Contrary to our hopes and wishes, winter cycling gloves aren’t some sort of miraculous all-round solution. In our comparison test with eight current models, we highlight their limitations and reveal which approaches and compromises actually make sense. Rest assured, none of these model got the kid-glove treatment!
If you brave the elements with your bike in the cold season, protecting your hands is essential. However, the market for winter gloves is overwhelming, and trying out different models before buying isn’t always an option. That’s why we’ve taken a closer look at a selection of manufacturers and compared thick, medium, and thin winter gloves specifically designed for e-mountain bikers.
What really matters with winter cycling gloves?
Let’s get one thing clear straight away: forget about the perfect all-around winter glove. As with many things, it’s about finding the best compromise between sometimes conflicting features to meet your specific needs. To ensure this search doesn’t end in frustration, we’ve put together a few tips to help you choose the right cycling gloves for the cold season.
Size recommendations in detail: Why fit is crucial
Manufacturers’ online sizing guides can be frustrating, as they often only consider finger length or hand circumference. This can lead to recommendations that differ by up to two sizes from reality, as experienced by our testers. A standout example is SQlab, which offers a printable template that accounts for both measurements and provides Slim and Wide options for their winter gloves, ensuring a more accurate fit.
Our tip: When in doubt, choose winter gloves one size bigger rather than too small.
As thin as possible, as thick as necessary
It’s crystal-clear: more isn’t always better! Choosing the thickest winter cycling gloves available on the market doesn’t necessarily mean making the best choice. Gloves that are too thick or warm for the intended use can result in sweaty hands, reducing control over the bike – and ultimately compromising both safety and riding fun.
Cruising vs. shredding hard
The ideal winter glove depends on your riding style: Are you looking for warm, dry hands on your commute to work or maximum grip and control on your home trails? Whether you ride with or without motor assistance plays a crucial role too. In our test, the subjective comfort zone of a glove shifted by about 5 to 10°C lower when riding without motor support. While thin winter gloves provided enough insulation for trail rides without assistance with temperatures just below freezing, e-bike commutes required the thickest gloves to stay comfortable during rides with moderate cardio-activity and fast-paced shredding.
Control vs. Insulation
It comes as no surprise that thinner gloves usually ensure better grip and a higher level of sensitivity, while thicker gloves are warmer. However, our tests revealed notable differences: not all thin winter gloves deliver the same level of control, and some thicker gloves even offer better grip than much thinner ones. Additionally, there’s a wide range of insulation performance among the thinner gloves. This means that even if you know your intended use, it’s worth taking a closer look at the individual models.
Mitten concepts are warmer
We all learned as kids: nothing keeps fingers warmer than mittens while sledding! But when you’re in a snowball fight, they fail spectacularly! For winter cycling gloves, manufacturers opt for hybrid models known as trigger gloves. These combine the warmth of mittens with a degree of dexterity: the pinkie, middle and ring finger are in one section, while the thumb and index finger are in a separate one.
Our take: The concept works well for winter cycling gloves overall, though this doesn’t mean that trigger gloves are always the best choice, especially for shaping snowballs!
How we tested the winter cycling gloves
To find the best winter cycling gloves, we tested all models over several weeks throughout autumn and winter in a variety of meteorological conditions. The focus was on e-bike rides with moderate effort, such as office commutes, trips to the bakery, and rides to the cinema. However, the gloves also had to prove their capabilities on sporty weekend tours and the occasional trail adventure. For additional insights, our colleagues from sister magazines ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine, GRAN FONDO, and DOWNTOWN joined the testing, contributing their experiences. A particularly revealing method was wearing different gloves on the right and left hands, which is a simple way to compare different glove models directly.
The Tops and Flops from our Winter Gloves Group Test
Tops
The SQlab includes a modular rain/wind cover.
Absorbent materials on the thumb, like those of the Gore Zone Thermo glove, can wipe sweat from the face.
The KinetiXx stands out with excellent workmanship, matched by the Roeckl Sports and Gore Trigger gloves.
The ION stands out notably for its exceptional finger mobility.
Flops
On some models, the touch-sensitive fingers failed to work.
The coating of the Endura can be counterproductive on some grips.
