Eggplant Jeff

I've been putting more on top (long sleeve shirts, windbreaker vest) but today was cooler than previous days and it made me wonder, I've heard that cold is bad for your knees, how do you know when you need to start wearing leg warmers or something? I'm still wearing shorts. Yesterday was 50 degrees in the AM, today was definitely cooler, probably low-to-mid 40's (forgot to check).

StanSeven

I went from running to cycling and thought the same things apply - I used to wear tights running when the temps got around 32-35, depending on wind. It wasn't for a year or so at people commenting before I wore tights just to end all the comments.

As long as you warms up slowly and take it easy at first, I don't see how you hurt your knees. While the surface skin might feel cool, your muscles and other tissues are warmed by blood flow and them working.

rpc180

The rule on the road cycling forum seems to be 60 degrees and then the knee warmers come out. Concensus (sp?) was that there really isn't anything but tendon and bone under the knee cap to keep the joint warm.

The Seldom Kill

I change when i can see my breath in the morning.

joejack951

Depends on the length of the ride. For a short ride like my commute (less than 30 minutes), knee warmers go on below 50 degrees. For a longer ride where I know I can't work hard the whole time and might have to deal with a change in temperature, the knee warmers go on at 55-60 and full tights around 50 degrees. Cold knees take a long time to warm up (for me) and when your ride starts with a hill, the warmer my knees are, the better. That said, I've ridden in 45 degree temps in just shorts but it was warming up as the ride continued and I was far from comfortable.

oboeguy

That about sums it up. There's at least one recent thread on this somewhere on BF.

pinkrobe

If my skin gets obviously cold, then the long pants come out. That's usually around 32F/0C. Anything warmer than that and things get sweaty in a hurry. My knees are fragged, and respond well to cool conditions. My knees kind of hurt all the time, so it's hard to differentiate the source. There are guys around here who ride in shorts and a t-shirt down to -10C, so it depends a lot on how warm you are.

Eggplant Jeff

I'm also trying to decide if I should get knee warmers or just go with full tights. I have a pair of tights, I don't have knee warmers. On the other hand, it was pretty chilly this AM... Maybe I'll try the tights tomorrow. If I'm too hot I'll just take my shirt off... then I'll look like the riverdance dude.

I just can't wait to hear the comments I'm gonna get walking into work in tights .

pinkrobe

Here's a quick preview...
"Nice ass!"
"Nice legs!"
"Nice package!"
"Dude, you have skinniest legs I've ever seen on a human being."

Eggplant Jeff

I work with almost all men. I somehow doubt I'll be receiving most of those. Also my legs are more muscular than skinny.

I think it'll be more like "We don't want to see that!!!!"

webist

I find that I am very tolerant of high temperatures (100+ degrees) but also quite uncomfortable in lower temps. Thus, tights come out around 60 degrees.

cyclezealot

Used to living in So Cal...53 degrees is about benchmark when many Californians' don't ride. ? Just wait until sun warms up the land. But, leg arm warmers come on at about 63 for many Califronian's, I would say.. Good clue..When your legs/arms turn blue?

Sawtooth

For some reason, even muscluar legs look skinny in tights. I broke out the tights about 2 weeks ago when I started seeing my breath in the mornings.

azesty

Down to about 40F (3C) here for my 12 km commute. I have always worn shorts and just add layers to the top to keep me warm enough.

a

oboeguy

I forgot to mention that if you shave, you could rub / put on that warming stuff pros put on their legs (or even just a layer of petroleum jelly).

caloso

Knee warmers this morning when I left the house at 6. It was 52F. Just perfect for me.

froze

You can easily tell when you need leg warmers...first, when your knee(s) begin to hurt or ache; second, when your legs get uncomfortably chilly. Was that so difficult?

Crankaddict

I'm old and a retired waitress. My knees and legs have been through enough. If it is less than 70 degrees the tights go on. I have several different weights of tights, and I stick to this rule and have no leg/knee issues.

max-a-mill

i put on leg warmers below 60. the tights come out in the low 40's.

gear

I skip the leg warmers altogether, tights come out when it reaches 35F.

Eggplant Jeff

Well it was about 50 again this morning and I chickened out, but on the way in I was regretting not putting them on... so I think tomorrow (predicted to be about the same) I'll probably wear 'em.

tink20seven

what about the addidas track pants with soccer socks?
its the only way to go!

shokhead

When do you know when to use your heater? When its to cold not to. Legs are the same.

tokolosh

flashing to the early scenes of withnail and i - 'you're lying. you've got antifreeze' . . . actually, the horse-liniment route might be kind of uncomfortable and attention-getting if jeff doesn't have showers where he works.

cc_rider

Same for me.