AXO NASTY GLOVES
$34.95
661-257-2756
www.axocycling.com

Sure, AXO says these are dirt jumping and BMX gloves (after all, they are the Cory Nastazio signature model) but don't let that fool you, they make great mountain bike gloves for riders who want full fingered protection with thin palms.

The heart of the glove is its super thin 0.5 Tactilite palm. It's licensed from Mechanix Wear and is the same as what they use on their mechanics specific glove (which also make damn fine riding gloves). Sections of the palm are reinforced with Kevlar for durability and the fingertips have little rubber stripes for extra traction. On the back, Spandura allows for some airflow and breathability. The knuckle areas have rubber coating for brush protection and the wrist closure is elastic with a rubber and Velcro closure. Color is Gen-X black with some gray and a hint of white.

If you're a rider who likes a glove that "barely feels like it's there" on the palm, this is it. There is no bunching from unnecessary padding and the Kevlar sections prevent premature wear. The backside has the feel of the bigger, downhill glove with extra brush protection across the knuckle. Cooling properties are fair mainly because this glove isn't necessarily designed to be an all-day riding glove. Overall, it does the job nicely on long mountain bike rides...no matter what those dirt jumpers might say.

--Mike Cushionbury