When the weather fluctuates, so does our choice of gear. Next to boots, gloves are one of the most important choices to make when commuting in the winter. Keeping the extremities warm can be tough. This past week has been nice. It seems that we’re experiencing our mid-winter thaw with temps in the lower 30’s. Below you will find a random selection of gloves/mittens as seen on the hands of Planet Bike employees Friday, January 22, 2010.

1. Planet Bike Borealis Gloves – Chris

Today I wore the Planet Bike Borealis winter gloves. I like the XXL sizing, so many cycling gloves just don’t quite fit me. For me they are good in the 10-40 degree weather, depending on how long the ride is. They are very comfortable and I’m able to use mountain shifters and road shifters without an issue. The one thing I don’t really like about them is they take a while to dry out. They are hard to pull inside out and get back in easily, but other than that, they are great.

2. Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts – Mark

For temperatures below 25 degrees F, I use the Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts with a thin, loose fitting liner glove. The mitts are windproof and water resistant. The biggest advantage for me is that there is ample room to move my hands/fingers inside the mitts. I suffer from chronic “cold hands-cold feet” syndrome, and this is the first setup I’ve found to keep my digits warm through the nasty 25 below days that Wisconsin inevitably experiences several times each winter. The only disadvantage of my personal set-up is the overall bulk. These mitts don’t allow a great deal of manual dexterity.

3. Craft Thermal Split Finger Gloves – James

Traditionally used as a Nordic glove these work great on the bike. There is a 5 finger fleece removable liner which is really nice if your hands get too hot and you can wash it. In the late winter I often find myself riding wearing only the liner. I think the 5 finger liner and the outer windproof lobster style mitt is the perfect combination for Wisconsin winters. As I mentioned they are versatile and for me they work well in 10 to 40 degree F temperatures.

4. Windproof Fleece Gloves – Heath

Keep it simple. Riding 4 miles to work in 30 degree weather doesn’t really require specialized gear. This morning I road to work in jeans, a sweatshirt, hat, and these windproof fleece gloves. Warm, breathable, and great for a game of pond hockey, which I plan to make happen on the way home today.