Castelli Slide Duo Gloves £34.99
I tend to view choosing a pair of gloves as much like choosing a saddle; it's a very personal matter and what works for one person often doesn't quite fit someone else. Finding a good quality and well-fitting pair of gloves, then, is tricky at best, but a must for cold weather riding: can Castelli's Slide Duo gloves fit the bill?
They're made from Stratosheer fabric, which, as well as sounding like something from an episode of Star Trek, offers thermal properties and wind protection. They're not very thickly padded as gloves go, and the fit is best described as 'snug' on the size L tested, the upshot of which is plenty of control at the bars and easy operating of the brakes and shifters.
The palm offers the merest hint of padding, and the material placed on the underside is non-slip. Castelli have opted for a 'slide on' style design, meaning the elasticated cuff has no means of adjustment, but happily I found them to fit just fine.
Five sizes are available, and it's worth checking the sizing carefully, as where these size L fitted perfectly, I would need size M from Gore, for example. Four colours are available.
Verdict
These are very comfortable gloves, and the thickness of the material is about right for the current temperature range. When it drops down to below zero the cold starts to bite at the fingers a little though.
Comfortable, good wind resistance, fit, ideal thickness
None yet
www.castelli-us.com
www.saddleback.co.uk
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