30 Pairs of Mountain Bike Gloves Reviewed for Fit, Grip & Protection

Wearing mountain bike gloves is more than just a matter of comfort—it’s essential for safety, performance, and protection. Whether you’re navigating technical trails, racing down fast descents, or tackling rough terrain, gloves provide a buffer between your hands and the bike, reducing the risk of injury if you find yourself unexpectedly acquainted with the ground, while enhancing grip and control. 

Not quite sure if you want to wear mountain bike gloves? Take it from me, you do. I once crashed and impaled my palm with rail ballast at National Champs (on the way to the coffee shop after course practice), with a puncture wound that needed surgical repair. Cue a two day stop at Tasmania’s finest general hospital and no racing for me. Ouch. 

Needless to say, at AMB we believe that mountain bike gloves are an essential part of your riding kit.

This mountain bike gloves group test can help you select the best offering regardless of ride style and weather. Featuring 6 of the hottest brands and 30 different models and colourways, our three dedicated mountain bikers put these mountain bike gloves to task on everything from big days on the chairlift to 100km backcountry epics.

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Key Details – AMB’s Mountain Bike Gloves Group Test 2025

• Number of Gloves Tested: 30 pairs
• Brands Included: Leatt, Fox, 100%, Cycology, Fist, Kenny
• Ride Styles Covered: Trail, Enduro, XC, Gravel
• Test Conditions: Hot weather, wet weather, crash scenarios, long-ride comfort
• Key Factors Assessed: Fit, grip, durability, breathability, bar feel, crash protection
• Top Uses: Trail riding, enduro racing, bike park laps, all day XC riding
• Price Range: $30–$100 AUD

Protection and Safety

The most obvious benefit of mountain biking gloves is the protection they offer. Falls are an unfortunate reality of biking, especially on challenging trails. A good pair of gloves helps prevent abrasions from rocks, branches, or the ground during a spill, and even a lightweight glove can mean the difference between hand trauma and riding away from a crash without injury. Additionally, some gloves on test featured padding and impact protection as some extra security when hitting up extra sketchy terrain.

Grip and Control

Gloves improve your grip on the handlebars, ensuring your hands don’t slip when your palms sweat or when conditions get wet. This grip can make all the difference in maintaining control over your bike; particularly in technical situations, wet weather, or while navigating steep descents. Many of the gloves on test feature silicone or textured materials on the palms or fingers to enhance grip on bars and levers.

Sizing, Comfort and Fit

A proper fit is crucial when selecting mountain bike gloves. Too tight, and they’ll cut off circulation or cause discomfort. Too loose and they might bunch up, affecting grip and control and causing blisters. For a glove to perform at its best, it should fit snugly without restricting movement. As most gloves on test were true to size, fit is mainly mentioned in reviews when it differs from the norm.

Construction

The materials used in mountain biking gloves vary depending on the type of riding. All-purpose mountain bike glove uppers are typically made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics such as synthetic meshes or lightweight stretch materials. These fabrics keep hands cool and dry during intense rides. Leather – or more commonly synthetic leather – palms and reinforced areas are often added for durability, while mesh or spandex are often used to add flexibility in the finger gussets. 

Most gloves on test feature touch-screen compatible fingertips, allowing riders to use smartphones without removing their gloves, which is ideal for quick trail photos or checking maps. We also tested several colder-weather and hot-weather gloves, featuring specific fabrics to tackle the elements.

Mountain bike gloves usually have either a hook-and-loop strap (velcro) or an elasticised pull-on wrist cuff. The hook-and-loop (or velcro wrist tab) closure allows for a more customisable, snug fit, preventing the gloves from slipping during a ride. Elasticised wrist cuffs, on the other hand, offer a more seamless and comfortable feel but may not provide as much adjustment as velcro straps. 

Mountain Bike Gloves By Brand

100%

• 100% Sling Glove
• 100% Ridecamp Glove
• 100% Cognito D30 Glove

Cycology

• Day of the Living Glove
• Rock n Roll Winter Glove

Fox Racing

• Fox Flexair Glove
• Fox Flexair Glove 50 YR
• Fox Defend Glove
• Fox Defend D30 Glove
• Fox Defend Pro Fire Glove
• Fox Defend Lo-Pro Fire Glove
• Fox Ranger Water Glove
• Fox Ranger Fire Glove
• Fox Ranger Fire Glove (women’s)
• Fox Ranger Gel Glove
• Fox Ranger Gel Glove (women’s)
• Fox Ranger Glove
• Fox Ranger Glove (women’s)

