The Race Windshell gloves use a low-bulk windproof softshell on the back of the hand and fingers, with a synthetic leather palm.
Sizing is generous, with our mediums proving a good fit when we’d need XL in some European brands. A Velcro wrist closure makes the gloves easy to put on and keeps the thin cuff snug against the wrist, while reflective details on the back aid visibility.
The tough synthetic palm includes an unobtrusive dense gel pad to protect the ulnar nerve from undue pressure, and there’s a pattern of silicone grip spots across the fingers and thumb.
The palms were less grippy than expected on wet bar tape, but they’re resilient enough to take heavy use. On the bike, the sensitive area between thumb and forefinger felt comfortable without excess bulk or seams, and dexterity was very good.
Although we got wet hands in the rain, the windproof material banished draughts, keeping all four fingers plenty warm enough, and we’d expect these gloves to be effective to around 4°C. The fleecy thumb wipe was welcome.
This article was originally published in Triathlon Plus magazine, available on Zinio.