As the name suggests, these are gloves for cold weather. Caratti say they're for days when the temperature is 10°C or below. I feel the cold about as much as anyone I know – usually suffering in silence, I might add [cough! – Ed] – but even I found these too warm at 10°C. About 8°C is the warmest I'd be wearing these, lower for many other people. Of course, it might depend on how far you're going and how hard you're riding too.
They're made from a mixture of polyester and nylon with 3M Thinsulate providing the insulation. The fleecy interior is very comfy and you can't pull the inner away from the outer when you take your hand out because they're joined together (there's little more annoying than that halfway through a ride).
The exterior fabric is windproof and water resistant, although rain does seep in gradually on very wet rides. Textured palms and fingers help with grip on damp handlebar tape and reinforcement in key areas should help with durability.
The elasticated cuffs are plenty long enough to avoid draughts around your wrists while the wipe on the back of the thumb is handy for shifting sweat and – let's be honest – snot.
The reflective piping on the back of each hand is a useful addition for night riding while the logo on the forefinger is stitched rather than stuck on, so it's there for the long haul.
You'd have to say that these are pretty bulky gloves, and I sometimes found it difficult to distinguish between the two Shimano STI levers while wearing them, but I'd rather that than cold hands. Once your hands get cold, you're on a slippery slope to a cut-short ride or, at least, you're going to start enduring it rather than enjoying it.
All in all, these are really good gloves for the price.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Caratti Deep Winter Gloves
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Caratti say, "Designed with seriously cold days in mind. These gloves are for 10 degrees and below and you may find you have to wear fewer layers because of them. Be ready for what the coldest winters have to throw at you."
I found these too warm at 10°C, and there are desert lizards that cope with the cold better than me. I'd say the top of their range is about 8°C or something like that, so you'll still get plenty of use from them over the winter.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Caratti list these features:
* Water Resistant/Windproof Material
* Breathable Quick Dry Fabics
* Stitched Logo
* Reflective Piping
* Reinforced Palm Padding
* Full Palm Gripper
* Thumb Sweat Wipe
* Elasticated High Wrist Cuff
* Fleeced Interior
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
There's not a great deal to get wrong here, but everything is done well.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
They're warm – a bit bulky, but warm.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
The fleecy inner and the level of warmth on offer make these very comfortable.
Rate the product for value:
9/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
You might want better protection from the rain or more lever-feel, but these do offer plenty of warmth.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The insulation. And I prefer gloves with elasticated rather than Velcro cuffs; they're easier to use and don't catch on other clothing.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The bulky fingers can make changing gear a little awkward with certain setups.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
These are solid, no-nonsense gloves at a reasonable price. They don't try to do anything clever, they just keep your hands warm in cold weather. They'll serve you well over the winter.
Age: 43 Height: 190cm Weight: 75kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,
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