FIST

• FIST Stocker Glove
• FIST Cold Weather Glove
• FIST Blackedout Breezer Glove
• FIST Chapter 2025 Flamingo Attack Glove
• FIST Chapter 2025 Sam Hill GOAT Glove

Kenny Racing

• Kenny Racing Gloves – Racing
• Kenny Racing Gloves – Gravity

100% Mountain Bike Gloves

100% is a performance-driven brand known for its innovative approach to mountain bike goggles, glasses and gloves. Their range of mountain bike gloves combines cutting-edge materials, superior craftsmanship, and a focus on comfort and durability. From lightweight gloves for cross-country riders to rugged, full-finger designs for downhill enthusiasts, the 100% range of gloves are engineered to enhance performance and withstand the toughest trails. 

100% Sling 

RRP: $49.99
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Black, Grey, Navy

The 100% Sling glove is targeted at the rider prioritising gloves that are ultra-lightweight with a minimalist feel and protection. They feature a perforated single layer ‘cool skin’ palm, mesh finger gussets, laser perforations and four-way stretch fabric on the upper fabric for superior breathability. Everything about these gloves screams hot weather riding to me, and they are a great fit for cross country, trail and gravel adventures. 

The Sling allows for a sensitive sense of contact with the bike due to the unpadded palm, but as a result of being ultra-lightweight they don’t add much dampening.

The Sling features added durability with the addition of thicker tactile fabric attached to the base of the palm that allows the rider to glove-up easily. Though they are super minimalist, we have had no issues with tearing or excessive wear in the wash, though we haven’t tested these on a dirt nap yet.

Just remember to apply sunscreen on your hands before riding with Sling gloves. Otherwise, you’ll end up with some red spots on your hands from the laser-cut perforations. The Sling gloves are also available in a short-fingered version, if that’s your jam. -AB

100% Ridecamp Glove

RRP: $39.95
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL 
Colours: Navy, Black, Green, Yallow, Red

The 100% Ridecamp is designed as an everyday go-to glove with some protection and grip. They feature an easy to put on slip-on cuff for a secure fit, a durable interweaved fabric on the back of the hand for flexibility and comfort, stretch finger gussets for improved mobility, silicone printing on the palm and fingers for enhanced grip, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips for convenience. To me, these gloves are great for all-round riding conditions in moderate temperatures, and are a great fit for trail, enduro, and downhill riders.

Being a slip-on glove, they are really easy to throw on and not worry about the possibility of the velcro tabs failing, as  experienced with some others on test.

Having a good construction that isn’t too basic nor fancy, 100% definitely enhanced durability of the Ridecamp by incorporating a thicker, textured fabric at the base of the palm, making it easier for riders to put the gloves on. While the Ridecamp gloves are a thinner fair-weather glove, we’ve encountered no problems with tearing or any wear after riding or washing, although we’ve kept it rubber side down, so they haven’t hit the dirt yet.

The 100% Ridecamp glove is perfect for the trail rider who enjoys a full-finger basic glove. For trail, enduro, and downhill riders doing laps and wanting that extra hand protection, the Ridecamp glove is for you. -OM

100% Cognito D30

RRP: $59.99
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Green, Black, Orange, Red, Yellow

The 100% Cognito glove is a strong, sturdy glove that can withstand the heavy force of a crash. The glove consists of robust material, including D30 impact protection in the knuckle and ventilated leather for the underside of the glove.

The sizing of the 100% Cognito Glove aligns to general standards, I usually wear between a small and medium men’s size glove and found that the Cognito glove has about 0.5cm of growing room in the fingertips causing for a bit of excess material to bunch as well as friction being created under the palm. The wrist strap has the option to fit a much thicker wrist than mine, though I have very small wrists!

The 100% Cognito glove is made of thick material, so they can heat up in warmer weather. The extra padding and form-fitting impact protection covering the vulnerable areas keeps them safe and saves your hands and knuckles in the case of a gnarly crash, though I found them less comfortable than the Fox Defend D30, which is a similar style of glove. TheCognito’s protection can hinder the glove’s overall dexterity, and some riders may prefer to use SendHit hand guards for protection on rough and loose descents.

The sturdy material that forms the glove is durable under cold weather conditions, making it perfect for an enduro or downhill racing environment. The 100% Cognito glove is the perfect glove for a rider looking for a sturdy, heavy-duty glove that has protection that can withstand an ‘OTB’. It also offers a reasonable price for anyone looking for well-priced gloves with added protection. -CM

Cycology Mountain Bike Gloves

Cycology is a Sydney-based brand known for their wild designs, and their mountain bike gloves did not disappoint. Cycology makes all-purpose mountain bike gloves and a winter glove. Their range is available in sizes XS–XL, and Cycology has a fit tool on their website if you’re unsure of sizing.

