Specialized BG Pro Leather Cycling Mitts

Speccialized's BG Pro Leather Cycling Mitts are really high-quality gloves with gel padding that's well positioned to avoid numb hands.

The tops are made from two different types of mesh, one of them very stretchy, while you get a soft panel on the back of each thumb for wiping away sweat and snot and anything else that comes your way. Cool air can easily get through the mesh areas and that wipe is perforated for more ventilation so your hands stay reasonably cool even on high-effort rides in the sun.

The palms are made from soft, supple Pittards leather that has stood up well to plenty of use and gradually shaped itself to my hands. I've been using these on and off for months, including under thicker gloves over the winter, and those palms and the stitching are looking good for plenty more action yet. The leather has got shinier than it was to begin with but it isn't at all worn.

All the gel padding is on the heel of your hand. That is exactly where you need it for protecting your ulnar nerve and avoiding numbness. You might miss the comfort of cushioning across the centre of the palm – personally, I like a bit of padding there on long rides, especially if the bar tape is wearing a bit thin – but that's a matter of personal preference. Some people will prefer the greater bar feel that you get with these. It's the fact that you get the padding over the sensitive nerves that really counts.

I also like the fact that these gloves fit just over your hands without extending at all up to your wrists, and the absence of Velcro tabs. When I do have gloves with Velcro on, I inevitably catch it on my jersey – or on the gloves themselves when I take them off.

The leather goes through the washing machine fine, or you can just give them a quick rinse in the shower.

Verdict

High-quality gloves with Pittards leather palms and padding that's well placed to avoid numbness