Best cycling leg warmers and knee warmers reviewed and rated

As road and gravel cyclists we're all too often reminded of the fickle nature of the weather. Being out on the bike for a few hours at a time can mean having to deal with rapidly changing conditions. How well we adapt mid-ride can often depend on our kit choices. After all, there no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing.

Versatility is often the key. And the best cycling leg warmers and knee warmers provide just this.

While a pair of the best bib tights will keep you warm from the get-go, what happens if after a couple of hours the weather heats up? Equally a pair of the best bib shorts may seem like a great idea when setting out under blue skies but as the day wears on and the sky clouds over, less so. A set of leg warmers or knee warmers allow you to adapt to these changing conditions.

Being able to take them on and off with relative ease, as well as their small size when packed away, makes them a 'must-have' for any road cyclist. Much like a gilet or vest this essential piece of kit will see you through three seasons and also specific riding situations. Heading for a trip to the mountains? Armed with a pair of the best cycling leg warmers and you'll be ready for any chilly descent you face, without having to cook when riding in the valleys. 

Below we've listed our favourite products from those we've tested. After that we answer some of the key questions regarding the best cycling leg warmers and knee warmers.

Best Cycling Leg Warmers and Knee Warmers Reviewed

The Assos leg warmers take a different route when compared to most. Rather than using a gripper to hold them in place at the thigh, these travel right up to your hip, and rely upon the lycra in your shorts to hold them in place.

Made from a warm RXQ fabric, with a DWR coating, the fact that they go right up to the hips also adds to their longevity as they provide almost the same coverage as a pair of winter bib tights.

Read more: Assos EVO7 leg warmers full review

We like the Altura Thermal DWR leg warmers for a number of reasons. Firstly, they finish nice and high up the leg, avoiding mid-thigh compression while providing additional warmth. Paired with some thermal bib shorts, or at least not summer-weight ones, they'll see you further into the colder months.

They also boast some great reflective details on the lower leg and have a decent level of breathability. Again, a feature that only increases their versatility.

The DWR coating does its job and when the leg warmers did get wet during a heavy downpour they were quick to dry out.

Read more: Altura Thermal DWR leg warmers full review

A market leader, the NanoFlex warmers are renowned for providing comfort, warmth and protection from the rain thanks to a water repellent coating. The grippers hold them up without digging in and the fit is close-to-skin. We did find that the water repellent coating didn't last as long as we'd like, though.

Castelli is now on its third generation Nano Flex 3G, with improvements like enhancements to the Nano Flex fabric coating and a single flatlocked seam to up ride comfort. There's a knee warmer version available too, if you want less coverage.

Read more: Castelli Nanoflex leg warmers full review

Using very similar fabric to Castelli's offering, the Fiandre warmers boast nanotechnology which keeps the rain water out without keeping too much heat in. They're soft, stretchy, and the silicone gripper at the top keeps them in place.

There's a full-leg version too if you're after additional warmth and protection. Both include reflective elements to up your visibility in poor weather.

Effectively like two seamless tubes of material, these stretchy leg warmers come with no zips to cause irritation.

Not ideal for the coldest of days (though the range now consists of various levels of weight for a range of conditions), we found them great in mild conditions and enjoyed the breathability offered by the light material in the less insulated version which we tested.

Read more: GripGrab Classic Thermal leg warmers full review

You don't want to pay too much for a set of warmers which are mainly designed for the small window between summer and winter - and you won't have to with this value option from dhb.

We tested the knee warmers which are not currently available, but the leg warmers should be just right for the in-between months. They're a good length and we found the grippers kept them in place well without being uncomfortable.

Read more: Dhb Regulate Light Leg Warmers full review

Best Cycling Leg Warmers and Knee Warmers Buyers Guide