Day of the Living Mountain Bike glove

RRP: $44.95
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colours: Multiple designs

Cycology’s products are named after the design, and as such I tested the ‘Day of the Living’ glove, which references the Dia Des Los Muertos (known as the Day of the Dead) holiday celebration taking part in Mexico. With a Calavera, or skull, adorned on the glover upper in a nod to Mexican design. Cycology always goes the extra mile in weaving bike motifs into their products, and the Day of the Living gloves hide pedals, bikes and chain into the artwork. 

But design is just one factor, how do they ride? Cycology has added a full silicone palm grip, the only brand on test to do so. The upper is thin and lightweight, with the finger gussets lined with mesh for extra ventilation. They use a reinforced velcro wrist strap, with slightly more wrist coverage than most others on test, which helps with reducing any mountain biker watch tan.

The Day of the Living gloves are a great all-round glove that are reasonably ventilated in hot weather, comparable to the 100% Ridecamp, Fist Stocker and Fox Ranger glove, albeit with a bit more arty flair. -AB

Rock n Roll Winter Gloves

RRP: $49.95
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colours: Multiple designs

Do you like music and riding in the cold? Well do I have a glove for you! The Cycology Rock n Roll winter glove is a budget-friendly cold weather option, sure to add a little bit of rock and roll vibrancy to your riding wardrobe.

Similar in construction to the Day of the Living glove, the Winter glove is built with a neoprene upper and light fleece inner for warmth and wind resistance. Of note is that the winter gloves feel a little larger on hand than Cycology’s mountain bike gloves, so sizing down is a great idea if between sizes. 

Once again Cycology use a full grip palm that references the Velvet Underground, Rage Against the Machine and The Who, which is a sentence I never thought would make it into a mountain bike magazine but there’s a first for everything!

These are great cold-weather gloves at a solid price. If you prefer slightly less chaos on your hands, Cycology do make (slightly) more conservative options. -AB

Fox Racing 

Fox Racing, often simply known as Fox, is a legendary brand in the world of extreme sports, particularly mountain biking. Dating back to 1974, Fox is renowned for its innovative designs and high-performance gear, from protective equipment to apparel. The brand has become synonymous with durability, style, and cutting-edge technology, serving riders who demand the best in both functionality and comfort. Fox Racing’s commitment to quality and performance has made it a favorite among professional and amateur mountain bikers alike, making their products a staple in the industry—especially their exceptional range of gloves. We dive deep into their range of gloves below.

Fox Flexair Glove

RRP: $59.99
Sizes: S, M, L, Xl, 2XL
Colours: Pink, Yellow, Plum, Black, Maroon, Bone, Grey

The Fox Flexair glove is targeted towards cross-country, trail, and enduro riders seeking lightweight performance and superior control. It features a minimalist design with a reinforced palm for added durability, silicone grip details for enhanced grip control, and breathable stretch mesh for maximum comfort in warmer weather. The thin palm ensures excellent tactile sensitivity, making it an ideal choice for riders riding and tackling technical terrain without sacrificing precision, comfort, and durability.

The gloves run true to their listed size and the Flexair range of gloves are genuinely comfortable for the rider who likes having full-finger gloves with some grip, but ultimately prefers a lightweight, minimalist glove. As a slip-on glove, they are easy to don without worrying about a velcro tab delaminating, or sticking to your washing.

Despite the Flexair’s minimalist design, they do offer solid added durability. A thicker, tactile fabric at the base of the palm enhances grip and makes it easy to put on. Despite their lightweight feel, these gloves managed to resist wear and tear throughout the test period, ensuring reliable performance through washes and rigorous use.

The Fox Flexair Glove is designed for riders who value a lightweight, minimalist feel combined with excellent grip and breathability. The Flexair is also offered in a large range of colours, including a grey/black fade, meaning there is a Flexair colourway to match every outfit.

Perfect for cross-country, trail, and enduro riding, these gloves keep your hands cool and comfortable even in the heat. With their sleek design, durability, and performance, the Flexair Glove offers reasonable value for its price, making it a reliable choice for any rider. -OM

Fox Flexair Glove 50 YR

RRP: $79.99

The Fox FLEXAIR Glove 50 Yr Anniversary edition is tailored for trail, enduro, and downhill riders seeking high performance with a nod to Fox’s 50-year legacy. Combining a lightweight, minimalist design with a durable, slip-on cuff, touchscreen compatibility, it offers excellent grip through pre-curved fingers for an ultimate riding position and superb comfort with breathable stretch leather mesh. The thin palm enhances tactile sensitivity, making it ideal for riders tackling technical terrain while appreciating heritage-inspired styling.

