Rapha Pro Team Shadow Winter Cycling Gloves

The Rapha Pro Team Shadow Winter cycling gloves are designed for high-intensity training in cold and wet conditions. The stretchy, microporous Shadow membrane repels rain and blocks wind without the stiffness of a traditional waterproof membrane; rather, it makes the gloves feel supple and move with your hands on the handlebars. The Active Insulation lining retains heat while also allowing for excellent handlebar feel – a combination rarely found in winter gloves.

The new Storm Cuffs seal the gloves securely around your wrists. This is the point where cold air and water tend to seep in with most winter gloves, especially if your jacket or jersey rides up while cycling. The Storm Cuff prevents this. The low-profile design makes the gloves suitable for cyclists who want to have the best possible feel of the handlebars in winter without compromising on protection against rain and wind.

Microporous Shadow membrane

The Shadow membrane has microscopically small pores that are large enough to allow water vapour to escape from the inside yet too small for water droplets to enter from the outside. This makes the membrane both water-repellent and breathable. Its stretchy nature is what sets it apart from standard waterproof membranes: It stretches along with the knitted outer fabric, made from 73% nylon and 27% elastane, ensuring the glove remains supple and doesn’t feel stiff on the handlebars.

Storm Cuff

The Storm Cuff offers an extended cuff design that secures the glove firmly around the wrist. It covers the gap between the glove and the sleeve of your jacket or jersey, preventing cold air and road spray from entering. The cuff is part of the knitted pattern and adds no bulk.

Insulated Active lining

The inside of the glove features an insulated lining that retains heat without the bulk of traditional fleece or padding. "Active" means that the lining follows your hand movements, so you don’t experience any stiffness when squeezing the brake levers or changing gears. With this lining, the glove is warmer than a classic mid-season glove yet thinner than a fully insulated winter glove.

Ideal for:

• Temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C and cold and damp conditions, when you want to retain maximum handlebar feel.
• High-intensity winter training, when you want gloves with rain and wind protection but without the bulk of heavy winter gloves.
• Cyclists who want to operate the touchscreen on their cycle computer or phone while keeping their gloves on.

Not suitable for:

• Extreme frost and temperatures below -5°C. The low-profile construction offers less insulation than thick winter gloves with a lobster construction or Primaloft insulation; in such cold conditions, choose heavier gloves.
• Leisurely rides in severe cold where you generate less heat. At lower intensities, your hands cool down more quickly; the Active lining is designed for hard training, not for relaxed cycling in the cold.

Not sure about the size? Here’s how to check:

Measure the circumference of your hand at its widest point, just below the knuckles, with a tape measure loosely wrapped around your hand. Select your size in the order box based on that circumference. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one for greater freedom of movement.

How to keep your Pro Team Shadow Winter in good condition

1. Wash on a cold cycle and inside out: Use a cold wash cycle and turn the gloves inside out to protect the Shadow membrane and the knitted outer layer.
2. Use a mild detergent: Do not use bio-detergent or fabric softener. Fabric softener will damage the micro-pores of the membrane and reduce its water-repellency.
3. Do not bleach or dry-clean: Both will damage the membrane and the elastane in the outer fabric.
4. Line-dry: Do not tumble dry because heat will damage the microporous membrane.

• If the Shadow membrane loses its water-repellent properties over time, this does not mean the coating has worn off; rather, it has been flattened by use. Gently ironing it at a low temperature through a dry cloth can reactivate the DWR coating. Check the care label first.
• Put the gloves on before getting on your bike and fasten the Storm Cuffs over the sleeve openings of your jacket. This will completely seal the openings.
• If you are cycling just above the temperature range for these gloves, around 10°C to 15°C, the Active lining will be too warm for leisurely rides. Take them with you to use if the temperature drops or it starts to rain.