Jan 2, 2010
When you have the chance to get your hands on anything Oakley you take it. I recently was looking for a good pair of glove to take to the singletrack when I came across the Oakley Hand Ratchet glove.
As with all things Oakley, the Hand Ratchet reaks of quality and functionality with excellent padding and protection including the Kevlar reinforced knuckles. Two velco straps, across the back of the hand and at the wrist keep the Hand Ratchet secure onto your hand.
Bar grip is provided with sticky dots on the finger tips and the moisture absorbing Clarino palm material. A terry nose wipe is provided on the thumb for additional comfort. The mesh material on the back of the hand and lightweight fabric along the fingers enables adequate air flow even on the warmest of days.
Available in a range of colours and sizes, I was able to get my hands into the Blue Line colour that provide a somewhat retro Oakley look that makes them very individual.
I wore these on the mountain bike on a stinking hot mid-35 degree (celcius) day. The Hand Ratchet proved to be comfortable and provided me a secure grip onto the bars without any numb spots. After the hot and sweaty ride, the gloves washed well in a gentle machine wash and air dried to come up as new.
With a RRP of AU$79.95 the Oakley Hand Ratchet are not the cheapest glove available but sure are the most comfortable and coolest looking out there.
EDITOR’S NOTES:
I have received a number of email questions about the care of gloves such as the Oakley Hand Ratchet.
As with all of my cycling gloves, I put them into the washing machine on a cold and very gentle wash. You will only need minimal detergent and a little fabric softening even if very dirty.
Make sure that there are no other pieces of clothing that may be damaged by the velco wrist tabs. From experience, keep apparel such as lycra bibs shorts and jerseys away from gloves leaving them for a separate wash.
Upon finishing the wash and spin cycle, let the gloves air dry naturally on a clothes rack inside, out of the sun.
By following the above process, I have never damaged a pair of cycling gloves. Hope this helps.
/Lakers