I used arm and leg warmers for spring & fall. I picked up a convertible nylon bike jacket.
Zip off the arms and it turns into a vest.

Arm warmers - hell yeah! I love 'em. They really give you a lot of versatility in layering. I can add them to just a jersey and be pretty warm, or if it's a little colder add a light vest, colder still add a light jacket. Beyond that it's long sleeve shirts under a jersey with a jacket. As for the balaclava, I've only used one when it was freezing or below. I tend to run pretty hot, though. I like an ear warmer band; the helmet tends to keep my head warm, in the winter I'll add a light helmet cover. When it gets below 40 I'll add the ear band. I get too hot with a skull cap unless it's bitterly cold. Main thing - warm gloves and warm socks.

Um... What?!?!?!?!? I'm assuming you mean as a form of enhancement... if that is the case, I must point out.... I am a girl.

Nah. I've never needed arm warmers. My favorite piece of cool-weather gear is my wool pullover sweater. It helps regulate my temperature almost perfectly and if my arms need some cooling, the sleeves are dead simple to push up above the elbows.

I've liked mine so far.

Definitely. It's the number one cool weather accessory I put on before anything else. This time of year (I'm in Ohio), it's just chilly enough in the morning to need them, and they they go in a pocket or my backpack for the ride home. If I find out the sun is warmer than I expected, I can pull them off in mere seconds. Can't do that with long sleeves. Rolling sleeves up just stretches out the material.

In my experience, the more pieces you have on, the more options you have as the weather varies during the day. Example: I choose arm warmers and vest over one long sleeve jersey.

FWIW, I created a Gear Guide that I use to remember what clothes to wear at various temps. I put it on my blog at: http://www.dobovedo.com/wp-content/u...thingguide.jpg

YMMV, but it's what I've found works best for me.

I find that arm warmers are inexpensive, easy to fold into a jersey pocket and a way to keep you warm without resorting to a jacket or vest. I use them for road and commuter riding. Twenty or so bucks? Not that bad and it eliminates the need for long sleeve jerseys. Even if it gets warm during the ride, I don't feel the need to remove the arm warmers as they still wick moisture off the arms.

Check out "Sugoi" brand arm and leg warmers... the damn things seem to last forever.

-3bikes

I had some. Then got a long sleeve jersey and wear that instead.

Their main benefit is when it's a little bit chilly, and you know you'll warm up in 15 minutes, but you're having trouble getting out there and facing the chill.

Steve

I ride in Boston winters, as low as about 0 degrees, and I use the the balaclava alone when it's not too cold, and even roll up the neck and face part to make a thin, de facto skull cap. I add on an overlying woolen skull cap when it gets colder, about 35 degrees F. I don't use arm warmers, but various long-sleeved layers.

I wear eyeglasses and have posted previously about fogging of goggles, and my personal solution:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=450447&page=2 POST #47 FYI

+1 to arm warmers.

My arm warmers and 'clava are essential winter gear for me. Go for it!

Arm warmers are useful items to have, even if you don't use them all the time in the cold.

hee hee ooops... where's the totally red in the face embarassed emoticon?