Dion Lewis
Sub-zero temperature isn’t ideal for cycling. Our body can handle a certain level of cold unprotected. So, you have to ride your bikes in this condition with adequate protection. While cycling in cold weather, you can neither compromise in riding nor in hand protection.
Reason for buying a separate glove pair for sub-zero temperatures
Why do you need an extra pair for sub-zero? So that you can keep yourself protected enough. The wind is chilly and without thermal protection, first, your fingers and then hands will go numb in no time.
Without the right gloves, frostbite may occur in your finger. It’s devastating to experience numbness while riding. You won’t have dexterity, let alone comfort.
A glove pair for sub-zero temperatures will provide you warmness and comfort while riding below 32 degrees. So, for an unimpeded ride in this kind of extreme weather condition you have a lot of reason to buy a separate glove pair.
What will you consider while buying cycling gloves for sub-zero temperatures
If the gloves can provide warmness at sub-zero temperature then it may be adequate for lots of cyclists. There are a lot of criteria. If you don’t want to check them out all just look for the gloves that give you adequate thermal protection in 32-40 degrees. They will suffice.
But nowadays, People want to know more. Like, it’s better if you can use your smartphone wearing it. So there are a lot of factors to be considered.
- Windproof: Gloves for sub-zero temperature must be windproof. Or else your hand may get numb after sometimes you ride in that condition. Frostbite can occur too.
- Waterproof: Generally, the air is dry in sub-zero conditions. You may not experience water or rain. But it is better to have extra features like waterproof or water-resistance. You can be prepared for any situation.
- Affordability: The price range of sub-zero gloves varies because of the features. Though their price is high, there will be always something affordable.
- Weight: Weight is an important factor to consider. If it is too bulky then you will face problems while controlling the bike. It is better to be lightweight.
- Fabrics and Material: Lots of companies have their trademark fabrics for these kinds of gloves. You should seek out those. Whether the gloves are windproof or waterproof, it depends on the fabric. Like, synthetic material is suitable in sub-zero conditions than cotton. If the material is thicker than enough, the sensitivity might decrease. Breathability also depends on fabrics and build quality. An increase in this feature means an increase in comfort.
- Cuff and Palm: Cuff can be short or long, tight fit or strapped. It depends on user choice. Palms should have a good grip. Therefore palm materials are important. Using silicone or rubberized palm will enhance grip as well as bike control.
- Price: We wrote before that, these products aren’t cheap. Here, for an extraordinary price, you will get an extraordinary product with lots of features and durability.
Besides these, you might need to use the smartphone. So you should check out if they are touch compatible.
Our Top Pick(s)
So a glove pair for sub-zero temperatures is essential for biking in this condition. After a lot of research and testing the popular cycling gloves brands, we have chosen the Castelli Estremo Winter Cycling Gloves as the best cycling gloves for extreme temperatures.
A glove dedicated to those who ride in extremely cold weather. One of the best (to us, the best) sub-zero cycling glove in the market. With its fantastic build quality, it provides adequate warmth, comfort, and protection in extremely cold weather conditions. For a high-quality product, this is expensive but worth the money.
A quick view of our selected cycling gloves that are good for subzero temperatures:
| Cycling Gloves | Why we chose this | Review |
|---|---|---|
| Castelli Estremo | Perfect for subzero | Read our review |
| Pearl Izumi | Provides enough thermal protection | Read our review |
| KINGSBOM | Good for moderate cold weather | Read our review |
| INBIKE | Value champion | Read our review |
| OZERO | Multipurpose | Read our review |
| Cevapro | Budget choice for mild winter | Read our review |
Compare the selections
6 best cycling gloves you can buy today for subzero temperatures
We have compared six pairs of gloves here. Each of them is unique and has different features. We focused on features like windproof, waterproof, touchscreen abilities while reviewing.
1. Castelli Estremo: The best. Costly but worth the price
Pros:
- Windproof
- Showerproof, and Water-resistant
- Better Grip, Nerve Protection and Microsuede thumb panels
- Pretty Good Build Quality
- Machine Washable
- No Compromise on Quality
Cons:
- Not completely waterproof
- Isn’t touchscreen compatible
- Bulky
- Non-reflective
- Costly
With its fantastic build quality, provides adequate warmth, comfort, and protection in extremely cold weather conditions. This glove fulfills all the requirements for a hardcore sub-zero glove. For a high-quality product, this is expensive but worth the money.
