Arm/leg/knee warmers
Arm/leg/knee warmers
It may sound strange but the one item in my bike wardrobe I’d struggle without are warmers. There’s a definite temperature gap between summer clothing and winter clothing that requires a compromise, and that’s when warmers have their time to shine.
Warmers are there for when it’s cool but not cold and offer the excellent ability to be taken off mid-ride should you find yourself getting a bit too warm. There are arm warmers, knee warmers and leg warmers, which covers the bits you’d expect. Generally, leg warmers won’t be as insulating as, say, bib tights, and so offer a mid-point temperature-wise that’s often perfect for autumn. Three-quarters (sometimes called bib-knicks) are another go-between option (they’re essentially extended shorts that cover your knees and extend to the mid-calf), but we generally prefer knee warmers as they can be matched with your existing shorts.
Warmers come in a wide variety of types as well, from basic merino wool all the way up to smart water-resistant offerings like Castelli’s Nanoflex and Sportful’s No-Rain warmers. Just like jerseys and shorts, fit is very important no matter whether it’s arm, knee or leg warmers you’re after and you’ll want something that sits close to the body, grips well but doesn’t snag on the skin or move around too much as you ride.
Six of the best… arm and knee warmers for cycling
Arm warmers need to be unobtrusive enough to sit under your jersey sleeves (under, not over) without causing any uncomfortable pulling or bunching. They also need to fit you length-wise, as any gaps between warmers and gloves can be a pain.
Even more important is fit on leg warmers. It can be quite hard to find a set that really hug your legs all the way down to the ankles and if the fit isn’t right you can get material bunching around the knee – which can be really uncomfortable – or even down at the ankle (if they’re too long).
One last thing – knee warmers. Knee warmers should come down below the knee and finish part the way down your calves. Anything longer and you should just have gone for leg warmers, and anything shorter and you’re basically just wearing long shorts. That’s not a fashion tip, it’s just common sense.