I've been bicycling for the past fifteen years and I bike year-round, averaging about 6,000 miles a year. Sometimes, an early morning bike ride can start at 40 degrees, but end up three or four hours later at 70 degrees or warmer. On those days, arm warmers are the perfect solution.

I bought my first pair of Pearl Izumi arm warmers at least ten years ago. When I got them out this spring, I noticed that the elastic was getting a bit brittle. So now I'm on my second pair, and there have been some changes:

1. The sizing is not the same. My old pair still fit fine and they were a large. When I got my new pair, the large was way too tight. I gave them to a friend, and ordered the XL. The XL fits just fine.

2. My original pair had minimal elastic in the upper arm which allowed me to slip them on and off very easily. The new pair has a much wider elastic band ( 1 1/4 inches) which fits snuggly around the biceps. The good news? There is no slippage once I have the sleeves on. Bad news? Once I have the sleeve pulled up to my elbow, it takes a bit more effort to pull it on the rest of the way up my arm.

3. Finally, the new sleeves are 18.5 inches in length. My old pair was 15.5. inches. (This is not a complaint, just an observation. And, yes, I know I'm comparing large to XL. I should note that with the XL, I pull the sleeves up to my underarm. If I don't, the sleeve kind of bags.)

This particular item is made in Vietnam and is 56% nylon, 30% polyester, and 14% elastane. Washing suggestions are to wash in cold water and drip dry. I have always thrown mine in the dryer, and have not had any problems.

If this pair lasts as long as my first pair did, it will be money well spent. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Sizing on arm warmers is tough, especially if you do another sport that makes your arms larger than the typical cyclist. These were very tight on my arms (I also rock climb), but were almost too long. My arms have shrunk some as I've cycled more so they fit better now, but be aware if you other hobby is lifting heavy things in the gym these probably won't fit.

I've never worn arm warmers before but I purchased them at the beginning of December and have been riding with them for the last few weeks in Los Angeles. With a long-sleeve baselayer and no jacket I've been surprisingly comfortable riding at 6:30am. (38-50 degrees F) I've gone for a few rides later in the day with temps up to the upper 50's and haven't had to peel them off. They have a thin fleece lining and, of course, are tight to stop any direct skin/wind contact. They are very thin and (theoretically) easy to stuff into your jersey pocket when the temps rise.

They are well made and have no deterioration or seams giving up the ghost after about 15 rides and somewhere over 300 miles.

In my mind they are a much better alternative to a jacket or a long sleeve jersey unless it's raining or temps drop below 35 or so. In that case I would just add a jacket to the mix. The benefit, of course, is that you can easily remove this layer when temps rise.

I wore these from a ride that started out overcast at 50 degrees and then warmed above 70 degrees. I believe they would have worked for an even cooler morning. They were comfortable for most of the ride. When I finally decided to remove them, I was able to do so while still actively riding and the fit comfortably in my back shirt pockets (where I was also holding bars and gels). They were a bit tight, but not uncomfortable, and did not slip. I have very long arms, but they still extended comfortably from my wrist to under the sleeves of my kit. I ordered in a medium and generally wear a medium in cycling gear, so fits true to size.

I have since washed and air dryed several times, no slippage and no change in fit!

They arrived on time and in original packaging, protected by tissue paper and a plastic bag. Excellent product and experience!

Good quality. I took care to get the women's sizing and glad I did. I take a women's medium (11" biceps) and they were quite tight. At first I thought I'd return them for a large, but after wearing them a few times, they felt comfortable. They are a bit too long. Good compression and the fleece lining provides good warmth on a cold ride. The high viz is an important safety feature. I would not get black arm warmers. I've used these on two long rides so far (temps in the 50's but damp cold and windy) and never took them off. Glad I got them.