| |
Main
Date: 20 Sep 2006 18:23:09
From: Patrick Lamb
Subject: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
Summer's about over. This morning was the first time this season the
temperature was much below 60 during my morning commute -- down to 52,
officially, and noticably chilly. That, and the Perf/Bar free shipping
sale, got me thinking about leg or knee warmers again.
For the upper body, I got a pair of arm warmers last fall, and used them
maybe a dozen times over the last year. I worked out that arm warmers
are great for weather between about 45-60 degrees (F). Long t-shirts,
in combination with wind shells, have worked fine for me in colder
weather. However, there just don't seem to be that many mornings around
here where the temperature's in that 45-60 range; if it's cooler, I'll
go long t-shirt and shell, and have that available for the afternoon
commute.
For my legs, I usually go with tights below 50, and as long as my upper
body is warm, I'm OK down to that with just shorts. However, I've
started riding a longer route to work most days, and I noticed some
tightness in my legs this morning.
So, after that long prelude, what advantage would knee or leg warmers
have over tights for me?
Pat
--
Return address works as is.
|
|
| |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 15:18:59
From: Michael Warner
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:23:09 -0500, Patrick Lamb wrote:
> For my legs, I usually go with tights below 50, and as long as my upper
> body is warm, I'm OK down to that with just shorts. However, I've
> started riding a longer route to work most days, and I noticed some
> tightness in my legs this morning.
>
> So, after that long prelude, what advantage would knee or leg warmers
> have over tights for me?
They're easy to put on, take off and stuff in a jersey pocket while you're
out, they'll last much longer than tights and, unless it's close to
freezing, they're probably warm enough and protect your knees from
stiffness just as well. I still have a pair of tights, but I hardly ever
bother with them anymore.
--
Home page: http://members.westnet.com.au/mvw
|
| | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 12:21:43
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
Michael Warner <see@homepage.com > wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:23:09 -0500, Patrick Lamb wrote:
>
>> For my legs, I usually go with tights below 50, and as long as my upper
>> body is warm, I'm OK down to that with just shorts. However, I've
>> started riding a longer route to work most days, and I noticed some
>> tightness in my legs this morning.
>>
>> So, after that long prelude, what advantage would knee or leg warmers
>> have over tights for me?
>
> They're easy to put on, take off and stuff in a jersey pocket while you're
> out, they'll last much longer than tights and, unless it's close to
> freezing, they're probably warm enough and protect your knees from
> stiffness just as well. I still have a pair of tights, but I hardly ever
> bother with them anymore.
That's pretty much my usage profile also. I use the winter weight
tights when it's below freezing. I usually use the knee warmers between
30-50 degrees generally.
Also, I tend to run hot, so the tights are generally too warm unless it
*is* really cold out.
--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
"Every morning, I get up and look through the 'Forbes' list of the
richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work"
-- Robert Orben
|
| | | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 21:43:38
From: Patrick Lamb
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:21:43 -0700, Dane Buson <dane@unseen.edu >
wrote:
>Michael Warner <see@homepage.com> wrote:
>> On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:23:09 -0500, Patrick Lamb wrote:
>>> So, after that long prelude, what advantage would knee or leg warmers
>>> have over tights for me?
>>
>> They're easy to put on, take off and stuff in a jersey pocket while you're
>> out, they'll last much longer than tights and, unless it's close to
>> freezing, they're probably warm enough and protect your knees from
>> stiffness just as well. I still have a pair of tights, but I hardly ever
>> bother with them anymore.
>
>That's pretty much my usage profile also. I use the winter weight
>tights when it's below freezing. I usually use the knee warmers between
>30-50 degrees generally.
Are your lower legs covered by warmers and/or socks? I'm usually into
medium weight tights by the lower 30s. (Weather channel: the cycling
commuter's best friend!)
>Also, I tend to run hot, so the tights are generally too warm unless it
>*is* really cold out.
It can be a hassle with tights trying to balance upper and lower body
coverings in the upper 40s, so you stay warm but not hot.
Pat
Email address works as is.
|
| | | | |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 10:49:50
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
Patrick Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net > wrote:
> Dane Buson <dane@unseen.edu> wrote:
>>
>>That's pretty much my usage profile also. I use the winter weight
>>tights when it's below freezing. I usually use the knee warmers between
>>30-50 degrees generally.
>
> Are your lower legs covered by warmers and/or socks? I'm usually into
> medium weight tights by the lower 30s. (Weather channel: the cycling
> commuter's best friend!)