Wide fingers and a tight, non-adjustable elastic band make for a very niche fit.
Not a deal-breaker, but annoying. Cutting them off helps.
The Winter Gloves in Review
| Manufacturers | Model | Type | Price in € |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roeckl Sports | VILLACH 2 | thick | €69,95 |
| GORE | GORE-TEX insulated trigger gloves | thick | €99,95 |
| KinetiXx | Trigger winter cycling gloves Luzan | thick | €79,99 |
| Canyon | Cycling Gloves Winter | medium | €69,95 |
| Endura | MT500 Freezing Point | medium | €79,99 |
| SQlab | SQ-Gloves ONE10 | thin | €69,95 |
| ION | Gloves Shelter Explore Unisex | thin | €69,99 |
| GORE | Zone Thermo Gloves | thin | €49,95 |
Roeckl Sports | VILLACH 2
The Roeckl Sports VILLACH 2 is a thick, well-crafted winter cycling glove that keeps your fingers comfortably warm even in sub-zero temperatures. However, the insulation falls slightly short compared to the two other thick trigger models in this test, the Gore-Tex-insulated Trigger glove and the KinetiXx Luzan. On the upside, it enables better finger mobility, providing some riders with a greater sense of control and safety than the trigger models.
Another advantage is the stability of the glove’s insulation layers, which don’t shift when gripping, thus ensuring a firm hold on bigger objects. However, handling smaller items, like zippers, is more challenging. Crucially, the Roeckl Sports VILLACH 2 ensures excellent contact with the cockpit, with the grippy material on the palm enabling top grip without slipping, while the test’s thickest palm padding provides a higher degree of comfort – albeit at the cost of a slightly muted riding feel.
The VILLACH gloves excel in wearing comfort thanks to their soft inner material, though the sharp-edged label on the inner wrist should be removed before wearing. The elastic wristband is a bit too loose, and the glove’s touchscreen functionality is limited too, requiring extra effort during rides. Reflective elements enhance visibility in poor lighting conditions.
Conclusions: The Roeckl Sports VILLACH gloves are a solid choice for comfort and insulation, with minor shortcomings in dexterity and adjustability.
Sizes: 6–12
Weight: 148 g (size 11,5)
Features: GORE-TEX Windstopper on the back of the hand, long knitted cuff, wiping thumb, reflectors
Preis: €69.95
Manufacturer’s Website
GORE | GORE-TEX insulated Trigger gloves
The GORE-TEX Insulated Trigger Gloves impressed on all our test rides with their exceptional warmth. Even in extremely low temperatures, our fingers remained comfortably warm – matching the KinetiXx Luzan as the top performers in heat retention among the trigger models in this test. The trigger design strikes a good balance between warmth and mobility, allowing smooth operation of handlebars and cockpit controls.
However, dexterity for handling smaller objects is significantly limited, and touchscreen functionality is virtually nonexistent. The overall sense of control is somewhat reduced due to the insulation layers not being firmly connected, causing slight movement when gripping. That said, the gloves offer excellent wearing comfort thanks to their soft inner material and scratch-free wrist fit.
Conclusions: The GORE-TEX Insulated Trigger Gloves are the ideal choice for those who prioritize maximum comfort and warmth over control and dexterity, which makes them perfect for the harshest weather conditions.
Sizes: 5 (XS)–11 (XXXL)
Weight: 125 g (Größe 9)
Features: waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, touchscreen fingers
Price: €99,95
Manufacturer’s Website
KinetiXx | Warm Trigger Winter Cycling Gloves Luzan
The KinetiXx Luzan Trigger Winter Gloves are thick winter cycling gloves that can get too warm when active at temperatures just above freezing but are perfectly comfortable on an e-bike. Alongside the GORE-TEX Insulated Trigger Gloves, they are the warmest option in this test. The trigger design preserves good mobility for the thumb and index finger, enabling seamless shifting, braking, and gripping of the handlebars.
The Luzan Trigger provides a very comfortable fit with no pressure points or manufacturing flaws. The wrist strap holds securely, though the adjustable elastic band is slightly loose and contributes little to the overall fit. The palm padding strikes the best balance between comfort and control in this test and features effective anti-slip strips. An absorbent material on the thumb’s back allows you to wipe sweat off your face.
