Specialized BG Gel Mitts

Specialized's BG gel mitts might not seem the obvious choice for mid winter but the recent cold snap hasn't stopped me giving them a thorough testing, managing ninety-odd continuous mixed terrain miles without hint of the dreaded tingle courtesy of the patented gel/foam padding. Sizing is a little curious though so unless you're a Specialized devotee, I'd recommend trying a few first since the mediums on test were perfect in the fingers but large might've been less intrusive around the cuffs.

Detailing and construction quality is every bit what we've come to expect from Specialized; the patented BG blobs still feel positively unique, morphing seamlessly to handlebar coverings for faultless damping and control whether tackling sweeping singletrack in the pouring rain, powering up the climbs or snaking through lines of stationary traffic. Both palms and backs move moisture very efficiently, retaining a comfortable, arid inner climate without the locker-room odour synonymous with genuine hides and the 'Micro Wipe' Terry thumb is perfectly aligned for intuitive taming of runny noses. These qualities are no less significant during prolonged indoor trainer slavery and ours emerged from cool machine washes looking and smelling factory fresh.

Common to their more prestigious pro siblings, extensive padding around the palms doesn't detract from nimble fingers whether you're scoffing tea and cake at the café' snatching a compact camera from the jersey pocket for that David Bailey moment or simply evicting rogue twigs jammed between mudguard and tyre.

Speaking of digits, given the season I would've preferred their full finger cousins but forest frolics with not so friendly foliage suggests they're adequate for occasional trail duties (short cuts home on the 'crosser are about as adventurous as I'd want to get, mind). On the strength of this and previous models, longevity is promising for such a lightweight design, although I've also heard reports of mile munching audax folk killing them off in a matter of months.

Verdict

Dependable road mitts particularly given to the rigors of indoor training but go a size, possibly two larger than usual.