Gloves or Mitts and Road or MTB Helmet?

[FlyingCyclist]

I'm looking to buy these, but unsure which to buy?

I have some Madison Ergonomix mitts but they're a little too small and they hurt my hands after a short while.

I used to have a helmet, can't remember which one, I threw it away because I needed a new one.

So, which kind of gloves are best? And what are the differences between Road and MTB helmets?

If wearing gloves, do your hands sweat if its warm outside?

I don't want to spend a great deal on these, maybe around £30 for the gloves/mitts and £40-£50 for the helmet. Might get the helmet and/or gloves/mitts from
http://www.airevalleycycles.com/m5b0s60p0/Clothing-and-Helmets/Gloves
http://www.airevalleycycles.com/m5b0s223p0/Clothing-and-Helmets/Helmets-Road
http://www.airevalleycycles.com/m5b0s224p0/Clothing-and-Helmets/Helmets-MTB

 

[coffeejo]

Mitts for warm weather, l/f gloves for cooler/cold conditions.

 

[smokeysmoo]

^this for gloves.

Road helmets don't have a visor, MTB helmets do, (some of which are removable), also some MTB ones come lower down at the back to protect the neck.

Buy the helmet that fits you best and at least conforms to some level of testing, Snell is the normally recommended test level.

 

[FlyingCyclist]

Had a look at the mitts in Halfords yesterday. There were too many to choose from so I left it. But I must buy some soon as well as a helmet.

 

[FlyingCyclist]

Helmet wise, I've narrowed it down to the Las Victory Road and the Giro Monza.

Is the Altura skullcap any good? Mine is on the small side.
http://www.airevalleycycles.com/m5b0s64p5096/ALTURA-WINDPROOF-SKULLCAP

 

[smokeysmoo]

Does your LBS sell either helmet? VERY important that a helmet fits correctly so there's simply no substitute for trying them on, but this can obviously be a right royal pain if buying online.

Can't comment on that actual skull cap TBH, but IME Altura gear has always been very good, but you won't be needing a skull cap until at least the end of the year.

FWIW I do generally wear a BUFF under my helmet, even in the summer. It helps wick sweat and you can always dampen it to keep your head cool as well.[/QUOTE]

 

[FlyingCyclist]

smokey
The Monza is at my LBS and the other is at Halfords, but is out of stock in the colour I like.

 

[NormanD]

Best gloves Specialized GB Gel Gloves
Best all round helmet for the money Specialized Align Helmet (extra deep at the back and with the peak off it looks like a road helmet)

 

[AndyRM]

Long fingered gloves for winter and cold days, short fingered for summer. Padding varies by glove and manufacturer so you may need to experiment a bit to see what you feel comfortable with.

My preference is a medium padded Altura long sleeved glove, which is near as damnit waterproof for cold days. I've been on 100km+ rides with no issues. When it's warm I use Castelli track gloves which have very little padding. I get ridiculous tan lines on my fingers, but long rides are no problem.

Helmet wise, try some on and see what you prefer. Personally I would go for a well vented road helmet as the road is where I ride.

If you're looking to protect your ears/head from the elements, I'd get a buff. Very versatile so it can protect various parts of you above the neckline.

Edited to add - this sort of stuff is hugely subjective, particularly gloves as they are a main contact point with the bike. It took me a while to find what I felt really comfortable with.

 

[smokeysmoo]

The Monza is at my LBS and the other is at Halfords, but is out of stock in the colour I like.

Do Halfords have it in your size in a colour you don't like, at least then you can try it on first, if it fits get them to order you one in the colour you want. Or try a different Halfords, there's two in my town and at least one in each of the surrounding towns.

Or, FYI - places like Wiggle and CRC usually do free returns these days as well, but check this extends to helmets if you go down this route.

 

[FlyingCyclist]

I'm going to buy a road helmet, not too keen on the MTB's.
I'll leave the cap for now and consider one when I need one.
If I don't buy either items, I'll look in a shop in Lochgilphead, Scotland when I go.

I think I'd rather try both items on instead of ordering online, then I don't have to faff about sending them back.

 

[AndyRM]

Crinan Cycles is your friend in Lochgilphead.

 

[FlyingCyclist]

Crinan Cycles is your friend in Lochgilphead.

Although they have a website, they don't show what they sell

 

[AndyRM]

Although they have a website, they don't show what they sell

You should be able to get a helmet and gloves off them, they had stuff last time I was in that neck of the woods. May be worth calling to check what's in stock as it's a small shop in a small village.

 

[Cold]

I like the Endura Full Monty Gloves they are good when the weather gets better.