The Women’s LoDown are full finger, minimalist gloves from Specialized. They offer a second skin fit for those looking for minimum interference between hand and bar.
Comfort and Fit
The pre-curved finger and palm construction prevents fabric bunching when the hands are on the bars and the single-layer suede palm means that no unnecessary padding gets in the way. The fingers have silicon texturing to provide grip on the brake levers and shifters without adding bulk. The gloves fasten at the wrist with a velcro cuff- this results in a snug fit, and makes them easy to slip on and off.
The LoDown deliver on their minimalist promise: you can just put them on, forget about them and ride. The silicon texturing on the fingers is particularly useful in wet conditions, when fingers can slip off the brakes and shifters, and the fabric does not stretch and deform when wet- which is very useful for winter riding. They are suitable for riding in both hot and cold conditions- the fabric is breathable and cool, but finger tips are kept snug in the cold.
Protection
I have put the gloves to the ultimate durability test more than once: crashing hands first onto rocks, gravel and every other type of terrain imaginable and not once have the gloves or my hands been damaged in the fall. This is impressive, especially considering that there is no padding to cushion the blow, and previous gloves I’ve ridden have suffered tears in similar situations. The LoDown have in fact become my do-it-all glove for both road and mountain biking.
In terms of appearance, the LoDown are currently available in light grey with turquoise detailing. A triangle textured pattern adds some interest to the fabric.
Unlike most of the Specialized glove range, the LoDown are not specifically touchscreen compatible, so if mid-ride selfies are important to you, then perhaps consider another option. I have sent a few garbled texts without taking them off, so it is not impossible to operate a touchscreen with them on.
The Specialized Women’s LoDown gloves retail for R549.
Verdict
If you are looking for exceptionally durable minimalist gloves that allow you maximum bar control while riding, look great, and will also keep you safe in a crash, then the Women’s LoDown may be the glove for you.
