Shimano's new approach to technical, pro quality cycling clothing in their S-Phyre line-up represents the best of what Shimano delivers in it's Dura-Ace and XTR component groups: well thought out and engineered design, with premium materials and a thorough exploration of cycling ergonomics. S-Phyre clothing features a clean, stealthy look and feel, driven by fit, material science and climate requirements. The S-Phyre Winter Gloves are a stunning example, with an incredible simple look, which belies the incredible fabrics and overall functionality that combine to maintain body temperature at 37°C (98.6°F) via radiated heat recovery, moisture wicking, and blocking out unwanted elements.

Shimano's designers have studied for decades how the hand-to-glove-to-shifter/hood interface should function. Essentially, with proper component ergonomics achieved, they realized that the more flexible and more seamless a glove can be, the better. The pre-curved glove features their Advanced 3D design pattern for the most conforming fit possible, which absolute minimum fabric bunching. This is seen most obviously in the thumb and palm design. By applying a variety of high-tech fibers and materials in thin layers, the flexibility and practicality become a natural insulating and shielding system, which feels supple and minimal over the entire hand and wrist. The slip-on design seals out the cold air up the wrist, with a consistent elastic effect.

We aren't told the exact materials used except for the use of a PrimaLoft insulation layer, which sits over Shimano's Metallic Thermal Tech, which is a multilayer system with a soft surface that reflects radiated heat from the skin back into an insulating zone, which warms up the layer of air between the fabric and the skin, helping to keep the temperature inside consistent. By blocking air from penetrating the glove form the outside, and providing this dual level of insulation, this fairly thin glove delivers exceptional thermal properties without excess material bulk.

The entire palm has a durable synthetic material that offers reasonable wet and dry grip, and features only edge seams. A light layer of soft padding helps to take the edge off road vibration, and because it is flexible and uniformly distributed, the feel is incredibly consistent. Shimano uses varying proportions of polymide and polyurethane in several zones, with the on the outer surface to deflect water, while also using polyester and polyurethane in a separate glove liner that adds a greater level of comfort and is surely optimized to keep moisture off the skin.

The S-Phyre Winter Glove has thumb and index finger conductive panels for touchscreen use, a substantial thumb zone soft wiping area, and reflective elements for safety. In many ways these gloves resemble close fitting diving gloves, but sleeker, and with much more technical materials and a truly incredible anatomic design that integrates perfectly with road shift-brake levers. Blocking wind, water, while ensuring a consistent level of warmth and protection, the S-Phyre Winter Glove looks great in pictures on and paper, but has to be experienced while riding to be fully appreciated.