The Fox Flexair 50th Limited Edition gloves differ from the Flexair base range, with a premium leather palm, limited edition black and green colours, low-profile neoprene cuff, and pre-curved fingers that enhance bar feel and comfort.

The leather palm offers more comfort and compliance, while providing exceptional grip, comfort, and resilience. Designed to withstand rigorous abuse, the glove’s reinforced stitching and abrasion-resistant fabric ensure lasting performance for demanding riders. Despite a more lightweight design, these gloves resist wear and tear through the testing period, ensuring reliable performance through washes and rigorous use – although I didn’t test these with a touchdown (yet).

The Fox Flexair Glove 50 Yr is designed for riders who value a lightweight, minimalist feel combined with excellent grip and breathability as well as a glove that helps represent a legacy. Perfect for all mountain biking, these gloves keep your hands cool and comfortable. With their sleek design, leather palm, and durability, the 50-year legacy glove is a more premium offering from Fox, perfect for the discerning rider -OM

Fox Defend Glove

RRP: $79.99
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Black, Green, Graphite, Grey, Cream, Ash

The Fox Defend Glove is my favourite of the all that I tested. It is designed for riders looking for a quality glove made up of soft, lightweight material that still has protection in the event of a crash. 

These gloves are aimed at riders seeking durable protection that can handle the impact of a crash. They feature tough materials, including knuckle padding and ventilated leather on the palm side for added comfort and resilience.

I found that the medium size defend glove still gives me a small amount of give, enough so that there was no bunching and friction underneath the palm. With an adjustable wrist strap the glove was able to a range of wrist sizes.

This glove’s high-quality soft and forgiving material makes for a comfortable grip. The light-coloured cream upper makes the Defend a great hot weather glove, and I never felt overly sweaty wearing these. A wrist strap and little rubber dots covering the backhand provides aesthetic value and a little bit of extra protection to the glove. The dexterity of the Fox Defend glove enabled me to still use my phone effortlessly. 

The Defend gloves stand up well to abuse: they easily survived long, intensive days at Thredbo riding non-stop descent after descent. I am confident that these gloves would provide excellent protection during a crash.

The Fox Defend gloves sit in the mid-price range for modern day gloves and are ideal for riders who prefer a lightweight glove for hot summer riding that can still provide protection during a crash, without full knuckle reinforcement. -CM

Fox Defend D30 Glove

RRP: $84.99
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Green, Black, Grey

The Fox Defend D30 Glove is a heavy-duty glove withstanding substantial impacts, but also provides some warmth and temperature regulation in cooler conditions. The key feature of the Defend D30 is D30 impact padding around the knuckle to provide extra protection when tacking janky and treacherous terrain. While not a cold-weather glove, the strong ripstop cordura and neoprene material covering the upper means that the Defend D30 are a great option for technical riding in mild or colder climates. 

These gloves run true to size, or slightly on the firmer end of sizing. Despite the extra bulk of the protective material and knuckle, I found these gloves to offer a great balance of comfort and protection. Comparing these gloves to the 100% Cognito, the Defend D30 has a slimmer profile and slightly smaller protection across the knuckles, which I personally found to be more comfortable. 

This is in part because the padding and impact protection covering the knuckles is segmented, allowing for more flexibility. The knuckle protection isn’t annoying or distracting when climbing or noodling around on tamer trails, but still provides some additional protection when in a big crash racing huge features on a downhill track (and this is a pair of gloves on test that did some crash testing!).

Overall, The Fox Defend D30 is a strong and durable glove that offers great protection to a trail, enduro and downhill mountain biker and is a brilliant glove that certainly does the job. -CM

Fox DEFEND PRO FIRE Glove

RRP: $89.99
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Camo, Black

The Fox Defend Pro Fire Gloves are built for trail and enduro riders who demand high performance in cold-weather conditions. Featuring a premium low-profile design, index finger and thumb touchscreen compatibility, it includes a brushed fleece lining for warmth, an easy to put on slip-on cuff for a secure fit, and water-resistant materials to repel the elements. Reinforced durability ensures it withstands rugged use, while silicone grip details enhance control on technical rides. With added insulation and breathability, the Defend Pro Fire Glove delivers a perfect balance of comfort, protection, and precision for winter mountain biking.

