SaddleBags

I am looking for some leg warmers as stocking stuffers for my favorite cyclist in the family (read: me). I own some Trek "knee warmers". I like these knee warmers because they grip at the top of the leg and come down mid calf. They're articulated but still get a little bunchy at the back of the knee. I usually wear these on 45-55 degree days.

I'm looking for some opinions on leg warmers. My requirments are: 1. Articulated Knee 2. Leg grippers at top of leg 3. Warm 4. Wicking properties/dries quickly 5. Flatlock seams

Anyone care to share their opinions on their leg warmers and if they meet my criteria above.

El Diablo Rojo

I'm a big fan of DeFeet Kneekers.

Gomez308

I just bought a set from REI that I really like, they are the house brand Novarro.

wtex

I got the Performance, love em.

botto 

apart from the articulated knee, that sounds like most leg warmers.

you can get yourself a fancy set of assos, or a cheap pair of PI - this is one time where i'll say they probably work the same.

blonduathlongrl

so help me here, if you are going to buy leg warmers to wear with your shorts, why not just buy a full leg leggings?

mollusk

For days when you start the ride at 35 F and later in the day it is 65 F.

GuitarWizard

I have knee warmers (Castelli), and find them annoying since they're always sliding down. I have a pair of mediums, and they barely fit over my lower thighs....I heard a bit of a ripping noise when trying to stretch them to fit, so I gave up on that quick.

Get a couple different pairs of tights/bibs for different temp ranges. I'm assuming that you probably already have a pair for colder temps, so get a lightweight pair for warmer temps.

botto 

in theory, you can take the leg warmers off if you get warm.

in practice, before it gets REALLY cold i prefer them to tights because my bibs fit better, the chamois sits snugger, and i don't catch the crotch on the tip of my saddle like i sometimes do with tights.

blonduathlongrl

awww makes sense! never thought of this since this never happends here, it's either freezing and will stay that way for months or hot as heck

botto 

where does that happen?

roadfix

+1 They also don't slide down unlike other brands.

oboeguy

I don't know about specific temps but between seasons here in the NYC area it's not unusual to start a ride at 7AM, not getting home until the afternoon. Leg / knee warmers, jacket, arm warmers etc could be shed during such a ride b/c the temp difference from start to finish could easily exceed 20-25 degrees.

pippo

Performance ones work and there on sale (big surprise) but they are sized small.
I use XL's and although I'd like to think of my massive power quads my thighs aren't that big.

domestique

PI's don't have top leg grippers. But I have never had a problem with them slipping

SpongeDad

Pennsylvania in the fall. The Covered Bridge Metric in Bucks County PA this year was cold as hell in the morning, but by early afternnoon the gloves and warmers were off.


I have some Performance leg warmers. Not articulated, but much more flexible than my Pearl Izumi amfib tights; also a bit lighter. Bonus - they're inexpensive and roll up small - perfect for a stocking stuffer.

Namenda

I wear Hincapie knee warmers...no-slip, comfortable, get the job done, etc. I also wear PI arm warmers...for the same reasons.

mrdick

+1. same here.

superslomo

The only thing that irritates me is that everything covered by the regular shorts winds up freezing. It's not cold enough for the Amfib tights, and it's chilly enough that the ehem, top of my lower body ends up pretty cold after an hour or two.

GuitarWizard

This is where having a few different pairs of tights for different temperature ranges starts to make more sense.

R900

I have them, never use them, below 60 I use knee warmers, under 50 I use tights, and have several (3) different weights for colder temps.

mollusk

Where I live. We call it a cold spell.

Paniolo

Same here, only under low 50's I go to knickers, below low 40's tights. Got some PI warmers still in the pkg over 2 yrs old.

cpb406

Happens quite often in Texas.

I have a pair of Voler Dryline Leg Warmers. Used them only once so far; a ride of 62 miles. No problems on that ride. I was quite comfortable and experienced no sliding or bunching.

thenomad

I have Performance knee warmers. They have the nice grips for the top, flex really well and are great. I've been riding in the AM when its 40 to 48. I'd consider getting the leg warmers from them too. Right now its free shipping so price is great.

I recommend them. The reason for me to get warmers and not full tights etc is that only a few months will it be like this. The rest of the time it'll be 50-80 in the morning. I'll spend more money on summer gear than winter.