The 5 Best Mountain Bike Gloves of 2023: MTB

Mountain biking is an exhilarating adventure that demands precision, control, and protection. As any avid mountain biker knows, having the right gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride. Among the essential gear items, mountain bike gloves play a vital role in providing grip, comfort, and protection to your hands. In 2023, manufacturers have stepped up their game to offer innovative features and enhanced performance in their MTB glove offerings.

In this article, we will explore the five best mountain bike gloves of 2023. These gloves have been meticulously designed and engineered to meet the demands of the modern rider, combining durability, dexterity, breathability, and a snug fit. Whether you're tackling technical trails, downhill descents, or long cross-country rides, these gloves will keep your hands well-protected and enhance your overall biking experience.

#1: Giro Xen

Giro continues its impressive track record of delivering high-quality mountain biking gloves with the new Xen model. This glove replaces the highly-rated Remedy X2 and offers a lighter, more breathable design, improved protective padding, and a sleek, precise fit. The Xen gloves provide the best of both worlds, combining thin fabric for excellent dexterity without compromising trail feedback or handlebar feel. The strategically placed padding ensures hand safety during crashes or encounters with obstacles like tree trunks.

Giro's Superfit system remains one of the best fitting systems available, and the velcro wrist closure allows for easy adjustment according to personal preference. The Poron XRD Crash Pads on the last two digits, knuckles, and outer edge of the palm/back of the hand offer reliable protection while maintaining a lightweight feel. These gloves are suitable for various riding styles, from aggressive trail riding to gravity-fed adventures. They are also touchscreen compatible, adding convenience to the rider's experience.

With a price point that falls within the average range of tested gloves, the Xen provides good value for money. However, there are concerns about its long-term durability. Although our test gloves did not show any issues, there were a few frayed seams out of the box, indicating that the lightweight construction may be susceptible to potential manufacturing defects. Additionally, the velcro wrist closure may not be as durable as desired. Nevertheless, the Xen stands out as the most comfortable and versatile glove we have encountered, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to mountain bikers seeking top-notch performance.

#2: Giro Trixter

In our recent testing, the Giro Trixter has dethroned the long-standing best buy, the Giro DND, and emerged as our top pick for those seeking value. This new model from Giro offers a basic, minimalist design that is budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for riders who may need to replace gloves after a rough crash or extended use. We found the Trixter to be incredibly convenient and comfortable.

Featuring a strapless design with a flexible lycra cuff, the glove is easy to put on and provides a snug fit around the wrist. The overall fit on the hand is also snug, without excessive material. The flexible AX Bolt fabric allows for a full range of motion without any feeling of restriction or binding. Perforated mesh between the fingers ensures airflow, and Giro claims that the AX Bolt fabric's Instachill technology provides a cooling effect when you start sweating. Moreover, the Trixter includes touchscreen-capable index and thumb tips, adding to its convenience.

When out on the trail, these gloves excel at their minimalist design by becoming practically unnoticeable. The comfortable fit, thin palm material and breathability eliminate the need for constant adjustments or distractions while riding. They easily slip from your mind as you focus on the trail ahead. It's worth noting that the Trixter, like most minimalist gloves, is not recommended for use in cold or wet weather. During our early-morning rides, we wished for a warmer option. Additionally, due to the lack of padding, these gloves may not provide the highest level of protection. However, for general trail riding in moderate conditions, you won't find a better value than the Giro Trixter.

Overall, the Giro Trixter stands out as an excellent choice for riders seeking a minimalist glove that offers convenience, comfort, and affordability. While it may not be suitable for extreme weather or offer the same level of protection as heavily padded gloves, its performance and value make it a top contender in its category.

#3: Dakine Covert

Our testing of the recently redesigned Dakine Covert left us thoroughly impressed. Right out of the package, it's evident that these gloves are exceptionally well-made. Every detail is impeccable, with not a single thread out of place, and the internal seams are remarkably clean compared to other gloves we've tried. Even after a month of rigorous testing and covering hundreds of miles, the gloves still looked as good as new. If you're seeking a pair of gloves that will stand the test of time, the Dakine Covert is the perfect choice. For those in search of a similarly well-constructed glove with added padding, the mid-weight Dakine Cross-X is worth considering.

The updated version of the Covert has transitioned from a mid-weight glove to a more minimalist construction. The back of the glove features a thin and breathable four-way stretch shell, while the synthetic suede palm remains consistent with the previous model. These gloves prioritize a slim fit and minimal padding to ensure a strong connection with your grips. Additionally, the index finger and thumb include silicone pads to enhance traction with shift and brake levers. Despite the absence of a velcro closure at the wrist, the gloves are stretchy enough to easily put on. The index finger is also touchscreen-compatible, allowing you to use your devices without removing the gloves. It's important to note that due to their minimalist design, these gloves may not be suitable for cold or wet weather conditions or heavy-duty riding. However, for fair-weather trail riding, they are truly fantastic.

#4: 100% Cognito D30

Among the various padded gloves we tested, the 100% Cognito D30 stood out as the top choice for knuckle protection. This model offers all the standard features expected from a quality mountain bike glove, such as silicone fingertip patches, touchscreen compatibility, and abrasion-resistant materials, while also incorporating impressive protective padding.

The knuckles are safeguarded by a row of impact-absorbing D30 pads, providing reliable defense against hard impacts from trees or rocks. Unlike many padded gloves, the Cognito D30 maintains a comfortable and flexible feel on the hand, allowing for the same range of motion as non-padded alternatives. During our testing, we didn't encounter any odd proportions or excess material in the size large gloves, and the fit remained true to size. Initially, we noticed a slight tightness on the top of the knuckles when putting the gloves on, but this sensation quickly subsided as the gloves warmed up and broke in.

Out on the trail, we appreciated the added confidence provided by the D30 knuckle protection. Navigating tight trees, challenging rock gardens, or overgrown single tracks felt less intimidating with these gloves on. Additionally, the Cognito D30 surprised us with its ventilation, particularly on long climbs and hotter days. Typically, we would avoid using heavily protective gloves for extensive climbing, but these gloves performed remarkably well in warmer temperatures.

#5: Fox Racing Ranger Fire

The Fox Ranger Fire stands out as a remarkable insulated mountain bike glove, offering an excellent balance between warmth and dexterity. Despite being designed for chilly conditions, these gloves maintain a sleek profile that doesn't feel significantly bulkier than standard trail gloves. They excel at keeping your hands warm while allowing for a similar level of bar and brake lever feel compared to non-insulated models. The fit is close and streamlined, without any excess fabric in the fingers or on the back of the hand. We were thrilled during our initial chilly, early-morning ride when we realized we didn't have to compromise our riding experience. However, it's important to note that the sleek fit does result in slightly less warmth compared to heavier insulated models. We recommend using these gloves in temperatures ranging from about forty to fifty degrees Fahrenheit, as anything colder may still leave your fingers susceptible to the chill.