The gloves fit nicely according to their listed size. I usually fit between an L and an XL men’s glove, and I found that with the Defend Pro Fire Glove, it was a really good fit with my liking of wiggle room and some extra room around the cuff to pull on. The glove offers exceptional comfort with its insulated design, moisture-wicking fleece lining, and slim, ergonomic fit, ensuring warmth and dexterity during cold-weather rides. The longer cuff design works well with a rain jacket or long jersey, meaning no frozen wrists in winter.

The glove features rugged construction with durable materials, reinforced stitching, and weather-resistant properties, ensuring they withstand heavy abuse and harsh conditions while maintaining performance and protection. The suede palm allows for a great bar feel, while Fox have incorporated extensive touch-screen capability across all fingers; a nice touch.

The Fox Defend Pro Fire Glove combines durability, warmth, and precision, making it an excellent choice for riders tackling harsh, cold-weather conditions. With its premium construction and reliable performance, it ensures comfort and protection for demanding adventures on the trail. -OM

Fox DEFEND LO-PRO FIRE Glove

RRP: $79.99
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Black

The Fox Defend Lo-Pro Fire Glove is perfect for trail and enduro riders facing cold-weather conditions. Designed with a low-profile fit, touchscreen compatibility, an easy to put on slip-on cuff with a tab for a secure fit, and brushed fleece lining for warmth and water-resistant materials to shield against the elements, the Lo-Pro Fire glove features many of the qualities of the Defend Pro in a more slimline package. They feature a durable, water-repellant construction that stands up to rugged use, while silicone grip details provide superior control. Ideal for technical rides in colder climates, this glove balances warmth, performance, and protection for demanding mountain biking adventures.

The gloves fit nicely according to their listed size. I found that the Fox Defend Lo-Pro Fire Glove offers exceptional comfort with their low-profile design, soft yet durable materials, and a snug, secure fit that minimises bulk, but there is a lack of dexterity allowed due to the glove being on the thicker and heavier side. Unlike the Defend Pro Fire glove, the Lo-Pro Fire gloves are thicker, with a shorter cuff and tab to size correctly when donning the gloves. I did find that the tab began to delaminate after several uses, as such I did prefer the Defend Pro and Ranger Water glove.

The Defend Lo-Pro Fire gloves offered reliable performance, maintaining comfort, grip, and protection even under heavy abuse on challenging trails, with no issues of wear or tear, and as such they’re the perfect winter glove for the mountain biker who rides in cold, challenging conditions. They effectively combine durability, comfort, and performance, and their robust construction ensures long-lasting reliability, while enhancing grip and warmth for comfort, even when conditions are challenging. -OM

Fox Ranger Water Glove

RRP: $64.99
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Black, Graphite

The Fox Ranger Water Glove is Fox’s premier waterproof glove. Key features include a durable, waterproof upper, extended cuff for coverage with a jacket or long-sleeved jersey, fleece interior, a silicone grip on the palm for control, and index finger and thumb touchscreen compatibility. They offer comfort, dexterity, and reliable performance; ideal for riders tackling rainy, cold or muddy trails.

The gloves run true to their listed size, and they’re comfortable and warm in wet conditions. The silicon grip and a pull-on design was a personal favourite for ease of donning and they featured extensive touch screen capability, very handy when trying to text someone in the middle of a storm!

The gloves use durable materials and reinforced stitching. Designed for rugged use, they withstand heavy abuse, providing reliable performance in wet conditions. The glove is really quite comfortable, and is slightly more streamlined than the Defend Lo-Pro and Defend Pro Fire gloves on test. It offers exceptional comfort with its lightweight, flexible construction, a snug yet breathable fit, and a soft interior lining that ensures all-day wearability while maintaining excellent grip and protection in wet conditions.

The Fox Ranger Water Glove is perfect for the rider who likes to go out no matter the condition and expects excellent durability and comfort, all while being waterproof. Designed for mountain biking, providing weather resistance and durability to handle wet and rugged trail conditions. -OM

Fox Ranger Fire Glove and Women’s Ranger Fire Glove

RRP: $59.99
Womens sizes: S, M, L
Men’s sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Black, Graphite, Ash

The Fox Ranger Fire Glove is designed for mountain bikers who ride in cold, wet conditions. They feature a weather-resistant construction with a brushed fleece lining for warmth, a water-resistant outer layer, touchscreen compatibility, an easy to put on extended slip-on cuff for a secure fit, and silicone grip details for added control. The Ranger Fire glove balances durability, comfort, and insulation, making it perfect for winter rides on technical terrain.

