This evaluation focuses on the Universal Colours Deep Winter Gloves, examining their effectiveness in chilly and damp weather. While marketed for 'deep winter,' these gloves prove most suitable for moderate cold, performing optimally between 5°C and 10°C. Their design prioritizes waterproofing and touchscreen functionality, featuring a full-palm conductive material and a discreet aesthetic. Despite some limitations, such as reduced visibility due to minimal reflective elements, their lightweight construction and advanced insulation technologies like Primaloft and an eVent membrane offer a compelling option for winter cyclists.
Universal Colours' Deep Winter Gloves present a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that belies their technical capabilities. The all-black design, while stylish and suitable for off-bike wear, sacrifices high-visibility reflective elements crucial for safety during low-light winter rides. However, their subtle branding and integrated grip patterns ensure a secure connection with handlebars, minimizing bulk and enhancing rider comfort, even during extended eight-hour journeys. A key feature is the strategic padding that protects the ulnar nerve, a detail often overlooked in bulkier winter gloves.
The gloves excel in moisture management, largely due to their eVent membrane and Sympatex glove bag, which provide exceptional waterproofing without compromising breathability. This prevents the clamminess often associated with waterproof gloves, keeping hands dry and comfortable. While offering robust protection against rain, their thermal performance is noted to diminish significantly below 5°C, making them less ideal for genuinely harsh winter conditions. For extreme cold, layering with inner gloves might be necessary, suggesting a slight misnomer in their 'deep winter' branding.
A significant innovation is the full-palm touchscreen compatibility, a vast improvement over typical fingertip-only designs. This allows seamless interaction with smartphones and cycling computers without the need to remove the gloves, preserving warmth and convenience. Their svelte profile, achieved through advanced Primaloft insulation, offers superior dexterity compared to many bulkier alternatives. This allows for precise gear shifting and easy storage in jersey pockets, making them remarkably versatile for a range of winter cycling scenarios.
Considering their £85 price point, these gloves are positioned at the higher end of the market. While they offer premium features and a sophisticated design, their insulation might not fully justify the 'deep winter' claim for riders in exceptionally cold climates. However, for those prioritizing a blend of style, comfort, waterproofing, and tech-friendly functionality in moderate winter conditions, the Universal Colours Deep Winter Gloves represent a well-engineered choice, particularly if found at a reduced price.