Can anyone recommend a good pair of uv protecting sleeves?
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Can anyone recommend a good pair of uv protecting sleeves?
I'm looking for something not crazy expensive but that offers true uv protection.
Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone!
#2
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Pearl Izumi and a few other makers sell sun sleeves claimed to offer true protection from UV. But I'd rather wear a good sun screen with insect repellent, since bitey nibbly critters are as much a concern as sun around my area.
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I have the Pearl Izumi sun sleeves. If you wear these on a warmer day, you are gonna roast. I start to sweat at about 45°F if the sun is out and I am riding pretty hard. They keep me that warm. I wouldn't wear them on an 85°F day at all. Sunscreen as mentioned above.
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I do wear lots of sunscreen, but I'm just worried it might not be enough. I already have very sharp tan lines on my legs and arms. A normal ride lasts 4 to 5 hours and sunscreen only last for two hours.
I thought sleeves would also keep you cooler. Thanks for mentioning the temperature. Hadn't considered that. In the summer I often ride at 80-90ºF.
I thought sleeves would also keep you cooler. Thanks for mentioning the temperature. Hadn't considered that. In the summer I often ride at 80-90ºF.
Last edited by jamisFan; 04-16-16 at 09:30 PM. Reason: grammar
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I haven't tried them yet riding but I have some Pearl Izumi In-R-Cool Sun Sleeves which are quite comfortable and do cool you down a tiny bit. Certainly on some hot days it would be hard to wear them but not impossible especially if you don't overheat like I do.
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I do wear lots of sunscreen, but I'm just worried it might not be enough. I already have very sharp tan lines on my legs and arms. A normal ride lasts 4 to 5 hours and sunscreen only last for two hours.
I thought sleeves would also keep you cooler. Thanks for mentioning the temperature. Hadn't considered that. In the summer I often ride at 80-90ºF.
I thought sleeves would also keep you cooler. Thanks for mentioning the temperature. Hadn't considered that. In the summer I often ride at 80-90ºF.

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You might contact the usual manufacturers of cycling jerseys and ask whether they carry a summer weight long sleeve jersey. Most long sleeve jerseys are usually for cold and cool weather wear, but this probably won't be the first time someone has asked about a summer weight long sleeve jersey.
I have a couple of Garneau Genesis short sleeve summer weight jerseys that are very thin, lightweight and comfortable from temps in the high 60s to mid 80s (hasn't been warmer than that so far this spring), without a baselayer. It's a looser, casual "club fit". A long sleeve version might be tolerable for summer wear and UV protection.
But Garneau has discontinued that model and I don't know whether they offer another with similar fabric. That particular fabric may have been unpopular because it snags easily. My first Genesis jersey has several snags, but I crashed twice while wearing it. Still, if it were available in long sleeve and white or other light colors I'd consider it for summer wear because it's not skintight.
I have a couple of Garneau Genesis short sleeve summer weight jerseys that are very thin, lightweight and comfortable from temps in the high 60s to mid 80s (hasn't been warmer than that so far this spring), without a baselayer. It's a looser, casual "club fit". A long sleeve version might be tolerable for summer wear and UV protection.
But Garneau has discontinued that model and I don't know whether they offer another with similar fabric. That particular fabric may have been unpopular because it snags easily. My first Genesis jersey has several snags, but I crashed twice while wearing it. Still, if it were available in long sleeve and white or other light colors I'd consider it for summer wear because it's not skintight.
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I don't know about separate sleeves, but it's good to hear someone talking about UV protection by use of clothing, and not sunblock. Although some nasties are absorbed through the skin by synthetic clothing, probably not as much as with sun block, the clothing doesn't clog your pores, and it is my belief that it is more effective. Some even say that sunblock can be harmful.
I always wear a long sleeve shirt while cycling, never short.
I always wear a long sleeve shirt while cycling, never short.