The gloves run true to their listed size and are genuinely comfortable and warm in wet conditions. The extended cuff and, water-resistant and dirt-resistant upper makes them a great all-round pick for cold, wet weather.

Throughout testing I found the Ranger Fire Glove to have exceptional durability and comfort. Built with tough, flexible materials, reinforced stitching, and abrasion-resistant panels, they endure harsh conditions and washing without wear. Despite their thickness, they maintain reliable performance. They do suffer with a bit of reduced dexterity from the bulk, but despite that would be a glove of choice for early morning winter rides in all conditions. 

The Fox Ranger Fire Glove is perfect for the rider who likes to go out on cold, wet winter mornings and expects excellent durability and comfort. Designed for any rider, the glove has tough, flexible materials, reinforced stitching, and abrasion-resistant panels; they handle rough conditions effortlessly.

AMB editor, Anna, also tested out a pair of the Women’s Ranger Fire gloves, agreeing that they were a sturdy and durable design for cooler months. As a more slimline glove than the Defend range, these would be her go-to winter gloves for most conditions. -OM, AB

The Fox Ranger Glove Gel is Fox’s all-purpose mountain bike glove, and is their best selling glove. The Ranger Glove Gel’s key feature is gel-padded palms, a welcome relief for those requiring extra comfort or shock absorption on rough terrain. In addition to this, they are lightweight and breathable, with touchscreen compatibility and a secure fit with a tab closure. 

The gloves run true to their listed size and I found that they offered exceptional comfort with its strategically placed gel padding that absorbs shocks and vibrations and relieves pain for those suffering from neuropathy of the hand. The breathable fabric keeps your hands cool, and a flexible design allowing a snug yet unrestricted fit for all-day riding.

The glove sports a rugged upper for durability, offering a small amount of stretch across the hand. Designed to withstand rugged trails, the gloves stand up to repeated abuse, offering reliable performance, reinforced stitching, and gel padding for comfort even during long rides on challenging terrain. I tested several of Fox’s ‘Ranger’ line of gloves, and found that while the overall construction is tough and durable, the ‘hook and loop’ closure (aka wrist tab) tended to delaminate after a few washes. Sure, you could probably fix this with a bit of superglue, but we would love to see Fox stitch the length of the tab (as brands such as Fist have done) to prevent this occurring.

For riders dabbling in gravel or road disciplines, or simply preferring the feel of a short-fingered glove, the Fox Ranger Gel glove is also available in a short-fingered glove, with tester Anna using on long days on the gravel bike. She found that the padding really assisted when on a gravel bike, the lack of suspension causing vibration that leads to dead arms and numb hands. For those looking for some extra comfort on long gravel or endurance days, a gel glove can assist with reducing nerve pain and fatigue from vibrations.

The Fox Ranger Glove in both short  and full finger options, combines comfort, durability, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for mountain bikers of all levels looking for a more comfortable ride. -OM

Fox Ranger Glove and Fox Ranger Women’s Glove 

RRP: $39.99
Men’s sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Women’s sizes: S, M, L
Colours: Ash, Black, Blue, Green, Mustard, Graphite, Grey, Orange, Indigo

Fox Ranger gloves are similar in concept to the 100% Ridecamp: once again a reliable, no-frills design. With a sturdy upper, thumb sweat wipe and touchscreen compatibility, these are Fox’s everyday gloves for most conditions. 

Having had a pair of old Fox ranger gloves hanging around in my cupboard for years, I can attest that the construction of the upper and palm is rugged and durable, the only quibble once again being the durability of the hook and loop closure. 

That being said, as an inexpensive option that stands up to abuse, the Ranger is a staple option to have in your wardrobe. -AB

FIST Mountain Bike Gloves

Fist Gloves is a rider-driven brand renowned for its high-performance motocross, mountain bike, and BMX gloves. Fist focuses on blending style, comfort, and durability, creating gloves that are as functional as they are eye-catching. With bold designs and innovative features, the brand quickly gained a loyal following among riders who demand both performance and individuality. All Fist adult gloves are available in sizes XXS – XXL, I tested a size small in the (unisex) Fist products.

Fist Stocker

RRP: $44.95
Sizes available: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Multiple

The Fist Stocker represents Fists all round performer, with a minimalistic and lightweight design for maximum performance and feel.

I tested the Stocker in fluoro pink, blue and panda colourways. The fit was true to size (the Fist sizing chart indicating that their size small represents 8.7cm across the palm), with a robust 4-way stretch twill spandex upper. A synthetic leather (clarino) palm allowed for maximum contact with the bars, without the addition of extra padding. The Stocker also features lycra finger gussets which allows a greater range of finger movement when compared to many others on the test. The wrist itself also features lycra with the FIST closure, meaning the glove is able to be worn by a range of differing sized wrists.

