Alé Neoprene Glove

Alé's Neoprene Glove is exactly that, a neoprene glove, but can a fabric used primarily for the marine world compete with the cycling specific gloves on the market? The simple answer is yes it can, especially if the conditions are wet and windy. Back that up with some top notch manufacturing and the Alés go a long way to justifying their large price tag.

Neoprene is designed to keep you warm when it's wet, and we often see overshoes made from it for that exact reason. Most overshoes and the majority of gloves that claim to be waterproof still can't stop it coming in at the cuff or ankle, so you're going to get wet anyway, especially on longer rides.

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This is when I found myself using the Alés the most – those rides when you look at the weather forecast and see each hour has a rain cloud next to it. You just know you're in for a soaking.

In heavy rain the gloves are wet within 10 minutes or so, but for me as long as the temperature is above freezing then my fingers are toasty warm and stay that way too, even if I stop for a bit on the ride.

They aren't affected by windchill either, as the material is totally windproof. The downside to this is that they aren't very breathable and if it's up around 10°C then your hands will be wet from sweat pretty quickly. This isn't a problem while you're riding, but if you remove them for a café stop they can feel cold when you put them back on half an hour later. Give it a couple of miles, though, and you'll soon warm up again.

This constant sweaty coating can soon make the gloves smell if you don't make a point of drying them out after each ride.

The cuffs are very long, finishing an inch or so above the wrist, well inside any jacket sleeve so you don't get any bare skin showing when your arms are full stretch.

The fit is great and there should be a pair to fit everyone with the size range spanning from XS to XXL. With most gloves you don't want them too tight as if there isn't a small gap running around your hands then warm air can't be trapped and you'll feel the cold. Neoprene actually traps the heat in the material, so they can fit close to the skin and still work. This, combined with being so thin and snug, means the Alés still provide loads of dexterity for changing gear, braking and pressing buttons.

The downside is that they don't have any padding, so if your bike is a little on the harsh side you might suffer a bit of discomfort. I did end up with tingly fingers a few times after a rough ride.

> Buyer's Guide: The best winter gloves for cycling

My biggest problem with the Alés is the price. We tested the Castelli Diluvios a few years ago, and I've been wearing a pair of last year's alongside the Alés for comparison. In terms of performance and fit they are very similar – near identical in fact – but the Castellis are a tenner cheaper. In the Alés' favour, they look and feel better made, with smaller, neater stitching and an all-round better finish to them in shape. They also have a more grippy palm. Is it enough to justify the £45 price? Not quite, but if I could find them closer to the price of the Castellis, I'd definitely be buying the Alés.

Another pair to consider are the Altura Thermostretch II Neoprene Gloves. Although Mike had a problem with the cuff, and it sounds like the Alés might be superior in terms of fit, the Alturas' performance in bad weather was very good – for £15 less than the Alés.

Verdict

Impressive gloves for wet and windy days, but rather pricey