Our pick of track mitts

We test five pairs of lightweight cycling gloves designed for warm-weather riding

What?

You can be a tough guy like Tom Boonen, but most people don short-fingered gloves — also known as track mitts — as part of their regular summer cycling kit.

Originally made with leather palms and crochet string backs, the finest stitched by small artisan manufacturers in Spain, track mitts are these days generally made from synthetic fibres and are designed to be as lightweight as possible while offering enough padding to cushion the hands against road buzz.

Why

Track mitts offer increased grip on the bars as well as cushioning. The levels of grip and cushioning vary from glove to glove and will be almost non-existent in the most minimal, lightweight gloves. Track mitts are also a welcome layer between skin and tarmac in an ‘off’. For many riders this is one of the top reasons for wearing them.

How

We’ve got five pairs of lightweight summer gloves together for this test and have rated them for comfort — seam placement and method of closure are as important as features such as gel pads or wipe fabric — as well as durability, aesthetics and of course value for money.