If you want to do without long cycling pants in the cold season and stick to normal shorts, you can't avoid warm leg warmers. Shimano's subsidiary Pearl Izumi offers several, so-called Warmers at. Including those Elite Thermal Leg Warmer, which we have been able to test extensively over the past few months.
Equipment
The Pearl Izumi leg warmers feel very comfortable in the hand. The fabric is a mix of 56 percent nylon, 30 percent polyester and 14 percent elastane, which makes it very flexible and comfortably hugs the legs. The inside of the Elite Thermal Leg Warmer are fluffed up and eliminate any doubts about cold legs. As usual from Pearl Izumi, the seams are well made and the zipper at the bottom end looks high quality. With a reflective logo, you should also be clearly recognizable in the twilight.
The silicone coatings on the outer skin are a bit unusual. If they are usually attached to the inside, Pearl Izumi takes a different approach here and wants to prevent slipping with these external coatings.
Practice
In practice, the Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Leg Warmer are particularly convincing due to their insulating and warming function. Since they can be pulled over the leg very easily and quickly, they are a loyal companion during the cold weeks. Although the seam in the hollow of the knee in particular causes initial concerns, you don't feel it when pedaling. Positive: The sensitive skin does not become sore.
Slipping is also limited. You have to adjust the leg warmers in combination with normal MTB shorts from time to time, but with bib shorts pulled over the leg warmers they fit like a glove.
A small point of criticism can be attached to the material used. It is very susceptible to velcro and will fray as soon as it comes into contact with them.
Conclusion
On the whole, the Pearl Izumi can Elite Thermal Leg Warmer convince. Their good functionality is particularly noteworthy. Although you have to make small cuts in the material, the price-performance ratio, which is just under 50 euros, is convincing.
product Highlights
- good fit
- very good functionality
- good value for money
web and price
- EUR 49,95
- www.paul-lange.de