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We've all been there: you're travelling down a descent at 35 km/h, the Garmin beeps and you have to decide - take off your gloves, stop briefly or tap blindly on the display and hope. The latter usually doesn't work, the former is awkward and the latter is out of the question for ambitious riders. This is exactly where a new generation of short-fingered gloves comes in, with touch compatibility as its core promise.
The principle is as simple as it is effective: the fingertips remain free. Capacitive touchscreens react to the electrical conductivity of human skin - and it is precisely this area that is not covered by glove material in these models. The result is smooth interaction with GPS computers and smartphones.
Short-fingered gloves with touch function are THE game changer for me in terms of cycling accessories in 2026. I can finally operate my sat nav and smartphone without restrictions. They even work during indoor training. - Sandra Schuberth, test editor
What is important when buying?
Not every short-fingered glove with free fingertips is automatically a good touchscreen glove. If you want to make a targeted purchase, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
Size of the open space
Too little free tip and the screen does not react reliably. Too much and the protection in the event of a fall suffers. As a minimum: 8 to 12 mm per finger should be exposed.
Seams
Seams should be flat and inconspicuous, as seams in unfavourable places can quickly cause pressure.
Padding on the palm
Good touch gloves combine an open fingertip with sophisticated gel padding in the ball area - vibration damping and precision are not mutually exclusive. However, there are also individual preferences here, with some people preferring gloves without padding.
Ventilation
Your hands get warm on long rides in summer. Perforated material or mesh on the back of the hand ensure that the hands do not overheat. This reduces perspiration and sweat is the enemy of the touch function. If in doubt, the fingertips should be wiped on the back of the other hand before touching. This worked well in our test.
Our test winners
We tested current models over three weeks in everyday use - on a road bike, a gravel bike and in commuter traffic. We assessed fit, touchscreen response, manufacturing quality and durability after washing. We present our three test winners here. We have deliberately not awarded grades, as individual preferences regarding padding yes or padding no, for example, vary.
Assos Endurance S11
The ultra-light mesh on the palm provides excellent ventilation. Sweat on the fingertips can be easily wiped off on the mesh. Dry fingertips are crucial for reliable touchscreen response. The padding is specifically designed to dampen micro-vibrations without impairing the feel of the steering wheel. The fit and finish are on a par with ASSOS: impeccable. Price: 54.99 euros >> available here.
GripGrab Faststream
Developed together with the professionals from Team Uno-X Mobility and designed for maximum aerodynamics. The deliberately unpadded palm made of perforated recycled microsuede ensures direct contact with the handlebars - and the free fingertips enable precise tapping without any resistance. The first choice for all those who prioritise speed and touch function in equal measure. Price: 49,99 Euro >> available here.
Roeckl Itamos 3Pr
The all-rounder in the test field. The gel technology padding and the large silicone grip make the Itamos 3 the most comfortable glove in the comparison - the exclusive pull-off system from Roeckl is a practical bonus feature. For the price of 25.99 euros (>> e.g. available here) you get more than expected, and the free fingertips fulfil their purpose without any problems, although the touch function was somewhat limited. Maybe because we went bouldering the evening before the test? Oh well.
Conclusion
Short-fingered gloves with touch function are no longer a niche - they are the new standard. Anyone still using a full-finger model to press on the GPS or regularly stopping to adjust the route should make the switch. The technology is mature, the prices are moderate, and the gain in comfort is - with all due journalistic restraint - considerable.
Our three test winners offer coherent overall packages and pave the way for convenient mobile phone operation. From 1 April, no-one should be bothered by the lack of a touch function. The Assos is for pad lovers, the GripGrap for those who prefer to ride without and the Roeckl for those who want to or can spend a little less.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
