TESTED: 4SHAW Race Glove V4

Words and images: Mike Blewitt

 
Mountain biking has a number of classic items that just work, and that continue to do so no matter how the sport changes. And plenty of us have our favourite items. From riders who love the feel of  Time pedals, or riders who prefer the fit and style of a Giro helmet, or the clear optics of Oakley sunglasses. It might even be the simple yet perfect Ritchey WCS carbon seatpost – even though the age of the dropper is well and truly upon us.

 
The 4SHAW Race Glove could fit in that space. Offering the full coverage you want from a full-finger glove, with nothing to get in the way. The gloves use a thin suede palm and woven back, with silicone grippers on your braking fingers and thumb for tactile feedback and smartphone compatibility. There’s even a fine sweat (or snot) wipe on the thumb. The material between the fingers is light and stretchy to allow for a precise fit and airflow, while the cuff is a little longer helping pull them on. With a pair fitted on, you then realise that the finger and thumb length is spot on – without any extra volume through the rest of the glove. This is how a glove should be – but many don’t quite cut it.

Sure, they’re just a glove, but the 4SHAW Race Glove (version 4) have been theglove I reach for no matter what bike I’m riding, or where. They fit like they should (like a glove) and have been wearing well. The silicone sections for the fingers are a tiny bit further back when going to write a text on your phone – but the functionality is there for photos or using Trailforks. AS a glove that is called a ‘race’ glove maybe that doesn’t quite matter. But that is the only downside I can find with this set of gloves.
 
Well done 4SHAW – you’ve nailed it. This glove might even sway the staunchly gloveless.
 
Hits:

– Spot on finger length
– Everything you need, nothing you don’t
– Comes in black

Misses:

– Only comes in black
 
RRP: $50
From: 4Shaw.net.au