In this article, we have prepared a detailed review of the Rodeo gloves from the Catalan brand Fuel Motorcycle for you. While these gloves do have a nice look, what about their durability and level of protection? We’ve put them to the test for nearly 3 years!

We continue our quest to find functional and quality accessories for bikers that are also stylish. Indeed, the two are not mutually exclusive.

Fuel Motorcycles Rodeo Gloves Review

After reviewing pants, a jacket, and even a helmet, we now turn to another essential item in the biker’s gear, namely gloves.

Even though in Switzerland this accessory is not mandatory, it is in many countries, starting with France. And you will be fined if you are stopped without them.

Moreover, this is an item often overlooked by some bikers. However, the hand has many nerve endings and numerous small bones. Therefore, any surgical intervention can be complicated.

So we cannot stress enough the importance of paying attention to this.

And to give you some food for thought, we want to provide you with a detailed review of gloves with a well-thought-out design that will also protect you in case of mishaps.

So after about 3 years of intensive use in all sorts of conditions, we can give you the lowdown.

And at the end of the article, we’ll give you a tip that few bikers know about for maintaining your leathers.

The Brand

Fuel Motorcycle started its journey in 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.

Initially, the brand produced custom bikes mainly of the cafe racer and scrambler types.

To ensure that their bikes could survive in difficult terrains, they tested them under extreme conditions! That’s how Fuel’s first Scram Africa – a 2,500 km journey through the African desert – took place in 2013.

Then, with this newfound legitimacy and growing popularity, Fuel tackled another important sector: the wardrobe of bikers looking for neo-retro style combined with modern technologies, especially in materials.

And that’s how Fuel now offers all kinds of clothing and accessories: jackets and vests, gloves, boots, and pants, all meeting various European standards.

Also aware of the importance of having quality clothing to protect oneself in tough times, Fuel introduced its crash replacement policy in case of an accident. More info -> here <-

And now, we’re going to tackle a specific article from the Heritage range, the Rodeo gloves.

Note that Fuel also offers an Expedition range, geared towards Enduro this time.

So, about these gloves?

Specs

• Certificate CE – EN13594:2015 Level 1 KP
• 100% cowhide construction for excellent abrasion resistance.
• Integrated PVC knuckle armor for protection against crashes.
• Anatomically-contoured suede palm panels for abrasion resistance
• Warm antibacterial & soft polyester microfiber lining.
• Stitched accordion baffles on index & middle fingers for added flexibility.
• Adjustable wrist opening with embossed leather closure and elastic gathers.
• Colors available: black, brown, olive, yellow 
• Also available in women’s sizes
• Price: around 90CHF/€/USD
• Availability: on the manufacturer’s website (here) but also through a network of dealers, listed on the website as well.

Fuel Motorcycles Rodeo Gloves Review

In Use

Thermal Insulation

These are cowhide leather gloves, first and foremost,

So no, these are not gloves you’ll take into the dead of winter or for track outings.

But they are versatile gloves that provide decent protection against cold temperatures ranging from 10-12 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees.

Below that, you’ll want more covering gloves that also include synthetic materials for better insulation.

Above that, you’ll have to be patient. Some may be tempted to wear thinner, more ventilated gloves, but at the risk of lesser protection.

In case of rain/snow?

Here again, we reach the limits of leather garments. They’ll withstand light rain but once soaked, that’s it.

So, for long road trips in humid/cold regions, synthetic materials that are more insulating/waterproof (such as GTX) are preferred.

Protection

This is a CE level 1 certified glove

Level 1 is designed for everyday riding when you don’t need a higher level of protection. Level 2 is designed for aggressive riding and high-risk activities like track or off-road. As a reminder:

• CE: gloves without protective shells
• CE KP1: gloves with protective shells, ensuring adequate protection, and
• CE KP2: gloves with protective shells, ensuring superior protection

So, it provides sufficient protection even for several days of riding. But for track days, you’ll need something else.

Design/Look

For the price, there’s nothing to complain about. Carefully crafted details, 4 available colors for a perfect match with the rest of your outfit and/or bike,

And the leather will develop a unique patina over time, reflecting the style of the wearer.

And Fuel, like Rokker or Pando Moto, is a brand that’s lifestyle-oriented but still conveys a cool and distinctive image.

Durability

It’s been almost 3 years since the author of this article has been using them intensively because they are their main gloves (yes, I don’t ride in winter)

And the gloves have aged nicely over time. The seams are still impeccable, and the Velcro closure still works well.

So no complaints in that regard. And the few images at the end of the article will confirm my statements.

I haven’t had the chance to test their abrasion resistance properties, and I’ll knock on wood so it stays that way 😉

Weaknesses?

Again, it’s important to clearly define the specifications when buying motorcycle clothing/accessories. Few manage to cover the entire spectrum of potential uses of a garment: winter vs summer, desert vs humid area, etc.

So motorcyclists are required to buy different items depending on the type of use. But when you buy a quality product, it will accompany you for longer, and the initial investment will be spread over several years.

So, if you’re looking for warm gloves that will get you through winter without losing a finger, these are not for you.

If you’re looking for waterproof gloves that can withstand long hours of heavy rain, then these are not for you either. You’ll need gloves with Gore-Tex, for example.

But if you’re looking for versatile leather gloves, with a nice look and at a decent price (< 100CHF/€/USD), then I think these Rodeo gloves should do the trick perfectly.

Maintenance

We end this article with one last tip that few people know about for maintaining leather items.

Very common in the world of riders and especially cowboys, Neatsfoot oil is used to maintain horse saddles.

It’s a very rich oil that nourishes the leather and helps it retain its properties, especially its flexibility.

Indeed, motorcycle clothing is subjected to many constraints: temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, etc. And leather, like any living material, will eventually wear out and crack.

So, by applying this oil 1 to 2 times a year minimum, the leather will regain a new life and accompany you throughout your life.

A 0.5-liter bottle costs around 20 to 30CHF/€/USD. And personally, I still haven’t finished the one I bought in 2015.

Indeed, this oil is very rich and spreads very well. So it’s a profitable investment 😉

And you can use it for all smooth leathers (excluding nubuck, for example), so for your jacket, suit, or boots.

You can also use it to soften new leather, when you buy new shoes or a suit, for example.

Apply the oil, wear them for 30 to 60 minutes. Repeat this for several days, and your boots will be as comfortable as slippers.

I hope this tip will be useful to you.

And as usual, we end with some photos.

Ride on!

Image Gallery

Fuel Motorcycles Rodeo Gloves Review