Among the most common ailments that cyclists experience is numbness in the hands. Not only is this numbness uncomfortable or downright painful as your hands begin tingling, but can be dangerous if you lose the dexterity needed to fully grasp your handlebars, brakes, or gear shifts. There are several things to consider if you are experiencing numb hands. One of these is getting a pair of the best cycling gloves for numbness prevention.
What Causes Hand Numbness While Cycling?
Numb hands are caused by excess pressure on the 2 main nerves that run right through your palms – the ulnar and the median. Putting too much weight on your palms while grasping the handlebars or supporting your body on the bike can quickly lead to this malady.
How to Reduce Numbness in Hands When Riding
Although gloves can play a large role, there are several factors that contribute to bicycler’s hand numbness. Check your riding habits and consider making some changes to help reduce or eliminate this numbness.
- Adjust your riding posture so that your sit bones are well planted in the seat and carrying more of your weight. This may require readjusting your seat height or angle.
- Change hand positions frequently while riding, and shake them out occasionally too to ensure proper and uninterrupted circulation.
- Be sure your gloves are a good fit – if they’re too tight they can restrict blood flow, and if they’re too loose they might bunch up right at the palm and create added pressure without you even realizing it.
What Are the Best Cycling Gloves for Numbness Prevention?
There is no single pair of gloves that solves the problem of numb hands for everyone. Some riders swear by heavily padded gloves with more cushion at the palm, while others find that even the best padded cycling gloves increase their numbness.
Some people decide to ride with no gloves at all, but this isn’t recommended as hand and handlebar sweat can cause you to lose your grip, and falling with no gloves has a higher chance of resulting in serious injury.
Most riders try multiple pairs of glove styles before finding just the right fit for their riding. Here are some of the best rated cycling gloves that reviewers report successfully minimize numbness in their hands.
Pearl Izumi Select Gloves – Men and Women’s Sizes
Overview: Pretty much every review of top cycling gloves includes an offering from Pearl Izumi, so it’s no surprise that these made their way to the top of our list. All Pearl Izumi gloves are carefully constructed with the specific needs of cyclists in mind, and these Select gloves are no exception. Many reviewers state that these are the best cycling gloves for long rides.
They feature 1:1 gel-foam padding that is anatomically placed to relieve pressure on sensitive nerves. The palm is made of a synthetic leather suede that is soft and long wearing. Palms and fingers are vented for increased air circulation so hands stay cool and moisture-free. And the thumb provides a soft low-profile wiping surface when sweat gets in the way.
Available in 12 color options. Men’s sizes range from SM – XXL, and women’s from SM – XL.
Conclusion: Recognizing that the anatomy of women’s hands is often different than men’s, the separate women’s and men’s sizes allow for a more optimal fit for men, women, and older youth. Women’s sizing is narrower across the palm and finger slots.
Giro Monaco Gloves – Unisex
Overview: Giro is well known for their broad range of cycling gear, including a variety of gloves that are made with exacting precision. The Giro Monaco Gloves are among the highest performing gloves in the Giro line-up, designed to provide solid support and comfort for mile-after-mile of long distance day riding. This lightly padded glove offers a tailored fit with a 3-paneled palm. The palm has 3mm gel pads that distribute pressure more evenly for durability and comfort with less bulk.
The gloves are made of a 4-way stretch mesh that provides a secure fit without restricting mobility, and is breathable for wicking moisture and keeping hands dry. Double stitched seams in high stress areas make for longer lasting sports gloves.
Available in a range of 5 unisex sizes, from Small to 2X-Large. Choose from 4 color options: blue/black, red/black, black/white, and white/black.
Conclusion: These are an excellent choice for those who ride long and prefer road cycling gloves with thinner, less bulky padding than is found in many others. This padding is strategically placed on the palm pressure points for the greatest relief.
(Love Giro gloves but want a more universal use for everyday recreational riding? Then check out their ever popular super fit Giro Bravo gloves, optimized for a good fit and long-lasting wear.)
Zookki Full Finger Cycling Gloves – Unisex
Overview: If you prefer complete hand coverage, you’ll want to have a look at these extremely popular full finger cycling gloves from Zookki. They’re designed with a slip-proof synthetic palm for an improved grip on the handlebars, with a thickened gel palm pad that absorbs shock and fatigue. The back is made of a tri-ply mesh lycra with 3-dimensional stretch for full finger and hand mobility while being breathable and moisture-wicking. So make no mistake, these are not warm winter gloves, they are year round full fingered gloves.
Our favorite feature is the tips of the thumbs and forefingers that are specially designed to allow usage with touch control electronics. So there’s no need to take them off to use your smartphone or iPod.
And you get all this at a lower price than many other cycling gloves. Choose from 4 color choices – red, neon green, black with red trim, or blue – and from 4 sizes ranging from Med through XX-Large.
Conclusion: The feature rich design together with the relative low price make these sports gloves a top value, and among the most popular full finger cycling gloves available.
Zookie Half Finger Cycling Gloves – Unisex Sizes
Overview: For those who love the Zookie brand but prefer exposed fingers, you’ll want to have a look at these Zookie half finger cycling gloves. These are made of the same 3-ply, 3-d breathable fabric as their full fingered counterparts above, creating a close and comfortable fit in all hand positions. The palm fabric is designed for enhanced grip and extra durability, with shock absorbing thickened palm pads, including on the outer edges of palms.
And if you’ve ever experienced the frustration of trying to quickly take gloves off of tired, warm, or damp hands, you’ll appreciate the added touch of small f abric loops between the fingers which make pulling off gloves much eaisier.
Choose from black, blue, red, or yellow, and from 4 sizes: S, M, L, and XL
Conclusion: These are cool looking gloves that have a design that stands out from the rest. Plus the extra padding along the outer edge of the palms are great for those who tend to lean and apply pressure to this part of your hands while riding.
FIRELION Cycling Gloves – Unisex
Overview: These cycling gloves from FIRELION are designed with a two way split palm padding that is strategically placed in key zones to relieve pressure on critical nerves, and minimize hand fatigue.
The microfiber palm construction is soft and comfortable and an extra absorbent thumb is useful for wiping sweat away. A nylon/spandex blend backing provides stretchable comfort and breatheability. And, the material is all machine washable, making it easier to keep gloves fresh and clean.
Choose from black, green, or red, and sizes from Medium through XX-Large.
Conclusion: These are long-lasting, thickly padded gloves that road cyclists and moderate mountain bikers will appreciate. And they’re machine washable! Note that they don’t come in a Small size, so are better suited to people with larger hands.