Knee warmers are a handy item: No matter the brand, they're made with virtually identical construction. They're Roubaix fabric backed with fleece, and it allows you to wear your favorite shorts in temps well below the 60's since they in essence turn your shorts into knickers. There are times though -- hard rides especially, or if the temperature hangs in the high 50's -- when the Roubaix/fleece combo can be stifling, but naked knees seem vulnerable to the chill. Capoforma has come to the rescue with their Lycra Knee Skin.

The Knee Skin is made from Power Lycra, so it has the same muscle-compression benefits you get from Power Lycra shorts. They're remarkably thin and light, especially in comparison to Roubaix, so they're ideal for temps in the 55-70 range. They're so thin, in fact, that if you're the cautious type when it comes to sun protection, you'd be comfortable in these year-round -- they're that light. The Lycra is treated with SPF 50, so you're maximizing your protection against harmful sunlight. Pick your reason: Ward off a slight chill in the early season, or ward off UV rays year-round. But the Knee Skin is an accessory just as handy as a standard set of knee warmers. They don't replace them -- they complement them.

Available in 4 colors, in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. Silicone gel grippers make them easy to customize to your arm length and girth.