BIKE (UK)

3-season gloves

Mitts for all sorts of weather

- CN

Rukka Stancer GTX £289.99 bikerheadz.co.uk

» We all know the UK weather can change within minutes, making glove selection before any ride an issue for me. My hand covering anxiety has disappeare­d over the past 18 months thanks to Rukka’s Stancer GTX mitts. Usual high spec from the Finnish of knuckle protection, 100% waterproof due to Gore-tex, touchscree­n fingertip, neoprene stretch panel, external stitching for comfort, visor blade, double layered fingers... and all that. But the best bit for me is you can wear them on a trackday, in the pouring rain, and with heated grips in winter. High price point is justified by the fact they still look new, the cuffs go under or over jackets, two-year warranty, the Velcro is still sticky and they can be worn for 365 days of the year. Slip a paw into one and you will be purchasing instantly. PL

Merlin Rexx Hydro £99.99 merlinbike­gear.com

» It takes a sweltering summer’s day for me not to have cold hands (carpal tunnel syndrome? Raynaud’s? I really must see the quack). This means my idea of a three-season glove is something a tad cosier than most. The Rexx from British brand Merlin are sold as all-season, and the microfleec­e lining is delightful­ly snuggly. But they’re not as bulky as expected of a winter glove – they’re made from a light, flexible textile with ‘Ripstop’ panels, plus goat leather palms, waterproof membrane, D3O armour and subtle shock-absorbing ‘sheet protection’, and have a bit on the end of the finger for swiping screens (if you require such). I’m a few weeks into using them but they’re proving warm, comfy and weatherpro­of. Two-year warranty, too. MA

Richa Ghent GTX £139.99 nevis.uk.com

» Waterproof gloves with a short cuff seem daft in principle, but I’ve used these a fair bit in cooler conditions, including doing the NC500 on a Honda Grom. Don’t ask. And I really like them: the Gore-tex holds fast, the shorty design makes them less clumpy than many warm gloves, and no issues with feel or dexterity. Insulation is decent above 5°C and they’re comfy into the mid-teens. Three years in and they’re wearing well, too. Best paired with a jacket of similar three-season capability with sleeves long enough to meet the cuffs properly – because, predictabl­y, that short cut means leaks in a deluge.

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