Like boots, most gloves are designed as either summer (race) gloves, or winter gloves. Some gloves fall between the two groups though, and these are sometimes called three-season gloves. They are usually waterproof, but may not be warm enough for extended winter trips.

The main trade-offs with winter gloves are, again, weather and crash protection. It’s also worth considering control too – thick heavy gloves make fine control of throttle and brakes tricky.

If you ride all year round, and do a lot of winter miles, you’ll need a pair of winter gloves. Look for waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex, Hipora or Porelle. Thermal insulation layers like Thinsulate add warmth without bulk. Leather offers the best abrasion resistance, but synthetic materials like Cordura give good protection, are easier to look after, and dry out quicker.

If you ride a solar-powered bike and only ride when it’s dry, then race gloves are for you. Produced in a wider range of colours and styles than winter gloves, race gloves give excellent feel and control, as well as protecting your mitts if you do come a cropper.