Hestra are one of the leading glove brands in skiing, so they definitely know their mitts. The Swedish brand produced over 2 millions pairs in 2012 alone and luckily for us, they’ve transferred their glove-making skills over to cycling.

Gloves are as important as any other bit of kit and worth investing in to get the right pair, yet we sometimes forget this. I personally, seem to have problems getting gloves to fit, as my hands are quite small.

We all know how ill-fitting gloves can ruin a ride, too tight or too loose and your digits get and stay cold. You need that perfect balance, just enough space to give a smidge of room for air to be trapped and insulate your fingers and hands.

When I first opened the Hestra Bike Tracker Windstopper gloves, I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed. They felt thin, and I was dubious as to how warm they would be on the bike.

I tried them on and they did fit, like a glove! I mean they were snug but allowed me complete movement of my hands. The distinct lack of bulk also meant I could move my fingers as I normally would. Finger tip tabs, added dexterity for gear changes and responsive braking.

Made from Gore Windstopper uppers, the gloves did withstand the freezing Scottish coastal winds combined with the temperature dropping into single figures.

Lined in fleece, the Hestra gloves are really soft and a close fit, which meant I never felt a chill. I have used them several times, in blustery, chilly conditions and found them comfortable every time.

The light chamude padding in the palm meant my hands never felt sore after a long ride. I also suffered no chafing, just warm, toast hands – it’s amazing what a rogue bit of stitching can do, but the Hestra gloves had the seams in all the right places.

For added visibility – and let’s admit, every bit helps – the gloves have a reflective piping and are fully machine washable, to help keep the off-white clean.

The long cuff is neoprene and stretchy, which helps with the fit. If you like to have an adjustable Velcro though – these are not the gloves for your. The added tab of material on the cuff is a great help for getting them on too.

They are promoted as being breathable, but I sometimes found myself with sweaty hands, however, this could have been due to over-layering on my torso, meaning my hands took the hit.

The test pair sent through were a size 7 and the fit was perfect. Simply follow the size guide on their website, as I did, to get the right size for you.

VERDICT

As far as gloves go, these tick all the boxes. Warm, not bulky and they definitely helped keep the wind and cold out. They are a good bit of kit and would be a welcome addition to any winter wardrobe.

PROS

– Lightweight, minimal bulk
– Warm but breathable
– Excellent fit meant excellent temperature control

CONS

– Neoprene cuff often meant sweaty wrists

Sizes available: 7 – 10
Colour options: White/Black, Black/Black, OR Fluo Yellow/Black
Price: RRP £45
More information: Nordic Life

What Hestra says about the Bike Tracker Windstopper gloves

Hestra’s bike gloves are made to the same quality as their more famous ski gloves. They are designed to protect, fit well, breathe and provide a good grip in all situations – dust, mud or whatever it may be.

The gloves reduce friction, to avoid blisters, and during the long, cold winter training sessions they also keep your hands warm… they do it all.

OUTER MATERIAL Upper section made of Gore Windstopper Breeze. Chamude with foam padding in palm.

LINING Polyester fleece.

FEATURES Neoprene cuff. Reflector. Machine washable.