Testing the Fist Stocker gloves, it readily became apparent just how quickly they slid into our everyday use option. Without too many bells and whistles, they are a solid performer for everyday rides in moderate temperatures. I did find that the touchscreen conductive finger and thumb wasn’t the most effective touchscreen solution on test

I’ve had a pair of Fist gloves in my closet for around 10 years, and they still get put up to the task on occasion, so I daresay the Fist Stocker is a great option looking for a long lasting workhorse. For cold or very hot conditions I’d be a specific cool or warm weather glove, but for all disciplines, most of the time I’d be happy to rely on the Fist Stocker. -AB

Fist Cold Weather Glove 

RRP: $44.95 
Sizes available: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Black, multiple artwork designs

It’s not quite been the weather for the Fist ‘Snowflake Frosty’ cold weather gloves in Southeast Queensland…yet. We tested these riding mainly indoors and early mornings before the sun got too intense.

The fit is as per other Fist on test, and slipping them on they mirror the feel of their Stocker range. However, Fist have used a 3 layer, sublimated weather resistant and thermo-wind blocking upper in their cold weather glove range. The palm is once again constructed of Clarino, and the glove features the same lycra wrist, FIST closure system and touchscreen conductive finger and thumb that’s seen across their range.

Despite being a cold weather glove, the gloves retain the feel of an all-purpose glove. Unlike some of the heavier winter options on test, the Fist cold weather glove manages to provide warmth while retaining flexibility and dexterity. This is likely because they don’t offer the same level of warmth as, for example, the Fox Ranger Fire or Defend Pro Fire. As a result, these represent a great option for cooler – though not cold – weather. Think Brisbane winter, or the shoulder seasons of the southern states. If you’re in Tasmania this may represent a great summer glove!

-AB

Fist Blackedout Breezer Hot Weather Glove

RRP: $44.95
Sizes available: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Multiple artwork designs

The Fist Breezer is the brand’s hot-weather option, and described as ‘super stealth and breezy’ by the brand. With an ultra-lite mesh upper, Fist again uses the synthetic leather Clarino on the palm, which is perforated for extra air flow. Unlike the 4-way stretch twill of the Stocker glove, the Breezer uses a stretch mesh for extra breathability in hot conditions.

I enjoyed these as a hot weather option, though I’m not one to specifically get very hot hands in regular gloves. Just remember, as with most mesh gloves on test, that UV tends to penetrate lightweight mesh, so ensure to slip-slop-slap your hands before your ride. -AB

FIST Chapter 2025 Flamingo Attack 

RRP: $44.95
Sizes available: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Chapter series features multiple artwork designs

Fist’s yearly season drops (their ‘chapter’ range) are perhaps the main reason for the brand’s visibility: wild, bright and crazy designs that disrupt the neutral hues and black gloves that dominate the market.

I tested out the Flamingo Attack colourway, featuring pink flamingos shooting lasers from their eyes, punctuated with small martini glasses. Of course, because why not?

These vibes are exactly the sort of chaos that’s needed within cycling. With a comfortable fit, in part thanks to the stretchy finger gussets also seen in the stocker range, the Flamingo Attack glove features a spandex twill upper, that differs slightly from the thicker upper of the Stocker series. Fist’s fully patterned glove uppers all feature this slightly stretchier material, which is still very comfortable and durable.

With touchscreen capability, stitched wrist tab, and extra palm design that mirrors the upper, Fist Chapter series of gloves are a great way to inject a little bit of jazz into your ride.

Flamingo’s not your vibe? Check out their amazing range on the website. From ‘Yeah Bears’ to T-Rex’s and even dachshunds, Fist have designs ranging from mild to mildly unhinged to suit everyone’s preference. -AB

FIST Chapter 2025 Sam Hill GOAT

RRP: $44.95
Sizes available: 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Colours: Chapter series features multiple artwork designs

Fist isn’t just known for crazy designs, they’re also renowned for partnering with mountain biking and BMX icons. The likes of Saya Sakakibara, Caroline Buchanan and Sam Hill have partnered with Fist to bring their own designs to life. 

I tested the Sam Hill GOAT glove, a black and white design on the upper with a skeleton in a full face seemingly pinning it down a hill. The upper of this design is the same as the stocker, a slightly firmer twill fabric, with the skeleton  design printed onto the upper.

