At Which Temperature Should I Cover My Knees Riding?
QUESTION: I run with bare legs when it’s in the 30s, but all the experienced riders around here wear tights even when it’s much warmer. What’s the rule for covering up? — Blaine P.
RBR REPLIES: Wow, that sounds pretty low for bare legs! A cyclist’s knees are directly exposed to cold air. And it’s even more pronounced compared to running because the bike’s greater speed generates more wind chill.
The standard advice is to wear tights or leg warmers whenever the temperature hits 55 to 65 degrees. Pearl Izumi even recommends starting as high as 70 degrees, although I’m sure that’s a little bit self serving. Covering up protects your knees and keeps your muscles warm. There’s no downside — it’s not the time of year to work on your tan, anyway.
If you’re in a wintery area where it’s going to start snowing soon, be especially careful during warm spells after early-season snowfalls. The thermometer may say you don’t need to cover your legs, but snow on the roadside creates a microclimate of colder air at knee height.
If you’re still in doubt around the mid 60s, roll up a pair of knee warmers and carry them in your jersey pocket. Pull them on if the temperature drops or you encounter a long descent where high speed increases the wind chill.