Smartphone operation is challenging, and the gloves offer limited dexterity. However, the secure grip and added reflectors enhance safety and visibility in poorlighting conditions.
Conclusions: Thanks to the exceptional insulation, the KinetiXx Luzan delivers the most convincing all-around performance in this test, proving the top choice for very cold conditions.
Sizes: 6,5–11
Weight: 158 g (size 11)
Features:: Windstopper on the back of the hand, wiping thumb, reflectors
Price: €79,99
Manufacturer’s Website
Canyon | Cycling Gloves Winter
The Canyon Winter Gloves fall into the “medium-thick” category in this test, which makes them suitable for e-bike rides at temperatures as low as 5°C. Subtly designed, they feature a simple look that might appeal to city commuters looking for a more casual, everyday-style rather than sporty gear.
The winter cycling gloves are exceptionally wide in the finger and palm areas, which increases mobility but significantly limits dexterity. For individuals with wider fingers, they might be one of the few practical five-finger options in this test field. However, the narrow, non-adjustable elastic wristband could pose an issue for those with wider wrists.
Another drawback is the loose connection between the inner and outer material layers, which makes it harder to put on and take off the glove while further reducing dexterity. Needless to say, this defeats the purpose of the grippy palm material. Additionally, smartphone operation is virtually impossible with these gloves.
Conclusions: The Canyon Winter Gloves seem underdeveloped overall and are best suited for the city, though even here, the lack of touchscreen functionality is a big limitation.
Sizes: XS–2XL
Weight: 148 g (size XL)
Features:: PrimaLoft Gold insulation (also water-repellent), waterproof membrane on the palm, wiping thumb
Price: €69,95
Manufacturer’s Website
Endura | MT500 Freezing Point
The Endura MT500 Freezing Point gloves are medium-thick winter cycling gloves suitable for e-bike rides at temperatures down to around 5°C, which places them in the same comfort range as the Canyon Winter Gloves. However, the Endura gloves perform better under exertion, keeping your fingers warm thanks to the superior sweat and heat dissipation.
Although there’s some movement between the inner and outer material layers, this is significantly less pronounced than in the Canyon Winter Gloves and GORE Insulated Trigger Gloves. Finger mobility and dexterity are good for medium-thick gloves, making it easier to handle zippers and backpack clips compared to the thicker gloves in this test field. However, they are not as user-friendly as the GORE Zone Thermo Gloves or SQlab SQ-Gloves ONE10, which excel in this regard.
The wrist velcro closure could do with some improvement, as the soft material often folds over and obstructs the mechanism. Additionally, the latex-like grip coating on the palm surprisingly proves slippery on some common MTB grips. A standout feature is the above-average touchscreen compatibility, which makes it easier to operate a smartphone compared to most models in this test.
Conclusions: The Endura MT500 Freezing Point gloves offer solid winter performance and excellent tactile properties, though their effectiveness is somewhat diminished by the occasionally slippery palm coating.
Sizes: XS–XXL
Weight: 123 g (size XL)
Features: PrimaLoft Gold insulation (also water-repellent), touchscreen fingers, wiping thumb
Price: €79,99
Manufacturer’s Website
SQlab | SQ-Gloves ONE10
The SQlab SQ-Gloves ONE10 are lightweight winter cycling gloves with outstanding versatility. They are compatible with an optional wind/rain cover, which can be neatly tucked away in a pocket at the back of the hand when not in use. These gloves provide effective insulation with temperatures between 0 and 10°C, with the cover significantly boosting warmth, making the SQ-Gloves ONE10 the model with the broadest temperature range in this test.
The thin neoprene material on the back of the hand ensures excellent finger mobility, which makes it easy to handle zippers and helmet buckles. In terms of grip and dexterity, they rank among the top performers in this test, just slightly behind the GORE Zone Thermo Gloves, with the ION Gloves Shelter Explore trailing. However, the inward-facing seams at the fingertips may press on the finger pads if the gloves are too tight. With the right fit, however, comfort is outstanding.
