Getting the right balance
Having rolled through a calm spring and summer it’s easy to forget how quickly it can get cold out there.
One moment it is a crisp autumn day, then suddenly a nordic wind blows in and the mercury heads south fast. With that comes the need for a good set of gloves that allows you to do a multitude of simple tasks effectively.
Enter the Specialized Element 2.0 Gloves
Why these gloves?
Experience tells me that single-fingered gloves are great for bike handling, but not very effective for warmth; particularly on long rides.
On the other end of the spectrum, lobster-type-gloves keep both hands and fingers nice and warm, but can lack the necessary dexterity to ride safely; especially when on the drops.
Finding a solution that covers all these bases, and does it well, is certainly a challenge. How do the Element 2.0’s stand up?
Why consider the Element?
Unlike most kit I have come to depend upon, these gloves did not come through a personal recommendation. If they had, it would have saved me a lot of time and bother. But, sometimes discovering things for yourself can be a good thing. Besides, factors such as sizing, warmth regulation, feel and comfort are all a very personal preference.
How do they work?
It sounds obvious, but, yes, you do put them on. The difference is the Element Gloves do the have the best of both single-fingered and lobster style gloves.
The thumb, index, and middle finger are all independent. Whereas, the last two fingers are paired together. The former parts do much of the bike handling control work and free to do so safely and at ease. As for the latter section have their part to play, it does little in the way of shifting, nor braking. Hence, the lobster style covering.
Do they work?
This doesn’t mean that the key fingers and thumb are exposed to the conditions. The Gore material keeps the wind at bay and only the coldest of days will mean you will want any kind of glove liner.
Now, this is the key part: for summer or track gloves I happily take a medium. I could even reach for a small-fit, for short and fast rides. When considering the Element 2.0 I went for a size large. It sounds excessive, I know, but if you have been around other cycle clothing labels, then you know that sizing can vary widely.
But, do they work? Yes, they do, exceedingly well. Either, stand alone, or on a very rare ocassion, with a liner, the Specialized Element 2.0 are currently the best winter gloves I own. They are so good, I have a second pair on hand.
What could be improved?
Velcro is a menace to cycling lycra, merino, and anything of value. Please stop applying velcro to your cycling products. Thankfully, the velcro tabs are so far down the cuff of the glove and so big that they are so far out of harms way.
Personally, there isn’t much bulk here, but others will still be detered by the amount of material needed to keep warm. Again, this is going to be a personal choice.
The low down
Are the Specialized Element 2.0 gloves the best winter glove out there? Possibly not.
But, the fact that they have served me well for coming up to three winter seasons, and that several members now own and rely on them is a good indication as to how good they are.
Last season, two of our Yorkshire members purchased a pair and now recommends them to others. And to further the point, even a Nordic member has his eyes on them.
If you are sensitive to the cold in your hands, but love riding your bicycle, the Specialized Element 2.0 Gloves are a good investment.
At the time they were purchased from Sigma Sport for £42.50
:: The review is independent and the club does not have any involvement with Specialized, nor Sigma Sport. We simply like their ideas. You can find a range of reviews here ::
