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BTwin Warm Gloves 5

9
£19.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Warm padded gloves at an excellent price
Weight: 
72g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Sport superstore chain Decathlon – B'Twin is a Decathlon brand – has a big range of cycling gloves, available in store or on lineThe number at the end of the gloves name is effectively a warmth rating: higher numbers mean more warmth. The 'Warm Gloves 5' are cold weather gloves, but they're not quite as full-on-winter as, for example, the 7s that road.cc tested recently.

At the time of writing the 5s, advertised as mountain biking gloves but equally suitable for road riding unless you hate gel padded palms, are advertised on line for £12.99. But check on line as stocks are bound to vary as the seasons change.

There are several other options available around this price, from full-on waterproof neoprene to more summery. The 5s are windproof and shower resistant, but not waterproof. They're tough and comfortable enough to earn their price tag quickly and they come in more sizes than many glove ranges: S, M, L, XL and XXL. I usually take a large size in gloves and my large size samples were a perfect fit. Decathlon also have women-specific models.

I've worn these almost every day over several weeks of road and mountain bike riding and they've been through the 40 degree wash about a dozen times. They still look and feel almost as good as new. I say almost because one length of stitching is starting to wear and unravel in the transition area between the thumb and first finger, an area that gets abuse on the lever hoods. The gel inserts on the palms are still doing their job, although they're more useful off road than on, and the faux-armour tabs on the back of the fingers are still sitting proud.

For the price, especially if you can get them at £12.99, these are great. They may be a little bit too mountain bike-reinforced for the tastes of some road riders, but the reinforcements never feel cumbersome, and the initially snug finger fit is relieved by articulated knuckle seams. The wrists are long enough to tuck into a top, the towelling snot-wipe area on the back of the thumb is welcome and there are reflective strips on the sides.

What we have here, then, are Warm and comfy gloves that are good for anything above zero temperatures, and are very good value. Check on line before buying, as there are many similar options, and prices will vary as seasons change. In short, great gloves for the price.

Verdict

Warm padded gloves at an excellent price from the Euro sports superstore.

road.cc test report

Make and model: BTwin Warm Gloves 5

Size tested: Black/Blue

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Decathlon's marketing simply says "regular mountain biking in cold or windy weather. windproof, reinforced, Gel inserts."

They're fine for both road and off road riding, but not everyone will like the gel padded palms

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

The stretchy fabric on the back of the glove is called 'Stratermic'. The gel pads on the palms are called 'Gum'. That's the only tech' info given

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

For the price, construction is great, but some stitching between the thumb and first finger has started to deteriorate after about twenty rides and a dozen washes. A quick repair was easy.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Comfy fit, windproof and toasty unless it drops below zero. A bit sweaty as the temperature climbs into double figures.

Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10

For the price, good, but don't expect them to last for ever.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Check prices on line. The £12.99 current reduction is an absolute bargain.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Fine.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The price, the fit and the warmth.

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.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Better than most budget priced gloves I've tried and well worth looking for season change stock clearance bargains on line.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 58  Height: 181  Weight: 78kg

I usually ride: Merlin Ti  My best bike is: Ibis Silk SL

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: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

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1 comments

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bikebot | 10 years ago
0 likes

It's spring, go away winter gear!

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