Fall/ Winter Ride Essentials: Arm Warmers

When you are out on a ride, do your arms get chilled because you decided to wear a short-sleeved jersey versus a long-sleeved jersey? Maybe you don’t like long-sleeved jerseys or base layers because you can’t moderate your core temperature? That’s why a good set of arm warmers is a fall/ winter ride essential.

What Are Arm Warmers?

Arm warmers are just that, arm-length coverings that you can slip on and off quickly and easily during a ride. They are normally made with insulating, thermal materials. The materials are, of course, manmade and synthetic. Arm warmers usually are made from the following:

• Nylon
• Polyester
• Spandex
• Lycra
• Merino wool.

What’s the Purpose of Arm Warmers?

The purpose behind using arm warmers is in the phrase itself. They are used to keep the wind, cool air, and sometimes the sun off your arms while on a ride. They are worn with a short-sleeved jersey and a short-sleeved undershirt or base layer, maybe even a riding vest.

The great thing about arm warmers is they can be easily and quickly put on to cover your arms. If you get too warm, then you can slide them off and stash them in a jersey pocket.

Or if you don’t want to stop your ride, you can always push them down to your wrist where you can pull them back up if you get cool again, perhaps later in a ride or later in the day.

Spring and Summer Arm Covering: “Sun Sleeves”

During the warmer months, some riders like to wear arm coverings called “sun sleeves.” They have no thermal materials, but they are used to keep the sun off your arms in order to avoid sunburn or tanning. In other words, “sun sleeves” are used as an alternative to slathering on sunscreen.

Sizing, Cost, and Durability of Arm Warmers

Arm warmers are sized items that come in small, medium, large, etc. If you are unsure about your size and you don’t have a bike shop or sporting goods store close to you where you can try some on, use this guide from Pearl Izumi.

Arm warmers can be various prices, usually $30.00 to $40.00. It depends, of course, on the materials used and the manufacture. Cycling-specific brands like Pearl Izumi, Giordana, Castelli, and others will always be more expensive.

The nice thing is that arm warmers are usually a “one and done” type purchase and are very durable. They are washable and will last quite a while. Over time and a lot of usage, the elastic may become stretched and the materials may break down and not offer as much protection. However, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing them for several seasons.

Last Thoughts

Arms warmers are an excellent add-on to your cycling wardrobe. While initially expensive, you should be able to get many seasons of use out of them. Plus, they are easy to store with your other gear as well on a ride. They can keep the chill off and the sun, so I would consider them a ride essential.