“Are those acorns on your gloves?” Good-natured sigh. “No, they’re hops,” I say, then flash the “BEER ME” palm graphics. This gets me a grin (at minimum) and sometimes a cold one tossed my way. Sweet!

I’ve been using Handup Gloves for the better part of a season, and I love the grip they provide — on the handlebars and on the post-ride beverages. These are durable digit protectors at a good price, with stretchy, lightweight mesh on the back of the hand and single-layer Clarino leather on the palm. The result is a snug but not restrictive fit with no bunching.

The stretchy cuff and tag make the gloves easy to pull on and off, and the big terrycloth area on the thumb is perfect for wiping away your sweat-stache. The gloves have held up well, even after several crashes, and they haven’t shrunk in the wash.

Handup presents dozens of colors, patterns, and styles, with silicone printed graphics on the palms ranging from “SEND IT” to “MTN LIFE” to “PARTY TIME” and more. Choose whichever one speaks to your soul, then ride. $29. handupgloves.com

Author: Brad Kovach is the editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine.