Why do mountain bikers wear gloves?

Mountain bikers wear gloves for a few key reasons: 1) Grip – The padded, tacky palm helps maintain a firm grip on the handlebars over rough terrain. 2) Abrasion resistance – If they fall, the gloves protect against scrapes and cuts from the bike and ground. 3) Crash protection – Some gloves have reinforced knuckle armor to protect the hands during spills. 4) Warmth – Insulated or weatherproof glove styles keep hands warm. Gloves give mountain bikers better control while shielding their hands from the hazards of riding off-road.