Gloves
- at SIP Scootershop
Gloves are of elementary importance for scooter and motorbike riders and can confidently be described as the minimum equipment. Just as no one leaves the house without shoes, the two-wheeler should not be ridden without this protection for the hands. No driving instructor in Germany lets his students mount a motorbike without gloves. Gloves are often the first contact with the road surface in the event of a fall. Bracing yourself with your hands is a natural reflex and unavoidable. But gloves also protect against small stones and other materials that can be thrown up. And last but not least, they protect the hands from cold, wet and draughts. Gloves give you the security you need to keep your bike under control in the truest sense of the word. We have a large selection of gloves in our range, because the demands are different. In the following, we take a look at material, fit and protection.
How are motorbike gloves different from other gloves?
Motorbike gloves are characterised, among other things, by their special protectors in various places. Unlike normal gloves, for example, there are reinforcements on the knuckles or edges of the hand, and some products are also pre-curved because they have to fit around the handlebars without restricting the hand's freedom of movement uncomfortably. Most gloves for scooters and motorbikes have an integrated ventilation system so that the fingers do not start to sweat or even cool down while riding. And the difference to "normal" gloves is enormous: Reinforced, double seams and protectors go through a scrupulous CE test before they are even allowed on the market. In France, for example, it is compulsory to wear a CE-approved glove on a two-wheeler. If you don't, you have to pay a fine.
Leather gloves
Popular, visually appealing and comfortable are Cowhide or goatskin gloves. Whether classic black, vintage brown or olive - the playful retro look is popular. However, these gloves are also absolutely state-of-the-art. The protectors are CE-approved and usually have the modern touch function for smartphones or navigation systems. Our range of leather gloves consists almost exclusively of lightweight products that are suitable for warm temperatures. "Leather" may sound like heavy gloves that are not suitable for summer, but the opposite is true.
Leather is a so-called "living material". This means that the gloves adapt to your hands over time by becoming softer and more flexible. What still feels stiff and somewhat firm in the shop becomes your "second skin" through prolonged use. If the leather gloves are also reinforced with protectors, they will meet all requirements. Whether you're riding at 200 km/h on the motorway, adventuring off-road or urban cruising. In this segment we trust the brands Tucano Urbano, Fuel, John Doe and Rev'it!.
Textile gloves
The materials polyamide, polyurethane, mesh and polyester fall under the category "textile". These gloves are usually a bit cheaper and a bit better ventilated in summer than leather gloves. However, the look is usually somewhat simpler or even more technical, as can be seen, for example, in the gloves from Rev'it!
The Italian scooter specialist Piaggio makes gloves from lightweight materials for warm days with effective knuckle protection. Conductive material on the tip of the index finger enables the use of touch screens such as smartphones or sat navs. The chic Vespa logo on the back of the hand rounds off the products.
Our other textile gloves are extremely light, comfortable, elastic and suitable for mild temperatures. The perfect ventilation prevents the fingers from getting too warm. Safety inserts on the palm and knuckles lend protection. We trust in gloves from Tucano Urbano and Progrip.
Other gloves
If the gloves are made of neoprene, they are usually grip or handlebar gauntlets that are mainly intended to protect against cold and wet. The synthetic rubber has excellent heat-insulating properties and is the perfect companion for the cold seasons. It is also important for the handlebar boots that the operating elements such as turn signals or lights remain easily accessible. Here we rely completely on the products from Tucano Urbanowhich are even suitable for bicycles.
Gloves for the workshop are very thin and made of nylon. No workshop should be without them and they impress with their high wearing comfort, resistance to tearing and abrasion and a secure grip. We offer models from Malossi, Hygostar and engelbert strauss.
And last but not least, rain gloves, for example from Tucano Urbanoare suitable for all seasons. They are made of 100 per cent polyamide and can be worn as a second glove.
The fit of the gloves
When buying gloves, there are a few tips to keep in mind, which we would like to give you here. The fingertips should not be in direct contact with the inside of the gloves, then they are too small. Leave a little slack and make a fist. If there is no pressure on the fingertips, you are on the safe side. However, you should not close your fist completely, because you usually still have the handlebars of your bike in your hand. If you can, come to our flagship store with your scooter or motorbike. flagship store with your scooter or motorcycle and try out different models. Uncomfortable gloves can drive you crazy.
It is important that the gloves fit tightly at the ankle so that they are not stripped off if they come into contact with resistance. Don't be surprised if some gloves have the seams on the outside. This is not a sign of poor quality, but offers your fingers more space and comfort. Some gloves have a so-called "stretch gusset" on the back of the hand. This is not a flaw in the material either, but offers more comfort when you make a fist.
As described above, the material of pure leather gloves will work if you use them regularly. So these gloves can be a little tighter when you buy them new. Just like shoes, they are "broken in", so to speak. Gloves made of synthetic material should be bought half a size larger. The proof of the pudding is in the eating!
The protection of the gloves
Even the aforementioned gloves for warmer temperatures should offer reliable protection to do their job in the event of a fall. All CE-approved gloves must have protectors, because this is what distinguishes them from casual gloves: double leather pads, plastic protectors or even magnesium pads. The protection on the ball of the hand is important, because you will use it to support yourself in the event of a fall. If you hit the side, the protection on the side of the little finger is useful. The knuckles on the back of the hand are usually also protected by extra thick pads. Manufacturers work with different systems here; Tucano Urbano, for example, uses so-called "D3O safety inserts" for the palm and knuckles, which absorb up to 40% of energy in the event of an impact.
If necessary, there should be a robust Velcro fastener for the wrist so that you can pull the glove on tightly. The seams must be of a high quality and not tear at the first impact.
We summarise: The palms, knuckles and edges of the hands need the best protection. Don't skimp on the gloves, they will be a loyal and valuable companion.
