Taking the Sting Outta Asphalt

WHAT: Spenco Ironman Elite Gloves WHERE: Ironmancycling.com HOW MUCH: $35

The design of the Spenco Ironman Elite Glove was conceived by hand neurologist Dr. A. Robert Spitzer, and centers on a network of beefy foam inserts in the palm that are intended to prevent the numbness associated with long days gripping the bars. Like four slices of country ham, the pads extend over both the radial and ulnar portions of the palm, while leaving a gap which Spenco says will relieve pressure on the medial nerve – the usual culprit in numbness.

Everything about this glove shouts durability, from its double-stitched seams to its oversized rubber wrist strap. The glove also sports the standard terry cloth thumb for sweat-absorption, elastic finger sleeves and a reinforced thumb crotch.

But hey, crotches aren’t everything: what about looks? The Ironman gloves have a subtle black and red color scheme and some modest white piping. If you find the usual glove offerings a little ostentatious, then these gloves are for you – they attract about as much attention as a JLo movie.

Aesthetics aside, the Spenco’s fit decently and the beefy palm pads certainly take the zing out of riding vibration. However, it seems as though Dr. A. Robert Spitzer is not much of a mountain biker -- the thick-palmed design makes your bars feel like a giant unwieldy sausage.

Riders with especially big paws may not find the padding excessive, and running thinner grips may help reduce the sausage-sensation. But if numbness is cutting short your rides and the motocross look isn’t your bag, then give the Spenco’s a try.