Here are ten good reasons to wear gloves (there are probably many, many more):

1. Keeping gravel from getting in your palm after a nasty crash.

2. Preventing the feeling (or lack of) of numbness from vibrations.

3. Increased grip; sweaty hands can become unsafe if you start losing your grip.

4. Wiping snot, and sweat (hopefully you remember which hand was used for which duty).

5. Prevention of blisters or abrasions on long rides.

6. Comfort – I have gotten really used to wearing gloves. They are just another piece of gear that has always been necessary.

7. Warmth – Minnesota can get pretty cold late in the fall, or early spring.

8. Wiping tires clean if necessary (don’t try this without gloves!).

9. Preventing Carpal Tunnel – If you spend your life typing like me, I need all the prevention on this I can get.

10. Safety – This deserves two line items. You will save yourself from a ‘world of hurt’ by wearing gloves during a crash.

Which gloves should you wear, if you decide to start wearing them?

I’m personally a fan of the Pearl Izumi Gel Lite gloves, but they are a tad spendy at around $40.00.

I think the Nashbar 4-way Stretch Gel gloves are just fine at $13.00.