Cycling with freezing cold hands is one of the most miserable experiences you can endure on a bike, though cycling any distance with hot, wet palms enclosed in a sweat-sodden pair of gloves comes close. This is why a good, breathable pair of winter cycling gloves should be a core part of your on-bike wardrobe. In fact, I recommend buying a couple of pairs in different weights to use in varying temperatures. Good gloves don't come cheap but these Cyber Monday deals should help.
USA Glove Deals
UK Glove Deals
What to consider when choosing winter cycling gloves
In most winter sports, keeping your core warm is usually sufficient to keep your extremities cosy too. Cycling is different because, unless you live somewhere as flat as Florida, you are either building heat quickly as you pedal up an ascent, or losing it rapidly as you sit out on the descent, ravaged by wind chill. This makes temperature regulation very tricky.
Breathability is really important, more so than how waterproof it is in parts of the world where cold, dry days are commonplace. Just remember to match the level of insulation to the forecast, and you’ll be fine. Stuffing a bulky pair of winter gloves into a back pocket can be awkward, so if you are concerned that the temperature is going to rise mid-ride, set out with a pair of thin liner gloves beneath a modestly insulated pair of winter gloves. Then, if it does turn out nice, you can stow these instead.
Finally, choose gloves that will enable you to grip your bars securely - many have silicon grippers embedded in the palm. The right pair of gloves will keep you warm, dry and protect your palms from vibration and road rash.
