Weight Weenies

I know the difference physically, just not sure which one would be best in real world use? I need some new/more cold weather gear due to having moved to a colder climate. Would I be happier with the leg warmers? Anyone use both?

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I use both, but it is more a temperature thing for me....I use the knee warmers when it is moderately cold (45-55) and the leg warmers when it is colder than that.

I like knicks when it is under 65°
Knee warmers are like knicks, but you can take them off if it is expected to warm up.
If there is going to be a big difference, like an early-morning race through the mtns, that then ends with it getting real warm in a valley, I have used leg warmers so they can be removed. But usually, if it is that cold and I don't expect to want to remove them, I prefer full bib tights, because they keep your ass warm also.

So it is all a trade off about being able to remove parts and if you really expect to need to.

My general rule of thumb is 0 degrees and below (or close to 0 and very windy) are leg warmers. Above 0, and especially if temp is going to rise, it's knee warmers up to ~15 degrees or so.

Thanks guys. Any issues with knee warmers sliding down even if you wear them under your bib shorts?

My first season of riding I didn't shave my legs and the knee warmers were all over the place, but now with smooth legs they stay put.

Not really, you just have to get them high enough so that your bib or short grippers grab them. It is nice to be able to loose the warmers when the temp gets warmer on a long ride.

Not so long ago leg warmers used to be very unfashionable, and there was no question what the answer was. But since then, I think especially with the availability of compression tights, you see a lot more full length tights, even in the moderate temperatures of the San Francisco Bay area.

I prefer knee warmers, however. I can use knee warmers in conjunction with compression calf sleeves, which give full length coverage, and the compression calf sleeves provide a better fit than full-length tights, which have too many fitting parameters. My Voler knee warmers (I like the white solar ones, which are very light) due tend to move on my since my legs are relatively thin, even for a cyclist. But they're easy to re-adjust, even on the bike, so it's not that big a deal.

If it's going to be colder than around 5C, I use the tights, typically even in conjunction with knickers, or if not, with knee warmers on top.

But given the choice, I like knee warmers.

For me it's knee warmers when the temps get to around 10 c, lower than that I switch to thermal tights. Chances are pretty good that if the temperature is low enough to need the thermal tights it ain't gonna get any warmer, so I don't need to worry about shedding layers. I have both knee and leg warmers, but pretty much never don the leg warmers any more.

Both, depends on temperature

I find that if it's cold enough for full leg coverage, it's cold enough to want some better insulation above the legs but bellow the jersey/vest/jacket too. It's either knee warmers of tights for me, no leg warmers.

Down to about 40 I use knee warmers. After that, I just go to tights.

I prefer knickers between 60-40 degrees and where tights below 40. Otherwise i wear bibs.

Fiery wrote:I find that if it's cold enough for full leg coverage, it's cold enough to want some better insulation above the legs but bellow the jersey/vest/jacket too. It's either knee warmers of tights for me, no leg warmers.

I agree here. I have worn knee warmers at around 55-65degrees, anything below that where it is going to basically stay that way, I prefer tights, and I regulate my core temp with the upper half.

HUMP

I don't own tights (full-length cycling garments, including pad). Instead when it's cold I wear two pairs of bibs. That helps keep that region warm. I can combine that with multiple layers below.

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