Are your cycle rides leaving you in pain? Do you find numbness in your hands interfering with proper bike control during your ride? Will the best cycling gloves for hand numbness really make a difference? What could numbness and pain in your hands mean? Will this get you off the cycling trail permanently? 

These may be among the hundreds of questions buzzing through your helmet as you research the reasons and solutions for the numbness and discomfort, or pain, in your hands at the end of a long ride. We’re glad you’ve clicked your way to this article! 

We’re going to talk you through a 7-item analysis and review of the best cycling gloves to relieve pain and numbness! The following sections will give you an idea about why numbness/pain occurs during long cycling trips, and what you can do to prevent it. 

REVIEWING OUR PICKS

Best overall Cycling Gloves

All the cycling mitts analysed on our list are great at what they do – they stabilise your hands and wrists on longer rides, protect from road rash, and keep you dry.

Our favorite: the Hikenture Unisex Cycling Gloves  

These gloves score high for their functional easy-on, easy-off loops, their second-skin fit with high breathability, and 5mm SBR padding with anti-slip silicone strips. These features, along with the below-the-wrist fit, all at a price of $15.98 push the Hikenture Cycling Gloves to top position in our countdown!

Best Biking Gloves for minimising numbness and pain in the hand

Pearl Izumi and Hikenture score very high on this factor in our countdown list. 

Izumi’s strategic 1:1 padding configuration ensures great fit and highly effective stress relief, particularly in the Ulna and Median nerves to prevent numbness and pain in the hands and wrists.

Hikenture Cycling Gloves have the combined effect of elastic fit fabric, 5mm SBR padding, and below-the-wrist fit to stabilise the hands and wrists and dampen extra vibrations and jerks on longer rides.

Biking Mitts with Best Features

Nicewin’s high-level knuckle-protection technology ups the game in stabilisation and crash-protection for the hands. Their breathable spandex 3-layer sandwich fabric technology makes this an all-weather glove that helps your hands stay ventilated, yet protected. The touch-screen feature is also a great bonus.

Hikenture cycling mitts feature great padding, second-skin fit and extension over the wrist for weather-proofing your rides and stabilising your hands on the longer rides. The gloves are compatible with any smart-devices you might use as well. 

Aegend’s Warm weather gloves also have some really cool features for you to check out: thermal thinsulate heat retention fabric, touch-screen enabled finger-tip fabric, zippered pouch on the glove for emergency storage, and high-level padding for minimizing discomfort and maximising comfort are worth a second look. 

Best Budget Gloves for Cycling

Most of the gloves on our list stay at an average below $20 price, and with offers and promotions you could look forward to getting a great deal on any of these products! 

Currently, Firelion Cycling Gloves came out on top as the best budget gloves from our list, while also offering good padding and functionality for a beginner’s biking glove.

HTXPloo, Grebarley, and Hikenture also stay way below the $20 mark and are great budget cycling gloves that offer an impressive combination of features.

Best Value For Money

We like what Nicewin has on offer for around $20. The added protection and padding with all-weather functionality make these gloves feature high in this category.

Here are the 7 cycling gloves for hand numbness we’ve researched and reviewed for you: 

1) Pearl Izumi Women’s Select Glove
2) HTZPLOO Bike Gloves
3) Hikenture Cycling Gloves for Men Women
4) FIRELION Cycling Gloves
5) NICEWIN Cycling Gloves
6) Aegend Touch Screen Warm Cycling Gloves
7) Grebarley Cycling Gloves

Let’s start here:

FAQ – WHAT IS HAND-NUMBNESS AND WHY DO MY HANDS GO NUMB WHEN I RIDE MY BIKE?
Very simply, hand-numbness, or pain, is a common occurrence experienced by cyclists who go on longer rides. It is similar to when you sit on the floor for too long and your leg(s) or foot goes to sleep, or when you sleep on your arm and experience pain there when you wake up. 
The cause for numbness and pain in your hands on the longer bike rides is the same: your hands have been under stress or pressure for an extended period on your bike. This could be because your bike is not fitted right, might lack in suspension, your posture exerts a lot of pressure on your hands, or you may be holding your hands static for too long.
It is a common occurrence in mountain bikers, road-bikers, or any bike-style rider who goes on longer rides. 

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

There are many ways to relieve stress and pressure over your hands on long rides, but one of the simplest, and most effective ways is to use cycling gloves!

Yes, cycling gloves do a lot more than just make you look ultra cool! In fact, we have a short section in this article that tells you why you should invest in a pair of cycling mitts if you are a frequent biker. 