Not really, but as I mentioned, I do tend to run hot so I don't need
nearly as much covering as most people I know. For example, I went on a
ride last night and everyone was breaking out the jackets and
sweatshirts and what-not. I think I was the only person still with
exposed arms.
Plus, the leg warmers are generally too tight around my lower calf, so I
prefer the knee warmers.
>>Also, I tend to run hot, so the tights are generally too warm unless it
>>*is* really cold out.
>
> It can be a hassle with tights trying to balance upper and lower body
> coverings in the upper 40s, so you stay warm but not hot.
I'm really glad I picked up a Zephrr vest, it's been a nice step
in between nothing and a jacket.
--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
"They don't hardly make `em like him any more - but just to be on the
safe side, he should be castrated anyway." - Hunter S. Thompson
|
| | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 08:54:59
From: Pat Lamb
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
Michael Warner wrote:
> On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:23:09 -0500, Patrick Lamb wrote:
>> For my legs, I usually go with tights below 50, and as long as my upper
>> body is warm, I'm OK down to that with just shorts. However, I've
>> started riding a longer route to work most days, and I noticed some
>> tightness in my legs this morning.
>>
>> So, after that long prelude, what advantage would knee or leg warmers
>> have over tights for me?
>
> They're easy to put on, take off and stuff in a jersey pocket while you're
> out, they'll last much longer than tights and, unless it's close to
> freezing, they're probably warm enough and protect your knees from
> stiffness just as well. I still have a pair of tights, but I hardly ever
> bother with them anymore.
The tights are a bother to don or doff, for sure. However, for a
commute, that's done at either end of the ride. OTOH, the tights I have
have all lasted through 2-1/2 winters, and I expect they'll make it
through this one. How long do your warmers last?
(Actually, I haven't quite worn out any cycling-specific clothing yet,
although a couple pairs of shorts are getting close. Except for socks.)
Pat
|
| | | |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 08:04:41
From: Michael Warner
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:54:59 -0500, Pat Lamb wrote:
> The tights are a bother to don or doff, for sure. However, for a
> commute, that's done at either end of the ride. OTOH, the tights I have
> have all lasted through 2-1/2 winters, and I expect they'll make it
> through this one. How long do your warmers last?
I've only ever bought one pair, and they've lasted about 4 years. Unlike
arm warmers, it doesn't matter when the elastic at the top loosens a
bit, because they're held in place by your shorts.
--
Home page: http://members.westnet.com.au/mvw
|
| | | | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 21:25:15
From: Patrick Lamb
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
On Fri, 22 Sep 2006 08:04:41 +0930, Michael Warner <see@homepage.com >
wrote:
>On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:54:59 -0500, Pat Lamb wrote:
>
>> The tights are a bother to don or doff, for sure. However, for a
>> commute, that's done at either end of the ride. OTOH, the tights I have
>> have all lasted through 2-1/2 winters, and I expect they'll make it
>> through this one. How long do your warmers last?
>
>I've only ever bought one pair, and they've lasted about 4 years. Unlike
>arm warmers, it doesn't matter when the elastic at the top loosens a
>bit, because they're held in place by your shorts.
Assuming the shorts still have elastic. :/
Pat
Email address works as is.
|
| | | | | |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 12:52:14
From: Michael Warner
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 21:25:15 -0500, Patrick Lamb wrote:
> Assuming the shorts still have elastic. :/
Mine still do at the point where my bumcrack becomes visible through
them, and I have to retire them out of consideration to others :-)
--
Home page: http://members.westnet.com.au/mvw
|
| |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 00:20:52
From: mark
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
Patrick Lamb wrote:
> Summer's about over. This morning was the first time this season the
> temperature was much below 60 during my morning commute -- down to 52,
> officially, and noticably chilly. That, and the Perf/Bar free shipping
> sale, got me thinking about leg or knee warmers again.
Below freezing the last few mornings around here, and the peaks have had
a dusting of snow since the weekend after Labor Day.
>
> For the upper body, I got a pair of arm warmers last fall, and used them
> maybe a dozen times over the last year. I worked out that arm warmers
> are great for weather between about 45-60 degrees (F). Long t-shirts,
> in combination with wind shells, have worked fine for me in colder
> weather. However, there just don't seem to be that many mornings around
> here where the temperature's in that 45-60 range; if it's cooler, I'll
> go long t-shirt and shell, and have that available for the afternoon
> commute.
Hopefully you don't mean cotton T-shirts.
