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review
Gloves - full finger
Phew Early Winter Windster Cycling Gloves Phew Early Winter Windster Cycling Gloves Phew Early Winter Windster Cycling Gloves
Phew Early Winter Windster gloves

Phew Early Winter Windster Cycling Gloves

9
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 11, 2013

7
£24.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Very good gloves and for this money excellent, comfortable, flexible gloves that give good freedom of movement
Weight: 
85g
Contact: 
www.phew.cc
How we test

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Phew is a new cycle clothing company with ambitions to produce high quality premium clothing at affordable prices, and based on their first product, the Early Winter Windster gloves, which have been excellent, they're well on the way to achieving that ambition.

Launched at the beginning of winter last year, the Early Winter Windster gloves lack the bulk of a heavyweight glove making them ideal for most days when the temperature is in the 3 to 12 degrees Celsius zone. The top of the glove is made from the Windster membrane that gives the gloves their name and is the reason for the unique appearance (which bears a resemblance to Assos gloves). This membrane noticeably stops the cold wind from penetrating the fabric.

On the palm are sections of very sticky silicone panels which give amazing grip on the handlebars. There's strategically placed gel padding to avoid discomfort on longer rides over rough roads. The entire thumb is covered with towelling material which is perfect for wiping a runny nose, a small but very important detail. And the cuffs are long enough to ensure a good seal over whatever jacket you're wearing them with.

The best thing about the Early Winter Windsters is how well they fit. They offer them in four sizes, and the medium I tested was absolutely spot on. Good length in the fingers, and a good cut around the palm and thumb so there was no excess fabric creasing up between hand and handlebars.

They're best described as a midweight glove. I found them a touch cold down to the lower range of their intended working temperature range, but then I do have really bad circulation and have to reach for some really chunky winter gloves when the thermometer is suggesting a near sub-zero ride. On milder days the Early Winter Windsters are just right.

Verdict

Very good gloves and for this money excellent, comfortable, flexible gloves that give good freedom of movement

road.cc test report

Make and model: Phew Early Winter Windster Cycling Gloves

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

NEW for winter 2012. Ideal glove for temperatures in the 3-12 deg range when a spring weight glove is insufficient and a full winter glove is too bulky. The Phew early winter mid-weight gloves are an ideal solution, and are suitable for all but the coldest conditions. Windster membrane offers excellent protection from icy winds without inhibiting movement and feel for the bars. Sticky silicone grip on palm, thumb and shifting fingers so you'll never lose your grip or miss a shift. Gel padding strategically placed in palm area protects the sensitive ulnar nerve. Super long cuff area prevents draughty gap between glove and the end of your sleeve.

Phew pride themselves on producing excellent quality great value cycling accessories. Designed by real riders for real riding conditions

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Ideal glove for 3-12 deg temperature range

Windster fabric - windproof and breathable

Super long cuff prevents draughty gaps

Lightweight and low bulk

Silicone grippers on palm, thumb and shifting fingers

gel padding in ulnar nerve area

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

A very good fit and shape, and are very durable

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Excellent in the right temperature range, with good freedom of movement and a lightweight construction

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Have been using them regularly for several months and they've have impressed

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The good fit combined with the windproof membrane and gel padding makes them highly comfortable

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

They're about £10 cheaper than most other gloves in this market

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

They delivered

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit, lack of bulk and comfort. Oh, and the large towel panel on the thumb

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing at all

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Excellent gloves for the money

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

Phew Early Winter Windster Cycling Gloves
Phew
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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7 comments

Avatar
allgearnoidea | 10 years ago
0 likes

i bought these as they didn't look too bulky yet looked warm enough. Used them on a 100km sportive the other weeked, kept the early morning chill off and on descents but as the weather warmed up so did my hands! so think they will be great in winter, they look smart and discreet, fit snug and have plenty of grip - good price at £25.

Avatar
Inktastic | 11 years ago
0 likes

I'm very impressed with these gloves. They are very warm and comfortable and the construction is solid. Well worth the money, plus they look really nice 1

Avatar
tom_w | 11 years ago
0 likes

Just ordered a set of these on the basis of recommendations from two of my clubmates. £5 off if you like them on facebook and then order through their facebook store.

Avatar
Spooks | 11 years ago
0 likes

Well I have ordered a set based on this review so here is hoping, bargain price too

Avatar
Leviathan replied to Spooks | 11 years ago
0 likes
Spooks wrote:

Well I have ordered a set based on this review so here is hoping, bargain price too

I hope you don't get to use them... until November.

Avatar
Spooks replied to Leviathan | 11 years ago
0 likes
bikeboy76 wrote:
Spooks wrote:

Well I have ordered a set based on this review so here is hoping, bargain price too

I hope you don't get to use them... until November.

Alas staying in Scotland I will no doubt use them till June. Could have used them today I can tell ya.....

Avatar
willmars | 11 years ago
0 likes

& they're £5 off on their website at the mo - bargain!

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