➥ Read Castelli Estremo’s detailed review here
2. Pearl Izumi: Unique style. Great thermal protection
Pros:
- Finger dexterity maximized
- Machine washable
- Unique lobster style
- Windproof
- Waterproof
- Hook and loop closure
- Wiping material on the thumb
- Reflective
Cons:
- Not touchscreen compatible
- Costly
- Lobster style isn’t suitable for everyone
- Size is an issue
The unique style of lobster gloves by Pearl Izumi is one of their finest products. It provides enough thermal protection. Also, it has most of the features that all sub-zero gloves should have. This glove is costly but effective.
3. KINGSBOM: Affordable
Pros:
- Windproof
- Waterproof
- Unisex
- Reflective
- Touchscreen compatible
- Silicone Gel Pad on Palm
- Great Insulation
- Affordable
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Size isn’t completely accurate
- Not perfect for all-weather
Kingsbom gloves are high-quality thermal gloves that provide enough protection in cold weather. It comes with 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation. Good for sub-zero temperature, but not suitable below 25F or in wet weather for a long time. This is a pretty good cold weather cycling gloves pair.
4. INBIKE: Best value for money
Pros:
- Windproof
- Good grip
- Touchscreen compatible
- Reflective
- Adjustable Hook Loop Fastener
- True to its size
Cons:
- Not Waterproof
- Not Unisex
- Bulky
- Not suitable for ultra-extreme cold weather
Inbike gloves are unique in the sense that they have adjustable hook loop fastener and fleece lining. And also it has the best value for money. Good grips, touchscreen features are available but they aren’t waterproof. You can count on them at 25-32F but below that, they won’t be much of a support.
5. OZERO: Multipurpose cycling gloves
Pros:
- Windproof
- Water-Resistant
- Touchscreen compatible
- Silica Gel on palm, index, and middle finger
- Cheap
Cons:
- Not unisex
- Size isn’t completely accurate
- Not waterproof
- Not suitable below 30F
This pair of glove is probably the cheapest sub-zero glove. They aren’t good below 28-30F temperature, other than that these gloves are good to go for a ride. These are water-resistant but they will soak water if in presence of it a long time.
6. Cevapro: Budget pair of gloves for mild winter
Pros:
- Windproof
- Water-resistant
- Good grip
- Superior dexterity
- Touchscreen compatible
- Unisex
- Cheap
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Heavy rain may hamper durability
- Isn’t suitable below sub-zero temperature
- Not true to its size
These gloves are filled with fleece that keeps the inside warm enough. They are touch compatible but works only in just sub-zero temperature or above. These gloves are a good choice because of flexibility and skid-proof design.
Castelli Estremo: Is it the best winter cycling gloves?
This is one of the best deep winter gloves from Italian company Castelli. With its fantastic build quality, Castelli Estremo provides adequate warmth, comfort, and protection in extremely cold weather conditions. Check out our Castelli Estremo winter cycling gloves reviews.
Do neoprene gloves keep your hands warm?
Yes, they do. This material is synthetic rubber. Neoprene provides good insulation. It blocks outer wind from entering the gloves and also your body heat can’t get out of the insulative material easily. It is water and heat resistant.
How do cyclists stay warm in the winter?
The simple answer is- wearing an extra layer of thermal fabrics. In winter, Cyclists generally use those types of garments that can block wind and trap their body heat. Some other stuff they do for protection is:
- Wearing winter gloves, shoes, helmets
- Take substantial calorie before the ride
- Carry additional food
- Perform a warm-up exercise before the ride
Conclusion
Cycling in the sub-zero condition is a bit risky but with enough safeguards, one can overcome that risk. A glove is mandatory in this matter. All gloves aren’t suitable for sub-zero conditions. So, before riding in extreme conditions, you must check out gloves’ durability, feature, and cold protection ability.