The GOAT features a rubberised ‘Sam Hill’ across the palm for extra bar grip, as well as the rainbow stripes across the fingers. These gloves are definitely more in the badass category than the Flamingo’s with lasers and martini’s, but goes to show that Fist have gloves for you, whatever your preferred tipple. -AB

Kenny Racing Mountain Bike Gloves

Kenny Racing is a brand of BMX and mountain bike attire and protection designed and made in Amiens, France. If there’s one thing that the French do well, it’s throw a bike down a hill, and so we tested two of their gloves, the Race and Gravity models. 

Kenny racing features a different numerical sizing system from other gloves on test, and as a size small I tested both a 7 and 8, preferring the larger size in the Race glove (with a slip on wrist) and 7 in the Gravity (with a hook and loop wrist tab). Kenny Racing offers gloves sized from 7-13, roughly an XS-2XL.

Kenny Racing Gloves – Racing

RRP: $44.95
Sizes: 7–13
Colours: Black, White

Kenny’s Racing glove is a lightweight, unpadded glove for optimum bar-feel. With an ultralight Clarino palm, an ultra-light and ventilated upper, silicone ‘topo’ design on fingers for lever grip and a reinforced thumb, they’re a fantastic glove for those racing or riding in hot weather.

The slip-on design is aided by a stretch gusset on the wrist, so I never had to wrangle the gloves on or off, but it did require me to remove by pulling at each finger to loosen the gloves.

The simple construction ticks all the boxes for a summer glove, however I did find the reinforcement around the thumb to be less comfortable if riding in a drop-bar position on the gravel bike. This is a great option as a stylish, minimalist summer trail glove for those who value direct contact with the bar. -AB

Kenny Racing Gloves – Gravity

RRP: $59.95
Sizes: 7–13
Colours: Black, Red, Teal

Usually when a product is labelled as a ‘gravity’ offering it means it comes with a bit of extra beef in construction, or perhaps integrated protection.

Kenny Racing’s Gravity glove bucks the trend, instead offering a minimalist mesh upper and simple unpadded palm for ventilation in hot conditions and a sensitive connection to the bars. Compared to the Racing gloves, Kenny’s Gravity gloves feature an even more lightweight upper, making this a glove of choice for hot and humid conditions. 

The Gravity gloves use a velcro closure system on the wrist that also features a silicone grip on the end of the tab for better grip. I loved that the tab is reinforced with stitching, avoiding issues with delamination in the wash. These are a fabulous option for summer riding across all mountain biking disciplines. -AB

Leatt Mountain Bike Gloves

Leatt is a pioneering brand in the world of mountain biking, known for its focus on safety and performance. Founded by Dr. Chris Leatt, an innovator in protective gear, the brand has revolutionised rider protection with cutting-edge designs. Leatt’s range of mountain bike gloves reflects this commitment, blending advanced materials, durability, and comfort. I tested out the MTB GripR 1.0 women gloves and the slightly burlier 2.0 X-Flow gloves. 

Leatt MTB GripR 1.0 Women

RRP: $59.00
Sizes: XS, S, M, L

The Leatt GripR 1.0 Women’s glove is a lightweight summer glove that sports design features such as Leatt’s own ‘MicronGrip’ palms, and ‘FormFit’ finger stitching for comfort and performance in wet or dry conditions.

Throughout the glove testing period, I did find myself reaching for the GripR 1.0. Not only are they a cool purple/orange colourway, the fit was just right and the soft palm really delivered in all conditions. As an ultralight glove, they don’t offer extra protection, but did have all the requisite ‘nice to have’ features such as touch screen compatibility, sweat wiper, silicone gripper and plastic free packaging.

These gloves are a slip-on style with a reinforced cuff, and despite being on high rotation have worn reasonably well considering their lightweight construction. A great option for warmer weather and those seeking a glove without a hook and loop closure system. -AB

Leatt MTB 2.0 X-Flow

RRP: $69.00
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colours: Grey, Blue, Black, Tropical

The Leatt MTB 2.0 X-Flow glove marries up a lightweight all purpose glove with some added protection for technical riding in moderate and hot temperatures. With a nanogrip palm that allows for grip in wet and dry conditions, these gloves offer a secure fit, lightweight X-Flow mesh, touchscreen compatibility and a 3D brush guard for pinky and knuckle protection.

While the protection isn’t as robust as the 100% Cognito or Fox Defend D30, the brush guard of the 2.0 X-Flow offers a little more protection in high impact areas across the knuckle and pinky. 

A simple design with a standard fit, the 2.0 X-Flow glove is a fabulous option for riders in warm climates that want a little extra protection without the bulk of reinforced knuckles. -AB