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What I use (Sun Protection Factor 40+): Mens Long Sleeve Coolmax Jersey
#13
Advocatus Diaboli
I'm not sure I understand the point of just sleeves, rather than a long-sleeve jersey? eg. here's one of the few (though the color selection is a bit lacking :-)
Performance Sun Pro II Long Sleeve Jersey
Something that might work just as well, with a bit more style:
wiggle.com | Altura Airstream Long Sleeve Summer Jersey | Long Sleeve Jerseys
Performance Sun Pro II Long Sleeve Jersey
Something that might work just as well, with a bit more style:
wiggle.com | Altura Airstream Long Sleeve Summer Jersey | Long Sleeve Jerseys
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What I use (Sun Protection Factor 40+): Mens Long Sleeve Coolmax Jersey
How's the fit? True to size recommendations?
#15
Advocatus Diaboli
Nifty. That's exactly what I had in mind with my description of a hypothetical summer weight long sleeve jersey. Might even try one myself. I'm prone to sunburns no matter how tan I get unless I wear SPF 1000, and have a lot of sun damaged blotchy skin on my forearms.
How's the fit? True to size recommendations?
How's the fit? True to size recommendations?
Giordana EXO System Long Sleeve Jersey | Competitive Cyclist
#16
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The Garneau Genesis is available at Nashbar for $20. Well worth it. I have two but they are getting old. I fell in one of them and expected a hole to be burned through the shoulder, but it was barely abraded. They are great for casual riding because you get the benefits of a cycling shirt with the look of a generic sport shirt. No one will know unless they see the pockets. They almost look like a golf shirt without the collar.
But it's durable in other ways -- I've had a couple of minor crashes on pavement and barely got a couple of pinholes through the fabric.
On the plus side, they look great -- like a casual pullover, as you noted -- and are very comfortable over a wide temperature range. I've worn them with just an a-shirt baselayer down into the 50s and been comfortable. The warmest day so far this spring has been a muggy 85F and it was very comfy and any perspiration dries very quickly in the breeze, yet the fabric never feels cold or hot -- right at ambient temp. I may order another for rides when my destination includes social events such as visits with friends to museums and gallery shows, because it's nice looking without being bikey.
The fabric hand washes well too. I forgot about a leaky banana in the rear pocket, but the dried goo cleaned up easily in a sink wash without scrubbing or stains. Dries overnight hanging from the shower curtain with a small fan circulating air.
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I usually use sol skins by Voler. They're expensive but well worth it. I just picked up some performance bike brand today and they worked well as well. Pro tip: squirt some water on them to get a nice cool down during the ride.
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An issue you might run into with long sleeves in Miami is due to the humidity, not just the summer temperatures.
I tried something like these for a while.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/SARX-Sublime...QAAOSwDuJWxgDP
A good fairly skin-tight but not strangle-tight, "wicking", sunblocking long sleeve is freakin' awesome out in the dry SouthWest.
Unfortunately, the same is not nearly as comfortable for me here in Southeastern Louisiana from early June through mid-September. It just gets wet and stays that way unless there's a 14-16mph wind over an above my own speed. Granted, the sunblock benefit is still there, but imagine feeling clammy in 90+F heat and 85% humidity for hours on end due to the sweat not evaporating. Not really fun. (Oh and the sweat stains/deposits at the end of each ride remind me of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Heh.)
My solution, as a recumbent rider, is to wear a non-cycle-specific loose-fitting long-sleeve sunblock shirt - not too loose so as not to flap, but definitely not a close-fitting, "wicking" shirt.
Just for "completeness", here are a couple links to shirts you might consider:
https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-Mens-...9Q55V1ZPPJPEZ0
https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-UPF-M...YPMZ5ZS05FEVVA
Consider the difference/your needs... the 2nd has buttoned neck opening, the first doesn't. Airflow/temperature control is significantly different to me... I went with the 2nd. (Remember, I ride a recumbent...on a DF, I might make a different choice.)
YMMV.
