Rapha Core Mitts cycling glove review: A fantastic option for spring and summer

We may still be in February but spring is just around the corner. I was on an early season reliability ride at the weekend and a rider in our group had short-finger cycling gloves or mitts on. Opening Weekend also kicks off the spring classics at the weekend at I’m willing to be a few riders who will be wearing mitts. Spring must be nearly here.

The best cycling gloves protect your hands in warmer weather and aid grip. Now I ride without gloves a lot, and I think generally no gloves is currently more popular for a lot of riders. However, for a race, a big ride, or just an epic day out, I always wear gloves. They help me feel ready for a big day, keep my hands more comfortable, and help me wipe sweat. I also know that if I do end up crashing, the palms of my hands will have that little bit more protection.

We aren't quite out of the woods yet, and I'm sure there are some cold days to come, check out our best winter cycling gloves guide for warm long-finger options

I’ve been using the Rapha Core mitts for over a year now, and have done some big rides in them. They have been pretty much perfect for me and take the best overall spot in our best cycling gloves guide.

The gloves are priced at £40 / $50 / €45 are are available in two colours, black and navy. I know for a fact I’ll be wearing them for at least a few of my races and big days out this year.

 Design and Aesthetics  

The Core mitts have been in the Rapha line for a while now and are simple, unfussy cycling mitts that just work. The gloves are available in two colour options – black and navy blue. They have a single 'Rapha' wordmark on the outside of each glove, there's also an additional embossed 'Rapha' wordmark on the bottom of each palm. It's safe to say they will go well with a wide range of cycling kit and not clash with anything.

The Core mitts are manufactured from a mix of nylon, spandex and polyester and Rapha has listed a usable temperature range of 12-32C / 53-90F for them, though of course that isn't a hard rule and use will vary from rider to rider.

The back of each glove is a lightweight, perforated nylon and spandex mesh which is comfortable and lightly stretchy. The soft palms are made from polyester, and have a synthetic suede finish which Rapha claims aids grip, there are also some light rows of foam padding stitched around the heel of the palm.

Lastly, there are two pull loops stitched onto the middle and ring fingers that allow you to take the gloves off easily since they don't use a velcro strap.

Performance 

It's fairly hard to go wrong with cycling gloves as long as they fit you properly. However, I've tested over twenty pairs of gloves during the last year or so and when a pair is too tight or cuts into your fingers, it can quickly start to niggle.

The best cycling kit experiences I find are when you put something on and just don't have to think about it again. That's been the case for me with the Core gloves, I put them on to ride, and they are pretty much perfect.

They are soft, stretchy and comfortable and keep my hands feeling looked after. The fit is also excellent, there are no tight spots, and the fingers are perfect in my size small pair, they aren't too tight, are easy to pull off, unlike some tighter gloves and there aren't any niggly seams or bits of stitching to irritate. I've been wearing a size small test pair, but check the Rapha size guide if you are keen.

I like my black test pair, they go with anything as mentioned and the Rapha logo has stood the test of time and still looks as new after many washes.

Gloves help you wipe sweat on hot days, but also wipe your nose should you need to, I quite like having a nose wipe panel on a glove's thumbs, but they can look a little old school on more modern gloves. My only desire would be a nose wipe panel that fits in with the glove's neat Rapha styling.

Value 

I think the Core mitts represent a decent value buy. Yes, there are cheaper mitts on the market, but there are also models that are nearly twice the money. I think there's a strong blend of performance, quality and price point here. I can't find fault with the gloves, and they have worn very well over time.

Rapha also produces the Brevet gloves, priced at the same amount and the slightly more expensive Pro Team gloves, which appear to be out of stock currently though I have asked Rapha about this in case they have been discontinued.

Verdict 

I put the Core mitts on to ride, and I haven't had to consider them again, as mentioned they have been pretty much perfect in use for me. I like their low bulk, lack of restriction and light yet effective padding.

The subtle Rapha styling and colours also look good, meaning I can wear them on or off-road with any kit. Up to this point, they are the best gloves I have used.