HOW CYCLING GLOVES RELIEVE PAIN AND NUMBNESS

Cycling mitts relieve stress that result from excessive jerking and vibrations on rough terrain. Most cycling gloves are fitted with padding around the palm to dampen jerks and jolts. They also act as a buffer and protect hands from road rash in case of an accident. 

Surprisingly, many cyclists remain unaware of how much their hands suffer when unprotected. They only realise what a difference they make when they start using them!

7 Best Cycling Gloves for Hand Numbness – Analysis

1. PEARL IZUMI Women’s Select Glove

FABRIC: 

  • faux leather
  • Super-breathable
  • Soft
  • Durable 

FIT: 

  • 1:1 padding configuration eliminates bulkiness, giving you great fit, even for smaller hands
  • hook and loop closure for perfect fit

PADDING: 

  • gel-foam padding, designed for women’s hands
  • pads configured to dampen vibrations, jerks and jolts
  • Designed and configured to minimise pain and numbness

Pros

  • Snug fit
  • Firm padding: effective shock absorption to relieve pain and numbness/tingling 
  • Great looks: 5 colors to choose from
  • Breathable, durable fabric
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • You may have to go one size up – might run one size too small
  • Velcro might fray fabric, caution required!
SUPER FEATURE: 
!Versatile product!
Use them as workout gloves, cycling mitts, or even as support and padding for an injured hand.

Best Cycling Gloves for Hand NumbnessBest Cycling Gloves for Hand Numbness

2. HTZPLOO Bike Gloves 

FABRIC: 

  • Polyester with ventilation holes
  • Mesh fabric for heat dissipation
  • elastic lycra

FIT: 

  • elastic fit for perfect sizing
  • ambidextrous fit for versatility

PADDING: 

  • four 5mm padding for effective shock absorption

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Porous fabric with mesh
  • Easy pull-off finger loops to slip glove off easily, even when wet
  • Towel-cloth on the thumb is extra-absorbent for wiping sweat and other leaks
  • Reflective pattern for high visibility
  • Versatile product

Cons

  • Some colors reported having more traction than others
SUPER FEATURE: 
!Easy pull-off loops!
The easy pull-off loops become functional in a wet-glove situation when snug-fitting gloves can be difficult to pull off. 

!Heightened Control Power!
High grip anti-slip gel silicone increases control power on your handlebars, even on your roughest rides.

Also Read: Trek Bikes for Seniors

3. Hikenture Cycling Gloves for Men Women

FABRIC: 

  • Spandex
  • Breathable holes to keep you cool and dry

FIT: 

  • second-skin type fit with lycra material on the back

PADDING: 

  • 5mm SBR padding 
  • Thick padding, but doesnt get in the way of shifter and brake function

Pros

  • Fits like a glove (pun intended)
  • Breathable fabric that covers hand till below the wrist for comfortable fit
  • Effective solution for hand fatigue and numbness
  • Wear-resistant and shock-proof
  • Thick SBR padding enables you to go on long rides without numbness or fatigue
  • Sun-protection on sunny rides
  • Reflective strip for high visibility
  • Compatible with smart watches/fitness bands/ fitness trackers 
  • Great customer service! Contact the manufacturer for any sizing issues.

Cons

  • You may have to go one size up – contact manufacturers for any size issues
  • Seams may need to be reinforced
SUPER FEATURE:  
!compatible with smart devices!
Don’t worry about wearing smart watches/fitness bands/ fitness trackers on your wrist, even with the Hikenture Cycling Gloves.

4. FIRELION Cycling Gloves 

FABRIC:

  • Nylon and mixture of other breathable fabrics

FIT:

  • Adjustable tightening straps fit the glove to your desired snugness

PADDING:

  • Soft, supple gel palm padding
  • Anti-slip, shock absorption features

Pros

  • Durable gel palm padding to reduce stiffness and tingling/numbness/pain in the hands
  • Functional full-finger gloves: works well in hotter weather
  • Absorbent microfibre patch on thumb helps wipe away sweat 
  • 30-day pay-back guarantee, with 12-month replacement promise!
  • Detailed sizing guide to help you get the right size

Cons

  • Sizing chart will have to be carefully adhered to: wrong size can disrupt functioning
SUPER FEATURE:  
!Touch Recognition!
Touch recognition pads on fingers enable you to operate your smart devices without removing your gloves.

