Madison Flux Performance Mitts
40g Medium (as tested) £24.99

The Madison Flux Performance Mitts are a lightweight unisex design, which Madison describes as “A premium mitt that offers maximum control and feel on the bar, as well as comfort”. A few weeks and 550 mixed terrain miles down the line, I’m inclined to agree. Although sizing is accurate, the fit is very exact, so measure very carefully, or try for size should you fall between them.

Pros: Snug fit, highly breathable backs, slim yet effective padding, lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect.

Cons: Not a con as such, but check sizing carefully.

Specification

ypical of the price point but very well executed. The mesh backs are 90% polyester, 10% elastane and available in a choice of three colours- black, red, or our “navy haze”. The Terry type thumb is also 90% polyester, 10% elastane, while the palms are 100% Polyurethane. Fourchettes, (the strips of material running between fingers holding backs and palm together) designed for optimal dexterity are made of 82% polyamide and 18% elastane.

As I suggested in my opening paragraph, detailing and build quality are pleasing. The elasticated cuffs are sleek and stretchy, double stitching runs throughout and there’s a gusset between thumb and forefinger to prevent brifter induced premature wear. Retro-reflective Madison logos are another small, yet welcome touch.

Flip them over and the soft, suede texture palms feature tiny perforations, designed for inflow but surprisingly, no silicone patches or patterning. Especially given the maximum control narrative. However, just because everyone’s doing something, doesn’t mean to say it’s the only way. Similarly, the palms are flat-no pronounced gel, or foam blobs.

Sizing/Fit 3.25/5

Sizing is exact, providing you’ve studied Madison’s chart properly. However, they’re arguably a skin mitt. Having triple checked my measurements, I went for the medium, which on balance, was the right choice. Pulling them on for the first time, I questioned my sizing choice and initially thought I’d ripped them (I hadn’t). In common with other mitts, I’ve been testing recently, they settle a bit, given the first few miles. I have long, willow digits, but the fingers stop nicely around the knuckles. The elasticated cuffs required some gentle re-alignment when pulling them on, but no issues with peeling them off.

Performance 3.5/5

Ours arrived during a very balmy August, which is arguably ideal for assessing their wicking prowess and overall comfort. The mornings tended to be cooler, slightly damp which is similarly helpful as it replicates spring and early autumn. That said; their second skin fit rules out slipping liner-type gloves beneath when temperatures unexpectedly slide.

Despite the obvious lack of silicone detailing, grip has been consistently reliable with the fleet’s varied bar tapes, although predictably, natural silicones such as Denise’s T-One Mr Fantastic were the ultimate pairing. I’ve done a mix of TT type 20-mile road blasts, day road rides, and of course, plenty of mixed terrain gravel outings.

While arguably a road –biased model, they’ve been reassuringly good along dirt roads and moderate singletrack. The palms and backs stretched and settled very slightly during the first ten miles, which was most palpable at the palms, which moulded nicely to my hands and the bars curves. True to their blurb, these achieve a really “connected” feel with the bars, making last minute serves to avoid holes, bigger stones, tree branches and yes, kamikaze squirrels a smooth and controlled affair.

Characteristics that were welcome through busy town centres and unmade roads alike. The lack of silicone detailing had negligible effect upon this sense of connection, and I’ve always kept a relaxed hold of the bars, or hoods, no white knuckles when hustling along 1in7 descents, or navigating lumpy singletrack, railway crossings etc.

Welcome on longer rides where nagging fatigue can creep in around the palms, especially when cruising on the hoods, or tops. Though not their primary purpose, the thumb/forefinger gusset seems to help. The relatively low padding density and lack of ulnar defending blobs mean some will overlook them. However, in my experience, whether gel, or foam, they either perform impeccably, or induce exactly the discomfort they promise to alleviate. The flat palms and snug fit have proven remarkably effective at isolating lower-level vibration and bigger jolts. No intrusive tingling at the usual points, even after five hours.

The tightly woven mesh backs are very airy, wicking moisture very effectively, even when it’s been 28 degrees, a faint misting is as near to damp as things got and that vanished just as soon as it arrived.

They’ve wicked with similar speed following a couple of sharp showers and of course, on the washing line, post washing. Through forest trails, I've felt thorns and thistles snag more readily than a closed back, but then, they’re not marketed as a trail mitt and the prickly stuff hasn’t broken my skin.

Thumb wipes are generally effective, but in my experience, some are better aligned for effortless mid-ride taming of runny noses. The Flux’s low pile fabric seems very absorbent and equally tactile. Dexterity is similarly impressive. Mitts make grabbing keys, compact cameras, wielding Allen keys and tyre levers etc much easier.

However, the Flux’s stretchy backs and palm density made these duties particularly convenient. The palms also offer a welcome buffer between pump handle and hand, especially when you’re ramming the final 15psi in a bigger section tyre.

Durability/Care 3.5/5

550 mixed terrain miles hence and like several others we’ve tested recently, they’re in great shape. The lifetime warrantee against manufacturing defects clearly shows their confidence. Obviously, this won’t cover a nasty spill, or indeed shrinkage while washing but welcome, nonetheless. True to form, I’ve worn ours for a fortnight straight. By that point, they were beginning to emit that subtle but familiar “wash me” funk.

The backs have also done a decent job of disguising coffee spills and grimy patina. 30-degree machine washes are the way forward when they’ve reached this point. That said; they’ve come up nicely, hand-washed in warm water with soapflakes. Drying time from the machine is around 12 minutes on the line. Handwashing varies, but bargain on 30 minutes with a moderate breeze.

Value 3.5/5

A penny shy of £25 is enticing, given the specification and performance but there’s a few contenders vying for your cash. The Cycology 8 Days are a little cheaper at £20. Aside from the funky graphics, they feature nicely designed foam padding and are slightly easier to pull on. Similar provisos about sizing, too.

Endura Men’s Xtract Mitt are also £24.99 but 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 be a bit limiting for some.

Steve has been impressed by the Sportful Matchy Gloves which he found very compatible and yet minimalist, although noted that care must be taken to get sizing right. They’re also a tenner dearer than the Madison.

Summary

The Madison Flux Performance Mitts certainly offer plenty of smiles per mile and though primarily a road glove, will entertain moderate trail and gravel duties. Despite a flat palm, I’ve done 5 hours plus without any issues. Factors such as bar tape obviously play their part and as with the Cycology, I’d suggest spending more if you’re looking at regular, long-haul endurance riding. There are also better options if you weren’t keen on skin-mitts. Nonetheless, for general road-biased duties there’s a lot to like.

Verdict: 3.5/5 Competent, competitively priced and surprisingly comfortable road biased skin mitts.

Michael Stenning

Madison.co.uk – The UK’s largest cycle parts & accessories distributor

PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2024

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