Merino Wool Arm Warmers for Flexible Winter Riding
Posted January 27, 2012
Some riders seem to think that arm warmers are an unnecessary purchase. But actually, they make winter riding (and year round riding) a much more flexible affair. A decent pair of arm warmers will keep you warm and dry when you need it but be small and light enough to tuck away when you get too hot. This may seem obvious but using arm warmers has some real advantages.
You require less base layers
Winter riding generally requires a wardrobe stocked full of base layers. If, like me, you are partial to merino wool - this can become a little expensive. Granted merino wool takes less washing than other materials but base layers generally get pretty sweaty (or at least mine do!). But a pair of arm warmers combined with a vest or short sleeve base layer under your jersey is just as effective, and a whole lot more flexible.
Less washing
I generally remove my arm warmers once I get too hot (although this will happen less with merino wool arm warmers). As a result they don't get sweaty so they need washing a fraction of the time. Doing less washing is not only better for the environment but it means you have to have less spare kit.
Complete heat control
We live in a country where the whether is notoriously changeable. How many times have you ridden and been cold then hot, then cold, then wet, then hot, then wet, then cold? Me too. Arm warmers can come off and go back on with absolutely no fuss whatsoever, or even rolled down (or up). You simply don't have that flexibility with base layers.
You can buy more flexible base layers
Short sleeve merino wool base layers are one of the smartest items to buy. You can wear them all year round. No one wants to wear a long sleeve base layer in the "summer", but a merino wool short sleeve base layer will keep your core temperature just right. If you have a decent pair of arm warmers you can just combine them with your short sleeve base layer and continue your winter riding as normal.
A short sleeve base layer will always cost less than its long sleeve counter part so you get to save a fair wedge here. My advice here though is not to scrimp on the purchases you do make. Quality really shines through in this area. Winter riding is tough enough, without putting up with uncomfortable gear.
Merino Wool arm warmers from Velobici
Yes I sell these in the Daily Cycle shop so you will be forgiven for thinking I am biased. But there are many different arm warmers out there, and we have reviewed others before.
At the end of the day, I'm looking to stock quality items in our shop. Things that will perform, and last. Quality shines through every single item that Velobici produce and their merino wool arm warmers are no different.
I have been using these for a good couple of weeks now and I simply love them. I actually use them for running as well as riding. The material is fantastic as it keeps my arms warm without making me sweat. Perfect for riding and running.
I just thought I would share with you my thoughts on these arm warmers...
The fit
They are less tight than your normal performance varieties. The stylish look and fit make them seem like they are aimed more at the urban cycling community. But actually they perform extremely well under all conditions. I'm not known for my bulging biceps so they looked a little large to me as I'm used to squeezing my arm into what feels like a small tube. But they fit very well and do not move at all, mostly due to the elasticated end. Being less restrictive makes them far more comfortable over longer stretches and I generally forget I'm wearing them after a while.
Another nice touch are the thumb holes. This means that you hands get to stay warm which is great if you're not a fan of gloves. The thumb holes are of course optional but the merino wool material does a great job of keeping the core of your hand warm.
The material
Thermo-Cool provides moisture management that allows perspiration to move away from the body through the fabric, and when mixed with natural Merino wool, itself having moisture wicking and anti-bacterial properties,they are seamless to prevent any rubbing.
This makes them absolutely perfect for year round riding whether it be the deepest winter or those changeable summer days.