Hey guys,

Was just having a discussion with my mate about my new set of knee warmers. I've been told by a few cyclists that having your knees exposed to the cold air while riding can be detrimental for later life. My mate seems to think this is rubbish.

So, is it ok to expose your knees to the elements while riding, or should you wear knee warmers?

Cheers,

Dan

I think the general guideline is that if you ride in temps below about 15C, you should wear something over your knees.

Personally, I'm freezing at anything under that temp anyway, so I definitely wear knee warmers, leg warmers, or tights.

I hear you've been having some frost in the mornings in your area.

The pros protect their knees below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I was told that they use some type of cream instead of fabric to keep them warm so you probably don't notice. I guess it depends on the amount of riding you do before you would notice the damage.

Tell your mate it's all about blood flow and the oxygen the blood
carries. People need to keep joints warm for increased blood flow
to prevent injury and freezing of the tissue.

On hot summer days blood flow isn't that much of a problem but
winter, spring, or fall it's important to cover the joint to keep it
warm and the blood pumping if you do any riding that will "work"
the joint at all.