Bike Apparel Reviews

Giro may be best known for helmets, but it also offers a wide range of cycling-specific gloves. The company's new DND is among my favorite full-finger gloves for mountain biking because of a minimalist design that makes it almost disappear while on the bike. The single-layer Clarino palm has no padding, so there's no bunching, giving you improved control over the bike. A four-way stretch material on the back keeps the fit snug and without restriction, while providing excellent breathability. Plus, hinged index and middle fingers, at each fingers' first joint, makes the glove flexible when you need to squeeze the brake levers. The cuff-less design employs a spandex panel to keep the fit snug without adding bulky Velcro. My test gloves have survived multiple trips through the washing machine, and even an accidentally adventure into the drier. The price makes them a good value as well. The one downside is that without padding, you don't get much protection when he hit a branch or when you crash, so these may not be for everyone.—Ron Koch