>
> For my legs, I usually go with tights below 50, and as long as my upper
> body is warm, I'm OK down to that with just shorts. However, I've
> started riding a longer route to work most days, and I noticed some
> tightness in my legs this morning.
There's a school of thought that cycling in just shorts in temps below
about 65 Fahrenheit will result in knee damage if you do it often
enough. Apparently the wind chill effect of cycling does more damage to
knees that are constantly flexing and extending than running or walking.
I will happily run or walk fast in shorts down to about freezing for
short periods, but I am not happy cycling in shorts below 65 F.
>
> So, after that long prelude, what advantage would knee or leg warmers
> have over tights for me?
>
I like leg warmers for rides that start out in warm temps and finish in
cold temps, or vice versa. They're nice because they don't take up as
much space in your pocket, seat bag, or whatever as tights, and you can
take them off really fast the temps warm up. If you're really good you
can stay on the bike and keep moving while you don or doff leg warmers,
something I would not want to try with tights.
Tights over shorts are nice because they put an extra layer of fabric
over the lower torso and upper legs, helping retain a little more heat
in the body's core and reducing the likelihood of pulled groin muscles.
Just my $.02 worth, YMMV.
k
|
| | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 21:13:04
From: Andrew Price
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:20:52 GMT, k <kfelber@earthlink.net >
wrote:
[---]
>There's a school of thought that cycling in just shorts in temps below
>about 65 Fahrenheit will result in knee damage if you do it often
>enough.
Have they come up with some conclusive evidence for that? If I'm not
mistaken, 65°F is about 18°C and that seems rather warm to me to be
concerned with knee damage.
>Apparently the wind chill effect of cycling does more damage to
>knees that are constantly flexing and extending than running or walking.
> I will happily run or walk fast in shorts down to about freezing for
>short periods, but I am not happy cycling in shorts below 65 F.
Have you actually felt this yourself, or are you just concerned
because of what other have said about cycling in shorts at this
temperature?
|
| | | |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 05:09:28
From: mark
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
Andrew Price wrote:
> On Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:20:52 GMT, k <kfelber@earthlink.net>
> wrote:
>
> [---]
>
>> There's a school of thought that cycling in just shorts in temps below
>> about 65 Fahrenheit will result in knee damage if you do it often
>> enough.
>
> Have they come up with some conclusive evidence for that? If I'm not
> mistaken, 65°F is about 18°C and that seems rather warm to me to be
> concerned with knee damage.
I haven't found any conclusive evidence, but it matches with what I feel
in my knees. YMMV, of course. 65 F is a bit on the warm side, but 65 F
with wind chill thrown in is a different story.
>
>> Apparently the wind chill effect of cycling does more damage to
>> knees that are constantly flexing and extending than running or walking.
>> I will happily run or walk fast in shorts down to about freezing for
>> short periods, but I am not happy cycling in shorts below 65 F.
>
> Have you actually felt this yourself, or are you just concerned
> because of what other have said about cycling in shorts at this
> temperature?
I've felt this, but I'm a little obsessive about keeping my knees
intact. My knees feel better when I keep them warm, whether I'm skiing
or cycling. It's entirely possible that I'm being overprotective of my
knees, but I have no inclination to change this behavior.
k
|
| | | | |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 21:48:03
From: Andrew Price
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
On Fri, 22 Sep 2006 05:09:28 GMT, k <kfelber@earthlink.net >
wrote:
[cycling in shorts below 65 F]
>I've felt this,
Fair enough, that's all the evidence you need.
>but I'm a little obsessive about keeping my knees
>intact. My knees feel better when I keep them warm, whether I'm skiing
>or cycling. It's entirely possible that I'm being overprotective of my
>knees, but I have no inclination to change this behavior.
I understand - I have arthritic knees myself, so the day will come
(hopefully later than sooner) when I'll be forced to give up cycling
completely.
|
| | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 08:51:06
From: Pat Lamb
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
k wrote:
> Patrick Lamb wrote:
>> For the upper body, I got a pair of arm warmers last fall, and used
>> them maybe a dozen times over the last year. I worked out that arm
>> warmers are great for weather between about 45-60 degrees (F). Long
>> t-shirts, in combination with wind shells, have worked fine for me in
>> colder weather. However, there just don't seem to be that many
>> mornings around here where the temperature's in that 45-60 range; if
>> it's cooler, I'll go long t-shirt and shell, and have that available
>> for the afternoon commute.
>
> Hopefully you don't mean cotton T-shirts.
Actually, most of them are cotton. I know, I'm at risk for hypothermia.
