First of all, you need to understand what leg warmers are, how they work and what their purpose is. Since many beginner cyclists are not familiar with such an important thing as cycling warmers in cycling world. Their choice is as important as cycling shoes are.
Leg warmers are directly related to body temperature stability. This element of clothing looks like a pipe, which is worn only with bib shorts or shorts overalls. The leg warmer covers the leg almost completely, which gives maximum temperature retention in the legs.
There are several options for the fabric from which cycling warmers are made. Usually it is a stretchy material that retains temperature. For example, it could be thermal fleece or wool, suitable for chilly conditions.
Depending on the fabric, there will be different thermal insulation. There are also options for leg warmers that do not let water through. Always, leg or knee warmers should be made from stretch fabric. Thanks to this, during the bike ride, the cyclist will not feel constrained in his movements.
Leg warmers have another function, which is sun protection. This item of cloth covers the leg, thighs as well as the knee joint. Thanks to this, in any weather conditions, the leg will be protected from the cold or UV rays due to warmers.
Many people choose to put on leg warmers with compression action while cycling. Due to the compression, blood flow improves, muscle fatigue decreases, and the time to rest after a ride decreases.
What are the main aspects when choosing cycling leg warmers?
Fit of leg warmer
Leg warmers must have a perfect fit. It is very important that the pair of leg warmers is ideally suited to the size and parameters of the cyclist. If the warmers are oversized, then the aerodynamics will be compromised, which will directly affect the speed of the bike ride.
Leg warmers should feel like a second skin for a cyclist. Also pay attention to the knee joint, as knee warmers should only increase knee comfort.
Fabric of cycling leg warmers
A good fabric must withstand strong temperature drops, keeping warm in cold weather. Thermal insulation requires a good fabric with this property. In order to protect yourself from the sun, ordinary Lycra will be enough. Lycra should have UPF 50 or more.
Anti slip system
Such a system should be present on thigh and ankles. It is designed to avoid slipping while pedaling, which increases comfort while ride.
Seam quality
Seams can be a problem in poor quality leg warmers. In mid-ride, the seam may rub against the ankle or thigh, or even the knee. All this can cause discomfort during cycling. If the seams rub the skin on an ongoing basis, this will lead to problems and discomfort even in other clothes, not only when you put on leg warmers.
Silicone grippers
A very convenient solution would be a silicone insert. A stretchy tape with a silicone insert can be placed inside the leg warmer. It will also increase comfort during cycling.
What are leg warmers for?
Primarily wear leg heater to protect against winter cold, wet weather, wind or direct sunlight. Thanks to the leg warmers, temperature drops are not so noticeable for the body due to the heat-insulating fabric.
Leg warmers are very easy to put on and take off. Knee warmers are also easy to take with you, for example on long rides. Many simply carry around a pair of leg or arm warmers in a jersey pocket or bib shorts pocket.
Due to the compression properties, blood flow improves. Wearing leg warmers improves muscle condition and reduces fatigue and reduces recovery time.
Also, leg warmers allow you not to wear winter bib shorts in average temperatures. Because of the knee warmers, bib shorts can be worn in warm winters.
Under what conditions does a cyclist put on a leg warmer?
It is very important to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, so for this purpose, leg warmers must be putted on at all times. Many do not consider this important, but especially in summer, you should always cover your legs from UV light.
If you want to buy leg warmers for cold weather and low temperatures, then you need to focus on individual characteristics. The main two indicators are the temperature of the selected region and the speed of cycling.
You should only wear cycling warmers if your body feels uncomfortable, as those who are warm in certain weather may already be cold in others. On average, leg warmers are putted on in weather of 8-15 degrees Celsius. You can carry a pair of knee warmers with you in your jersey pocket, this will allow you to warm up your knees, ankles or thigh at any time.
For example, many wear cycling warmers only in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is lower than during the day. After that, during the day you can put them in a bib shorts pocket.
How to put on leg warmers with bib shorts?
Bib shorts are an important and comfortable piece of cycling gear, especially for cold season. After purchasing leg warmers, many are wondering how to properly put on them with bib tights. Knee warmers should be put on under bib shorts, that is, they should be close to the skin along the entire length.
How to put on leg warmers?
Leg warmers are not put on first, sock and bib shorts are put on first. Only after that you need to start putting on leg warmers. When putting on, the bottom of the knee warmers should be at the beginning or mid point of the ankle. After that you need to stretch the rest of the warmers up to the thigh.
You need to pull bib tights mid thigh for the next step of putting on knee warmers. Mid thigh should be the top of the leg warmer. Some for convenience pull the top of the knee warmers higher than the mid thigh. This aspect is individual. After that you pull the edges of the winter bib tights down.
Thus, keeping warm leg warmers are put on in the cold or wet season of cycle riding.
How to put on socks with leg warmers?
For many, the issue of putting on socks and knee warmers is the subject of constant debate. For example, some believe that socks should only be putted on under knee warmers during bicycle riding, while other cyclists believe the opposite.
All the same, such a thing is a matter of choice for every cyclist. The easiest option is to put on sock under warmer. This is done for basic comfort, making pair of leg warmers the easiest to put on and take off.
For those who prefer style, you can put on sock over warmers on your leg. Thus, everyone around will see your unusual socks. To do this, first put on leg warmer, and only then sock. This will not cause discomfort, but may complicate the process of removing the warmers.
What is better to choose, leg warmers or bib tights?
If you have the opportunity to buy both options, then by all means do it. Both options are practical and comfortable for cycling, as well as a must-have for every cyclist. For example, if the temperature is low and will remain low all day, it is best to put on tights. At the day when the air temperature during the day will increase, then it is worth choosing warmers for riding.
You also need to give preference to warmers in the cool season for training. For example, you start exercising in cold weather, but over time your muscles warm up and warmers become unnecessary. You can take them off with ease, and they won’t get in your way. In the case of tights, this cannot be done, they cannot be taken off spontaneously on the training ground, only to change clothes and spend time on it.
About warmers
About bib tights
How do you wear leg warmers on a bike?
This piece of cloth is put on under shorts. They need to be putted on the whole leg and make sure that they do not slip.
When should you wear leg warmers cycling?
They need to be putted on in cool weather, when the muscles are not yet sufficiently warmed up. This is the ideal solution.
How do you put on leg warmers?
They are putted on from the beginning to the end of the leg, under shorts and under socks. This type of wearing is the most comfortable and practical.
How high should cycling leg warmers be?
They are put on at the beginning of the buttocks.
Daniel Riley
I'm Daniel Riley, I am a sports coach and I live a sports life. I maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, food and nutrition. I want to share useful information with like-minded people, with those who want to change their lives for the better.
