Leg Warmers

Cycling leg warmers, also called leg covers or leg warmers for cycling, are loose tubes that you pull over your legs as a supplement to short cycling shorts. They keep your legs warm on fresh rides in spring and autumn and you take them off as soon as it gets warmer. Just like arm warmers, they give the flexibility of short cycling shorts without having to sacrifice warmth as the temperature drops.

Cycling leg warmers come in two variants: full leg warmers that reach from ankle to upper thigh, and knee warmers that specifically cover the knee area. Most models are made of breathable, lightweight material with silicone grippers at the top to prevent slipping. The most important selection criteria are the temperature at which you cycle and whether you prefer full leg coverage or only protection around the knees.

Which leg warmers suit you?

The right choice depends on how cold it is, how long your ride is and whether you have sensitive knees. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You cycle in spring or autumn at temperatures between 8 and 15 degrees and want to keep your legs warm: Full leg warmers are the best choice. They cover your legs from ankle to upper thigh and therefore give the most warmth. In combination with short cycling shorts you have a riding outfit that in terms of protection is comparable to long cycling tights, with the advantage that you take the leg warmers off as it gets warmer.

It is not really cold but your knees are sensitive to cold or wind, or you want to give them some protection on fresh morning rides: Knee warmers are more compact than leg warmers and specifically cover the knee area. They are suitable for temperatures where you find full leg warmers too warm but still want your knee joints protected. Handy for cycling in cloudy or windy spring weather where you do not want the heat of an extra layer over your whole leg.

You mountain bike in changeable weather and also want to protect your legs against branches and splashing mud: Cycling leg warmers also give MTB physical protection against flying stones, mud and branches along the course. Choose a more robust model with water-repellent properties if you also ride off-road in wet or muddy conditions.

You start early in the morning when it is cold and ride through until midday when it is warmer: Leg warmers are made exactly for this situation. Start the ride with leg warmers, roll them off as soon as your legs are warm enough and store them in a back pocket. That is not possible with long cycling tights. That flexibility is the core of their practical value.

What to look for when purchasing?

Leg warmers or knee warmers

Full leg warmers cover the whole leg from ankle to upper thigh. They give the most warmth and are the better choice at temperatures below 12 degrees or if you want to protect your whole leg. Knee warmers only cover the knee area. They are slimmer, less warm and are intended for milder cold or for athletes who specifically want to protect their knee joints on fresh rides. If you do not get cold quickly but have sensitive knees, knee warmers are the smarter choice. If it is really cold, full leg warmers offer more comfort.

Material and thickness

Cycling leg warmers are made of lightweight, stretchy material such as lycra or a lycra blend. Thin models are suitable for 12 to 16 degrees; thermal models with a warmer lining for 8 to 12 degrees. At temperatures below 8 degrees most cyclists choose long cycling tights, which give more consistent warmth through the thicker material and better fit around the hips.

Silicone grippers

Like arm warmers, cycling leg warmers have silicone grippers at the top to prevent slipping. Choose a model with wide grippers that fit well on your upper thigh. Grippers that are too narrow constrict during prolonged cycling; grippers that are too loose do not keep the leg warmer in place during active pedalling.

Fit and size

Cycling leg warmers must fit snugly on the leg without constricting. Use the brand's size chart. Measure your thigh circumference and ankle width as reference. Too loose = folds and unnecessary resistance; too tight = restricted blood circulation. Women's models are cut to female leg proportions — narrower at the ankle, roomier at the thigh — and give a better fit than men's models for female cyclists.

Our advice: If you doubt between leg warmers or long cycling tights for the transitional season: buy both. Long cycling tights for cold, stable winter days. Leg warmers for changeable spring and autumn weather where the temperature varies during the day. Together they give you the best choice for every cycling moment without compromise.

Leg warmers or long cycling tights?

Long cycling tights are one piece and give consistent warmth across the whole leg including the hips. That is the advantage in really cold weather: no gap at the waist, better sealing and generally thicker material. Long cycling tights are the better choice if it stays cold throughout the entire ride.

Leg warmers are more flexible but do not cover the hips. At temperatures below 8 degrees you notice that short cycling shorts at the hips get cold even though the leg warmers are warm. That is the practical threshold. Above that threshold leg warmers give the most flexibility: you adapt your outfit along the way to the temperature, which is not possible with long cycling tights.

Want to look at long cycling tights as an alternative? View our range of long cycling tights.

Who are cycling leg warmers suitable for?

• Road cyclists and triathletes who ride with short cycling shorts and also want to cycle comfortably in fresh spring and autumn temperatures.
• Cyclists who want to extend their cycling season without immediately buying a complete winter wardrobe.
• Athletes with sensitive knees who also want extra protection and warmth around the knee joint in spring weather.
• Mountain bikers who in changeable or muddy terrain also want to protect their legs.

Cycling leg warmers are less suitable at temperatures consistently below 8 degrees. In that case long cycling tights give better and more consistent warmth. In warm summer weather they are not needed.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy cycling leg warmers or leg covers but are not sure which model suits your use best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about cycling leg warmers

What is the difference between leg warmers and knee warmers for cycling?

Leg warmers cover the whole leg from ankle to upper thigh. Knee warmers only cover the knee area. Leg warmers give more warmth and are the better choice in genuinely cold conditions. Knee warmers are more compact, give less warmth but specifically protect the knee joints in milder cold. If you have sensitive knees but your leg does not get cold quickly otherwise, knee warmers are the more practical choice. If it is really cold, leg warmers offer better protection.

At what temperature do you use cycling leg warmers?

As a guideline: leg warmers are most practical at temperatures between 8 and 15 degrees in combination with short cycling shorts. Knee warmers are suitable for temperatures between 12 and 18 degrees. Below 8 degrees most cyclists choose long cycling tights, which give better warmth also around the hips. The exact threshold is personally dependent on how quickly you get cold.

Do cycling leg warmers slip down during pedalling?

Quality cycling leg warmers have silicone grippers at the top that prevent slipping during the pedalling movement. Choose a model with wide, well-fitting grippers. Grippers that are too narrow can constrict; grippers that are too loose do not keep the leg warmer in place. Also check the sizing: leg warmers that are too large slip down more quickly even with grippers.

Can I use ordinary leg warmers for cycling?

That is not recommended. Ordinary fashion or wool leg warmers are made for daily use and have no silicone grippers, no breathable material for sportive exertion and no fit tailored to the cycling position. They slip during pedalling, perspire more and do not fit properly under cycling shorts. Cycling-specific leg warmers are better equipped for that.