Riding gloves question

[JimH]

I was wondering if anyone has an answer to this question. Why do many cycle gloves have a hard shell on the knuckles? Is it a fashion statement or does it have function? Thanks in advance.
Jim

[ARtraveler]

If you are involved in an accident, additional protection.

[Possible]

A lot of times if you go down, your hands really get whipped hard into the ground. That's one of the reasons
for straps around the gauntlet part, to help keep the gloves on your hand. If your hand comes down on the
back, the hard plastic will help protect the knuckles which could otherwise be damaged. Also one of the reasons
to avoid half gloves, and gloves without some kind of retention strap.

[RayBJ]

If you fall off face forward, your palms are usually 1st to make contact with the road which is why good gloves have multi layers of leather in the palm.
If you go off sideways, expect your hip to be 1st and your hands to be whipped into the ground, very likely knuckles 1st.
Don't ask me how I know this but my other handle is 'Deer Slayer'.

[Steve W.]

Don't ask me how I know this but my other handle is 'Deer Slayer'.

Fortunately have not had such an encounter on a motorcycle (either 2- or 3-wheeled), but my van has earned the title "Bambi Basher". Times 2.

.

[Flamewinger]

I guess none of you have ever had a bug or small rock hit your knuckles while going down the road. IT HURTS!

[Greven]

Flamewinger, I can confirm, it hurts even with gloves, ouch!
I added the OEM hand guards to my Ryker both for a bit of wind protection, and also to keep my hands safe from bugs and stones. After each trip the hand guards are just covered with bugs, so they sure save my gloves and hands from a lot of stuff!

[Bluetrees]

In the event of a dismount you may be sliding for a bit, friction is going to come into play.
In addition to what the others have said the hard shell components help there as well.

[Gwolf]

Think dirt bike...................

[JimH]

Thanks for all the replies confirming what I thought.
Jim