[matt232]

Some of you might have seen my search for SP-1 gloves thread, the reason for this that my $AU180 odd dollar SP-1s have worn through on my left index finger from clutch use it seems in about 11 months.

I ride my bike virtually every day and have clocked up 16500km (~10300 miles) in 11.5 months (which isn't really that much in the scheme of things) but I would have expected the gloves to last at least a couple of years.

I live about 15 minutes from work and work is in the CBD so on the odd times I ride at rush hour I end up using the clutch a lot but that isn't the norm. The rest of the time I don't change past 2nd gear so its not like my clutch hand is going nuts.

1. What sort of life are you guys getting out of your gloves?

2. Is the above reasonable, especially considering they are priced in the higher end of the market?

3. Which gloves are you finding stand up to the test of time the best?

4. Is there a something I should do to my levers, grips or the gloves themselves to extend gloves life?

[Northern RR]

I have had my sp-1's for almost 4 years and 65000 kms...they are a little discoloured and starting to wear a bit on the palms(by the heel of your hand) but other than that they have been great...I shiver at the thought of having to break in another set

[2OHOH2]

Originally Posted by matt232

1. What sort of life are you guys getting out of your gloves?

2. Is the above reasonable?

3. Which gloves are you finding stand up to the test of time the best?

1. I've worn the same gloves since before buying my FJR, and they're still in great shape (dirty, but that's it); 23,000+ miles, 1.5 years

2. Seems short-lived, especially when compared to my gloves' lifespan

3. Mine are Teknic Violator Pros, and are my second set; my first set is still fine, but pretty well worn in, and fits loose now; had the first set for, dunno, 25,000 miles; bought them from New Enough for something like $69


PS: they've all seen rain, hail, freezing temps, and lots of sun

[matt232]

Originally Posted by Northern RR

I shiver at the thought of having to break in another set

[TCD]

Interesting that this came up. I just noticed today that my A* GP-Plus gloves have worn through and are beginning to separate on the right index finger. I got them at the end of 2003 so that is around 18 months of use. I will buy another pair though, because I really like the A* gear. I think it took around 3 months of pure pain to break mine in!

[MrX954]

I'm wearing my Sp-1's starting my 2nd season, 6k miles and I can see the ends of some threads already!

[Scout]

I trade off my gloves, depending on the use:

My go to pairs:

street - JR Highsides (crashed, still using)(favorite for comfort) ...1.5 years
street (hot temp) - JR Phoenix ...3 years
aggressive riding - after JR Highsides used in crash...Teknic Chicanes...2 weeks
Cold weather - GPStars...2 years

Overall, I've only done about 18,000 miles in last 2 years (due to accident last summer)...

If I were to only use one pair, I think 18 months or 10,000 miles would be fair. If I paid over $100 a pair, I would feel robbed.

[GonZilla]

I got 20000 miles and 3 crashes outta mine

[abtech]

Mine always last until they hit the tarmac. I wouldn't consider using them again even if they looked OK since half of the stitching and kevlar is on the inside and it's impossible to gauge the condition.

[Baketech]

Imho, gloves are a consumable....like tires.....

Seriously though...I have known some guys that "eat" up gloves really fast...I think it has a lot to do with body chemistry....sweat etc. Just like some people eat up jewelry faster than others....

[ND4SPD]

I seem to get roughly 2 seasons out of mine, give or take.