Arm/Leg Warmers...

[Vitamin X]

This winter will be my first time purchasing top quality Arm/Leg warmers. Can someone in the know please tell me if wearing Arm/Leg warmers along with my shorts and jersey [B]will be enough to keep my legs and arms warm through the winter months???, Or will I need to add more layers???...

[Chi]

Where do you live? How cold does it get during riding times?

[Vitamin X]

Where do you live? How cold does it get during riding times?

I'm in Leeds, England. When it gets cold it usually gets down to around 0 to -4...

[Guest]

I think they'll do good, but you'll still need a windstopper jacket and if it's windy, windstopper pants too.

If your arms get cold extra quickly, you'll need a warmth layer too for the upper body, but you can probably get a think wool layer to go over the armwarmers and under the jacket.

Koffee

[pletcgm]

This winter will be my first time purchasing top quality Arm/Leg warmers. Can someone in the know please tell me if wearing Arm/Leg warmers along with my shorts and jersey [B]will be enough to keep my legs and arms warm through the winter months???, Or will I need to add more layers???...

You will need to wear layers of clothes beside the leg and arm warmers if the temps are below 35 degrees!

[MichaelW]

Arm and leg warmers are better for changeable conditions. The down side of warmers is that they work loose and fall down, and are generally not so comfortable. For a UK northern winter, you will need some full leggings, long sleeved jersey(s), and a windproof top. Use a waterproof top in the rain, but these are too clammy in the dry. Use rainproof trousers in really cold wet weather.
Ron Hill bikesters are a std , cheap legging, and Parrot make some good stuff mail order.

[Ed Holland]

Vitamin,

I'm in the UK also. As said before, the extra insulation required depends on the conditions of the day and on the rider and the distance/ time spent on the bike. I used arm and leg warmers last winter - it can be a problem keeping leg warmers in place, though this setup was fine for my 1/2 hour commute. I also have a high visibiltiy cycling jacket, mostly for riding after dark, but it makes a useful extra layer when things drop below freezing. The downside is that it is not very "breathable". My main problem is overheating and clothes becoming damp with perspiration, this prevents the fabric from insulating properly and cold can set in. This would be a real problem on long rides.
As an aside, shoe covers are a real help in keeping one's feet warm, and plastic shopping bags between the shoe and cover are great in wet weather. No, I'm serious!

Good luck,

Ed

[cyclezealot]

Here in Southern California, the winter mornings can be chilly, maybe as low as mid-40's, (approx. 7-10 C.). Arm/leg warmers seem ok in that range. Much lower, I would need more help than just warmers. That's me.. Here in So. Cal they cut the mustard. Anywhere else in colder climes, I don't think so.. Guess, they do make a more insulated warmer.. Not sold here.

[MMPC]

Vitamin - keep in mind that no matter how warm the leg warmers are, the wind/cold can still slice right through your shorts. We've been discussing this very subject here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=40983 and I know of no "wind resistent" shorts on the market. So, when it gets really cold, I agree with the above that you'll definitely want some sort of wind resistent covering/tights you can pull on over your shorts....

[lsd87]

I agree that a wind barrier is a big help. Extra layers may be necessary as the temperatures drop,especially for your torso.