General Cycling Discussion - good gloves?

It's finally time to replace my gloves--actually they should have been gone about 1000 miles back-- and I am checking out replacements. I have been reading up on the Louis Garneau Ergos . I need something highly ventilated but can I find similar features in a cheaper glove? I don't want so much padding that my hands feel 'thick' on the grips but I ride a lot of gravel and it kills your hands after a while without something substantial there. I had a cheaper pair with gel in the palms but they absolutely fell apart within 6-8 months. Maybe I should have done gel in a better-built glove...?

what's everyone wearing?

Like everything else, gloves are particular to the person. Unlike most others, my rather beefy hands need little extra padding - in fact, if I have much, it hurts really bad. I use a Specialized Crossroads with hardly any padding.

For a long time I used a Fox full finger glove. Still do occasionally.
I'm currently using a Specialized Body Geometry slip on. Not my favorite, the first time I took them off I stretched out the elastic on the top and now they're forever lose. I liked the gel when I first started road riding, now I'm using the full fingered Fox's again. Being a motorcyclist and MTBer fingerless gloves freak me out. ???? That's why I wear a full face helmet on the road bike...Not!
I also have a new pair of Pearl Izumi's that have the velcro closure and gel pad that I haven't used yet.
I've heard good things about the Louis Garneaus.

If your describing what it sounds like to me (and what I like also) check out the TREK CLUB.

thin, cool, terry/snot cloth and "fairly" inexpensive.

Just like a saddle,its up to you.Go to lbs and try them on.

I just bought a new pair and tried a few different ones on. Basically, see what fits you best. This was the first pair I ever bought and one pair stood out above the rest. I ended up with a pair of Pearl Izumis that were like $20. Not a lot of padding and a thin stretchy backside, I love them and they dont get too hot. The Specialized gloves all seemed to bulky and like my hands would sweat a lot in them.

Brian

I tried an assortment of gloves and nothing lasted more than a 1 year in the last 7 years! The Pearl Izumis gel lites only lasted 1/2 year, for $35 that seemed a bit ridiculas!! Then I found a pair of Trico Sport Handshock gel gloves for $14 and thought "hey, even if they last 6 months, I could afford to buy 2 of these and still be way cheaper the Pearls", so I bought a pair. They were very comfortable and the lasted 1 1/2 years and still going strong! They are also cool in the summer heat due to their crotched backs; they use a simulated leather palm that seems to wear very well, and the gel is still plyable.

I use a pair of fingerless leather gloves that I used on the motorcycle. I have had these gloves since time out of mind. I don't even remember who makes them. They have a double thick palm and holes throughout for ventilation. They have no gel.

When they start to reek, I soak them in fresh water overnight and then wear them until dry. They are old enogh now that the dye is not much of a problem in the rain anymore.

If you can't find any gloves to suit you at the LBS, try a motorcycle shop.

Dan

Two years ago, I had a good pair of Louis Garneau thick gel gloves (Ergo, I think). This year, I bought a replacement pair, confident I would like them again.

Wrong! They moved a bit the padding, and now there is a series of stitches where I put the most pressure. I found comfort and no numbness in a pair of Trek Gel gloves.

A tip that may work: Ride a decent distance gloveless, to sharpen your sensitive zones. Then shop around and try them on a bike.

Regards,