Warmers and Sun Sleeves

Warmers and sun sleeves: the cheapest range extension in cycling

Warmers do something no garment can. They let you change the temperature rating of the kit you are already wearing, halfway up a climb, without stopping for more than a minute. A short sleeve jersey with arm warmers covers a wider band than a long sleeve jersey does, because you can strip back once the sun arrives and a long sleeve jersey commits you for the whole ride.

Which warmer for which temperature

Arm warmers cover roughly 10 to 20 degrees over a short sleeve jersey and roll into a jersey pocket when you are done with them.

Knee warmers cover roughly 12 to 18 degrees over bib shorts and stop at the mid calf, which suits the dawn starts that turn into warm mornings.

Leg warmers cover the full leg below about 12 degrees and are the step before committing to thermal bib tights.

The knee rule is worth taking seriously

Cover your knees below 15 degrees. Cold joints have less synovial fluid circulating and the tissue around them stiffens, and the connection between riding hard on cold knees and knee pain is well established among coaches and physiotherapists. Knee warmers cost a fraction of a physio appointment.

Sun sleeves work the other way

White or light coloured UPF sleeves keep you cooler than bare arms in Australian summer sun. Two things are happening: the fabric blocks radiant heat that would otherwise land on your skin, and it holds a thin layer of sweat across a wider surface so more of it evaporates. Wet a pair at a water stop and the effect is obvious within a kilometre. They also remove the need to reapply sunscreen to your arms on a five hour ride.

Fit and grippers

Warmers are sized on the circumference of your bicep or thigh, so check the brand chart and set aside your jersey size. A silicone gripper at the top holds them in place, and a warmer that slides down all ride is usually a size too large. The seam should sit flat against the skin with no bunching behind the elbow or knee.

Roll them on from the top down, and roll them off the same way so the gripper stays intact.

We stock warmers from Castelli, Santini, MAAP, Pearl Izumi and BBB. Pair them with a short sleeve jersey and a gilet for the widest range from the fewest garments.