Cycology Life Behind Bars MTB Gloves
68g £25.00

The Cycology Life Behind Bars MTB Gloves ae a full finger model that Cycology say are aimed at “riders seeking maximum bar feel.” Several weeks and 550 mixed terrain miles later, I also broadly agree with their claims they’re a “Lightweight comfortable protective glove suitable for any type of rider”.

Pros: Grippy palm, effective against vibratio, good protection from sun, stones, thorns, and similar trail hazards,temperate, even in warmer weather.

Cons: Not a con per se but very much a spring/summer design.

Specification

45% Synthetic Leather, 38% Polyester, 9% Polyamide, 5% PVC, 3% Elastane. Standard spec, although as with other materials there are different grades.

The screen-printed backs, though thin, feel suitably rugged and stretchy and I was pleased to spot a gusset between thumb and forefinger, which bodes well for longevity-especially if you spend a lot of time on the hoods. The hook and loop Velcro closure is sensibly proportioned, finished off with a subtle retro-reflective logo. Cuffs were cut about right for me and there’s a very subtle, yet very useable tag designed for easier donning and removal.

Palms are also surprisingly thin but feature a single layer of synthetic leather with laser-cut perforation for some airflow/ventilation. An acre of bold (and in my view, stylish) silicone artwork bodes very well for grip in all contexts. Palms are pancake flat, which may come as a culture shock. While I get along with most padding, including localised ulnar defending stuff, some are more compatible than others. Gel designs tend to be more of a lottery than foams for me. Stitching is uniform throughout and reinforced at key points.

Sizing/Fit 3.75

Most brands’ sizing charts are reliable these days and sizing issues attributable to buyer error. Cycology is no exception and runs a 90-day returns policy, so you can return them in case of sizing mishap provided you’ve not used them. I was medium on paper and yep, medium fitted me like the proverbial. In keeping with the best bar connection narrative, the fit is very snug, but I’ve never struggled to whip them on/off. They could also double as liner gloves during winter when a little added warmth is often welcomed.

Performance 3.75/5

Marketed as an mtb garment, byways and trails were the obvious starting point. The uniformly flat palm and extensive silicone grips were the perfect pairing with Denise’s T-One Mr Fantastic Handlebar Tape . The first fortnight’s testing was decidedly arid but when the rains came, the two silicone surfaces provided a leach-like union, meaning I could just gently hold he bars and concentrate on navigating winding singletrack.

This narrative remained consistent, regardless of ride duration and particularly welcome at the close of a day’s outing where tiredness is creeping in like coastal fog. Cycology’s 8-day bar tape dressing my Holdsworth’s bars is a generous 235cm long (uncut) but much thinner (1.49mm by my vernier).

Not a surprise in some respects, but the union on fast paced road rides was similarly impressive. Palms still offered excellent insulation against fatigue and nagging low level vibration. No tingling, numbness or similar intrusive nasties.

This period was characterised by temperatures in the high 20s, early 30s and while my hands were warmer than they might be wearing mitts, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the backs wicked moisture while similarly offering better defence against the sun, insects and other unexpected airborne stuff.

Being the UK, these periods of heat tend to cease with some seriously heavy downpours. Sure enough, they arrived and while the fabric will turn soggy relatively quickly-15 minutes, they’ll dry in similar time, given a break in the cloud and a moderate breeze. At the cooler end of late summer evenings, the long fingers and closed backs have also locked in some welcome warmth.

It’ll probably come as no surprise to discover dexterity is excellent- rummaging in pockets for change, keys, multi-tools, tackling a puncture/tyre switch are all easily tackled, although pump handles tended to dig in, when raising flaccid mid-section gravel and touring rubber to higher pressures. Oh, and the acres of silicone mean dependable gun-slinger quick bottle grabs especially when it’s belting down. The bold orange and graphics also seem to catch the attention of other road users, especially when signalling-another plus, especially on overcast days.

Care /Durability 3.5/5

There’s been a little patina forming but broadly blends in with the orange and black livery. The fabric has taken the usual, everyday trail stuff in its stride. No hint of bobbling, or similar damage thus far. The thumb/forefinger gusset also seems to be doing its thing very effectively. I’ve worn ours for a fortnight straight before they’d begun emitting a low but palpable funk. They hand wash very nicely- soapflakes, or warm, soapy water restores the bright, fragrant theme. Bargain on them being line drying in around 40 minutes, 20 minutes plucked from a 30-degree machine wash, given the spin cycle.

Value 3.5/5

£25 is gentle on the wallet but there are some capable of giving them a run for your hard earned. Madison Roam are £26.99. While generally impressed, the foam padding’s design was less supportive in some off-road contexts. Endura Hum Vee Plus Glove II are available in four colours, feature breathable backs, gel padding at the palms and articulated knuckles.

Originally £29.99, they’re reduced to £22.49, which may sway some folks. Specialized Body Geometry Grail Long Finger Gloves have been around for a few years, boast the brands’ body geometry ulnar defending tech and thin, breathable backs for hot weather comfort. However, at £37, they’re a good bit dearer.

Castelli Unlimited Long Finger Gloves Black are another design claiming to offer optimal comfort in all riding contexts and temperatures between 12 and 27 degrees. In common with the others discussed here, they also feature perforated backs, grippy rubberised palms and their “damping” system.

However, at £50 they’re twice the Cycology’s asking price. Oxford North Shore 2.0 are arguably closer to a pure mtb design, complete with armoured knuckles, a flat Amara palm and Velcro closures. At £22.99 they’re a little cheaper but lack the Cycology’s graphic pzazz and acres of grippy silicone.

Summary

I’ve found the Cycology Life Behind Bars MTB Gloves capable all-rounders and the absence of gel, or foam padding hasn’t been an issue, even off road. However, as many will point out, beefy natural silicone bar tape undoubtedly helps. Grip, dry or wet is superb and though again, silicone/infused blends undeniably help, it’s similarly reliable on more traditional coverings. The snug fit also means they can be run as liner gloves, beneath a full-finger winter model. Or indeed, beneath more relaxed, dare I say, classic road mitts in more changeable weathers- spring and early autumn being prime examples.

Verdict: 3.5/5 Versatile long finger gloves for road or trail duties and mild to hot conditions.

Michael Stenning

Cycling Clothing, Gear & Accessories | Cycology Clothing UK (cycologygear.co.uk)

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2024

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