X-Bionic Summerlight Leg Warmer

To accompany its Summer Light arm warmers/compression sleeves tested here, X-Bionic has created counterpart Summerlight leg warmers (but in only one word). Again, lots of technology, but the high price tag remains, and despite the name they're better suited to autumn and spring rides when you actually want to cover up your limbs.

As with the arm warmers, innovation levels are high. X-Bionic uses expansion ribs at the knee for freedom of movement, and a completely seamless construction, as well as tailoring for the anatomical needs of your legs. You'll also find a specially knitted area behind the knee for maximum ventilation, a continuation of the air circulation system, and partial compression technology designed to maximise the efficiency of your legs.

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What's all this for? The idea, according to X-Bionic, is that they are designed to be compressive (alongside the traditional cycling arm and leg 'warmer' use), which science says should improve circulation and therefore muscle performance. It might sound like marketing spiel, but as with the arm warmers, I can feel it working – certainly, with my legs are wrapped in a cocoon my muscles felt more energised.

Like the arm warmers, these are made of a series of fine yarns, but the make-up has altered slightly to 83% polyamide, 10% elastane and 7% polypropylene in order to accommodate the greater surface area of the legs. Wicking performance is largely the same – the fabric transfers away sweat very effectively, and possesses the same soft merino-like qualities.

Although they share the same Summerlight name as the arm warmers (except in two words rather than one), while the arm warmers could work throughout spring and autumn, I have reservations that the leg warmers are as useful on milder days. Because your legs are the working muscles, they generate more heat than your arms, and as soon as the weather warmed up to the mid-teens I began sweating more than I'd like. The fabric works really well to wick this away, but I can't help feeling their window of usability is smaller. Despite the name, and the admittedly excellent heat transfer, they're more limited to early spring and late autumn rides.

They share the same bold design as the arm warmers, perhaps even more pronounced considering the larger proportion of your body they cover. We remain split in the office over whether we like them or not – but they certainly turn heads on the local club ride.

>> Check out our guide to autumn essentials here

As with the arm warmers, these are on the expensive side. You can pay similar with other premium brands out there, though, and these do work to keep your muscles functioning efficiently and reduce fatigue over longer rides, so they're not without their purpose or benefits. If you're looking for the last word in performance, these might well be for you.

Overall, they're a good set of leg warmers, with the benefits of focused compression – but be sure they'll do exactly what you need.

Verdict

A nice pair of compression legs/leg warmers – but their operating range and purpose is limited