by Mark
Seems slightly strange to be writing an article about wet weather riding and the virtues of having nice warm, waterproof gloves when it’s 24 degrees outside and bright sunshine…in October.
Still, the rain will come, particularly in the UK which has seen the months from September to February getting wetter, and so you should be prepared with some nice waterproof motorcycle gloves.
According to the boffins at Knox, water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than air and combined with the wind chill factor means the rider will soon be, well, cold, and wet.
Besides being not very nice, this can also impair your ability to do things like think, and operate heavy machinery, I mean buttons and switches.
Most modern motorcycle gloves are made waterproof by inserting a membrane between the outer shell and inner lining and although this is reasonably efficient for keeping hands dry, it leaves a gap between the shell and the waterproof barrier, where water can collect.
Step forward Knox who, using their OutDry technology for winter gloves, give you the Zero gloves, launched earlier this year. Based on a patented lamination process, the waterproof and breathable membrane is bonded directly to the glove’s external shell by the action of pressure and temperature, preventing water from collecting between the outer shell and membrane.
Featuring the dialled-in Boa Closure system that uses a dial to draw ‘side pods’ over the wrist for multi-adjustable closure, helping to eliminate tight spots and restriction to blood flow, which can contribute to cold hands and fingers.
The gloves have drum-dyed aniline leather on the fingers and back of the hand, and a tough yet supple goat leather and Amara Grip Pad with silicon on the palm.
Protection is also important in a winter glove, as wet and icy conditions can increase the risk of accident, so the Zero features Knox’s Low Profile Scaphoid Protection System with abrasion resistant Shoeller Keprotec reinforcement at the palm.
Priced at £129.99 Knox Zero OutDry gloves are produced in sizes XS-XXL. They sound great, I’d be interested to know if they do manage to not enlarge in size and double in weight when they get wet, if you have a pair and get stuck in a rain shower, or just decide to plunge them into a bath full of water, let us know!
