Originally Posted by
Bald Paul
I admit, I often times forget to apply sunscreen while riding. Consequently, I just had a biopsy done on a spot on my forearm that the doctor says is "99% sure" to be basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer.) I'll know for sure in two weeks, and they will probably take a chunk of skin out of me. Luckily, it won't mess up any of my tattoos!
I'm considering getting a pair of sun sleeves but wonder if they really are too hot for summer riding. I have a pair of arm warmers for the cooler months, but I can't imagine using them during the summer.
Questions:
1) has anyone had experience wearing them in hotter (90+ degrees) climates?
I've been using them for nearly or just over 10 years. And in temps over 100°F.
The one caveat I always make for using sun sleeves is that you need to normally ride at a fast pace. If you are slower than 14 mph average for the conditions you ride, you probably won't like them. If you are a 16 mph average or higher you probably will like them. In between that and you might not or might like them. When ever I have a long climb in hot weather that has me slowed down to less than 10 mph, I sometimes choose to pull them down for better cooling. But it can be a pain to get them back up again properly while riding. So sometimes I put up with the extra heat when slow.
However reading your post's as long as I have, I get the impression you aren't a slow rider at all and I'd be very leery of passing you on the road and getting into a impromptu race!
2) is one brand better than another regarding SPF factor and blocking UV rays?
Of course. But I don't know what the current stuff is advertising. I'm going to have to get some more as mine are wearing out after 3 years of use. They'd probably last a year or two more, but hey, new stuff is nice... right?
3) is white the best color for cooling while still providing protection from the sun?
I'd think so. But other colors and prints might be better for certain fashion statements or your own eclectic personality.
4) recommendations for a particular brand you've had experience with?
The two pair I have now are Perl Izumi and Specialized. The specialized have plenty of extra length for my long arms. The P.I. are long enough, but just barely. However I like the thick and wide hem strip they put on the P.I.'s. It makes them less likely to wrinkle and roll up as you are trying to pull them on. But still I like both of them enough that I'd buy either.