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.
- Pros: Precise fit, windproofing is impressive for such thin fabric
- 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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road.cc test report
Make and model: Gore M Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Gloves
Size tested: Large
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
The sizing is spot on and the fit is like they are made to measure.
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.
About the tester
Age: 40
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
Stu knocked out his first road.cc review back in 2009 and since then he's chucked the best part of seventy test bikes around the West Country, a couple of them quite literally! With three alloy and two steel bikes in his fleet he's definitely a metal man (that'll be the engineering background) but is slowly warming to that modern carbon fibre stuff along with fat tyres & disc brakes.
It's not all nostalgia though, after spending the last few years in product design Stu keeps banging on about how 3D printing is going to be the next big thing and he's a sucker for a beautiful paint job too.
5 comments
Sold, I'm ordering this, awesome gloves to take on gran-fondo's in the alps where it can be sun and hot in the valleys and super cold and snow on the top of the mountains!
Sold, I'm ordering this, awesome gloves to take on gran-fondo's in the alps where it can be sun and hot in the valleys and super cold and snow on the top of the mountains!
Sold, I'm ordering this, awesome gloves to take on gran-fondo's in the alps where it can be sun and hot in the valleys and super cold and snow on the top of the mountains!
In a similar style, I find these non-cycling-specific Columbia Sportswear windproof gloves perfect for all but deep winter, at a very reasonable price:
https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/mens-trail-summit-running-gloves-18...
I'm now onto my second pair. The first lasted for years.
Just got them and did a 75km ride in them, it was 7-5°c and my hands were very warm during the whole ride, if u first put them on u really don't think they can be as warm as they are, awesome gloves for spring/autumn rides or to take with u in the mountains!
@matthewn5
Those gloves are alot bigger, more for winter it looks like, these Gore are the size/thickness like some innergloves.
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