It wasn't that long ago when I thought of gloves as a yearly-renewal purchase...a kind of inauguration of the summer riding season. Needless to say, when I invested in a pair of leather Rapha Criterium Gloves a few years ago, I entered into a new understanding of what a good, year-after-year glove should be.
So, there I was happily enjoying my 3rd full year's worth of my Crit's, when I stumbled upon "the ultimate in glove bliss"...the new Giro Lusso. The Lusso's have ditched the traditional Chamois Leather for Pittards WR100X leather on the palm and Cabretta for the back. The traditional Chamois is ultra-soft when new, but requires regular cleaning and a bit of maintenance to keep comfortable (and a dose of leather conditioner). As I tend to maintain cycling wear (including gloves) like I maintain the weeds in my backyard (uh, never), the Lusso's fit more into my lifestyle. The Pittards Leather can be easily added to a wash cycle just as you would wash your bibs or favorite jersey.Additionally, the Lusso's padding is made of 3mm thick Technogel that won't squash or flatten over time and is strategically located throughout 3 panels. I found the pads as or more comfortable than my old Criterium's...even throughout long double-century rides when your hands feel like they have the flu.
Available in either black or white and nicely priced under $70.00, the Giro Lusso's re-define what a quality summer riding glove should be. You can get your pair at CompetitiveCyclist.com
