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review
Skincare & embrocation
Chapeau Cold Weather Warm Up BalmChapeau Warm Up Balm

Chapeau Cold Weather Warm Up Balm

9
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Aug 18, 2013

3
£14.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Warms the muscles when the temperature drops and useful to provide a kick start to tired legs.
Weight: 
230g
Contact: 
www.chapeaucycling.co.uk, www.velobrands.co.uk
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Chapeau Cold Weather Warm Up Balm gets your legs going on cool mornings when you don't want to resort to tights.

Everyone has their own methods of keeping warm on those chillier mornings, thankfully there haven't been any for a while.

When the mercury does begin to dip in the mornings there are several products on the market that will help ward off blue legs without you having to resort to leg warmers. Alternatively, if you're in need of something just to kick-start the protesting muscles early doors, this cold weather warm up balm from Chapeau is likely to do the trick.

Commutes or time trials outside of the glorious summer months are normally conducted in less than balmy conditions. It seems a little excessive to undertake a warm-up on the turbo or rollers before work so what do you do? The answer is a little assistance from a warm up balm that will take care of those early ride blues.

Squirt a little of the balm into your hand and then rigorously apply to the legs. Make sure it is absorbed properly. The time to take affect will vary for every rider but when it does you will be left with a very warm and pleasant feeling on your legs.

If you are putting your shorts or leg warmers on afterwards make sure you don't inadvertently get the balm elsewhere! You'll be warm in areas you don't want to be for a short while.

The sensation is enough to get you riding without feeling like your muscles are being pulled into action. The length of the effect is again likely to vary for each rider but a good 20 minutes is enough to get you into your stride where natural use of the legs will take over once the balm has worn off.

Despite the balm having a very pleasant and warm affect on your legs with a good wash there is no residue left on your hands, thus avoiding any unpleasant feelings should you then touch other areas of skin.

For £15 you get 200ml which will equate to a lot of warm riding when you need it most.

Verdict

Warms the muscles when the temperature drops and useful to provide a kick start to tired legs.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Chapeau Cold Weather Warm Up Balm

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Aimed at cyclists who want to avoid leg warmers or just need to give their muscles a head start when they're feeling tired.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Simple - a warm up balm that is easy to apply and does exactly that, warms up muscles which would otherwise protest or need a little extra warmth.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

The warm glow is akin to wearing heated clothing. Admittedly we're only talking about 20 minutes or so but it's sufficient to get going and get you working at a level that allows the body to take over.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

This will vary between riders but should provide enough warmth to get even the most cold blooded cyclist out.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Given the job it is supposed to do the only downside is making sure you don't get the balm anywhere you shouldn't. Otherwise you'll be in for an unpleasant experience.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

£15 for 200ml is pretty good value, that's a lot of warmth for the money. Cheaper than a set of leg warmers.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Just the job, feels good on the legs, smells good too. Gets the legs going and provides an extra layer of warmth.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Simple but affective.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It's hard to find something wrong with essentially a one dimensional product. This isn't a reflection on the product itself it just has a very simple brief. Keep the legs warm or provide an extra boost to tired muscles.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? If you cycle on cool mornings or suffer from tired legs, this is ideal.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

The warm up balm from Chapeau hits the spot.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Chapeau Cold Weather Warm Up Balm

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