Gloves
I know what you are thinking, jackets are the second most important thing when riding. Well, it’s too large of a topic to cover right now, so I’ll just cover gloves. 
There is no rule that says you MUST wear gloves. However, the stories of guys with gravel embedded into their palms, unable to write, type, or even eat without pain is unbarable for myself. So heed the warning when I say that gloves are a must when riding.
First, the styles. They range from fingerless, regular, and gauntet style. Gauntlet style gloves has extra protection past the wrists. Regardless to say, the bigger the glove, the better it is. The thiner the leather, the less protection (obviously). I also find that heavy leather helps when using the controls of the bike. It is kind of like a support. I have had both a regular glove, and gauntlet style gloves. I’m a gear nazi, so you know where my preference lyes.
Next up is the options. You can get a dozen varieties. Some with padding, some with no padding. This is where common sense helps. Padding is rarely on the palms of fingers. This would prevent “feel” when using the controls. However, extra leather is sometimes there. Extra padding happens on the tops of the fingers, thumbs, and knuckles. Some gloves have hard plastic or carbon fibre over the knuckles, and over the finger joints. This does help. Stories from racers and those who have crashed say it works. You don’t expect to land on your knuckles, but if you had an accident and found the carbon fibre to be worn out, you’d be happy to have it.
Here is a quick tip on wet weather riding. To protect your gloves, use snowboarding gloves, or put them over your gloves if you can. Remember, comfort in riding rather than staying dry. If the gloves are too cumbersome, don’t wear it.
Fitment is key when buying gloves. Remember, they should fit snuggly, but not loose. Find someone who will help you with it. Most shops are qualified to help with your fitment. If you don’t agree, go to another shop for a second opinion. Lastly, remember that these gloves will wear out over time. The average life of gloves is about a year of riding. This is hard riding, or commuting. You can last a lot longer if you don’t ride as much. Holes will appear at the finger tips and the tops of the palms. The most used area. If you want a good pair, look to spend no more than one or two hundred on a pair of gloves. Any more and it isn’t really worth it. They wear out too fast. If your gloves start to stink, baking powder helps. NEVER put wet gloves in your helmet. At least not for a long time. If they get wet, just air dry it. There are products that can rejuvinate them, but that is a completely different topic. Good luck in your purchases.
