Cycology 8 Days Gloves
39g Medium as tested £ 20.00

The Cycology 8 Days Cycling Gloves are part of the 8 days range and best described as the classic cycling mitt with modern materials and a very funky twist. Gentle on the wallet, style most definitely meets substance- they’ve provided excellent grip and decent damping on middle distance, mixed terrain rides. The palm and padding density also lend them particularly well to extended periods cruising on the hoods.

Pros: Good fit, padding and grip effective on and off road, sensibly proportioned, funky styling, easy to care for.

Cons: Nothing of note, taking everything into account.

Specification

Nothing exotic, or unusual here but none the worse for it. Polyester (57%) polyamide, polyurethane and elastane. Aside from the funky graphics, there’s the time-honoured terry thumb wipe for taming sweaty brows and runny noses. A sensibly proportioned hook and loop Velcro closure is emblazoned with a retro-reflective Cycology logo, and subtle piping also runs along the ledge for added safety when the light’s fading. Flip them over and we have thin but seemingly rugged synthetic suede palms, subtly perforated for airflow. Black will hide the inevitable grimy patina very effectively between washes. What’s that, you don’t puncture, or need to commune with your drivetrain? Well, I’m sure you’re not immune to the occasional tea or sugary drink splash.

Not so subtle are the 4mm thick ulnar defending padding. The boomerang shaped section also sports the 8 days theme against a silver background. Finally, we have silicone strips across the middle fingers. Double stitched construction runs throughout and was reassuringly uniform on our samples.

Sizing/fit 3.5/5

Fit is very snug but comfortably so given the stretchy fabrics and provided you’ve scrutinised their sizing chart. Cycology make a point of saying there’s nothing standard when it comes to garment sizing and provide a clear, easy to follow guide. Blessed with long, willowy digits, I was crossing the border from medium to large but went for the former, which proved the right choice.

test reiew cycling mitts gloves cycology 8 days

Just the right length so they’d slip over my pronounced gemstone rings without gathering and protecting fingers from the occasional fleck of tar, stray stone etc. Though snug, the materials have a generous amount of stretch, and they eased very slightly with wear. Forget any ideas about pairing them with a liner glove during early autumn mind. All’s not lost if you’ve made an error. Provided garments haven’t been worn (other than tried for size) or washed they can be returned within 90 days and a refund paid.

Performance 3.75/5

Ursula being under the frame builder’s torch for repair, modification and makeover, I’ve alternated between spirited road outings aboard Holdsworth, Teenage Dream and long, steady mixed terrain adventures on Denise. I’m pleased to report they’ve performed consistently well across the board.

Coming from a pair costing nearly three times the 8 Days ticket price, I was initially conscious of little things-less generous silicone detailing, which saw me gripping the bars a little tighter during showery outings but again, nothing serious - even at 30-odd along a sweeping S-bend, I've never felt need to death grip the bars.

Talking of which, grip has been excellent with all the bar coverings. My Holdsworth sports the brand's 8 days handlebar tape , which features a silicone-based clear lacquer to protect the graphics and enhance grip. Unsurprisingly, these proved an excellent pairing, allowing me to hold lightly and put all my energies into cadence.

Much the same story with the Teenage Dream’s KranX Stretta Primo-High Grip Anti-Shock Handlebar Tape . Better still was their union with natural silicones, such as the T-One MR Fantastic Handlebar Tape which was positively leach-like, especially when the rains came.

Padding is another thing that’s anything but universally compatible. Most offer decent support, gel, foam or otherwise. However, some can still induce precisely the tingling and discomfort they promise to eliminate. I was initially shocked to discover some pain in my right hand during our first gravel mosey. Curiously, I’d had an identical experience with the £55 pair I mentioned earlier. Yep, I’d forgotten my insoles (though my legs are of identical length, one femur is longer than the other, which means without insoles, I lean subtly to one side, leading to discomfort over time). Insoles reinstated; problem solved. As I said in my introduction, the padding and overall design seems particularly honed to cruising on the hoods and cruise stance that I invariably default to on my fixed gear winter trainer - this also seems unaffected by hood shape, from Shimano to these contemporary Campagnolo homages.

To date, the foam padding has done an excellent job of cushioning intrusive low-level vibration associated with country lanes, “rumble strips” and of course the more intrusive stuff experienced at railway crossings and traversing unmade byways, gravel paths etc.

Aside from the incident outlined, no soreness or fatigue even after several hours. The padding also offers welcome protection from mini pump handles when you’re ramming in the last twenty psi following a flat.

The generous and nicely aligned thumb pad makes for intuitive nose wiping, even at a decent pace and though they haven’t rivalled some particularly airy, perforated designs, the backs have wicked moisture speedily when the mercury’s been around 25 degrees. Some very faint misting but this is soon trafficked away, and they will dry in 20 minutes or so, following a sharp shower.

Care/Durability 3.5/5

Now, the instructions say handwash only but (having confirmed all was well) I’ve popped ours in the machine at 30 degrees, minimal detergent and no issues. I also wore ours for a fortnight straight, giving them ample time to er, soak up the atmosphere. They weren’t stripping the wallpaper at this point, but a subtle funk had certainly crept in. Line dried in around 20 minutes, they looked and moreover, smelt packet fresh again. Subjected to a mix of road and trail service, I wasn’t surprised by a couple of stray threads at the fingers but otherwise they have stood up reassuringly well to rogue brambles foliage and everyday carelessness.

Value 3.5/5

The Cyclogy 8 Days Gloves certainly offer plenty of smiles per mile and £20 is equally gentle on the wallet. Those looking for something with a distinctly retro flavour and happy to wear leather may find Passport Crochet Backed Cycling Mitts a real winner . They are available in three colours a slightly looser fit, entertaining liner type gloves, should the weather suddenly change. The palm quality is a little budget and will require a few rides before moulding to fit but wear well, given periodic treatments of leather food.

Madison Flux Performance Mitts (review to follow) are £24.99 and another very snug design and boast a warrantee against manufacturing defects. They might be a good bet if you can’t get along with ulnar defending padding.

Endura Men’s Xtract Mitt are also £24.99 but at time of writing have been reduced to £18.99. These also promise to be capable all-rounders that employ a gel, rather than foam padding/ Endura claims this “follows the natural lifelines of your hand”. Specialized Body Geometry Sport Gel Mitts come in at £25.00 and feature gel padding, synthetic suede palms and breathable mesh backs. Black though incredibly practical, may not be everyone’s thing.

Bigger budget? Steve has been impressed by these Sportful Matchy Gloves which he found very comfortable and yet minimalist, although noted that care must be taken to get sizing right.

Summary

For multi-day events, I’d be inclined to spend more. However, for general, spring and summer riding, the Cyclogy 8-day Mitts are very competent and affordable choices. If the 8 days styling isn’t quite to your tastes, Cycology offers a choice of alternatives.

Verdict: 3.5/5 Competent wallet friendly staples for general warm weather riding.

Michael Stenning

Cycling Clothing, Gear & Accessories | Cycology Clothing UK (cycologygear.co.uk)

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2024

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