Hi everyone,
with the time improving and my rides getting longer I was curious as to what people use in regards to protection of the sun. Due to a medical history I try to cover myself as much as possible and would like to start implementing this to my rides for my arms. So, I am curious as what do you use?
-Do you use sun sleeves?
-Do you use a long sleeve base layer?
-Any good recommendations?
Thanks for any input!
PS
I have both sun sleeves and a long sleeve base layer which I usually wear instead of a jersey on long solo rides. When riding in groups I use the sleeves with a normal cycling jersey so I don’t stick out. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that they provide additional “cooling” but they certainly don’t make me any hotter. I actually raced Orlando HIM a few years back on a particular hot day wearing the base layer and it worked out great. I was the least sun burned dude at the finish line.
I tried using both on the run and found that it gets hot in them so I only use them when cycling.
Got burnt badly by a fire last autumn and have been covering myself ever since.
For running I don’t bother as much, since I often run in the darker hours. Otherwise, try to run in a lightweight long top when the heat allows - I have one by Adidas that’s nice. Sometimes I use my cycling sleeves.
For cycling, I’m alternating a set of Assos sun-sleeves and Compressport Arms. The Assos are pretty much the same ones as those by Castelli, Zoot, Pearl Izumi and everyone else - pick the set that fits best. The Compressport are much nicer, though more expensive - but plenty durable. Getting a second set soon. When I can afford a baselayer (heat-wise), I use an Adidas TechFit baselayer - not only is it super-tight, but also thin enough to be worn on slightly warmer days.
Then there’s the Assos Mille LS jersey - summer-weight that keeps me comfy even in the local desert weather, but with long sleeves and proper sun protection. Brilliant piece of clothing, even if horribly expensive - worth it though. I’ve ridden in it for hours in the scorching desert sun with nary a hint of tan on my arms.
I use sun sleeves every ride and they work great and keep arms pretty cool too. Never been burned with them
I use the DeSoto arm coolers for rides and races unless it’s cool enough to use arm warmers. I find the arm coolers to be good protection and not too warm. Despite their name, they only seem to cool when you get them wet (which is great when it gets warm out). For other areas, I switched to zinc-based sun protection.
I have sun products from specialized, PI and Desoto.
While I’m sure the other companies made their products more airy on purpose, I personally like the Pearls because they’re snugger and more robust
I do believe they are slightly warmer than nothing at all, but I like the dry instead of sweat soaked arms. I also like not needing to constantly reapply sunscreen, so its an ok trade off in my book.
I’ll echo that they only seem to cool when wet; being in Colorado mine aren’t wet very often.
Thanks for your reply!
I’ve actually been really interested by the Pearl sun sleeves. How are they in length? are they long enough to go under your jersey sleeve or you actually have some space between the jersey and the sleeve?
Thanks once again!
PS
I use the PI sun sleeves, I’m 5’10 and use the S or XS (can’t remember which size) as I’m skinny. They are a good length so that they do fully cover the gap with my sleeves and gloves, highly recommend them and super comfy. Only issue I have which is unavoidable, is they can be too warm in hot weather, and talking about temps over 33C (90F), less than 30C (86F) I don’t notice them being too hot.
I use the PI sun sleeves, I’m 5’10 and use the S or XS (can’t remember which size) as I’m skinny. They are a good length so that they do fully cover the gap with my sleeves and gloves, highly recommend them and super comfy. Only issue I have which is unavoidable, is they can be too warm in hot weather, and talking about temps over 33C (90F), less than 30C (86F) I don’t notice them being too hot.
PI sun sleeves here too. 5’11, but pretty long skinny arms. I use mediums, plenty long. Only thing is the fresh white color will not look very fresh after a couple of months.
I’ve been using the Desoto Cool Wings. They keep me from getting burned and don’t get warm even during the summer in Florida.