Taken from Dirt issue 63, May 2007 

Gloves are a bit of a personal one, and finding the best pair isn’t made any easier by the sheer number on offer to you. Fox alone seem to produce about a thousand different designs (OK, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration), and they’re only one of many, the choice is verging on ridiculous.

The first and obviously most important quality to look for in a glove is fit, and considering the fact that I don’t think I’ve ever come across two pairs that fit the same, I would never buy mine without trying them on first. Sod trying to save a few pennies on the internet, just go to a shop, that’s why they’re there.

The type of glove is just as personal, some of you will prefer a thin and lightweight pair, while others will want a thick padded palm and lots of protection. I personally prefer a thinner glove, but that said in the colder months I do use some slightly thicker ones.

There are a few things like full–fingers (I can’t see why anyone would want to ride in mitts) with grip aiding rubber on the end of them, good quality construction/materials, and a nice bit of terry towelling to wipe your nose on, which everyone is going to want, but pretty much everything else comes down to personal taste.  

TROY LEE XC

The Dirt race team glove of choice; minimal palm padding, great fit, and so unrestrictive that it feels like you’ve got nothing on. Perfect for everything except full–on winter.

2014 Model Price: £23.490 (RRP £ 25.95), available from Chain Reaction Cycles

FOX UNABOMBER

These fit me absolutely spot on, feel as thin as any XC offering, and yet with the carbon armour they’ve got all the protection you’re ever going to need. A great summer DH glove.

Price: £27.35 (RRP £37.99), available from Chain Reaction Cycles.

ALPINESTARS DUAL

Very slightly padded palm, and a long cuff, but these gloves offer great freedom of movement and feel, and they are incredibly well made. 

Price: £19.66 (RRP £24.59), available from FC-Moto.

SPECIALIZED ENDURO

A great all-round glove, although I reckon they’re best kept for slightly cooler days. The double reinforced heel increases durability without reducing ’feel’.

2014 Model Price: £33.99 (RRP £40.00), available from Freeborn.

661 DESCEND

Great protection but with an incredible freedom of movement. These feel like they’ll last years, but they start to stink from day one. Not for hot days. 

Price: £24.74 (RRP £32.99), available from Tredz.

KONA COWAN

Medium weight, thin palmed glove with Kevlar heel protection and reinforcement in the problem areas, plus a carbon knuckle protector and a good snot wipe.

Price: £19.99, available from  Cycle-Route.

RACE FACE EVOLVE

Simple, durable, comfy, well vented, a nose wipe big enough even for hay fever sufferers, this could well be the perfect summer trail glove. 

Price: £27.95, Silverfish 

SOMBRIO FORENSIC

Ultra comfortable cuff–less design, very well vented with a durable double layer palm. Quite small sizing, but feels great when you find the right one.

Price: £20.00, Paligap 

OAKLEY FACTORY PILOT

The double cuff design ensures the super thin palm doesn’t bunch, and produces a great fit. Lots of protection elsewhere, just not much room for a ‘mechanics thumb’.

Price: £35.89, available from Patrol Store.

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