I'm debating whether to buy a pair, to use with conventional cycling tops or to simply buy an outdoor pursuit type shirt with high UV protection and forego the cycling specific tops.
I use these "sun sleeves" for my desert tours and summerlong riding and find them very effective and well worth the USD$20 I spent for each of my two pairs several years ago. Compared to my purpose-made SPF (sun/UV-filtering) longsleeve jerseys, the sleeves do offer greater versatility and allow me to pretty effectively convert my standard Lycra jerseys to "sun jerseys" (depends on the fabric's weave and thickness).
The sun sleeves save me from carrying and applying as much sunscreen as I would without them and they are more effective. However, I do find them to be a bit warmer despite being made of the same Italian wicking yarn as the SParms. While the sun sleeves do block the sun's direct rays, they also block the wind so there is less evaporative cooling for my sweat then if my arms are bare. On the other hand, I do feel cooler while wearing full-spectrum sunscreen than with bare skin but I have to carry and apply a lot and it is messy and transfers to stuff it shouldn't.
Although I have used Pearl Izumi's offerings, my favorite remains the now discontinued Novara line by US outdoor co-op REI (
https://www.rei.com/product/898814/novara-sun-sleeves ). They are rated at SPF 50 as are the SParms models you linked to, Ian. My favorite purpose-built sun-protection jersey came from Brazil; my others are as effective but not as nicely finished, came from a US discount cycling supplier, and have now been discontinued. Light colors are cooler. I prefer hi-viz yellow but white is also good.
A cheap, effective and surprisingly longlived alternative is the cut-off legs from a pair of women's tights (pantyhose you can acquire from stores along the way; cut off the trunk and toes). Usually hard to source in summer when you need them, so it pays to plan ahead and buy some during the wintry months. The closer weave of heavier tights are most effective but again -- like sun sleeves -- warmer due to reduced airflow.
One thing to keep in mind -- I prefer to ride in summer with full-zip jerseys. If they are left too open, you can still get sunburned from light reflected from the road surface.
I am surprised there isn't a 'Splegs' product too. I would like that for the summer sun here.
Brian, if you do an eBay search for "Sun Legs", you'll find some. Same idea as the sun sleeves but for legs. The arm versions are pretty inexpensive on eBay also and equally efficient. Look for them under golf apparel.
Best,
Dan.
