While not cycling specific, the Extremities Super Windy glove has a lot of the features you'd look for to keep your paws warm on winter rides. Designed as a more general outdoor and walking type glove, the Super Windy is a windproof softshell type with an insulated interior for maximum warmth.
The Super Windy is incredibly light for its level of warmth, with Gore Windstopper fabric used in the outer and fluffy fleece inside. Fingers are shaped for added dexterity and have lighter weight wind-resistant fabric along the sides for ease of movement. There's elastication at the cuff and the sueded synthetic palm also has silicone grip strips and you get the same down each finger. The gloves fasten together with a nifty little clip so you don't lose one in your bag. It's a simple design and well implemented.
In use, these are very warm, ideal for the depths of winter or nocturnal jaunts. Their wind resistance is impressive, yet the fabric is still breathable enough and it works in partnership with the fleece lining well enough that my hands stayed dry rather than clammy.
These gloves are designed for cold, dry conditions, and as such are not intended to be waterproof, although the fabric has a water repellent finish that means they will keep out all but the most persistent heavy rain for a good while.
Dexterity is surprisingly good, with GripShift and Rapidfire shifters proving no problem at all. STI-type shifters are a little trickier but I could use them okay once I'd got the hang of it.
The cuffs are a decent length and they're comfortable whether tucked neatly under a jacket cuff or even over the top, and finger length is generous without being over long. Surprisingly, given the lack of cushioning, I suffered no noticeable tingling or numbness and the gloves remained comfortable throughout long rides.
These aren't the cheapest gloves, but bearing in mind that they are useful for all sorts of outdoor wear and not just cycling, they remain a good investment.
Verdict
A simple, well executed design with excellent warmth and windproofing. Versatile and ideal for use both on and off the bike.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Extremities Super Windy gloves
Size tested: Black, Small
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?
Aimed at all outdoor users.
For cold dry days in the depth of winter.
Does just what it claims to.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
60% polyester
25% nylon
15% polyurethane
Gore Windstopper outer fabric
Fleece pile interior
Synthetic leather palm
Silicone grip pattern on palm and fingers
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Very well made from high quality components and fabrics
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Very warm and keep hands comfortable and dry
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
There's not much to go wrong. The fleece will become less fluffy with time and the water repellency will eventually need to be reapplied, but they will still be warm gloves. They're also washable at 30°C.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
9/10
Extremely light for the level of warmth they offer.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Very comfortable and warm, both on and off the bike.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Good value considering they are so versatile.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Excellent performance.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Versatility, simplicity, warmth, comfort
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Definitely.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, especially those who particularly suffer from the cold.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Wear anywhere gloves with excellent levels of warmth and comfort.
Age: 37 Height: 1.65m Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,
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1 comments
Available for £22 on Sports Direct website, which is where I got mine from & can I add they're well toasty. Bit cumbersome with STI shifters but not a major problem. Waved goodbye to winter frostbite.