-1 on the expensive gloves. I have always bought my gloves from a big bicycle chain store that I would not name. I always spend around $20-$25 or so on gloves, but they do not last. I started buying my gloves at REI, and I have been impressed with their gloves. The REI gloves are about $26-$30, better constructed and made of much better materials . They thus last longer and are more comfortable than the "cheapos" I used to buy.

In my biking experience, one should not scrimp on all areas where your body has contact with the bike. Thus no scrimping on gloves, saddles and shoes. Shoes especially, should have hard-enough soles, and good, solid gloves are worth their weight in gold.