Knee warmers are like arm warmers, except that well, they are meant to cover your knees. This small article of clothing is also so much more convenient as compared to full-on leg warmers that are not only difficult to arbitrarily remove, but may not be as comfortable to ride in as the weather changes. Even if the weather does not give you chills, you may find yourself cycling uphill which will then cause the temperate drop.
The Construction
The warmer is made up of a whole variety of materials ranging from synthetic fleece to nylon, Spandex and even Lycra. Manufacturers are now touting wool as the best fabric for knee warming purposes due to its ability to dry quickly and allow the skin to breathe despite being enclosed. Ideally, the sleeves should start from the mid-thigh to mid-calf, effectively covering the open space between your biking shorts and cycling socks. Just like arm warmers, knee warmers should also come with elastic bands at the top and at the bottom of the sleeve to keep the fabric in place.
The Controversy
Having said that, this warmer for your knees does have its fair share of sceptics even among the biking community. Unlike arm warmers that can be easily slipped on and off, knee warmers will have to be pushed down your leg and passed your shoes to be taken off. There are also those who query the ability of the knee warmers to actually stay in place during biking activities as your legs will be pedalling in circular motions which works the muscles that are supposed to be holding your knee warmer in place. Of course, there are also pro bikers who view the warmer as a sign of weakness.
The Alternative
There is another option to the standard warmers known as Belgian Knee Warmers in which protective gels envelope the knee while still allowing blood circulation around the legs. This means that your knee will still be kept warm and you save yourself from embarrassment at the same time!
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