Cycling vs. Running tights (is there a difference?)

[Blue Spade]

Looking for a pair of tights, as the shorts + leg warmers aren't cutting it in low temps. Running tights would be preferable (multi-use, as I run too), but do they provide enough range of motion for pedaling? Or are cycling tights of a design that's noticeably better?

[superslomo]

Cycling winter tights often have wind-blocking materials on selected panels (front of the legs, crotch, back/top of buttocks) while the rest of the material is breathable. I don't know that running tights have the same features.

[NoRacer]

I use Under Armour running tights. I don't remember if I purchased them myself or got them for Christmas or a birthday, but they work well on or off the bike.

This morning, during my bike commute to work, it was 20F with a 5-10 mph headwind from the North. I wore the tights with leg warmers over top of them. The combination worked well with no problems in range of motion.

[caloso]

I use Nike and Hind running tights. They work fine. Just remember to wear them outside the shorts.

[vger285]

They say these work good for both running&cycling http://www.coldlizard.com/cgi/wc.dll?GEKKO~catalog~DETAIL~34 i dont have them yet, but i will as soon as i need new ones..

[MichaelW]

Running tights are good for cooler conditions but when the wind gets really biting cold you need better windproofing. Heavier winter-weight bike tights are much more windproof.
Cycling styles usually have a higher back but lack front pockets.
I usually mix running tights with lightweight windproof pertex over-pants.

[balto charlie]

Looking for a pair of tights, as the shorts + leg warmers aren't cutting it in low temps. Running tights would be preferable (multi-use, as I run too), but do they provide enough range of motion for pedaling? Or are cycling tights of a design that's noticeably better?

My preference for multi-use pants are Sporthill. I believe it is Koch's(runner) company. I use the clothing for xc skiing, downhill skiing, winter hiking and winter biking. Flexible, warm, wind resistant to 35mph(zone3). Also some models are not skin tight so I can wear all day after the commute. They don't have that 'nylony' material to block the wind. It feels like cotton but it ain't.
Here's a pair I wear for extreme conditions. I haven't used them this year and only twice last year
http://www.sporthill.com/product.php?TypeID=2150&gender=m
Here's my regular everyday winter pants
http://www.sporthill.com/product.php?TypeID=0690&gender=m
Charlie

[Two Buck Chuck]

Flexible, warm, wind resistant to 35mph(zone3).

I have been eyeing a pair of the XC pants, but wasn't sure about the wind resistance. It sounds like these would probably block the cold wind off the Potomac. I'll have to do more research. --Charlie

[ghettocruiser]

I almost launched into a commentary of the benefits of daytime running lights while cycling.

[tellyho]

I love my pair of New Balance running tights with a windbloc patch over crotch and thighs. Great for both bike and run.

[ragboy]

Looking for a pair of tights, as the shorts + leg warmers aren't cutting it in low temps. Running tights would be preferable (multi-use, as I run too), but do they provide enough range of motion for pedaling? Or are cycling tights of a design that's noticeably better?
I purchased the Bellwether wind front tights (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=0209&sku=4911&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Brand%3A%20Bellwether)and am very happy with them in the cold. The front is thicker wind block material with insulated knee, back is breathable. Find a coupon on this forum and they can be had for about $60. Pure running tights may not be warm enough, depending on how far you're going.

[soze]

The stupid goddamned seam in the crotch. Screw Adidas, and screw Nashbar for selling those as cycling tights. My pink bits fricking hurt after that.

[Hezz]

My feeling is that the running tights and the lower priced cycling tights are pretty much the same things.

A good combination is to have a good dual purpose setup. A standard cycling/running tight for multi use and a more expensive heavy winter specific cycling tight like the Sugoi Firewalls. These are about twice the cost of the standard tights. But wearing the heavier tight over the standard tight for really cold conditions works really well.

With this combination over shorts you are good down to about 5-10 F. Without the shorts good to around 20 F.