Cycling Gloves | Full Finger, Half Finger & MTB
Cycling Gloves: Common Questions
What cycling gloves are available at Urban Cycling Apparel?
This collection carries cycling gloves from Urban Cycling Apparel, Handup Gloves, and ROCKBROS. Urban Cycling Apparel offers full finger touchscreen-compatible windproof gloves with gel padding for MTB and road use, and the Elite Half Finger gloves with gel pads and quick-release finger pulls for warm-weather riding. Handup Gloves brings a range of MTB-focused fingerless gloves in their signature bold graphics including the Scoops and SunDura Western Ways styles. ROCKBROS contributes shock-absorbing breathable gloves with SBR palm padding and reflective elements for commuters and trail riders.
Should I choose full finger or half finger cycling gloves?
Half finger gloves are better suited for warm weather, road riding, and situations where you want maximum dexterity and airflow through the fingers. They provide palm padding for vibration damping and grip without covering the fingers. Full finger gloves are the right choice for cold or cool weather, MTB and gravel riding where trail debris and crashes are more likely, and commuting in variable conditions. The Urban Cycling Apparel full finger gloves add windproofing and touchscreen-compatible fingertips, making them practical for year-round commuters who need to use a phone or computer mount without removing gloves.
What are Handup Gloves and what makes them popular with MTB riders?
Handup Gloves is a Colorado-based cycling glove brand built specifically for mountain biking. Their gloves are known for bold, playful graphics, a snug low-profile fit that does not bunch on the bar, and consistent quality across fingerless and full finger styles. The SunDura Western Ways gloves use sun-protective fabric for long gravel and trail days in the sun. The Scoops style is a collaboration design with its own distinct personality. Handup has developed a loyal following in the MTB community for making gloves that are genuinely fun to wear and hold up to trail use.
Do I need cycling gloves or can I ride without them?
Cycling gloves are not required but they provide three meaningful benefits most riders notice quickly. First, gel or foam palm padding reduces vibration fatigue from the road or trail surface on longer rides. Second, the grip material on the palm improves handlebar control in hot or wet conditions when bare hands can slip. Third, in a crash your instinct is to put your hands out, and even a light cycling glove protects the palms from road rash better than bare skin. For rides over an hour, trail riding, or road cycling in variable conditions, gloves are worth the investment. For short casual rides on smooth paths, they are optional.
What cycling gloves work best for commuting?
The Urban Cycling Apparel Full Finger Gloves are the strongest commuter option in this collection. The windproof construction handles cool mornings, the touchscreen-compatible fingertips let you use your phone or GPS without removing the gloves, and the gel padding manages vibration on rough urban roads. The ROCKBROS gloves are another practical commuter choice with their SBR shock-absorbing palm padding and reflective elements for low-light visibility. For summer commuting, the Elite Half Finger gloves provide enough palm protection and grip without overheating.
How do I choose the right size in cycling gloves?
Cycling gloves should fit snugly with no excess fabric in the fingers that could bunch or shift on the bar. Loose gloves reduce feel and can cause blisters from fabric movement over long rides. Measure the circumference of your hand across the widest part of the palm, typically just below the knuckles, and match it against the brand's size chart. Most cycling gloves size as XS through 2XL. If you are between sizes, sizing down gives a better fit since cycling glove fabric has stretch. The finger length should reach the base of your fingernail without excess material at the tips.