Product Review: Northwest Knee Warmers

This is the first SPHreview and I'll be sure to post up all sorts of pictures when I get the chance to be thorough.

So. At the Ragnarok one of the riders brought some samples of her Northwest Knee Warmers embrocation. Being a generally sceptic person I was a bit skeptical(duh!) about it. I have read of 'crossers in Portland and Europe use the stuff when it is cold and wet, but in Minnesota it is either cold, or wet. Not both. At least generally.

As luck would have it, yesterday's weather provided rain and 40 degree temps. Normally I would just throw on some leg warmers but what would happen when they get soaked? Cold legs, that's what. So I put on my bins and wool under jersey. Jersey vest and arm warmers would have to do for the top.

Once dressed I leerily opened up the tin of "mild" Northwest Knee Warmers. I can't describe the smell that wafts up to your olafactory senses. I didn't find it totally unpleasant, but Carly did. Note: everyone else could smell me as well and that might not have been a good thing.

Applying the embrocation is different. It melts at a LOW temp. This is not something to forget on it's side in a hot car! I grabbed a big dab and applied liberally to my thighs, hamstrings and calves. I didn't really feel anything really, but smelled like a spring rose!

Hopping on the bike I noticed that my legs didn't really feel all that warm (maybe I should have used the medium strength stuff- I thought). I did notice the water beading on my legs. Not sure how helpful that is, but I would guess it would be a good thing. After 15-20 minutes my legs still weren't warm. But they weren't cold either. It must be working I thought. Powering up some climbs, I felt great.

On the slow buildup to the last climb I was starting to feel the wind and cold a bit more..... Felt good on the climb though and was really thinking that this stuff must be great! Then the descent happened. Ice cream headache, frozen hands, frozen feet, and legs finally getting cold. Hmmmm.

So. The ride ended with me wet and cold. I think most of that has to do with the lack of shoe covers and bad gloves. My legs were definitely warmer than uncovered legs should have been. So.... Will Northwest Knee Warmers be on my spindles next cold weather wet ride? I am not sure. For pure biking enjoyment? Then yes! Read on for why I am unsure....

Clean-up. Hopped right in a warm shower to warm up and wash up. Scrub with some soap..... and... it BURNS!!!!!! Like in front of a bonfire burns. And to pile on it just doesn't feel like it is being fully removed with the soap. Oh well. Gotta eat.

Piling into some jeans.... Man my legs are warm!!!! They don't hurt, or itch. Just VERY warm. A couple of hours later and the legs feel good. Then middle of the night? About 8 hours after initial application my legs caught on fire again! Waking up in a pool of sweat is no fun! Legs still really hot. Desperate I used some 409 or something sprayed on my legs. Aaaaahhhhhh. Relief.

So.... The final answer is --- cool product but needs research and patience to clean up well. Would like to try again with rubbing alcohol or something to remove quickly.