The key to fine tuning your temperature with ease, arm warmers are a great addition to any cyclist’s wardrobe.

It’s far easier to whip a pair of sleeves on or off than it is to struggle with adding and removing base layers or jackets. Easy to fit in your jersey pocket should you feel the first beads of sweat forming, a good, well fitting pair can be invaluable.

Leicester based purveyors of bike wear, Velobici have come up trumps with this stylish offering. Not only do their grey striped, merino arm warmers look pretty both on and off the bike, they also add warmth in seconds, feeling very cosy thanks to the fact they cover the top part of your hands as well as your arms.

The seamless, striped merino wool felt soft against my skin, the cable-knit design allowing for gentle expansion and comfort. Fit was excellent and my pair held up well with no bagginess around the elbow, even after a few wears. When worn with a t-shirt or jersey, the ribbed upper stayed in place on it’s own and I had no problems with the arm warmers falling down. The thumb loops are reinforced to prevent bagginess and fraying around your paws.

All of Velobici’s products are designed and made in Britain, though in this instance the merino wool is from Italy.  A natural fibre with anti-bacterial properties which performs well even when wet, merino is also relatively easy to take care off – so simply bung your arm warmers in the machine at 30° and you’re good to go.

Despite merino’s wonderful properties, Velobici’s arm warmers are not ideal for serious training. As they’re woolen rather than smooth, slippery lycra, they don’t stay in place when you add or remove a slim fitting jacket or long sleeve.

However there’s a time and a place for technical kit and these make the transition from road to office easily without screaming ‘cyclist!’ I actually just liked them around the house, even though I got called Avril Lavigne from time to time.

Verdict

Perfect for the commuter cyclist, does everything it says on the tin

Pro

Thumb loops, to prevent bagginess
Lightweight
Stylish
Washable

Con

Difficult to fit under tight-fitting jackets

Price: £38.00 (although reduced to £30.00)
More information: Velobici

What Velobici says about the Paris Merino Cable Arm Warmers

Paris seamless 100% EXP South African Organic Merino wool arm warmers. Super soft feel, Merino wool is a natural fibre that has moisture wicking odour resistant and anti-bacterial properties. They are seamless to prevent any rubbing with optional use stitched thumb holes. The arm warmers are a must have for any female cyclist all year round.

•  100% EXP Organic Merino wool.
•  Seamless
•  Thumb holes
•  Machine washable @ 30 degrees

Designed and manufactured in the UK