Funny thing is, I've been hypothermic twice, 20+ and 30+ years ago.
Not cycling. And the cotton tees block the wind better, and therefore
keep me warmer, than the polypro.
>> For my legs, I usually go with tights below 50, and as long as my
>> upper body is warm, I'm OK down to that with just shorts. However,
>> I've started riding a longer route to work most days, and I noticed
>> some tightness in my legs this morning.
>
> There's a school of thought that cycling in just shorts in temps below
> about 65 Fahrenheit will result in knee damage if you do it often
> enough. Apparently the wind chill effect of cycling does more damage to
> knees that are constantly flexing and extending than running or walking.
> I will happily run or walk fast in shorts down to about freezing for
> short periods, but I am not happy cycling in shorts below 65 F.
I've read that, too. Haven't seen any data to back it up. As I wrote,
I don't feel any problems in my knees down to 50-55, at which point I do
unless I've got the tights on.
>> So, after that long prelude, what advantage would knee or leg warmers
>> have over tights for me?
>>
> I like leg warmers for rides that start out in warm temps and finish in
> cold temps, or vice versa. They're nice because they don't take up as
> much space in your pocket, seat bag, or whatever as tights, and you can
> take them off really fast the temps warm up. If you're really good you
> can stay on the bike and keep moving while you don or doff leg warmers,
> something I would not want to try with tights.
So if I understand you correctly, leg warmers are only useful for rides
when the temperature changes dramatically. Not applicable to a 30-45
minute commute?
> Tights over shorts are nice because they put an extra layer of fabric
> over the lower torso and upper legs, helping retain a little more heat
> in the body's core and reducing the likelihood of pulled groin muscles.
Pat
|
| | | |
Date: 22 Sep 2006 05:02:53
From: mark
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
Pat Lamb wrote:
>
> So if I understand you correctly, leg warmers are only useful for rides
> when the temperature changes dramatically. Not applicable to a 30-45
> minute commute?
It depends on what you call a dramatic temperature change, and how you
feel about stopping or slowing to don/doff leg warmers or tights. If
your 30-45 minute commute one way is cool enough to justify covering
your legs but the trip the other way isn't, then leg warmers certainly
take up less space in your pocket when they're not being used.
I agree with Booker Bense about leg warmers being a step between shorts
and tights, as well as being easier to don/doff as the need arises. I
tend to use tights far more than leg warmers, just because I don't live
in an especially warm environment. I use leg warmers mainly as a quick
add-on to keep me warm for the last few miles of a ride when the
temperature drops. I personally am not inclined to stop for a wardrobe
change on a 30-45 minute ride, I would prefer to dress for the coolest
temperatures I expect on that ride, keep riding, and be a little extra
warm for the rest of the ride. People in warmer climates may feel
differently, and people who are less obsessive about knee damage than I
am would probably do things differently.
k
|
| | | |
Date: 21 Sep 2006 18:03:23
From: Booker C. Bense
Subject: Re: Brr. What about leg/knee warmers?
|
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
In article <4nfjmbFa7ubeU1@individual.net >,
Pat Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net > wrote:
>
>So if I understand you correctly, leg warmers are only useful for rides
>when the temperature changes dramatically. Not applicable to a 30-45
>minute commute?
>
I wouldn't say that, the best way to think about leg warmers as a
step in between shorts and tights. I think they would be very
useful for a less than hour commute. They also come in very
different weights, some are much warmer than others.
They work best when tights would be too warm, ( for me that's
above 50 degrees ), but you still wamt to keep your knees
happy. ( roughly from 50 to 60 degrees ). I don't know about
damaging your knees in the cold, but I do know that my knees
seem to work better and hurt less if I keep them warm. What
I mean to say is that if you have dogdy knees keeping them
warm helps, but I'm can't say that not keeping your knees
warm hurts them. My knees are dodgy from years of skiing,
windsurfing and running. Cycling in general is relatively
easy on your knees in comparision.
_ Booker C. Bense
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: 2.6.2
iQCVAwUBRRLT6mTWTAjn5N/lAQGfRwQAo+nTp0wCjQwOCzLR2nsdl9Uzb1qHI1Xc
aQr3wlpXZTiSBudkOD0/bIw3DlLexoEveCfnf+r5qFFbWWEunkGGgoSgYJCFYlEr
JOsSkXWMZk8TflFof51euwDHsy7dQ9Cl/oYwR3jefVNV39oywEoYjFTysXTkqksh
4z/xga0OXss=
=QzU3
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
|
|
