Rapha’s Core Mitts have quietly become one of the brand’s most dependable warm-weather staples. They’re not flashy or tech-heavy, but they do exactly what a good pair of summer cycling gloves should: protect your hands, improve grip, and stay comfortable mile after mile without ever drawing attention to themselves.
I’ve been using a pair for over a year now, across long weekend rides, early-season training, and summer races. They’ve survived countless washes, stayed in great shape, and earned a permanent spot in my kit drawer.
Bottom Line
The Rapha Core Mitts are simple, well-made, and superbly comfortable. They use light padding, a breathable mesh upper, and a soft suede-effect palm to strike a great balance between comfort and bar feel. They’re ideal for spring and summer riding, whether you’re heading out for a café spin or a race.
At £40 / $50 / €45, they sit in the middle of the glove market but punch above their price for fit, finish, and durability. They’re understated, easy to wear with any kit, and do their job so well that you forget about them – which is the best compliment a glove can get.
Design and Aesthetics
The Core Mitts follow Rapha’s classic design language: clean, minimal, and smart. Available in black or navy blue, they have a small ‘Rapha’ wordmark on the back of the hand and an embossed logo on the palm. The result is a sleek, unfussy look that matches anything from full race kit to casual bibs and jersey setups.
They’re made from a mix of nylon, spandex, and polyester, which gives them a stretchy but supportive feel. The back of the hand is a lightweight, perforated mesh that breathes extremely well in warm weather and dries quickly after washing. The palm uses synthetic suede, soft to the touch and with a little extra grip when the bars get slick with sweat.
Padding is minimal but intelligently placed. Thin strips of foam run along the heel of the palm and across key pressure points without feeling bulky. They smooth out rough roads without muting handlebar feedback. The wrist cuff is simple and low-profile, with no Velcro closure, so there’s nothing to catch on your jersey or irritate your skin.
Instead of a pull tab or strap, two small loops are stitched between the middle and ring fingers, making it easy to remove the gloves after a ride. It’s a neat touch that works perfectly in practice.
Fit and Comfort
The first thing you notice when putting on the Core Mitts is how soft they feel. The fit is close but not restrictive – snug enough to feel secure, yet flexible enough to forget they’re there. I’ve worn a size small for reference (176 cm, 63 kg), and the proportions are spot-on. The fingers aren’t too short or long, and there’s no bunching in the palm even after hours in the saddle.
There’s no Velcro strap, which helps keep the glove lightweight and sleek. The cuff hugs the wrist gently without cutting in, and once they’re on, they don’t move or twist. Even on long rides where sweat becomes a factor, the gloves stay comfortable and don’t feel heavy or sticky.
Rapha lists the Core Mitts as suitable for 12–32°C, and that feels accurate. In mild spring weather, they’re warm enough to take the edge off a cool start, while in the height of summer, they breathe beautifully. On the hottest rides, the perforated mesh keeps air flowing so your hands never overheat.
I’d love to see a discreet nose wipe panel added to the thumb, as that’s one practical detail I miss from older glove designs. Still, it’s a small wish for an otherwise flawless fit and feel.
Performance on the Bike
Good gloves are the ones you forget about after the first few minutes of riding. That’s exactly what happens with the Rapha Core Mitts. They’re soft, stable on the bars, and have just enough padding to dull vibrations on rough roads without feeling squishy. The grip is reliable in both dry and sweaty conditions, and the synthetic suede palm never feels slippery.
After many rides and washes, the gloves have held up exceptionally well. The stitching is intact, the logos haven’t faded, and the mesh hasn’t stretched out. The black pair I’ve been testing still looks sharp, even after a year of use.
For racing or long rides, they provide a reassuring layer of protection. I’ve crashed before wearing mitts and been grateful for that thin layer between my palms and the tarmac. For that reason alone, I rarely ride a big day without them.
Value
At £40, the Core Mitts are priced fairly given their quality and longevity. There are cheaper gloves around, but few match Rapha’s combination of comfort, clean design, and durability. The Brevet Mitts from Rapha sit at the same price, offering similar performance with a slightly different aesthetic, while the Pro Team Mitts are positioned as the more premium race-day option when available.
Considering how well these have lasted and how good they still look, the Core Mitts feel like excellent value. You could easily wear them for several seasons without complaint.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable and soft on the hands
- Clean, classic styling that matches any kit
- Lightweight and breathable for hot weather
- Subtle padding that smooths road buzz without bulk
- Durable construction and long lifespan
- Easy to remove thanks to built-in pull loops
Cons
- No nose wipe panel
- Limited colour range (black or navy only)
Conclusion
The Rapha Core Mitts are proof that simplicity often works best. They’re light, comfortable, stylish, and just functional enough to disappear once you start pedalling. They manage to blend performance and refinement without fuss, which makes them one of the best short-finger gloves you can buy right now.
For racers, endurance riders, or anyone who just wants a dependable pair of mitts for spring and summer, these hit the sweet spot perfectly. They’re not just a great option in Rapha’s lineup – they’re a benchmark for what a modern cycling glove should be.
