Sealskinz Leather Road Cycle Gloves

Sealskinz waterproof performance Leather Road Cycle Gloves might not roll off the tongue but they're amongst the best winter gloves I've used in a very long time. Their sharp two-tone black/grey livery is very appealing - I only wished the Scotchlite detailing was a bit less subtle.

You can find waterproof and supposedly breathable membranes everywhere, but some work better than others. A Coolmax polyester lining sits next to the skin drawing moisture away and through the supple polyurethane membrane before finally exiting the rugged nylon backs. This technology only works past a certain temperature, hence some initial moistness before eviction proceedings, although it's pretty seamless after that.

Turning our attentions to the palms, we've a super supple leather engineered by Pittards, who incidentally supply some very big names in the motor/cycling industry. These feature a unique bobbled texture for optimum control.

Thin pile padding works a treat, isolating low-level vibration without muffling feedback when shifting/braking. Beefed up between thumb and forefinger, hides are treated to resist premature aging and the corrosive effects of perspiration but will still require the occasional lick of decent quality preserve.

Sizing is pretty much on par with everyone else's and the short gauntlet prevents rain sneaking inside. I was initially taken aback by the knuckle's lack of dexterity-especially at the ring fingers but this ceased to be an issue within thirty minutes at the cockpit.

Speaking of which, purchase on all surfaces and in all weathers is absolutely second to none - allowing me to concentrate on climbing/descending/sprinting. Snatching bottles from cages, energy bars from jersey pockets or engaging lights isn't an issue.

However, the lack of Scotchlite made nocturnal signalling less obvious to approaching traffic.

Seventy odd mile tingle-free runs confirmed the suitability of the gloves for Audax and similar endurance rides.

Verdict

Superb gloves for most types of winter road riding but could do with more reflectives.