Tag: Leg Warmers

Easy on and off knee and leg warmers are essential items you should have as part of your cycling wardrobe. They function just like arm warmers in that you can slip them on or remove them as the weather changes from cool to warm and stash them in a jersey or vest pocket.

While knee warmers and leg warmers seem the same, they are really completely different. These two apparel pieces are something, as a serious cyclist, you’ll use quite a bit in both the spring, fall, and possibly in the winter.

What Are Knee Warmers? What’s Their Purpose?

Knee warmers cover the upper part of a rider’s legs (the thighs) and extend past the knees. They are generally made of the same materials as arm warmers. Knee warmers have elastic at the top to hold them firmly in place so they won’t move down your legs as you ride.

The top of knee warmers are worn under the leggings (hem) of the shorts. Your shorts then are rolled over to add additional support so the warmers won’t, again, slide down your legs while you are riding.

Knee warmers are best worn in temperatures 65 to 55 degrees. Their purpose is in their name, which is to keep cool air off your knees (joints and tendons) when you ride in cooler temperatures to prevent injury. Knee warmers also function as a way for a cyclist to continue wearing his summer kit (jersey and bibs) into the early fall months (September or October).

Sizing and Cost of Knee Warmers

Just like arm warmers, knee warmers are sold in sets of two. They are sized items and are usually marked small, medium, large, etc. They also tend to be marked for specific legs. I’m unclear as to why, but I’m going to assume it is for those cyclists with odd-shaped legs.

Knee warmers are expensive. I suppose they aren’t requested much, and many cyclists would rather buy full-leg warmers versus something that only extends a little past the knee. Pearl Izumi lists a set of “Elite Knee Warmers” for $50.00, but I know I probably didn’t pay that much for mine. You can probably find them elsewhere for less money.

What Are Legs Warmers? What’s Their Purpose?

Leg warmers are slightly different than knee warmers but similar in how they are worn. They also fit under the hemmed elastic of your shorts and cover the thighs and extend down to the ankle. They usually have zippers as the ones pictured above and are worn with thin or thick socks, usually wool.

There’s some debate among cyclistes whether the cuffs of leg warmer go inside or over one’s socks. I have always zipped them over my socks, but I suppose you can wear them however best works for you.

Leg warmers are made from synthetic fibers and cotton much like knee and arm warmers. Leg warmers are usually a little heavier, so they are mainly useful for colder temperatures from 50 to 40 degrees. Some cyclists opt to just use leg warmers instead of investing in both knee and leg warmers. Some cyclists also wear these through the winter months. I would say that depends on what part of the world you are in.

Sizing and Cost of Leg Warmers

Just like knee warmers, leg warmers are a fitted apparel items and are sold as a pair. Leg warmers are even more expensive than knee warmers on Pearl Izumi’s website. The company’s Elite Leg Warmers are $60. Again, you might be able to find them cheaper at a general sporting goods store or if you stay away from a cycling specific brand or website.

Last Thoughts

Knee and leg warmers are, for me, essential cycling kit add ons. I use them all the time in the spring and fall. They’re great because I can get away with wearing my summer kit longer by wearing a base layer under my jersey, arm warmers, and then the knee or leg warmers.

These two items are expensive. However, I’ve had my knee and leg warmers for a long time and they still seem to function fine. The elastic, zippers, etc. are still in good shape. So, the plus side is these items are something you’ll only need to buy once, but that depends how much you use them.