Hey, they’re not just for cruisers, ya know! I won’t be stigmatized. I don’t know why Tour Master calls them Cruiser Gloves. But I wasn’t about to let that stop me from trying them. I’m here to tell you, I used them on a Tourer, a naked standard, and even a sportbike, and they worked just fine.

They’re made of black, drum-dyed leather with padded knuckles for increased protection up top. Underneath, the palms have small gel panels covering the lower section to absorb vibration and are covered in nonslip Clarino, which is a new high-tech material made from ultrafine fibers that provide dependable flexibility, softness, and strength. I like that the gel pad isn’t too thick and doesn’t cover the upper portion of the palm, which would reduce flexibilty in the fingers.

For my money, the sewn-in Armor-Link mesh vent panels along the sides of each finger are the best part. Air is allowed to flow freely through to keep your hands cool, but the mesh is tough enough to offer good abrasion resistance. The Cruiser’s lining is a comfortable soft nylon, and the gloves stay in place thanks to the elastic-and-leather strap closures at the wrist. The gauntlet is short, not too long, and just right for summer use. There’s a fingerless version, but I found the full-fingered glove to be quite comfortable in all temperatures. I prefer the added protection for my digits.

I found the sizing to run a little on the small size, so plan on ordering one size up from what you usually wear. The Cruiser glove is available in sizes from XS to XXXL. Spring, summer, or fall, I was comfortable wearing the Tour Master Vented Cruiser gloves, no matter what I was riding. They’re not just for cruisers anymore. I’m such a rebel. RB

Cool air enters through the mesh cloth on finger sides.

Hard Data

Tour Master/Cortech
Vented Gel Cruiser Gloves, $34.99
800/455-2552
www.TourMaster.com