Funkier broke out in the market to compete against some big names in cycling, and now they have an entire line of cycling apparel and accessories. They have introduced an affordable set of arm and leg warmers, as well as shoe covers, and sent them over to be tested. I’ve included the model/part numbers because the Funkier site has a lot of products and the site can be difficult to navigate; the site for the USA is also different than the European site. Each model is also hyperlinked to the set I tested.
The Deets (from Funkier)
- Microfleece fabric: 100% polyester
- Quick Dry Active protection
- Sublimation print
- Highly elastic and specially designed for a perfect fit
- Equipped with super soft gripper with inner silicon drops for a firm grip yet allowing blood flow…
- Smooth silicon gripper drops
- MSRP $19.57
The Deets:
- Microfleece fabric 100% polyester
- Quick Dry Active protection
- Sublimation print
- Highly flexible and specially designed for a perfect fit
- Equipped with super soft gripper with inner silicon drops for a firm grip yet allowing blood flow…
- Super soft
- Highly elastic
- Inner smooth silicon gripper drops
- MSRP $34.95
The Deets, from Funkier:
- Waterproof Microfleece shoe cover
- 95% Polyester 5% Lycra
- 50 SPF UV protection
- Keeps your feet warm and dry
- Reflective stripes on front and back keep you visible
- MSRP $39.95
Testing
I tested all of these products over eight weeks in the Colorado fall and early winter. They are not designed to trek around in sub-zero temperatures, so I selected days that I knew they would be useful. I tested them when the weather was between the 30s and 50s Fahrenheit, when there was wind, and when there was, quite frankly, a chill in the air that made me want to stay inside and drink hot cocoa.
I would never recommend skimping on certain products like arm and leg warmers. Based on my experience with some good (and not so good) products from competing manufacturers, here is my take way regarding the Funkier products:
Fit: This is the most important feature of any warmer, in my opinion. Warmers that sag over time lose heat, and can be hazardous or annoying if you keep trying to push them back up into place. Warmers that are too tight cut off circulation, paradoxically losing warmth and putting your extremities at risk for numbness-related injuries. I tested a size large, which fit perfect and were true to size. They felt a little like compression sleeves, but were very comfortable. The best part about these specific warmers is the silicon band–they stayed put even on bumpy rides.
Warmth: you may wonder why I place this second, but the truth is most arm/leg warmers will protect your extremities from the elements, some more than others. Warmth is equally as important as fit, but I’d rather suffer some losses in insulation performance if my warmers stay where I put them. Both the Funkier arm and leg warmers were comfortable in the 40s and 50s, but I became chilled on rides in the upper 30s and had to don another layer–especially if there was wind.
Performance: A warmer that heats up too quickly, or retains moisture on a cold day, may be worthless to you in the conditions you ride. Finding a warmer that balances heat retention with breathability is key. The Funkier warmers were true to the test, wicking moisture away when I was working hard, and they were breathable even when I put on a jacket.
Durability: Most warmers that perform well are not inexpensive, so it is critical that you spend your money on a fabric that lasts. A good warmer should easily last several seasons of hard use from normal wear and tear, but also survive a few diggers. After all, cool weather riding means negotiating leaves, snow, and ice on the trail. I took one fall in these during which scraped my elbow, but there was no noticeable damage to the arm warmer. That is a reassuring sign.
Style: Certainly not the most important thing on the list, but a consideration nonetheless. Choosing a color to match your kit, or even a warmer that doesn’t look “too XC” with your enduro getup, is important if you wish to showcase your adventure on Instagram later. Since I don’t care if I look like a dork as long as I stay warm, this is of little consequence to me. That being said, these warmers are very stylish, and the quality of craftsmanship is obvious.
Shoe Covers
The shoe covers are easy to get on over most road and mountain shoes, and even larger enduro-style shoes like the Giro Terraduro shoes that I tested them on. Like most shoe covers, you will probably need to buckle part or all of your shoe before slipping these completely over the top of the shoe. There are generous cutouts on the bottom for cleat clearance and for heel traction. During testing, I would say they increased my comfort zone by 5-10 degrees, depending on the humidity, and I was able to comfortably ride in the low 40s with them on and wool socks.
The one issue I experienced was that the front of the shoe cover kept coming up and over the toe of the shoe. It may be shoe-specific, but I had to readjust it about once an hour on every ride.
Other than that, I found these covers very comfortable, and easier to slip on and use than another set I own by a leading manufacturer. They also provide a lot more protection than toe covers; they are not waterproof, but if it is misting or there is drizzle, it will keep your digits drier longer.
Bottom Line
No matter where you live you should invest in a set of arm and leg warmers. It is nice to have a set like this that you can use for both road and mountain biking, which extend your season, and give you less of an excuse to go ride if it is gray and sprinkling outside. These arm and leg warmers and shoe covers from Funkier stood up to my use and abuse, and checked all of my boxes. I’d recommend these as a great fall/spring setup.
Thanks to Funkier for sending these products over for review!
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