Gore Bike Wear Xenon Gloves £39.99

Gloves are a decisive piece of clothing in the winter. Cold fingers never make for a good time, but winter gloves have a hard job placed upon them, not only required to keep hands warm but to do so without overly hindering freedom of movement.

Ticking the right boxes is tricky, but Gore Bike Wear’s new Xenon gloves, from the clothing giant’s premium performance range, might just do so. Firstly, slipping them on reveals a lightweight glove that barely limits finger flexibility, allowing unrestricted control and, secondly, the Windstopper material keeps the wind out and your fingers warm.

There’s actually three layers of material in the gloves, though you wouldn’t guess it from putting them on. A Windstopper membrane is sandwiched between an inner fleece lining and softshell outer, and it’s the middle layer that is key to the performance of the gloves.

Fit is good, as RCUK has come to expect from Gore, with five sizes (S to XXL) available. Wide cuffs will expand over a waterproof jacket without problem, and the Velcro tab ensures drafts don’t sneak between any gaps. On the bike three strategically placed slim gel pads provide comfort, proving welcoming on longer rides, as did the huge towelling covering the entire thumb and first finger for wiping sweat.

Gore products aren’t without their finishing details, such as the three large reflective squares on the top of the glove, reflective piping and silicone stripes on the fingertips for gripping the levers.