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review
Gloves - full finger
Specialized BG Pro mittsSpecialized BG mitts 2

Specialized BG Pro mitts

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Apr 26, 2009

1
£19.56

VERDICT:

8
10
Comfortable race or long haul mitts, but check sizing before buying
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.specializeduk.com
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Designed for high intensity racing, Specialized’s flagship mitt, the BG Pro glove, will also delight tourists, audax, sportive and other mile munchers. Thin, yet surprisingly robust mesh backs are married to synthetic Camino leather palms with patented BG padding guarding against pain and numbness around the Ulnar nerve.

Fit is second skin snug, requiring greater effort to get them on and I would be inclined to go a size larger than usual. However, they’ve allowed the greatest dexterity of any mitt I’ve used, entertaining anything from tyre swaps/puncture repair through to writing detailed notes.

The pronounced padding initially feels cumbersome and bulky, especially gripping heavily padded bar wrap but it certainly eradicates discomfort - I was able to complete rides of over 70 miles over mixed on/off road terrain without stopping. The “Micro wipe” terry type thumb is ideally positioned for split second nose wiping. Both palm and back absorb and wick moisture very proficiently, leaving a very arid inner climate. Coupled with a serrated inner palm this guards against chafing/blistering that can occur on some traditional designs.

When they ultimately become too fragrant for polite company, you’ve the choice of hand washing in mild, soapy water- a boon on a week’s tour, or popping them in with a low temperature clothes wash. They’ll dry in twenty minutes flat- less in a warm breeze. Giving change from £20, they’re not overly expensive given the level of performance and there’s a choice of gold/black or white/black should the red/black livery not appeal to you.

Verdict

Very comfortable racer or mile muncher's mitt but sizing feels a little on the small side so check before buying.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Specialized BG Pro glove

Size tested: L

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?

Specialized designed these for high intensity racing and whilst this is the primary market, they will appeal to a wide range of mile eathers including tourists.

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

Synrthetic Camino leather palms are married to synthetic mesh backs giving a very close fit while the pronounced inserts provide excellent insulation to the wrist and palm-even over rough surfaces.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Good stitching and synthetic materials entertain machine washing whilst giving adequate protection in the event of a spill.

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

BG padding can take a few miles to adapt to but offers unparalelled comfort on long runs.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Given the level of technology employed, change from £20 seems quite reasonable.

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

The mitts provide a precise fit, delivering excellent control and dexterity allowing me to write A4 notes, change tyres and perform other tasks without removing them. Padding delivers unparalelled comfort when used in conjunction with good quality bar grips/tape

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfort, dexterity and style.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing particularly, although they were a little tricky getting on and off- would suggest trying a couple of sizes before buying.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Specialized
Spcialized BG Pro mitt
cycling mitts
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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