My girlfriend, who has been happily riding a heavy, flat-bar, front-suspension hybrid for four years just got a new Volpe and loves it in most regards, but for the skinned knuckes she gets from her gloves on longer rides. It seems the greater load carried by her hands puts pressure on the backs of her knuckles.

Is this a problem others have had? Are there certain women's gloves (not $50/pair please) that are recommended? It seems odd to me. The bike fit looks great, both to my eye and that of the very reputable shop owner. The gloves (Trek) have always been comfortable until now (usually only used for rides over 50k).

I'm at a loss. The budget right now doesn't allow for trial and error and we have a tour scheduled for late August.

Sounds like a glove problem, not a bike problem, to me.

I love riding on Specialized's BG Pro women's gloves. So comfy, and no velcro to fuss around with constantly. Worth every penny.

I feel like I'm sinnin' for offering the possibility, but has she tried riding without them? I only ask because I recently got a pretty decent pair. I like them, but it seems almost as much style as function.

Thanks for the tip. I already have a pretty high opinion of their saddles (especially), bar tape and tires, so I'm not surprised their gloves would be good.

That is the plan for our first ride after she gets back in town. It will just be a short one, but long enough to get some sense of numbness. I can't speak for her, but personally, I have a hard time riding for long without extreme numbness without having both gloves and multiple hand positions.