performance are much bulkier, like the similarly priced Sportful NoRain gloves.
On the whole I really like the Gore Infiniums for their all-round usability on and off the bike. The only thing that won't suit everyone is the lack of padding.
Verdict
Very impressive lightweight fabric keeps the wind and rain out, although they aren't cycling-specific
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Make and model: Gore M Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Gloves
Tell us what the product is for
Gore says, "The Gore Wear GTX Stretch Gloves will keep your hands warm and comfortable on the bike, while the material remains highly breathable. GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ is windproof and water repellent, and the 3D construction has been pre-moulded for an ergonomic cut. The close fit is still stretchy enough for full movement and the gloves allow use of touchscreen devices so there's no need to take them off and let in the cold air. A grippy palm ensures a secure hold on the handlebar, even in the rain."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Gore:
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Stretch Glove product technology
3D construction is pre-moulded into an ergonomic active shape
Four-way stretch for ultimate movement and versatility
One seam construction minimising seams and weight
Optimised tactility for gloves-on use with touchscreen devices
Reflective details on all sides
Slim and snug cuff construction will not move during activities
Totally windproof, extremely breathable and water repellent
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
The sizing is spot on and the fit is like they are made to measure.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
No issues with the fit or performance after plenty of washes.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Some of the best gloves I've worn for their shape and keeping out the elements.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Brilliant windproofing.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
No padding on the palm for those who need it.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
We haven't really seen anything else like these gloves when it comes to weather resistance and such little bulk.
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
They aren't perfect from a cycling-specific point of view, but very impressive fabric and cut.
Age: 40 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
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