If you’ve ever nursed a baby’s palms or skinned fingers after a fall, you know what a pain it is (both literally and figuratively). Patches don’t last, hands are impossible to clean, and wounds seem to take forever to heal. As a mom, these are some of my least favorite injuries to deal with and have. If you’ve ever taught a child to ride a bike, you know that falling is inevitable. In fact, it’s part of the process! That’s how kids learn balance and progression, and it’s a messy business. There is no way to prevent falls, but there are ways to mitigate some of the damage that can occur if they do.
Why use Kids Cycling Gloves?
If there’s one piece of gear (besides a helmet) I encourage any rider – kid or adult – to invest in, it’s a pair of Kids Cycling Gloves. Kids’ cycling gloves are great value for money and there are many options to suit the type of cycling you do as a family
Kids Cycling Gloves are essential to help little hands get a good grip on the handlebars while learning to ride and also protect sensitive skin in the event of an accident.
If you have a reluctant cyclist, youth cycling gloves can add a fun twist to the cycling experience, leaving them eager to follow even when they are struggling or frustrated.
And for colder seasons and winter outings, the extra warmth of a good pair of kids’ cycling gloves can be a real game changer.
Let’s look into it a little more in case you’re not convinced! Here are some of the top reasons why we think kids’ cycling gloves are a worthwhile investment for all ages and all types of cyclists.
PROTECTION
This is obviously an important factor for parents. When the kids take off on two wheels, things can get wild and shaky!
While we try to teach kids NOT to use their hands to stop a fall in the event of an accident, the chances of fingers and palm abrasions are still quite high if they lose control. Any extra cushion between the skin and the floor will relieve some of their pain and suffering for them.
Whether your kids are more advanced cyclists or ride mostly single-track trails, gloves also provide a needed layer between little hands and wandering branches, rocks, trees or brambles.
SNUFF
Another great benefit of cycling gloves for boys is the extra grip they provide to both handlebars and brake levers. Sweaty hands are slippery hands, so when kids are driving very fast or driving in hot weather, it can be difficult to keep control of the steering wheel and brakes.
More and more bike companies are putting hand brakes on their entry-level bikes (and even some balance bikes!), so cycling gloves with full fingers and extra stickiness on the brake fingers are breaking new ground to help little ones stay in control.
Older kids will find that higher speeds and more advanced terrain also require more braking control. I personally notice the difference immediately when I forget to wear gloves while pedaling!
STYLE
It may sound crazy, but never underestimate the power of unicorns, crazy monsters or bright colors to convince a reluctant cyclist that maybe cycling isn’t so bad after all! Anytime a piece of safety equipment can double as part of the fun, it’s a big win for everyone.
Helping our kids choose the designs or colors of the gloves when we buy them makes them that much more excited to wear them and hold them while we ride.
What to look for in kids cycling gloves
If you have the option of letting your child try on another pair of gloves, that is obviously ideal. Hands come in all shapes and sizes, and a glove that’s too big or too small can be more of a hindrance than a help.
At the very least, be sure to check the manufacturer’s size chart, as sizes can vary widely between brands. Glove size usually involves measuring the circumference of the fullest part of the palm or the length from the base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger.
MATERIAL
Hands, especially small ones, can be very sensitive to the sensation of different types of fabric. Most cycling gloves for boys have a more flexible and elastic material on the back of the hand and a firmer, slightly stiffer fabric for the palm.
you want to find a good balance between comfort, dexterity, breathability and durability. Also check if they are machine washable or not as gloves wear quickly.
CLOSURE ON THE WRIST
Most Kids Fingerless Cycling Gloves have Velcro wrist straps, but not all are the same. Consider how important it is for your child to wear and take off gloves independently, and remember how to minimize frustration. If Velcro closure isn’t your preference, there are a few options with neoprene or fabric cuffs. Note that they are less adjustable and more difficult to install and remove.
