Roeckl Rapallo winter glove in the test: The traditional Munich brand Roeckl, to which Empress Sissi and the fairytale king Ludwig II also entrusted their hands, presents the Rapallo, a new winter glove that is specifically intended for mountain biking.
Non-slip palm materials and siliconization are intended to offer the highest precision when operating the gears and brakes, as well as a reliable grip on the handlebars. With its bright color and large reflectors, it is unmissable on your outfit.
But how is the glove constructed? The backhand consists of an elastic and partly reflective polyester fabric, under which the in-house waterproof ROECK TEX membrane is placed. Underneath there is a middle insulation layer made of moisture-regulating Easy-Dry lining. The palm also consists of an Easy-Dry insulation layer and a water-repellent DURASENSE synthetic leather that has yellow silicone prints.
High-quality protection and comfort with compromises
The Rapallo is a first-class glove that is light and soft. Apart from the Velcro strap, the nylon strip with the barbs is kept quite stiff. If the fasteners are not placed exactly on top of each other, there is a risk of friction and wear on the jacket sleeves, especially with hardshell jackets. You should pay attention to this. When put on, the Rapallo immediately appeals; with its sporty fit, which offers very good freedom of movement, it conveys a good feeling.
However, the good feeling on the bike is quickly spoiled. The insulation of the palm acts like a sliding layer between the handlebars and the hand. The generously laid out silicone prints don't help either. This is almost a no-go for tough trail use! It's less annoying on the gearshift and brake levers. However, the insulation including the membrane fulfills its actual purpose: it reliably protects against cold and rain. The hand stays warm right down to the fingertips even in sub-zero temperatures. However, due to the short shaft, there is a risk of a cold bridge if the jacket sleeve does not protrude sufficiently over the glove. A base layer with a thumb loop can help here. The Rapallo uses the index finger as the wiping finger; it does the job just as well as a wiping finger on the thumb.
For whom and what purpose is the Roeckl Rapallo suitable
The Roeckl Rapallo is called Mountain bike glove Applied. Due to the palm insulation, it is more suitable for relaxed trail rides. Rather, the Rapallo is suitable for road traffic thanks to its eye-catching color and large reflectors.
