Bontrager Meraj S1 Softshell Gloves

Bontrager’s Meraj softshell gloves are toasty warm for cold weather riding, but they don’t feel bulky and cumbersome like most winter gloves we’ve tested. They use 3M’s Thinsulate synthetic insulation to minimize the gloves’ profile without sacrificing warmth and protection from the elements.

The extra flexibility and dexterity makes grasping the handlebar and shifting gears easier and more reliable. But they are still winter gloves. And that means opening energy bar wrappers, adjusting your helmet straps, and other fine motor skills are limited.

The Meraj gloves have a fleece lining on the inside that feels soft against the skin and helps trap heat to keep your hands warm when the temperature drops. Bontrager’s Profila softshell fabric on the back of the gloves protects against icy winds and moisture while the palms include light gel padding for comfort.

We rode in these gloves in temperatures ranging from approximately 35 to 50 degrees and our hands stayed warm and dry despite some light rain showers. The long cuffs use a Velcro wrist closure for quick adjustment on the fly. This also makes it easy to tuck your jersey sleeves under the cuff to keep cold winds from sneaking up the arms while riding.

Patches of silicone line the thumb and first two fingers of the gloves for added grip and security when holding onto the handlebar. Silicone is also found at the cuff and on the Velcro strap, which helps when pulling on the gloves or cinching the Velcro strap around your wrist.