Good gloves are a winter essential.

How warm is warm enough? Riders who suffer from poor circulation will need to pay particular attention to their extremities (hand and feet), and if your gloves are too tight this will also cut off circulation, so make sure they fit properly.

Generally speaking, gloves fall into three bands. A lightweight glove like the DeFeet Duraglove is ideal for dry autumn and spring rides, and mild winter days.

Next up, a fully windproof glove provides more protection against winter temperatures, ideal for cold and dry days, and for riding in light rain as most will have an element of water resistance.

For riding in proper rain, however, a waterproof glove is essential as once your gloves are sodden, there’s little chance of avoiding cold hands for the rest of your ride.

Truly waterproof gloves are in short supply but many advertised as such will keep your hands dry unless riding in prolonged, heavy rain.

We’d recommend investing in at least two pairs of gloves for different winter conditions and make sure they’re breathable too to avoid riding with sweat-drenched gloves.

Also, look out for grip on the palm and fingertips, so you still have plenty of control over the brakes, and beware that thicker gloves can compromise feel on the handlebar and controls.

Finally, if you’re particularly susceptible to cold hands, consider using a silk inner glove.