Knee warmers are a controversial piece of clothing among cyclists, designed to keep knees warm while riding. They come in different materials and sizes, with elastic bands to keep them in place. Some argue that they are unnecessary or restrictive, while others see them as a badge of toughness.
A seemingly innocuous piece of clothing designed primarily for cyclists, knee warmers have always been the subject of controversy among cyclists. Fashioned from a wide variety of materials, including synthetic fleece, nylon, spandex, and lycra, knee warmers are designed, as the phrase implies, to keep your knees warm while you ride. One cycling website throws up the mantra “If it’s below 65 degrees, cover your knees.”
Knee warmers are most often made as a sleeve for each knee, extending from mid-thigh to mid-calf. Ideally, this sleeve will be crossed with cycling shorts on top and long socks on the bottom to provide continuous coverage to the legs. There is usually an elastic band at the top and bottom to keep the knee warmer in place.
Knee warmers can be purchased at virtually any specialty cycling store, all of which tout their particular warmth of material and ease of movement. They also come in sizes to fit different leg lengths, with most costing in the $20-$30 US dollar range. Some of the newer knee warmers have wool, which has the added attraction of “breathing” and drying quickly if soaked.
Arguments against knee warmers range from the practical to the purist. Those in the old camp are wondering if it takes three different pieces of clothing (shorts, knee warmers, and long socks) to cover your entire leg, why not wear sweatpants or stretchy lycra? Hardcore riders, meanwhile, see knee warmers as a sign of weakness.
From that tougher outfit has grown the phrase “Belgian knee warmers.” Actually, this does not refer to an article of clothing, but to a liniment applied to the knee. According to proponents, this keeps the knees warm from the imparted chemical heat while allowing freer range of motion. The liniment shine on the knee on cold bike days is also considered a badge of toughness.
Range of motion is also an issue with those who find knee warmers restrictive. The creator of the blog FatCyclist.com notes: “Knee warmers, while they ostensibly keep your knees warm (because we don’t want cold knees!) are actually applying a gentle tourniquet to your quadriceps, the muscles you use the most when riding. bicycle.
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