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Reccomendations on Leg Warmers

Old 11-05-07, 08:53 PM
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Reccomendations on Leg Warmers

I definitely know that I need leg warmers, as I usually start my weekend rides around 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning, and it is usually cold around this time. I rode yesterday, and it was cold. I remember also reading somewhere that one can really do damage to knees, if they are not sufficiently warmed-up on cold starts.

I am considering Pearl Izumi Thermal Fleece leg warmers, but I read a post where people commented on their frustration at keeping their leg warmers from sliding down/drooping while riding. I sure would like to avoid this.

Could you good people of SoCal recommend a good pair of leg warmers that would stay where they should?

Also, If I wear a size XL in Pearl Izumi shorts, does that mean I have to buy the same size in leg warmers?

Or

Should I buy a size L, so as to improve my chances that the warmers would not eventually start sagging/drooping?

If there are other brand(s) that you know of, and works perfectly, please feel free to recommend them.


Thanks for all responses.


Regards,
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Old 11-05-07, 08:57 PM
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Go to REI or your local LBS and try them on. They need to be snug (form fitting is the best word i can think of). They don't need to be tight but if they feel even the smallest bit loose or baggy you'll want to try the next smaller size.

I use the PI knee warmers and REI/Novara Leg Warmers. The key is to make sure and pull them almost completely up your thigh so there is a huge overlap with the shorts.
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Old 11-05-07, 09:00 PM
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A size too small can be quite uncomfortable. I have no experience with PI leg warmers but I have their knee warmers. Size small bibs/shorts and size S knee warmers are ok. Bib leg grippers over the knee warmers are fine.

I have the first generation Gore leg warmers. They are ok but bulkier than the PI's. I think the PI's are better.
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Old 11-05-07, 09:03 PM
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There is always the option of selecting lycra knicker-length tights complete with padded chamois liner. The fit is great, sagging is not an issue, and they look sleek. Use them for when the weather’s too cool for just temporary knee warmers and not quite cold enough for full-length tights over shorts/bibs. BlackBottoms does a nice job with them.

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Old 11-05-07, 09:05 PM
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My leg warmers are Performance brand.

Arm warmers are PI.
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Old 11-05-07, 09:07 PM
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I use DeFeet Kneekers (knee warmers) and I don't have trouble with them sliding down at all, even on day long rides.
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Old 11-05-07, 09:18 PM
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+1 on the defeets! go for the wool ones!
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Old 11-05-07, 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Scootcore
+1 on the defeets! go for the wool ones!
I have both their arm warmers, regular ones and their wool blends. The wool blends are very nice.
DeFeet arm and knee warmers are seamless so they don't leave that long indented line down your skin.
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Old 11-05-07, 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by roadfix
I have both their arm warmers, regular ones and their wool blends. The wool blends are very nice.
DeFeet arm and knee warmers are seamless so they don't leave that long indented line down your skin.

How about leg warmers? Do (DeFeet) they make those? I was thinking of buying either knee warmers or leg warmers, but I am leaning more towards leg warmers, as I am under the impression that they can be more versatile than knee warmers. I definitely don't want to purchase knee warmers, and then find out later that I need leg warmers. I am kinda cheap, and my thinking is that a leg warmer also warm your knees, in addition to warming your lower extremities. A knee warmer only warm your knees.

On the other hand, I already have an old REI tights that I can wear over my cycling shorts on really cold days. If you were making the decision, as an experienced cyclist, which of the two would you buy for the kind of in-between weather we have right now?

Thanks.

Regards,
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Old 11-05-07, 10:15 PM
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Given that you've already got the tights, I'd get the knee warmers. This time of year it really isn't cold enough that I'd want full coverage, but the knees can be chilly and tight.
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Old 11-05-07, 10:22 PM
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Originally Posted by yogi13
Given that you've already got the tights, I'd get the knee warmers. This time of year it really isn't cold enough that I'd want full coverage, but the knees can be chilly and tight.
Actually yogi13, it is only cold when starting out. I am with you regarding being not cold enough for tights over shorts right now, but full coverage "for a while" can't hurt. Moreover, warming one's knees and calves at the same time can only help in getting one's legs working optimally for the rest of the ride.

Or, am I so off-base in my thinking?
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Old 11-05-07, 10:27 PM
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Unlike leg warmers, I can keep my knee warmers on longer or even for the entire duration of the ride even when the temps warm up. I usually leave them on til the end of the ride without feeling overheated.
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Old 11-05-07, 10:29 PM
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and the defeet kneekers are quite long....
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Old 11-05-07, 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Scootcore
and the defeet kneekers are quite long....
That's one reason why they stay put. I pull them up as high as I can get them to go.
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Old 11-05-07, 10:42 PM
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I have Adidas which work very well for me for both temperature and fit.
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Old 11-05-07, 11:16 PM
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The PI's have always worked okay for me, with no slippage at all. I wear a Medium (5'9 around 153 pounds. )

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Old 11-05-07, 11:19 PM
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I have the PI knee warmers and am pretty happy with them, other than longevity.

I had the same complaint about the DeFeet kneekers though.

Can't seem to get much more than a season or two worth of use out of a pair of knee warmers before they get all stretched out in the knee and need to be replaced.

I also have a pair of Voler leg-warmers, but I hardly ever use them. They were a freebie from a race raffle. It's rarely cold enough in SoCal to need full-length leg warmers.
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Old 11-06-07, 02:01 AM
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I have the Canari leg warmers (where else would I buy such things). I like them, but I hardly wear them. It just doesn't get that cold.
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Old 11-06-07, 02:16 AM
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I have had some real issues with Performance's ability to stay in place. Last couple days , I have been using my PI knee warmers. They stayed in place. Ride em high and maybe they will stay put a little longer.
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Old 11-06-07, 04:53 AM
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i love my nike thermals. they keep my knees nice and warm.
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Old 11-06-07, 05:56 AM
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If one resorts to warmers with a thermal lining, sounds mighty close to needing thermal lined tights. ?
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Old 11-06-07, 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by yogi13
Given that you've already got the tights, I'd get the knee warmers. This time of year it really isn't cold enough that I'd want full coverage, but the knees can be chilly and tight.
+ 1.

If it is really cold I put a pair of tights on over my shorts. Knee warmers work better for me if you are planning to take them off later on in your ride. They are smaller, so they do not bunch up as much in your jersey pockets. The PI knee warmers are actually quite long and provide just about the same warmth as a full leg warmer.
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Old 11-06-07, 12:04 PM
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I'm a cheap guy so went with the performance brand. worked well last yr so I bought a new set
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Old 11-06-07, 12:26 PM
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I'll wear the PI thermal knee wamers from the low 50's into the low 70's and feel comfortable with them. My knees like to be warm.

As the temps drop, I might add wool socks and/or shoe covers before adding the tights. Anything below that and it's PI thermal tights time. Temps much below the low 50's get tights and wool socks/shoe toe covers
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Old 11-06-07, 01:01 PM
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My GF is happy with the Silk/Lycra blend leg warmers she got at a dance store...only about $12-15.00. Never heard her complain about them falling down or not being warm/cool enough. The look and feel of the material, to me, seems pretty much the same as the stuff they sell at a LBS except it comes in different material blends to choose from (wool, cotton, silk, nylon, and lycra) and a lot more colors. ymmv
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