Buying cycling gloves is never easy. With so many variables at play on the saddle, it’s hard to know what to prioritise between outright protection and general usability or dexterity. Add smartphones to the picture and you’re looking at another whole new dimension altogether. When it comes to striking a compromise between these factors, the Craft Siberian Glove just about does it.

On first sight, this Siberian Glove looks like a burly thing, fitted with velcro wrist straps and a thick waterproof upper. Also acting as a buffer against the wind, the upper holds down a fleece lining, keeping your hands toasty when they’re hanging onto the handlebars. All this adds up to an incredibly warm glove which insulates enough warm air to keep someone with average circulation driving comfortably through zero degrees celsius. If you find yourself out in ice or snow, the Siberian glove starts to come up against limits, being a little thin for sub-zero temperatures.

Beyond the glove’s robust insulation features, its most impressive aspect comes through the amount of dexterity they offer. Beautifully crafted fingers are matched with grippy palms, making this a tremendous glove to use if you’re handling maps, snacks or want to use your tool without getting your fingers cold. The index fingers and thumbs have softer linings, allowing for you to interact with your smartphone without removing your gloves.

Depending on how you like to wear your gloves – beneath a thermal or strapping it down snug – the velcro strap offers a good degree of flexibility, and can of course be left open if you’re looking for a little more ventilation.

Despite all these features, it’s worth noting that this Craft piece is not entirely waterproof. Part of the dexterity of the glove can be located in its softish upper, something that moves better than your typical waterproof lining. So don’t bank on it staying dry if you’re cycling all day in the rain, and be aware that if it does become soaking wet, you’ll need to put in some good overnight drying work to clear it of moisture.

A moderate weekend fall this winter also proved that even if the Siberian glove can’t keep you’re tyres glued to the tarmac, at least it can provide enough protection on a fall. Despite my leggings and thermal showcasing the fall with six inches of rip each, my trusty Craft glove has only a small, dime-sized rip on palm of the outer layer, and my hand didn’t bruise at all.

Read more at craftsportswear.com