SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Materials/Construction

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The backs are 80% polyester 20% neoprene, whereas the palms are 80%polyurethane, 20% neoprene. The additional £7 represents a big jump in terms of refinement, compared with their 3.0 siblings. Its also worth noting, we’ve seen the 4.0 discounted online.

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Retro reflective logos aside, the water repelling shell is a stealthy black, with dayglow yellow fingers. Presence isn’t quite on par with the 3.0 and other, brighter reflective coatings, so signalling wasn’t quite so obvious when entering traffic flow, or along unlit roads.

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In common with the 3.0, the cuff is relatively shallow but made of neoprene, to retain warmth, even when soaking.  The wrap-over Velcro closure is much beefier. 

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The leatherette palms are also a big step up from the 3.0. Their dimpled grippy texture is designed with control and purchase in mind. Then there’s the standard ulnar defending blobs. These are foam and though compliant, thicker density. There’s a Terry thumb wipe, for taming those runny noses. This, along with the index finger, features a tech friendly tip. Both these seem fully compatible with GPS, phones and similar touch screen equipment.

 

Inside the brushed, thin pile lining feels incredibly tactile. Unlike cheaper models, tethered to the finger tips, so won’t pull out, as an awkward, soggy clump, following a machine wash.

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Stitching on our test samples was neat and uniform throughout, although I was surprised by a lack of obvious gusseting between index finger and thumb. Not that this has presented any practical issues.

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Sizing

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I found sizing on the snug side but medium was still a decent match for my long, willowy digits. Ed felt more comfortable with the large. Worth trying for size, rather than buying virtually, especially if you fall between sizes.

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Weather-Proofing

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Both Ed and I found their water resistance reassuringly good, in the everyday sense. Rides of 90 minutes in driving rain and blustery wind, failed to tax the fabric. Water simply beaded and rolled away. However, calling their bluff, when it came to waterproofing, I wasn’t surprised to find water surging through the stitching, when immersed, past the knuckles.

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Wind-proofing was comparable. In gusty conditions, I could feel a very faint draft sneaking through the fibres but not enough that chill crept in, even after several hours riding. Talking of which, Oxford haven’t cited an optimal temperature range.