Although Southern Californians don’t know winter like the rest of the country knows winter, the Racer Gloves USA‘s Women’s Queens gloves have been doing a credible job as my go-to winter commuter gloves. While not built for deep winter temps, the Racer Queens gloves are effective for a 20-minute high-speed freeway ride home after dark in 50-degree weather for this admittedly cold-weather wimp.
Sliding into the oh-so-soft fleece-lined Racer Queens gloves is like slipping on a favorite pair of fuzzy slippers. The interior is inviting and snug without the bulkiness of many cold-weather gloves that inhibit finger dexterity. Built of supple goatskin leather and reinforced at the palm with a second layer of leather, the Queens gloves allow a non-slip grip on the bars and levers, and have a waterproof Polymax membrane designed to keep hands dry (I avoid the rain), and it does help ward off the cold.
The Queens glove has impact protection across the knuckles is provided by a hard plastic insert. It is well seated in the leather chassis, so there is zero irritation across knuckles, even if you ride covering the brake and clutch levers.
A slightly elastic gathering across the underside of your wrist is supplemented by a Velcro-closing strap on top. It allowed me to cinch the Queens gloves as securely as I like. The mid-length gauntlet could be a bit wider, which would make it easier to tuck jacket sleeves inside, but the spare cut keeps the glove from being full-on winter glove bulky, contributing to a leaner profile.
Stylishly cut, stamped and stitched at the gauntlet, as well as the middle digits, shows an attention to detail that is appreciated. With an extremely comfortable fit and feel against my skin, the Racer Women’s Queens gloves are an inviting $90 piece of winter riding wardrobe.