Overshoes and gloves are essential for any UK winter. Overshoes keep your feet warm and protect your shoes and you’ll be wearing gloves from now until next April. Provision sent us a couple to test…
Provision Aerotex Gloves Winter gloves need to be warm, they also need to be agile enough to change gear and brake. Most ski-type wintergloves are huge which makes gear changes nearly impossible, snagging fingers in STIs and Ergolevers. Large gloves can also be too warm, but where do you put them if you take them off? If you are anything like me, your pockets will be full of spare tubes and food. Provision have approached the problem using thin layer Aerotex fabric (similar if not the same as Windstopper) which really does stop the bitter wind in its tracks. Lined with a fine fleece for warmth and stitched in to prevent it coming out with your hand when you have to remove them in a hurry. They only weigh 30 grams and pack into the smallest of spaces. The thin palm and finger reinforcing is for grip of tiny gear levers and although their is no padding as such the grippy bits offered a comfortable hold of the handlebars and brakes. Tasteful black colour matched with silver logo and a knitted wrist section stops the wind blowing up your sleeves. The lining does take a while to dry out completely and I’m not convinced of their ‘breathable’ status, however they keep the elements out and were comfortable in all but the coldest weather (when I put a different pair on top for extra insulation).
Sizing of these gloves is on the small size, I’m usually a medium and the small size was a good fit, but that is as small as they go. However because they are so thin you could use them as a top layer and wear something thin underneath when its really cold. Try a pair for size before you buy. |
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Good: Easily packed away so will be good for winter races |
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Bad: Strange sizing, watch the seams. |
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Provision Aqua Repel Overshoes These overshoes fit over all types of shoes and pedal cleats thanks to a large cut-out on the underside of the cover. This hole is overlocked and reinforced for long life, it allows for walking too with the heel exposed. Simply pull them on and fasten at the back with large Velcro straps – allowing for a really snug ‘custom’ fit. No zips to dig into your leg and a special cut for the sole so that the neoprene isn’t overstretched. The large Scotchlite stripes on the back seam and around the top are welcome touch for night time visibility. Neoprene is warm but not very breathable so your feet can get quite sweaty in Autumn temperatures. However overshoes should be worn as a shoe protector too, especially in the wet and if you don’t have full mudguards. Provision also treat the fabric with Aqua Repel which does prevent some of the water getting in, but with such a large hole in the base it’s only a matter of time. These are much better than many of the more expensive neoprene covers you can get and should keep your feet toasty. Overshoes get a good battering at the best of times and you don’t expect them to last much longer than a couple of winters – with Provision you get quite a lot of overshoe for just £20. |
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Good: Value and weather protection |
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Bad: Neoprene can be a bit soggy and damp |
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4/5
Got any hot picks of your own for rain jackets? Tell us about them on the forum, or review your own jacket in the member review section.