Added: I have also ridden in one of these and felt great - but probably NOT a DF'ers choice of shirt.
https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-UPF-M...DWDTRXJN60D3C1
I tried something like these for a while.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/SARX-Sublime...QAAOSwDuJWxgDP
A good fairly skin-tight but not strangle-tight, "wicking", sunblocking long sleeve is freakin' awesome out in the dry SouthWest.
Unfortunately, the same is not nearly as comfortable for me here in Southeastern Louisiana from early June through mid-September. It just gets wet and stays that way unless there's a 14-16mph wind over an above my own speed. Granted, the sunblock benefit is still there, but imagine feeling clammy in 90+F heat and 85% humidity for hours on end due to the sweat not evaporating. Not really fun. (Oh and the sweat stains/deposits at the end of each ride remind me of the Bonneville Salt Flats. Heh.)
My solution, as a recumbent rider, is to wear a non-cycle-specific loose-fitting long-sleeve sunblock shirt - not too loose so as not to flap, but definitely not a close-fitting, "wicking" shirt.
Just for "completeness", here are a couple links to shirts you might consider:
https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-Mens-...9Q55V1ZPPJPEZ0
https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-UPF-M...YPMZ5ZS05FEVVA
Consider the difference/your needs... the 2nd has buttoned neck opening, the first doesn't. Airflow/temperature control is significantly different to me... I went with the 2nd. (Remember, I ride a recumbent...on a DF, I might make a different choice.)
YMMV.
Added: I have also ridden in one of these and felt great - but probably NOT a DF'ers choice of shirt.
https://www.amazon.com/Coolibar-UPF-M...DWDTRXJN60D3C1
Last edited by dual650c; 04-18-16 at 05:27 AM.
#19
Advocatus Diaboli
What is thought on just a long-sleeve baselayer under a short-sleeve or sleeveless jersey. Eg. one of these cheapies?
https://www.amazon.com/TM-T11-BKRZ_X-...ilpage_o01_s00
https://www.amazon.com/TM-T11-BKRZ_X-...ilpage_o01_s00
#20
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What is thought on just a long-sleeve baselayer under a short-sleeve or sleeveless jersey. Eg. one of these cheapies?
https://www.amazon.com/TM-T11-BKRZ_X-...ilpage_o01_s00
https://www.amazon.com/TM-T11-BKRZ_X-...ilpage_o01_s00
#21
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I do wear lots of sunscreen, but I'm just worried it might not be enough. I already have very sharp tan lines on my legs and arms. A normal ride lasts 4 to 5 hours and sunscreen only last for two hours.
I thought sleeves would also keep you cooler. Thanks for mentioning the temperature. Hadn't considered that. In the summer I often ride at 80-90ºF.
I thought sleeves would also keep you cooler. Thanks for mentioning the temperature. Hadn't considered that. In the summer I often ride at 80-90ºF.
You might still tan just a little, if you ride in broad 100% summer sunlight.
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The REI arm coolers I've worn for a couple of seasons have worked better than sunscreen. Overheated arms have not been a problem, either. White color reflects sun somewhat and when damp with sweat evaporative cooling switches on.
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Pearl Izumis are good. I've been wearing them the past four years. If you squirt a little water on them the will never be too warm.
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Another vote for the ones from REI, sun sleeves sold under their "Novara" brand. Pure white, form fitting, stay in place and seem cooler to me than bare arms. Pearl Izumi ones are good too. They're both made with very lightweight stretchy material. It just wouldn't be practical to make a complete jersey from this material.
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I don't know about separate sleeves, but it's good to hear someone talking about UV protection by use of clothing, and not sunblock. Although some nasties are absorbed through the skin by synthetic clothing, probably not as much as with sun block, the clothing doesn't clog your pores, and it is my belief that it is more effective. Some even say that sunblock can be harmful.
I always wear a long sleeve shirt while cycling, never short.
I always wear a long sleeve shirt while cycling, never short.
I get a kick out of the other riders I encounter that question me about it and try to haze me.
My average ride is usually only around 90 minutes though. Couldn't imagine doing it regularly on very long rides.
I am very comfortable and obviously not a fan of covering myself in polyester.
It's all good