This is surprisingly high given the asking price. The breathable backs are a four way stretch polyester that moulds beautifully to the wearer's contours and is really stretchy, while still retaining its shape. The orange block is bold and flanked by a thin retro reflective strip, bringing a dash of presence for those dusky evenings. A sensibly sized Velcro closure tabs wears the LOMO logo and are similarly secure without being vice like. Cuffs are cut quite low around the wrist, continuing the summery, dexterous theme. 

 

In common with the brands other full finger designs, there's a really nicely aligned Terry thumb wipe for well, wiping sweaty brows, glasses and taming runny noses. Gusseting around the form and forefinger is typical of most gloves, but highly effective against premature wear, particularly with brifters/STI units   

 

Flip them over and there's a nicely contrasting grey Amara palm. Amara is a very hard-wearing synthetic hide with a texture closest to suede and has been justly popular for many years now. A generous orange ventilated mid-section pattern nestles between the gel padding and is designed to draw cooling air inside.  

A lack of silicone detailing divided opinion. Increasingly we’ve come to expect tech friendly digits as standard issue, meaning we can call, check maps, apps and other things without needing to stop and remove our gloves. Grippy silicones also improve connection with the bars, especially when it’s raining, so on paper at least, I felt this a missed opportunity, even if there was a slight price hike. By the same token, I also ride to escape the maddening crowd and relentless connectivity, so in some respects, can go without. Yup, I’m a little conflicted!   

 

Double stitching runs throughout and as we've come to expect, almost regardless of price, uniform and neatly executed. Obviously, this means they'll take on water should you get caught in a shower, submerge them in stream, river etc but then, they’re not marketed as water repellent, let alone waterproof.  

Now let’s take a closer look at the padding. The photos might imply these are EVA foam, but I was surprised to learn they are in fact gel. It’s not a squidgy type, rather feels reassuringly firm and unform throughout. Much like everyone else’s they promise to protect the ulnar region from trail buzz and similarly invasive stuff conducive to fatigue. Not to mention the tingling/numbness that can come with it.

​

At one point, there was a trend for proliferating the ulnar defending blobs everywhere and while "looking the part" these could also induce precisely the tingling, discomfort and (gulp), numbness they were supposed to alleviate.  Solid patterns arguably keep production and ultimately final purchase costs down but spoiler alert, they work surprisingly well.