Specialized Grail Long Finger Gloves

The Specialized Grail Long Finger Gloves are a surprisingly versatile option that, although perhaps best for spring, late summer and early autumn, are still cool enough for typical summer temperatures. Their sleek profile also means they can double up as liners with winter gloves.

• Pros: Great fit, remarkably comfortable in every respect
• Cons: Might be a little stealthy for some tastes

> Find your nearest dealer here
> Buy these online here

Materials/specification

Synthetics rule the roost here. First up, we have a leatherette palm, with Body Geometry Equalizer gel padding. According to Specialized, the Equalizer padding is 'scientifically tested to help reduce hand numbness by improving circulation and equalizing pressure in the soft tissues of the hand'. It's a single, bonded 'teardrop' shaped, perforated patch, very different to the ubiquitous blobs traditionally associated with ulnar nerve defences.

The theory goes that this distributes pressure evenly across the palm's surface, improving circulation and combating numbness.

Staying with this region, we have 'Wiretap' technology: touchscreen-friendly detailing at the thumb and forefingers.

The backs feature a 'high stretch mesh', which is supposedly breathable and tactile, and retro-reflective logos just below the cuff line, which is very shallow and designed for easy entry/removal.

Last but not least, we have the Microwipe thumb pad, for taming sweaty brows/runny noses.

Standards of construction are precisely what I'd expect from Specialized and this end of the market. Double stitching is precise, uniform and without any signs of fraying.

Sizing/cut

Not so many years back, 'skin mitts' were the preserve of track racers, now most follow the 'second skin' narrative and, for the most part, this is a good thing, optimising grip, comfort and control. I have long, willowy digits and am pleased to report our large samples are a perfect fit. Specialized's sizing chart is very comprehensive, too.

Performance

The first surprise was how easily these slid on and off – no wrestling required like some (otherwise, extremely comfortable) mitts.

The second was how well they performed in warmer weather. The thin fabrics certainly help, but even with temperatures creeping towards the high 20s, any of that faint mistiness has never crossed over into clammy county. In fact, I've felt less comfortable wearing some otherwise lovely fingerless mitts in similar contexts.

At the other extreme, on some night rides when the temperature has unexpectedly dipped, the Grails have retained some welcome warmth.

Crank up the speed and the mesh backs capture some additional cooling airflow, while also offering greater defence against prickly foliage. They also dry very quickly following sharp showers.

> 9 ways to make your bike more comfortable 

The small silicone detailing has ensured perfect tenure with various bar tapes, and doubtless help in terms of damping, although tingling/numbness are thankfully pretty rare events for me these days.

That said, the Equalizer padding seems more than just clever marketing hype. The legs and sometimes shoulders might have got a bit weary as I racked up the miles, but my hands have always remained fresh, whether I've been doing a 20-mile blast, day-long road trips, or 30-mile escapes along green lanes and unmade roads.

Dexterity is faultless too. I've had no call to remove them when fixing a flat or taking photographs. Some energy bar wrappers are more challenging than others, but in my experience that's the case whether you're wearing mitts or bare-handed.

The touchscreen technology also communicates faultlessly with phones/computers/GPS units – no less than I'd expect, but first time every time is great.

Washing

Tossing them in with the weekly kit wash, I've erred on the side of 30°C and minimal detergent throughout. To date, everything from residual chain lube to spilt energy drinks and organic matter has shifted effortlessly. Drying times vary, but 20-25 minutes was typical though August.

Value

Some folks will baulk at £35 for this type of glove – a criticism I levelled at the Supacaz SupaGs, in fact – but when they're this good, and still a good bit cheaper than some, such as the Wearwell Revival Mitts, I'd say they're worth it. Sugoi's Performance Full Gloves come in at the same price and promise a similar spec.

Conclusion

All told, I've been suitably impressed and rather smitten by the Grail gloves, which have performed extremely well in warm weather, on and off road. Though designed for spring, summer and early autumn, their ability to serve as liners means they're a very sound investment.

Verdict

Great full-finger gloves for warmer weather riding and will double as liners when the temperature drops