Please advise

[IRobot99]

Hi there,
It was perfect biking weather on Saturday, I guess I underestimated sun, got horribly burned has anyone tried these, it would be nice not to get sunblock all over the handle bars too? http://tinyurl.com/uvcyclesleeve

Awaiting your feedback
Regards,

Jack

[Dirt]

While those will effectively protect you from the sun, they appear to be baggy, and will end up trapping sweat and making you hot. A better choice would be a product made by De Soto called arm/leg coolers. These are similar to the arm and leg warmers that are often used in early spring or late fall rides to add some warmth to short sleeve jerseys and shorts.

They work extremely well in many conditions. The UV protection is fantastic. The cooling effect is very good for most people. I’m a person that sweats a lot. When it is very hot and humid, I sweat more than the coolers can effectively wick away. They didn’t hold moisture, but on days when the temps are in the upper 90’s and the humidity is high, I found that I was cooler without them than I was with.

Company Link: http://www.desotosport.com/products/product.asp?Category=sc&ProdID=AC

Review: http://www.active.com/gear/Articles/De_Soto_Arm_Coolers_br__i_Cooling_effect_and_sun_protection_in_one__i_.htm

I hope that helps.

I will also put in a little word about sun screens. I try to take my sun protection pretty seriously. I spend a 25-30 hours per week riding in the sun and would like to have some skin left when I am older. How you apply sunscreen is as important as what you apply. I apply twice before I head out for a ride. I apply rather generously about an hour before I leave the house. I go back and apply a little lighter layer about 20 minutes before leaving the house. I always try to apply sunscreen when I’m NOT sweating as it is difficult for the sunscreen to do its job (absorb into your skin) while sweat is pouring out of it. I’ve had the best luck with Coppertone Sport over the years. There are some that protect more for me, but none that combine good protection with good longevity.

I’m bad in that I rarely take the time to re-apply sunscreen after 5 hours as many suggest. That is usually so into the ride at that point that I just ride on. The Coppertone Sport has allowed me to do that and still provide me with pretty good protection.

I’ve tried a few sprays, but find it difficult to get a good, even application with a spray. I inevitably miss a spot or two and get scorched. I know others have had great success with Hincapie Skin Defense. I know more than one friend who swear by it.

I know that’s a lot more than you asked for. I look forward to other people’s thoughts and ideas on the topic.

Welcome to Bike Arlington. See you on the road.

Pete

[edobson22207]

The August 2010 edition of OUTSIDE Magazine has an article on sunscreen called “Sunscreen for every summer sport.”
it is NOT available online. but you could read it in the store and write down the five they recommend.

[Author]

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