Speaking of fit, the SQ-Gloves ONE10 are the only gloves in this test that are available in both slim and wide versions, paired with the most accurate size recommendations amongst all models. The functional Velcro closure provides a secure fit, and the faux-suede palm offers excellent grip. The only drawback is the underwhelming touchscreen compatibility of the thumb and index finger coating.
Conclusions: The SQlab SQ-Gloves ONE10 offers the broadest temperature comfort range, a perfect fit with the best size guidance in this test, and a choice between two different cuts.
Sizes: XS–XL (available in slim and wide fit))
Weight: 86 g (size XL, slim)
Ausstattung: waterproof palm, additional rain cover for rain/cold, touchscreen-compatible fingers
Price: €69,95
Manufacturer’s Website
ION | Gloves Shelter Explore Unisex
The ION Shelter Explore Unisex are lightweight, thin winter cycling gloves that offer excellent finger mobility. However, they are less suited for extreme cold. Moisture management is a major drawback, because the palms tend to stay noticeably damp during intense activity compared to the other thin gloves in this test, like the GORE Zone Thermo Gloves and SQlab SQ-Gloves ONE10.
Like the latter two, the ION Shelter Explore gloves are highly packable, which makes it easy to stow them away in a backpack, in a bike’s storage compartment, or simply in your jacket when the weather warms up. The breathable material ensures a comfortable inner climate, but the overall fit is slightly looser than with other thin gloves, which compromises grip and precision slightly. A standout feature is the excellent touchscreen compatibility, the best in this test, complemented by a well-designed wiping thumb.
Conclusions: The ION Shelter Explore Unisex gloves are lightweight and highly packable winter gloves with exceptional finger mobility and outstanding touchscreen compatibility. However, they are less ideal for extreme cold and intense sweating.
Size: XS–XL
Weight: 55 g (size XL)
Features: windproof and water-repellent backhand, wiping thumb, touchscreen-compatible fingers
Price: €69,99
Manufacturer’s Website
GORE | Zone Thermo Gloves
The GORE Zone Thermo Gloves are lightweight, thin winter cycling gloves that excel in temperatures between 10 and 5°C. For colder conditions on an e-bike, the insulation might not be sufficient for many riders. However, moisture management is the best in this test: the hands stay dry even during intense activity, while the inner lining dries remarkably fast.
These gloves ensure excellent finger mobility and reliable dexterity, making tasks like tying shoelaces easy. Touchscreen compatibility is also among the best in this test. However, they are relatively short and lack a full closure, leading to a less snug fit around the wrist and reduced insulation in this area. A practical feature is the absorbent material on the back of the thumbs, useful for wiping sweat off the face.
Conclusions: The GORE Zone Thermo Gloves stand out with the best price, outstanding moisture management, and top-notch dexterity in the entire test field. However, the limited insulation makes them ideal winter gloves for sporty rides rather than extreme cold.
Conclusions: The GORE Zone Thermo Gloves stand out with the best price, outstanding moisture management, and top-notch dexterity in the entire test field. However, the limited insulation makes them ideal winter gloves for sporty rides rather than extreme cold.
Sizes: XS–XXXL
Weight: 52 g (size XXL, 10)
Features: wind- and water-resistant thermal fabric, touchscreen-compatible fingers, wiping thumb
Price: €49,95
Manufacturer’s Website
Conclusions: Which Winter Cycling Gloves Would We Recommend?
As we’ve emphasized repeatedly, the best winter cycling glove is the one that best suits the intended use, which makes it a highly subjective choice. However, a few models stood out in this test, allowing us to make three clear recommendations:
For the Coldest Days:
The KinetiXx Luzan impressed us the most. As one of the warmest gloves in this test, it combines excellent craftsmanship with surprisingly good control.
The Best Balance Between Insulation and Control:
The SQlab SQ-Gloves ONE10 M deliver a well-rounded package. The wide temperature range, outstanding sizing guidance, and variety of fits make them a versatile choice.
For Highly Active Riders:
If you don’t need thick gloves, the GORE Zone Thermo Gloves are a clear favourite, even when riding e-bikes. They fit like a second skin and are perfect for active riders with good circulation.
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Words: Jonny Grapentin, Manne Schmitt Photos: Jan Fock
