Knee warmers are fine if the day starts out Cool and is going to warm up. So how cold do you want to ride in?
Down to about freezing and it is dry- I use the Knickers- Knee length bib shorts as I don't have a great problem with the calf muscles staying cold after about 5 miles. Much below freezing and on will go the tights. Non padded and they go over the Knickers or shorts- so they can come off if it warms up but that has only happened once.
But cold weather and rain and on go the leggings- and the Ski mask. Cold rain hitting exposed skin on a cold day hurts.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan