Test: For some time now, the trend in gloves has been towards minimalism. According to the motto "less is sometimes more", many manufacturers do without bulky protectors on the surface of the hand and instead rely on light and flexible materials. Specialized is also following this trend and has the Specialized XC-Lite in its range for XC and all-mountain use, which we took a closer look at.
According to his own statement, he is XC Lite a glove for maximum handlebar control and high breathability. With a lightweight mesh fabric you would want that XC Lite give the best possible ventilation and give the driver a comfortable fit. by means of life line-construction to avoid annoying wrinkling and to guarantee a perfect fit of the glove.
Even if the XC Lite If you are a minimalist, you don't want to let the driver go off-road unprotected in sensitive areas such as the ball of the hand, so a double-layered fabric is sewn in at this point. A nice feature, which is almost indispensable nowadays, is the touchscreen compatibility, so that the smartphone can also be easily operated with gloves.
The first impression of the XC Lite is consistently positive. It is extremely light and optically relies on pure understatement. The seams are neatly finished and should not cause blisters on the hand even under hard use. On the palm of the hand you will find a fine silicone coating on the fingertips, as is already known from many other models. This coating is intended to give you a better feel for the brakes and prevent you from slipping off the brake lever. We find the slightly protruding fabric on the outside of the glove to be a little annoying. Here you can get stuck and tear open the seams.
Specialized relies on that XC Lite on the Slip-on Bund and thus dispenses with the well-tried Velcro fastener on the wrist. Nevertheless, he should XC Lite sit securely on the hand and not slip.
putting on the XC Lite turns out to be very easy. Thanks to a small tab on the underside, you can quickly pull it over your hand and adjust it in an emergency. Once put on, you can almost say you're not wearing gloves. The low weight allows the XC Lite sit very inconspicuously on the hand.
The thin mesh fabric on the top adapts to every movement and never tightens. The fabric nestles comfortably in the hand on both the top and bottom. With the hand on the handlebars, the glove gives a very direct feeling, just as it was intended.
The glove offers excellent ventilation on warm days. However, if you should start sweating again, you have an absorbent pad on your fingertips Microwipe-Material used, which absorbs sweat well.
It takes a little getting used to and is not entirely convincing Slip-on Federation. The collar protrudes quite a bit when the wrist is bent, allowing dirt to get into the glove. On the underside, however, it closes nicely and in terms of fit and fit, the waistband is in no way inferior to a conventional Velcro fastener.
Even after several months of use and the corresponding number of washes, the fabric is supple and it fits like the first day.
Conclusion
The Specialized XC Lite live up to their name 100 percent. The glove is perfect for XC and all-mountain use. It sits light and airy on the hand and is a great companion for warm summer days. The lack of Velcro affects the fit of the XC Lite not at all, but likes to let dirt get into the glove
product Highlights
- good ventilation
- nice fit
- good value for money
- less protection
web and price
- www.specialized.com
- 34,90 Euros