Riding gloves are THE most important part of riding gear, even more than a jacket. The only thing that comes on top would be a helmet, but that is rather too obvious. Gloves provide protection to your hands in the event of a fall, which is very critical. The reason is that, when you are off your bike, instinct makes you work your hands trying to balance the things. This makes them scrape the asphalt real bad. If not for gloves, your hands would be badly bruised, if not broken, I am sure many of you have experienced that as well!