Craft of Sweden make some of the world's most advanced, researched and tested cycle clothing & base layers, and as a company, have more than 30 years' experience in developing functional apparel for endurance athletes. Renowned for their relationships with top level atheletes from the cycling, running and skiing worlds, Craft take full advantage of pro level feedback to continually develop their apparel line.



For 2011, Craft is the apparel sponsor for the new Team Luxembourg Cycling Project, code named 'Leopard'. Featuring amongst other internationally acclaimed cyclists, Andy and Frank Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, Daniele Bennati and Jens Voigt, this is one Pro Cycling team that will aim to win not only the early season Classics, but Le Tour in July. The website for the Leopard Project can be visited here: http://www.leopardtrek.lu/

• see more from the Craft Clothing collection
• see Craft Jerseys
• see Craft Bib Shorts
• see the Craft Base Layers

Being Swedish, you'd expect Craft to have a pretty good idea of how to make cold weather kit, and they do. These Storm gloves are typical Craft – classy but understated looks, excellent build quality and some nice touches.

They also have the Craft long label tucked inside, which means spending a few minutes carefully snipping, unless you really need to explain the washing instructions to a Korean friend.

Our test gloves came in a size S. Normally I'd take at least a medium but these fitted surprisingly well, so you might want to try a pair before you buy, or just size down. The snug fit and low bulk means that controls and light switches are easily operated without any clumsy fumbling. You also get rubberised grippers on the fingers and palm to help keep your hands in place on the bars.

Craft describe these as windproof and the tight stitching along the fingers does a good job of protecting you from the worst autumnal chills. Being a slimline glove means that they aren't the warmest and it can take a few miles before the insulating effect of the fleece lining starts to kick in. That said, once they've warmed up a little they do keep the heat in quite well with a neoprene cuff helping to retain it.

Reflective dots and logo are a neat touch – they're always welcome on a glove that is likely to be used after dark, although be careful when you wash them (you did keep that label after you cut it out, didn't you?) as the reflectives are the iron-on type that tend to peel off. As you'd hope, you also get a decent sized snot wipe, in this case pretty much a whole thumb's worth.

The one slight niggle I have is that the gel padding is a bit minimal, consisting of a single small patch on the heel of the hand. I'd prefer to see larger but thinner patches of gel across the whole palm, like you find on the Craft Pave gloves.

At £40 these aren't cheap but for the quality and fit they're well worth the money, especially as you can find them reduced if you shop around.

Verdict

Lovely glovely design for cool autumn rides - 8/10

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