Should I Wear Gloves While Gravel Biking?

Question

Is it better to wear gloves when gravel biking?

Answer 1

The question of whether gravel bikers wear gloves or not is absolutely up to them. For some riders wearing gloves is quite practical especially on bumpy surfaces as it reduces swelling of the hand as well as prevents rubbing of the hand. Others do not like wearing gloves and prefer to touch the handles directly. It is advisable to test both and decide which is preferable.

Comments

Gloves are highly recommended, if you have a fall, your palms could be the first to get injured (ask me how I know). Avoid road shoes/cleats/pedals; get MTB ones (where the cleats sit flush with the sole) - you may likely need to walk more often than on a road ride, and on uneven terrain.

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If you live in the south of the Netherlands (Limburg - Heuvelland), gloves are not a luxury item. And certainly when there are many thorn hedges and nettles, along the country roads and singletracks.

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I also prefer no gloves on my gravel :) if I do a 160+k on my fixed then yes gloves.

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Handshoes are important in case you crash….good luck picking the stones out of your skin Manon-if you find the right one for you they’ll be comfortable.