Review: Handup Gloves
Eastern Tennessee is home to the western flank of the Appalachian Mountains, bluegrass music, whiskey, and Chattanooga based company Handup Gloves. They've been in the glove business for some time now, developing a strong regional following for their functional and affordable gloves.
They do collaborations and limited runs, with most seeming to be based around a "ride bikes and have a good time" mantra. Their gloves are free of any unnecessary frills, with a mesh back, synthetic leather palm, an elastic cuff, and a $28 USD price tag. There's also a 'Lite' version that's intended for those extra-hot days. Color options range from mild to wild - they're available with everything from flamingo to flannel patterns.
Handup Gloves Details
• Four way stretch mesh back
• Elastic cuff
• Clarino leather palm
• Colors: rotating
• Soft sweat wipe on thumb area
• Sizes: XS-XL
• MSRP: $29 USD
• handupgloves.com
• Four way stretch mesh back
• Elastic cuff
• Clarino leather palm
• Colors: rotating
• Soft sweat wipe on thumb area
• Sizes: XS-XL
• MSRP: $29 USD
• handupgloves.com
Performance
My preference for gloves is for something as simple as possible - no padding and fancy technology required, I want the most basic, minimalist, affordable, and functional gloves I can find that also fit well and don't bunch up while riding. There are options out there but not many tick all of the boxes, especially the "affordable" category.
Handup's gloves hit the mark. They're reasonably priced, comfortable, minimal, don't bunch up, and are easy to pull on and off. The thin design allows your hands to keep a lot of dexterity and doesn't compromise the feel of handlebars or controls. The mesh back keeps things cool when it's hot out, and the soft wipe on the thumb won't scratch your face when you're wiping off sweat or snot. The gloves fit true to size - I wear a medium in almost every glove made and these are no exception.
Ignoring the washing instructions on the tag, I've thrown these gloves in the washing machine and dryer and they're still fine. They've outlasted multiple pairs of more expensive gloves, and the fit has remained consistent. That longevity means I've ended up using the gloves for not just riding but trail building, yard work, and car work, and they've somehow survived it all.
Pinkbike's Take