GripGrab Hi Vis Hurricane Gloves

The GripGrab Hi Vis Hurricane gloves are described as 'comfortable cross-season' gloves designed with a 'comfort zone' between 5 and 15 C. I was pleasantly surprised to find my hands were still comfortable even when the wind chill brought temperatures close to freezing.

The fabric is a mix of 90% polyester, 5% polyamide and elastane, a combination that's easy to live with, and with technical properties that should do the job very well. Not keen on day-glow? Well there's also a black version with retro-reflective detailing.

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The details are of the standard I'd expect. The thumbs feature a generous, thin pile sweat pad while the finger ends are gadget-friendly digits and carefully distributed helpings of silicone ensure reliable purchase on most surfaces.

Construction seems slightly better than many competitors, with stitching consistently neat throughout and reinforced at key points. Machine washing at 30 degrees hasn't revealed any weaknesses either, so I'd expect a few seasons' hard use from them.

The shallow neoprene cuffs came as a slight surprise after using deep-winter gloves with more coverage, but this didn't present any problems in the real world. This design also works better in early spring, when we're more inclined toward long sleeve base layers and jerseys, with a micro jacket in reserve.

GripGrab intends the Hurricanes to be water- and wind-repellent, which in practice means they will, eventually turn soggy in more persistent rain. However, they dry pretty quickly following sharp showers and the insulated fleece lining and neoprene cuffs retain heat during this phase. I've been out for two and a half hours in 2°C before the wet and cold became apparent.

The Hurricanes are designed to be a really snug fit for optimum dexterity. Our size large pair proved ideal for me and I didn't need to take them off when rummaging in jersey pockets for snacks or keys, or operating compact cameras.

Command of touch screen technology is equally reliable and the Dr Gel ulnar defending padding does just that. Some bar wraps offer better purchase than others but the Hurricanes have consistently impressed me across the board. Silicone rubbers such as Guee proved the perfect marriage but corks, low density foam and leather came close seconds.

Read more: Best cycling winter gloves — keep your hands warm and dry

Older, glossy wraps, such as Bike Ribbon can be slippery customers when it's raining dogs but there've been no nervous moments to date. The same goes for braking and shifting.

Cold hasn't been a problem, although the permeable outer membrane results in a curious drafty sensation, even though it keeps out the cold. I've only been conscious of slight chill when the temperature fell from 4 to 1 degree and with it, an icy crosswind.

On this occasion I was halfway through a two hour loop and feared this would worsen. Periodically moving my hands from the hoods, shaking them to improve circulation solved this. It's worth noting I was riding fixed at this point, honking on the climbs, shoulders playing a more active part also helped.

Subsequent outings on my geared bikes proved unproblematic,. Prodding STi paddles, or reaching for the down tube shifters was enough to keep my blood circulating, banishing this discomfort.

At the other extreme, on the few occasions when temperatures have broken double digits, my hands haven't felt clammy or uncomfortable. Admittedly, there's some minor, misty dampness until the fibres begin eviction proceedings but it doesn't linger.

Ultimately, there are some compromises here. Riders needing completely impervious gloves will need to look elsewhere but otherwise, the GripGrab Hurricanes deliver on their design brief and are well worth a closer look.

Verdict

Comfortable gloves for the cooler months that don't limit dexterity