Louis Garneau Wind Eco Gloves

Louis Garneau's Wind-Eco gloves are proof that winter designs needn't feel like the proverbial cardboard box getting in the way of slick shifts and smooth braking. These gloves are reckoned to have a very broad operating temperature range of between -10 and +14 degrees which pretty much makes them a three season glove for most British conditions, wind protection and moisture trafficking appear perfectly synched, retaining warmth while banishing clammy hands. I liked them a lot.

All out waterproofing isn't on par with classic laminated gloves such as the Pro-Viz reviewed recently but should be adequate for everyday road use; resisting prolonged rain and even sleet thanks to the Teflon coated Amara backs and palms. Be warned, if immersed, the Ergo Air mesh sections absorb moisture like the proverbial sponge and feel noticeably soggy as a consequence. Mercifully hands remain perfectly toasty and being thin pile, dry out within 30 minutes.

Construction is a two layer sandwich comprising an integral Dry-Tex lining drawing the moisture out while the Amara/Lycra shell stops wind and rain in their tracks. Subtlety is the buzzword here. We've the obligatory terry thumb-wipe for taming runny noses, textured palms for controlled grip and even little tags so they can be lost in pairs. Ulike the majority of gloves around at the moment, the palms are very lightly padded affairs with no trace of pronounced ulnar blobs. In practice, this wasn't an issue for me since I sometimes find such blobs uncomfortable past the two-hour mark.

Sizing is deliberately snug but I was able to wriggle into our mediums without undue effort or feeling cramped on longer rides. This coupled with articulated 'flex zone' knuckle panels ensures nifty fingers capable of mending punctures, tweaking mechs, opening energy bars and rummaging through panniers. Purchase inspires confidence across the complete zodiac of handlebar coverings-including the notoriously slippery Benotto tape. Black is a brilliant colour for close encounters with the transmission, especially since these are supposedly hand-wash only. However, stealth isn't what's needed when jockeying for position at major roundabouts or signalling along unlit B roads. Thankfully, the reflective logos and stitching offer reasonable compromise but regular night owls will want something bolder,

Verdict

Great all-rounders for all but the wettest or very coldest conditions.