Gel padding in cycling gloves follows a predictable pattern: either too thin to matter or so thick it creates pressure points of its own. The Arenberg Gel 2 Glove from Castelli takes a different approach, positioning gel inserts specifically where your hands meet the bars rather than spreading padding everywhere and hoping for the best. The result targets the ulnar and median nerves—the two pressure points responsible for that numbness that creeps in around hour three of a long ride.

The glove borrows its name from the Arenberg Forest, a stretch of brutal cobblestones in Paris-Roubaix that rewards vibration damping over almost everything else. That heritage shows up in the palm construction, where Castelli uses strategically placed gel sections rather than a single thick pad. This lets the glove maintain bar feel where you need feedback while cushioning the spots where road vibration accumulates into hand fatigue.

The back of hand tells a different story than most padded gloves. Castelli uses a mesh construction that prioritizes airflow, which matters because heavily padded gloves tend to trap heat even in moderate conditions. The fit pulls snug without the constriction you get from gloves that assume padding means you want compression everywhere. A microsuede thumb panel handles sweat and lens wiping duties, and the pull-on design skips closure systems entirely—no velcro to wear out or catch on jersey cuffs.... Read More