Picture this: you're cruising down an open road on your motorcycle, the wind in your hair (or under your helmet, safety first!), and the thrill of the ride surging through your veins. But wait, you have sweaty palms, because there's something missing – the perfect pair of riding gloves!
Riding gloves are like the unsung heroes of your biking ensemble. They not only add flair to your look but also protect your hands from the elements and potential road hazards. In this practical guide, we'll walk you through the art of choosing the best riding gloves that suit your style and safety needs. If you're looking for the best gloves for bike riding, something weather-specific, or the best biker gloves for your next adventure, this guide will simplify it all.
When you walk into a riding gear store (online or offline), the available options can be intimidating. It is difficult to understand why there is such a large variety and what works for you. Which is why we put together this practical guide on motorcycle gloves for beginners, so you can make sense of the options and decide on the perfect pair of gloves for your riding style - whether everyday use or the best hand gloves for bike riding.
Different Types of Riding Gloves
Motorcycle riding gloves can be differentiated based on the weather conditions they’ll be used in and the format of motorcycling you indulge in.
1. Summer Sizzlers
When the sun is high and the temperature is hotter than a jalapeño, you need gloves that keep your palms cool and comfortable. Look for gloves with breathable materials like mesh panels. These gloves offer a good grip and ventilation, making them perfect for those scorching summer rides.
In most parts of India, we have summer for 9 months of the year - which is why summer riding gloves often become the best gloves for bike riding for daily use.
The ViaTerra Holeshot and Kruger are perfect options for better airflow, heat dissipation, and cooling.
2. Cold Weather & Rain Champions
As the winter chill sets in, you don't want your fingers to feel like icicles.
Winter riding gloves are typically insulated and often waterproof. They're designed to keep your hands warm and cozy, even in the harshest conditions. Some even come with touchscreen-compatible fingertips so you can answer calls without exposing your digits to the cold. Riding with numb hands is not just uncomfortable but downright dangerous on longer rides.
If you're hunting for the best gloves for winter bike riding, especially for North Indian winters or a Ladakh trip, the ViaTerra Tundra is exactly what you need.
3. Off-Road Warriors
If you're into off-road adventures, consider gloves designed specifically for dirt biking and motocross.
These gloves often have reinforced knuckle protection and extra padding to shield your hands from flying debris and impacts. Off-road gloves strike a balance between protection and flexibility - essential for rough terrain.
For those who like to live life dirty, the ViaTerra Roost has you covered.
4. Touring Treasures
Long rides demand gloves that provide comfort and durability.
Touring gloves have extra padding to reduce hand fatigue, especially when covering long distances. They often come with adjustable wrist closures and touchscreen capability for convenience during long journeys.
Tourers who don’t use gloves often complain about soreness and numbness in their hands. The easiest solution? Comfortable touring gloves. The ViaTerra Kruger and Tundra shine here - the former for hot-weather touring, the latter for cold and rain.
5. Commuting Champions
Most of our kilometres come from daily commuting. That daily office ride is what funds your mountain adventures and track days!
Commuting gloves need to offer protection but also be quick to wear and remove. You’ll take your gloves on and off multiple times during urban rides.
Full gauntlet vs short cuff gloves: Full gauntlets can get cumbersome for city rides. That’s why short-cuff gloves are the preferred best hand gloves for bike riding in urban settings.
The ViaTerra Holeshot and Shifter are perfect companions for your daily commute.
6. Race Track
A specialised form of riding requires specialised gloves. Track speeds are significantly higher than regular road touring or commuting.
You need gloves that offer maximum protection without compromising precision. When you're leaned over, your throttle inputs must be delicate and accurate - your gloves should translate that command perfectly.
The ViaTerra Grid is the ideal choice for the racetrack and easily one of the best biker gloves for high-speed riding.
Ride Away
Now that you’ve found the perfect pair - whether summer-ready, winter-proof, or the best gloves for bike riding - hop onto the saddle and enjoy a ride where you feel in control.
If you're still unsure after reading this buying guide, get in touch with the ViaTerra Team. They’ll help you pick the most suitable pair!
