Review: New Leatt Arm and Knee Warmers
Arm and knee warmer’s are amongst the most versatile pieces of kit we need to keep riding through the seasons. Here’s our take on the latest from Leatt.
Endurance riders know the weather can be unpredictable. During a single two-hour ride anywhere in South Africa, temperatures can easily change by 10-degrees. In some regions and seasons, I’ve experienced shifts as high as 20-degrees, in less than two hours. Then there’s the curve-balls of wind and rain that impact our levels of comfort, enjoyment and performance.
Key to overcoming these weather challenges is being able to adapt your kit, mid-ride. A set of arm and knee warmers offer exactly that, making them an essential piece of kit for shifty or just downright chilly weather riding. I’ve been trying out the new Leatt Arm and Knee Warmers for a few weeks, here’s my take on them.
The Tech
The material Leatt has chosen is made from recycled coffee grounds and called Warm Yarn. It’s an Eco-friendly and sustainable option that is soft, with a fleecy inside and dries quickly.
A single seam runs the full length of the warmers and the upper openings have a thin silicone gripper. Both the arm and knee warmers are designed for endurance riding, — that’s gravel, mountain bike or road riding.
Ride Impressions
The warmers are soft, stretchy and the silicone gripper at the top keeps them in place, for hours. The fit is excellent, the tapering and contours are all in the right spots. Also, compared to other knee warmers I’ve used, there’s a little extra length with the Leatt Knee Warmers, which means there’s less mid-thigh compression happening. There’s a full-length seam, yet it isn’t abrasive.
From my experience with them, I’d say these warmers are ideal for conditions ranging between 8 and 18-degrees. Depending on where and when you ride, this makes them ideal for the months of April to end October. However, because they are so easy to roll down, or completely remove and stuff into your pockets, they are a piece of kit you could use from early winter right into summer.
Takeout
First of all, at just R699 these warmers won’t break the bank account. Also, I’ve tried hotter, more thermal warmers but in my experience, those just end up in a cook-fest, with overheating and excess sweating. Finally, these Leatt Arm and Knee Warmers are a fit and forget option, that are superbly comfortable and plenty warm. // more: leatt.com
| WORDS: Myles Kelsey, IMAGES: Nick Muzik |