Gloves Matter

Call it Old School or throw-back, but I prefer crochet back cycling gloves with real leather palms. They are what I wore in the 80s and when I try more modern gloves I return to them. I usually have three to four pairs that I rotate conscientiously and seldom wear the same glove on successive days. High quality gloves last about a year before the typical signs of break-down become excessive; fraying, seams parting and crocheting unraveling.

I have mostly purchase Nashbar gloves because they are the least expensive (less than $12 and frequently on sale) and they have always held-up well. Planet Bike’s similar offering are generally twice as much or more; upward of $20 in some bike shops and $15 or more online. I have enough experience with both brands to recommend either. When I had an issue with a pair of Planet Bike’s, I returned them, with an explanation, and received a replacement: a reflection of their good customer service. I have never had a similar failure with Nashbar’s.

Nashbar Crochet Gloves

Planet Bike, Taurus, Crochet Leather Cycling Gloves

The third brand I wear regularly comes from Aero-Tech Designs. Unlike the other brands I have a very small sample. I bought a pair three years ago and until a few days ago that was my only pair. They had become ratty (at best) so, along with some other things I purchased a replacement pair through Amazon (less than $20). I was critical of the first pair of gloves because I thought the thumb hole was too large. In retrospect that was a pretty minor complaint because, now, years later, I prefer the fit of them over other brands. That I can still wear the original pair is pretty positive, too. Below are my new and the old Aero Techs.

ATD Cycling Gloves Natural Cotton Crochet Leather biking glove

Used

One thing you will see from the image is that I am not very concerned about the appearance of the gloves. Yes, I hand wash them occasionally and I hang them to dry, but I like the battered, road-weary look of them and don’t need a new pair if they get some bike crud on them. The old Aero Techs are beyond crud and will be retired.

One caution about these gloves  . . . you will have a waffle pattern of tanning on your hands if you ride a lot and it occasionally attracts enough attention for people to comment.

I always purchase size 9 and have never had a fit problem because they all stretch and shape themselves to my hands in a matter of a few rides.

Handling the Cold

It may seem paradoxical to talk about gloves and cold weather as Spring arrives and even moreover because here in NorthCentral Florida the cold times are neither as cold nor as lengthy as much of the rest of the U.S. experiences. Yesterday, though, I did not wear my cold weather gloves thinking I could easily tolerate 40 degrees. Tolerate I did, but comfortable would have been much better.

When I began riding the Schwinn I saw quickly the value of good gloves and my first pair were Rhode Gear crocheted back and my experience with that first pair has kept me wearing crocheted back gloves. I’ve never found anything better. They were more padded than modern gloves and the leather was either superior or the chrome tanning made them so. Nonetheless, I still prefer crocheted gloves to more modern designs. I like the feel of cotton backs better than stretchy fabric, I guess, especially when I wipe my sweaty brow.

Currently, I alternate among four pairs; three Nashbar and one PlanetBike. I have used and abused gloves from both Avenir (which I managed to lose somehow) and AeroTech Designs, but find Nashbar’s most durable. As documented previously, PlanetBike’s Kevlar gloves suffered from a manufacturing flaw which has been resolved. AeroTech’s offering, while comfortable, came apart where the velcor fastener connects to the gloves proper. A local clothing repair place fixed them, but they came apart a second time. The Avenir’s were a good fit, though they were longer and fastened higher on the wrist more like a cuff. Unlike many black gloves they did not discolor my hands when they got sweaty the first time. Maybe I will purchase another pair eventually.

Nashbar and PlanetBike Crochet Back Gloves

The one pair of non-crocheted gloves also came from AeroTech. I chose XLs and the fit proved to be bad around the thumb. I suspect Ls would fit much better. Why I chose purple is a mystery? Since neither of the AeroTechs are unusable I tucked them away as possible back-up. Yeah, I know, with four pair in use what’s the chance I will need a back-up pair?!

Aero Tech Designs and Avenir Gloves

A Large Thumb in an XL Thumb Hole

So, What about cold weather? It took time to find the right equipment, but for two years I have done quite well with a set of outer gloves and inner liner. Actual cycling gloves were more costly that seemed reasonable for the amount of time I would actually wear gloves. Harbor Freight provided a satisfactory outer shell; Goatskin Riding Work Gloves (WesternSafety - item #99583). Costing less than $10, they are durable and adequately padded in the right places. Adding a pair of inserts for sub freezing temperatures took care of all my cold weather needs; Smartwool Liner Gloves. As with many people, wool had never been a favorite fabric. Smartwool’s merino eliminated any problems. Cold fingers a never a problem, unless I am too foolish to see the need for full finger protection.

Harbor Freight and Smartwool; Not So Odd Couple

A Pleasant Surprise

My FNBS (Friendly Neighborhood Bike Shop) is my friendly neighborhood bike shop for two reason. One, they do quality work (and sell quality products) and, two, their customer service is impeccable. I suppose a third reason would be that they put up with my endless questions. Not only do they put up with the questions, they answer them. Bikes and More, the aforementioned FNBS, is my standard for measuring retailers and service in the world of bicycles.This brief preface brings me to the reason why I am not writing about my recent longer-than-usual rides.

I like crotchet back gloves and try to have at least two alternating pair in service. My favorite for fit are Taurus sold by Planet Bike. Unfortunately, the two pair I have purchased have come apart long before the less expensive variety from Nashbar. Planet Bike's advocacy program appeal to me and when I can, I buy their stuff. That their Taurus gloves surrendered long before I felt they should have bothered me. I'd been alternating a pair of each brand for several months when I noticed the Taurus were coming apart where crotchet met leather, just as had happened with my previous pair. Frustration motivated me enough to photograph the two pairs before sending the Taurus back to Planet Bike. I included a description and graphic indication showing the location of the bad seams.

In the note I also said I wasn't asking for a replacement (since I had just received two new pairs of Nashbars), nor did I expect a replacement, but wanted to express my dissatisfaction with their product in light of their espoused desire to design durable products. A week and a half later a package arrived with a pair of Taurus and a note saying they hoped a new pair would last longer.

The important thing about customer service is that it doesn't cost, it pays. Will I buy more Planet Bike products? Will I tell anyone about the gloves? Yes and yes. So, Planet Biker scores positively against the Bikes and More standard of service. Whether they meet the standard depends upon whether the new gloves fail too soon.