Best Cycling Gloves for Hand NumbnessBest Cycling Gloves for Hand Numbness

5. NICEWIN Cycling Gloves

FABRIC:

  • Mesh fabrics on front and back allow for comfort 
  • Spandex 3-layer glove with ‘sandwich fabric’ design to allow for heightened breathability
  • Superior quality injected rubber with stereoscopic patterns

FIT:

  • Hook and fastener for perfect fit
  • Sizing and measuring guide for ensuring the right size

PADDING:

  • Silica gel printing in large-area pattern
  • Combined with SBR pattern for damping and shock absorption

Pros

  • Superior quality make
  • Light, breathable fabric
  • Enhanced padding and protection 
  • Performs well in shock absorption and relief from numbness and pain in the hand
  • Thumb features skin-friendly towel cloth for wiping away sweat
  • Mesh stitched between fingers absorb sweat very well, keeping you dry

Cons

  • Follow the sizing guide carefully
  • Touch-screen sensitivity can be a little sketchy sometimes
SUPER FEATURE:  
!High protection factor!
These gloves feature full-hand protection with knuckle and dorsal-hand padding to prevent injury.

 

Best Cycling Gloves for Hand NumbnessBest Cycling Gloves for Hand Numbness

6. Aegend Warm Cycling Gloves 

FABRIC:

  • Polyester fabric
  • Thinsulate insulation
  • Windproof shell, water-resistant layer

FIT:

  • Adaptable hook and loop closure for great fit
  • Sizing guide available

PADDING:

  • 3mm thick SBR foam for shock absorption
  • Additional reinforced microfiber pads between thumb and index for increased flexibility and shock-absorption

Pros

  • Snug fit
  • Firm padding: effective shock absorption to relieve pain and numbness/tingling 
  • Great looks: 5 colors to choose from
  • Breathable, durable fabric
  • Budget-friendly 

Cons

  • You may have to go one size up – might run one size too small
  • Velcro might fray fabric, caution required!
SUPER FEATURE: 
!fool-proof weather protection! !Superior construction and design keep heat trapped inside with heat reflective thermal polar fleece!
 !Storage pockets!!These gloves feature zippered pockets for storing essentials for easy reach!

7. Grebarley Cycling Gloves

FABRIC:

  • Lycra spandex, Microfiber super-gel
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight  

FIT

  • Stretchable elastic wrist band
  • Adjustable buckle for best fit

PADDING

  • 3-part thick silicon gel SBR pads for effective shock absorption
  • Anti Slip microsuede on palms for extra grip and padding

Pros

  • Great fit, solid construction – comparable to more expensive brands
  • Comfortable ride guaranteed with breathable fabric and SBR padding
  • Effective shock absorption to prevent hand fatigue and numbness/pain
  • Terry-wipe and easy-off pull tabs for convenience and ease of use
  • Reflective strips ensure riding safety at night
  • Comes in multiple sizes to fit different ranges

Cons

  • You may have to go one size up – might run one size too small
SUPER FEATURE: 
!Versatile product!
These gloves function well for almost all biking styles.

!Lifetime Customer Service!
Enjoy the 30-day money-back guarantee and 12 month user-warranty, along with the company’s lifetime customer service guarantee!

UNDERSTANDING HAND NUMBNESS

WHY DOES NUMBNESS OCCUR

Numbness rarely occurs when rides are short and relaxed. Over longer distances, the way your body is positioned over your bike begins to have an effect on various muscles, nerves and tendons. Everything from your riding posture to handlebar style and grip, the reach and height of your bike frame and even the type of wheels and tires on your bike can exert stress on your muscles in different ways. Stress and long-term pressure on the nerves and tendons running through the underside of your wrist cause numbness in the hands and fingers.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

There may be any number of reasons why undue pressure is being exerted on your hands and wrists. One of the most common is poor bike fitting. Experts always recommend that you invest in a high-end bike with a professional fit and the required mechanics when you plan to go riding over longer distances. The reach distance on your bicycle frame is critical for the desired posture and riding experience

Undamped jerks and vibrations through the wrists and hands over bumpy, mountainous terrain can also cause stress to the nerves near the ulna and lead to numbness during longer rides. So it is a great idea to invest in a good suspension system. Handlebar tapes also act as shock absorbers, to an extent, while ensuring you have a good grip on your bars.

WHY WEAR GLOVES?

A lot of times, cycling gloves might look like nothing more than a style statement. Is there anything more to wearing gloves, than looks?

