Lightweight and breathable gloves for total control on the trail
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"These gloves feel like an extension of my hands on the bike. The breathable mesh back keeps them cool on hot rides, and the synthetic suede palm gives me just the right amount of grip on my bars. I love the minimalist, no-closure cuff—it fits snugly without any bulk. Plus, they’re touchscreen-compatible, so I can check my maps without taking them off."
When we're charging down fast descents or grinding up technical climbs, the right gloves make all the difference. The Freewheel Mountain Bike Gloves from Outdoor Research deliver that perfect balance of breathability, grip, and lightweight comfort for all-day rides. With a poly mesh back to keep airflow high and a perforated synthetic suede palm for reliable traction, these gloves feel as close to no-glove riding as we can get—without sacrificing protection.
Built for trail riders who value control, the Freewheel gloves feature a bonded stretch cuff for a secure fit, touchscreen compatibility for on-the-go navigation, and a soft sweat wipe for those warmer days. With strategically placed seams on the index finger for enhanced dexterity on brake levers, these gloves help us stay locked in and ready to tackle any line ahead.
Details
- Lightweight, breathable gloves designed for mountain biking
- Poly mesh back promotes airflow for cool, dry hands on long rides
- Perforated synthetic suede palm delivers grip and durability
- Bonded stretch cuff offers a snug, bulk-free fit
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips for easy navigation on the go
- Soft thumb sweat wipe provides added comfort on hot days
- Optimized index finger seams enhance dexterity for brake control
- Item #ODRZ92P
- Material
- [back of hand] 87% nylon, 13% spandex, [fourchettes] 78% nylon, 22% spandex, [palm] 100% polyurethane synthetic suede, [sweat wipe] 100% polyester
- Closure
- stretch cuff
- Claimed Weight
- 3.5oz
- Activity
- cross-country, downhill, enduro, trail
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 12 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 9, 2025
Good summer glove
The gloves are tight fitting but don’t feel tight. The touchscreen sensitivity is great. I’ve only wore them once and the seam on the right glove that runs along the inside of the thumb joint was a little uncomfortable and the is no additional padding or layers on the palm. Good glove for short fun rides but not for all day at the bike park.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
October 7, 2025
Use as work gloves
Needed some light work gloves and these fit the bill well. However, they don’t breathe as well as I would expect a mountain bike glove to, but I’m no expert. The fit is a bit tight, but that’s helpful for what I use them for. Outside of those very few issues I have personally they are excellent gloves.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
September 3, 2025
Gloves are awesome, but tough to put on.
These are great for bike patrol/law enforcement. My only complaint is they are a little tough to put on. They seem to hold up well though.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
May 17, 2025
Weird fit but light and breathable
Just got the gloves in the mail and they seem super breathable and light which I’m psyched on but the sizing seems pretty off to me. I have big hands and have needed XXL from 100% and others but the XL I got has the longest pointer finger I’ve ever seen. The thumb pinkie and middle finger fit but the ring finger is also too long and I can barely fit my hand in when I’m putting them on
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
May 14, 2025
Perfect size
These gloves have a great feel to them, they allow me to use my electronic shifters easily, and they are not too warm.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
February 21, 2025
Great Warm Weather Glove
Great glove, some issues with the cuff not holding up to regular use. Vents well and has great bar feel and feedback.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
January 2, 2025
Best Gloves
I bought these last spring and I am so happy I did. They are the best fitting bike, run, etc gloves that I have ever owned. They are very well constructed, breathe well and fit perfectly. The grip is excellent and the finger actually will work with your phone. I will be buying another pair.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
May 4, 2024
Breathable, not exactly durable
I love the breathability of these gloves. Here in VA we have a solid 3-4 months very humid, hot weather that having a breathable glove option is such a life saver. These have become my go-to to grab off the shelf when I head out. That being said, I'm not sure I would want to take a real fall in these things. I don't think my hands, or the gloves, would make it. For a future version of this glove, I recommend adding a leather or reinforced palm, but keeping the mesh on the back of the hand. The mesh adds a nice, lightweight snug-ness. The fingers work great for setting my smart-watch out on the mountain; I don't have to take them off for the touch screen to respond.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
April 25, 2024
No, I would not buy again
The gloves are good made from good materials, like the no velcro at the wrist. But the pattern is weird and needs to be adjusted. I bought a medium and feels a little loose with the stretch. This is ok. The fingers are super long, with extra fabric i can pinch at the ends. Except for the pinky finger which is short. Its really odd. I'm a huge fan of OR products! But this one they did not get right on the first rendition. Take the pattern back to the drawing board and I'll try them again next year.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
April 19, 2024
Solid warm weather gloves for trail riding.
The Freewheel Gloves are a solid pair of gloves for warm weather riding. I gave them a test in Florida while on work trip while exploring the Santos Trails. My first impression was that my fingers looked different in the gloves and they felt cheap. I didn't think they would last too long. After about a month of testing and weekly riding the gloves seems to be hold up pretty well. I would rate them a solid spring to summer weather gloves. The touch screen tech is very tactical when messaging or changing playlists. The grip is solid when used with soft compound gloves and they hold up well when running them through the washer and air drying them after dirt hero rides. I would wish I would have purchased the black pair over the silver color. If you are riding XC these would be great gloves. If enduro and bike park are your style, I would upgrade to the leather palm set.
Originally reviewed on outdoorresearch.com
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