I commute to work a few miles on my bike in the city. Today someone walked out in front of me and I squeezed the brakes too hard and went over the handlebars. I suffered a mild elbow fracture because I put my arms out in front of me and the palms of my hands are destroyed.
I started thinking, I have had several incidents while commuting (mostly in snow or on leaves) and I almost always get hand injuries as a result. I'd like to get gloves that protect my hands.
But:
- I don't want the gloves to make injury to elbows, arms, head, scaphoid, or anything else greater. That is, they shouldn't stick to the asphalt too hard nor slide too much (I think...I'm open to suggestion)
- They should be comfy to ride. I can have a separate pair for winter and summer riding.
- I'd prefer if they were tough enough to withstand a few falls without taking too much damage.
- I'm always on roads and bike paths, so asphalt is the only landing consideration.
I'm not sure what kind of stuff to get. Cycling gloves seem like they are mostly leather and it seems like they would be damaged from a fall like I just had. Motorcycle gloves seem heavier duty and have more protection, but I don't know how they would have affected this situation. That is, I'm very glad my hands are hurt and face/head/shoulders are fine.
Is damage to wrists or scaphoid bone a serious concern? If so, are there good gloves for that? I'd love some suggestions.
Edit: BTW My commute is only like 20 minutes each way per day. Long distance issues are not of concern for me.