Arm and knee warmers are pretty much the smartest items of cycling clothing. They turn a purely summer outfit into one that still works in the cool of the morning or evening. Slightly longer knee warmers, which extend from the centre of the thigh to over the calf, are more practical in summer than long leg warmers: they are easier to put on and take off over your shoes.
Shopping tips
- The material of the cuffs should be slightly warmer than that of the trousers and short-sleeved jersey, as the arms and legs are particularly susceptible to the cold due to the wind.
- Arm warmers can be tight, but knee warmers should fit snugly because of the blood circulation.
- Arm warmers fit better if they have non-slip cuffs or end over the sleeve of the vest. If necessary - the look suffers - also over the sleeve of the jersey. Knee warmers always end at the top under the trousers.
- Seams in the hollow of the knee can chafe the skin.
- Cuffs that only just cover the knee slide up into the hollow of the knee while riding. They should therefore extend over the thickest part of the calf muscle.
- Styling: Black is never wrong. It also warms up quickly in the sunshine.
- Reflective stripes are useful, as gauntlets are often ridden at dusk or in cloudy weather.
