It’s a combination which works very well, providing padding in all the right areas, and they’re also of a variable thickness and density to allow them to take most of the impact of bumps, without losing handlebar feel.

The palm itself is made from three sections of a hard-wearing leather-like material coated in silicone print. The aim of this is to increase grip on the handlebar or hoods and in this respect it once again works really well. I certainly didn’t notice my hands slipping at all when using the gloves.

Other elements include the microfibre sweat wipes on the outside of the thumbs, which are good for both wiping sweat off the forehead and clearing your glasses. The pull tabs on the ends of the fingers make the mitts easy to remove even a long sweaty ride, while the stitching is strong and flat locked across the gloves, meaning there’s no irritation while riding and no immediate concerns about longevity.

Conclusion

If you’re after a well-priced set of high-end mitts then these are well worth considering, with an excellent level of attention to detail – the fabric choices, pull tabs and silicone print are evidence of that. All in all, the Altura Podium Elite mitts are lightweight and breathable, with an excellent fit and padding in all the right places, making them a smart option for summer rides.

Pros

• Excellent fit
• Well-placed padding
• Good levels of breathability for summer riding
• Attention to detail (fabric choice, silicone print, pull tabs)

Cons

• Not much