Pearl Izumi Attack Knicker
On those days when it is too cold to wear cycling shorts and too warm for cycling tights a pair of Pearl Izumi Attack Knickers might just be the best thing to wear. Knickers extend down to mid-calf and keep your knees warm in cool weather. You might be tempted to just “tough it out” in cool weather, but you really ought to keep your knees covered until it warms up. As Hughes and Kehlenbach explain in Distance Cycling, “The knee has poor circulation. If your knees get cold, blood won’t reach them and they may become injured. You can avoid this by wearing knee or leg warmers until temperatures exceed 60° F.” There is one other alternative to knee warmers or knickers, i.e., a warming cream like the DZ Nuts InHeat Embrocation Cream.
The Pearl Izumi Attack Knicker is extremely comfortable and the Select Transfer fabric quickly wicks moisture away from your skin. The chamois on this knicker is also very comfortable, even on very long rides. There are also several reflective elements for low-light visibility. The silicone leg grippers on these knickers keep the pant legs from sliding up as you ride.
If you wear knickers on a sunny day you should probably put some suntan lotion on your legs. Last week I wore these knickers for a century ride (100 miles) on sunny 56 degree day and when I got home I had the weirdest sunburn—from mid-calf to my sock line I was bright red. By the way, even on a century ride the chamois did not develop any “hot spots.”
The Pearl Izumi Men’s Attack Knicker is available in five sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL) and retails for $85. I purchased two pair of these knickers from Amazon.com for $61 a pair.
brendaintheboro
May 14, 2012 at 2:14 PM
I haven’t tried these particular pants but agree the older you get , the better it is to keep your knees warm. I do like your reviews .
All Seasons Cyclist
May 14, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Thanks for the comment!
nurseflash
May 15, 2012 at 8:41 AM
I have a pair of ‘knee warmers’ that work very well for those cool mornings. Just slide them up under the shorts leg band and they go to about mid calf!
All Seasons Cyclist
May 15, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Knee warmers work just as good as knickers — but if I know I am going to have to have my knees covered the entire ride I prefer knickers just because they will not creep down as I ride.