Chiba Tour Plus Windstopper Glove

Chiba's Tour Plus Windstopper Gloves are a thin-pile, windproof design perfect for general riding in temperatures above freezing up to about 10°C.

They are a very precise fit, so I'd recommend trying a pair on, rather than guesstimating online. I'm blessed with long, willowy digits and, generally speaking, a large in gloves/mitts. Chiba's large were literally second-skin close, which, coupled with their curved fingers, maximises dexterity – no need to whip them off to operate lights, open locks or even repair a puncture. The fingertips are fully tech-compatible too.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy these online here

PU leatherette palms feature the usual silicone grippers and reinforced thumb/forefingers. They've provided superb purchase in all conditions and with all bar coverings – including notoriously slippery old school bike ribbon and Benotto tapes.

Ulnar padding is another universal feature these days but seemingly polarised into two camps: those that look the part but induce precisely the discomfort they are supposed to alleviate, and those that insulate this sensitive region from intrusive low-level vibration. This thin-pile cushioning ranks among the most comfortable I've used and proved surprisingly competent off-road, when tackling moderate forest trails on my 'cross and mountain bikes.

The neon yellow backs are brilliant for foggy rides, especially when you're signalling, but Scotchlite reflectives were conspicuous by their absence, which is disappointing by contemporary standards.

> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling gloves here

On a plus note, these disperse rider-generated heat and block icy blasts with equal finesse, so while they'll turn seriously soggy (in around 40 minutes in persistent/heavy showers) they dry pretty quickly too.

During this soggy phase they remain warm, and despite some initial suspicion, the comparatively short neoprene cuffs form an excellent seal with most jersey-cum-jackets, so no danger of wet, cold stuff getting funnelled inside. Nonetheless, I've tended to stash some Gore-Tex over-mitts in a poacher's pocket for longer rides in changeable weather.

Bottom line, these wouldn't be my first choice for winter proper, but they're a good bet for cool and relatively dry spring and autumn rides. Casual conversation with other riders suggested earlier versions were vulnerable to premature wear, but the fabric and stitching alike seem in very rude health 500 miles and two machine washes hence.

Verdict

Windproof, fully tech compatible gloves with excellent dexterity but a very precise fit