You may be surprised at how functional a pair of gloves can be during a ride! Check out a few of the reasons cyclists wear cycling gloves, especially during the longer rides:

  1. Cycling can be an all-weather sport, if we use the appropriate equipment. Cycling gloves can be airy sweat-absorbers during the hot, sweaty weather. That’s a great advantage when sweaty palms can become slippery on handlebars. Gloves can also keep hands warm during the winter, with many functioning well into the subzero temperatures.
  2. Biking can also be dangerous, whether you are taking your bike out for a turn around the neighbourhood, or you are crashing down a mountain on a downhill race. Bare hands are easily torn in crashes and tumbles, and warrant a good pair of protective gloves, as Michael Rogers found out during the World Bicycling Championship team time trial races a few years ago.
  3. Gloves are great when you need to wipe sweat or snot away during a ride. Many manufacturers fit their products with towel-like patches for great absorption.
  4. Padding on palms and other parts of the glove add to the damping function of the suspension during the longer, more bumpier rides so that your hands and wrists are spared the shock to a great extent.      

TIPS AND TRICKS

MINI-TIPS FOR RELIEVING HAND NUMBNESS ON THE RIDE 

  • Change the position of your wrist
  • Change the position of your hands
  • Stretch before and after a ride
  • Double-wrap your handlebars
  • Wear cycling gloves
  • Relax!!
  • Take the weight off your arms

LONG-TERM ASSURANCE AGAINST HAND NUMBNESS

  • Keep to a daily workout schedule including stretches and weights to keep muscles and joints flexible
  • Get a professional bike fitting
  • Upgrade your tires
  • Reduce the reach on your bike

CONCLUSION

Gloves offer a simple solution to a common problem cyclists face. Whether you’re a pro racer, an adventure biker, or even a daily commuter, we’d recommend biking gloves for you! Tell us which your favorites are in the comments below, or whether you’d suggest another brand we haven’t included here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do cycling gloves help with hand numbness?

Ans. Along with tweaking your riding posture, the fit of your bike, and adjusting other parts for maximum comfort on your longer rides, a good pair of cycling gloves will give you the kind of support and shock-absorption you will need to ensure a pain-free, tingle-free ride.

How do I stop my hands from going numb when cycling?

Ans. We’ve provided some great long-term and short-term tips to prevent numbing of hands during a cycle ride in the TIPS AND TRICKS section.Do try them out and let us know what worked for you. Leave any tips or advice you may have for our audience, as well!

Why do our hands go numb when we ride our bike?

Ans. The nerves and tendons in the hands and wrist face a lot of stress and pressure on longer rides. Riding position, excessive shocks and frame-to-body alignment on your bike have a combined effect on your wrists and hands, causing numbness, pain, and other discomfort. 

Why do pro cyclists not wear gloves?

Ans. Many pro cyclists feel bare-skin riding gives them greater control over the bike. This can be important in sports like mountain biking where control over the bike is crucial.
Other pro cyclists have said that gear tape on the handlebars are more important for grip than cycling gloves.  
Ultimately, it’s a matter of choice! There are some pro cyclists who like the thrill of racing on a bike without any hand-protection, and others who wear cycling gloves just to look cool!

Why should you wear gloves while cycling?

Ans. Cycling gloves do a lot more than just make you look cool. They offer shock absorption to your palms and wrists over longer rides, act as sweat absorbers and protect you from the weather. They also protect you from road rash in case of an unexpected tumble.

How tight should cycling gloves be?

Ans. This is a matter of personal choice. In most cases, people like to wear biking mitts that are breathable, yet snug. 
Tight gloves are never desirable – these could do more harm than good.
It is important to follow the sizing and measuring guide, and to look through reviews to see whether sizes may run a few sizes small or big, depending on the brand.

What should I look for in cycling gloves?

Ans. When shopping for a good pair of cycling gloves, look for fabric, fit, padding, and other features based on your specific needs.

Which cycling gloves have the most padding?

Ans. We love the padding and protection on Nicewin Cycling Gloves – you get an all-round protection and padding.
Grebarley Cycling Gloves also feature competitive 3-part palm padding.

What are the warmest cycling gloves?

Ans. Aegend Warm Cycling Gloves, at No.6 on our list, feature ‘thinsulate insulation’, and ‘thermal polar fleece’ – very effective at trapping body heat in cold weather.
Here are a few excellent options for very low-temperature rides:

What are the best cycling gloves?

Ans. Our research and analysis have found that Hikenture’s cycling gloves are one of the best in the market. 
Pearl Izumi Cycling Gloves are also a very dependable brand, as well as Nicewin Cycling Gloves.