Keeping your hands warm through winter riding can seem like an impossible goal. Every company that makes winter gear has a level of winter glove that’s meant to handle the coldest, wettest rides that allow for the continued use of a five-finger design. In the Castelli line-up that position falls to the Espresso GT glove. They cost a bit more than the Castelli Estremo gloves that make our list of the best winter cycling gloves but they also promise increased protection.
We’ve put these gloves through the wringer this winter. They’ve been with us for days that start below freezing and only warm up enough for hours of rain, and they even accompanied us as we climbed out of the rain and into the snow. With those experiences behind us, we are ready to share our thoughts. If you are looking for a pair gloves for the worst weather but want to avoid mitts and retain the five-finger style, then keep reading to see if the Castelli Espresso GT gloves are right for you.
Editor’s Note: We really liked the Castelli Espresso GT winter gloves. This weekend the gloves are featured in several Cyber Monday sales so if you are interested in deals on the gloves we have included some quick links below.
👉 UK: 43% off at Sigma Sport (opens in new tab)
👉 US: 25% at Backcountry in two sizes. (opens in new tab)
Design and aesthetics
The exterior of the Castelli Espresso GT gloves starts with a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane fabric. Gore-tex membrane fabrics have been around for a long time and, through the years, the range has expanded in different ways. There are now options beyond the original waterproof line but for the worst weather, you still want to look for the original.
Given the expected use of the Espresso GT gloves, Castelli draws from that original design and that means a three-layer fabric with a facing layer, a waterproof membrane layer, and a backing layer. The membrane does the bulk of the work and uses millions of tiny holes to allow water vapour out but keep water, or wind, from penetrating.
At the back of the hand is where you’ll find the most recognisable of the design features. Every brand needs to find a solution for a glove with a tight fit while also being easy to get on. For the Espresso GT, the chosen solution is a water-resistant YKK zipper. The zipper extends from the first…
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