What to look for in gloves

[GingerbreadGirl]

I wasn't sure if I should post this in Gear, but I really need the most basic of info... I'm new to road cycling and am still riding my mtb and will be until I have enough $$ (lusting after the Trek fx 7.6mmmmmmmm). I have risers and keep my hands pretty relaxed, but I have weak wrists that frequently get sore. Partly it is the fact that I am still adjusting my saddle height and tilt- it is better but not there yet- but I know from experience with lifting weights, etc that I get sore wrists very easily.

what should I look for in a glove? I never wore them before and I have no idea what my preference might be in regards to padding, etc. Are any better than any others at helping to alleviate wrist soreness?

[Velocivixen]

I hadn't worn gloves either. I went to many stores who sold many brands of gloves. I tried on gloves and first just saw how each one fit. Then if I liked one I'd wear it and walk over to the bike section and actually grab the handlebars to see about the padding. I found that I preferred less padding, as some of the thick, stiff gel felt hard on the handlebars. I looked to see where the seams hit my hand and paid attention to whether or not the seams might cause a problem with rubbing. It was spring time, so I bought fingerless.
I ended up with Specialized BG Gel gloves and so far I like them.
Good luck.

[Velocivixen]

Also if you get gloves with full fingers keep in mind that your fingers move forward a little in the gloves when you're hanging onto the handlebars, so make sure that the finger parts are long enough.

[surgtech1956]

I find I keep coming back to Pearl Izumi gloves, I believe the ones I have are Gel Select. I like gel in my gloves and the PI gloves don't seem to break down. I did buy some full finger gloves to wear in the cooler temps - also PI gloves. I will buy either mens or womens gloves, depending on what feels like the best fit.

[Owlie]

I like lots of ventilation, and I'm a little picky about padding. I love my Pearl Izumi Gel Vents. They have stretched (this is my second full season with them), but I like the well-vented palm and the fact that it's not heavily padded (the padding, in order to allow for the vents, is actually a firm-but-flexible piece of plastic.)

I also picked up some Specialized BG Sport (or something) gloves. They caught my eye because they match my bike, but I find them quite comfy at least for shorter rides that I can get away with not using the PI gloves.