Which Gloves Work Best in Rising Temps?

Question: Now that it’s getting cooler, short-finger gloves aren’t enough protection for weekend rides starting at 8 a.m. But by 10, long-fingered gloves are too hot and I have to stop to change. Is there a better way? — Roger M.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Here’s what I do: Start cool fall rides wearing regular short-finger cycling gloves with long-finger polypro gloves over them.

Then when the temperature warms, sit up and pull off the long gloves. They’re lightweight, so they stash easily in a jersey pocket.

For an afternoon ride, do the opposite. Start with your short-finger gloves, then pull your polypros over them as the sun sinks and the air cools.

Pearl Izumi and other companies make the kind of long-finger gloves I’m talking about. Mine have rubber dots on the fingers and palm for a good grip on the handlebar. You can find these and similar lightweight gloves in bike shops, sporting goods stores and outdoors companies like REI.