Tights Recommendation?

jebensch

I'm going to invest in my first pair of tights for my winter commute. It's short but windy.

Any suggestions for a warm pair of tights under 100 bucks?

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DataJunkie

I have these in a size large from when I weighed quite a bit more and they work well.
However, the website shows only having small in stock.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20998

I need to visit a performance store and pick up a pair in medium.

Godwin

Giordana wool tights (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,19063_bGiordanaandb-Wool-Cycling-Tights-For-Men.html). Warm even when wet (although I usually wear water resistant tights over if it's really wet) and dry quickly.

effigy

I wear Novara Thermal Tech Bike Tights (http://www.rei.com/product/754620) under Novara Stratos Rain Pants (http://www.rei.com/product/724361). This combination has been working well for me in the low 20s, pouring rain, and 25MPH headwinds :)

jebensch

Bikeforums is so cool.

narr33

Col d Lizard - recommended by Icebike $50. I tried them on my commute (mid 20C and 20+mph wind) and like them.

jebensch

Thanks Narr. Col d Lizard was great on the phone and they size to order for no charge extra. Whew! That's incredible for us tall and skinnies.

Mazaev

+1 for the Col d Lizard tights (100 weight polartec). Picked up a pair for this fall/winter and they've been great so far for 45F and under. Not completely wind-proof, but just enough not to be bothered by the wind while not sweating. I've also worn them in cold rain (with Endura Zyme shorts over them) and have ridden around with the lower half covered in snow and always find them dry on the inside.

effigy

It was 8ºF this morning with 5mph winds and the back of my thighs felt a little chilly if I wasn't chugging along. The Novara Thermal Tech Bike Tights (http://www.rei.com/product/754620) I have are 45% Nylon/42% Thermolite® Polyester/13% Lycra® Spandex. How does this match up with the Lizard tights? How are the back of your thighs in the Lizards? :)

dave.lloyd

I use a combo of the lightest weight Powershield rain paints and lightest weight Powerstretch tights from http://www.foxwear.net/ . Lou is a great guy and will also do custom sizing.

tarwheel

I've used Pearl Izumi Thermafleece tights for the past couple of winters and haven't encountered temperatures yet where they didn't keep me plenty warm, but the coldest temps I've ridden in so far is about 25-28 degrees. I just ordered some PI Cyclone/AmFib tights that are supposed to be warmer and more wind and water resistant. Both can be found for less than $100 without the pad, which I recommend. Wear them over your regular shorts. Also, I've heard good feedback on the Voler Dryline tights, which they have on sale right now for about $55 with free shipping. I just go the email from Voler about that and wish it had come a few days ago because I've already ordered the PI Amfib tights.

BMonei

Anything Pearl Izumi.

Portis

www.foxwear.net

Contact Lou and he will custom make you a pair out of the most appropriate fabric for almost half of your budget.

derath

+1 for the Col d Lizard tights (100 weight polartec). Picked up a pair for this fall/winter and they've been great so far for 45F and under. Not completely wind-proof, but just enough not to be bothered by the wind while not sweating. I've also worn them in cold rain (with Endura Zyme shorts over them) and have ridden around with the lower half covered in snow and always find them dry on the inside.

+1

I own 2 pair of the heavy (100 weight polartec) tights and one pair of their lightweight. In REALLY cold you can layer them. The lightweight tights have a sort of slick outer, so they work well as an under layer.

I also wear their Balaclavas.

They aren't windproof, but I actually prefer it. There is just enough airflow to keep my leg temps regulated.

-D

wolfbrother

I've been wearing the 'merona' (aka target house brand) long johns with a pair of rolled up jeans over them. I'd like a better solution than the jeans, but the long johns have been working great on my 17 mile round trip commute and they're like 12 bucks a pair.

I think they'll probably be a little light for when it gets to zero and below, but it's been in the teens and twenties here and no complaints so far.

zippered

Anything Pearl Izumi.

i've only tried the amfibs, but i'm happy with them. there is such thing as too warm, though, and when i'm riding into the wind when it's not too cold out i overheat because i'm expending extra energy. personally they've been worth the investment, but they may not be the best/most economical option for everyone.

Spokes man

I've got a pair of Louis Garneau Oslo tights (no chamois). They had a fleece-type inner surface, but they're not super heavy. They've been good so far. Fairly windproof, and they breathe well.

Bikepacker67

Big Polartec fan, here.

sumguy

Cannondale LE Foul Weather are growing on me. 20+F with 20+mph wind, 20+ and snow, 10F with 5mph winds all ok. Usually cool not uncomfortably cold and not warm but I have a 30min commute which may not be the best gauge to judge by.

scoatw

SportHill XC pants is what keeps me warm. I've worn them down to 25f and was totally comfortable. No need to layer except maybe in the single digits(so I've read). My second pair will be Foxwear. I'm hearing all sorts of good stuff about them and I want to try a pair. I like the color selection.

jimmibudd

mec.ca cold weather tights...

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442622318&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692411&bmUID=1197641869879

daredevil

Sporthill made of 3SP fabric. It's not a cycling specific tight, but warm as can be. They're fine by themselves into the 20's and a liner under them when colder and you're set.

nashcommguy

I'm going to invest in my first pair of tights for my winter commute. It's short but windy.

Any suggestions for a warm pair of tights under 100 bucks?

Just got a pair of Etxecondo bib tights from sierra trading post for 80.00. They come w/pad. I've got a pair of old Bellweather bibs and these are much warmer.

jebensch

Hey thanks for all the recommendations. I went with Col d'Lizard and they're excellent. The company makes their stuff in-house in Vermont which is cool, and they will cut your sleeves and inseams to length for no extra charge - very good news for a guy 6'3" 160. No easy fit.

unixpro

I'm smartwool from top to bottom.

dekindy

Hey thanks for all the recommendations. I went with Col d'Lizard and they're excellent. The company makes their stuff in-house in Vermont which is cool, and they will cut your sleeves and inseams to length for no extra charge - very good news for a guy 6'3" 160. No easy fit.

Great choice. Foxwear.net would have been a good choice also. I believe they are mentioned on the icebike website along with the Col d"Lizard.

Consularrider

Is anyone else having trouble accessing the foxwear.net site>

dekindy

Is anyone else having trouble accessing the foxwear.net site>

Not at this time and never have had a problem.