I've been looking for some cycling gloves, and I found they range anywhere from $5-$30. Are the expensive ones that much better than the cheap ones?

Also, should I go for gel or regular foam? I haven't had any gloves before, so I need to know what to look for.

Thanks!

I've been riding with cheap $7 foam gloves for 7,000 miles

In my opinion, gloves are just for crash protection. None will be as comfortable as bare hands, and any padding just makes them less comfortable.

These are what I use, on sale for less than 20 bucks too:
http://www.gearlink.com/itemMatrix.asp?S=1&GroupCode=GL2133&eq=&MatrixType=1

Fit in my opinion trumps padding. I recently bought some Avenir gloves that had too tight a space between my thumb and fore finger. Going back to my old worn out Pearl Izumi's I don't feel the discomfort any longer.

Gloves may or may not be overrated, it depends on the person. People who perspire a lot tend to like gloves because bar tape can get slippery when soaked in sweat.

I guess they do provide a slight road rash barriar, but for most it really comes down to being part of the uniform. I've worn gloves for so long it feels strange not to wear them.

I like the kind with almost no padding, no velcro and I wear them nice and tight.

I found my hands went numb even with padded bar tape without gloves. So, I got some Body Geometry gel gloves; no more numbness, so I like them even though it may be overkill.

you should try some out. some people don't like padding at all.. some people like massive gel packed padding... I'd go with moderation.. I picked up some nice adidas ones on the higher end, but the material is good and the padding is hard foam. previously had some lightly gelled ones, those were crap. wear gloves though, it'll save you in a crash...

like others have said, some people like this, some people like that.

I don't wear gloves for most on-road training rides.

They really do protect your hands in a crash. Road rash on the heel of your hand is sucky.

I don't like the gel pads. When I do wear gloves, I like just two layers of material. Others really like the gel stuff.

Hmm...

Looks like I'll buy some cheap ones and see how I like them.

Thanks for the replies!

I need gloves, my hands get numb, in fact they are still numb going on 2 weeks now.
I have double wrapped my bars and gel gloves.

I want to get some of those nice new oval shaped bars but my older quill stem will not accommodate, this is how I will justify new frame next season.

Where would we be without justification I ask?

I like wearing them mostly to clean the glass off tires while still under way riding, although if I can't find a pair easily when I'm in a rush to get out the door, it doesn't bother me too much. I actually like the feeling of no gloves better.

Padding is thin, not very soft and is staying in place. Fit my hands well. $9.99 @ Bike Nashbar.