Fifty Plus (50+) - What pants do you wear in cold weather?

I've been riding all summer in shorts and a t-shirt. Now that the weather is starting to cool I am trying to figure out what sort of pants to wear. Jeans are too heavy. What do you wear?

If it's in the low 60's I stick with my regular shorts. If it drops into the upper 50s I put a pair of lycra tights on over them. If it gets much cooler than that I wear a pair of polypropylene tights over my shorts.

What cold weather??

when it gets cold enough in the Pacific NW to need something more than shorts and a short sleeve jersey - I move aboard my boat in San Diego and spend the winter in shorts down there.

Track pants over your bike shorts work well. My wife has the Headwind pants from REI and loves them, may get a pair for me.

Up here in Maine it's long tights with long sleeve polypro shirt, vest, wind/rain shell and whatever else you can find so you don't freeze to death. Studded mtb tires are a must too, for when the road bike gets too hairy. Cap under the helmet or balaclava. Gloves, warm ones. After that who cares. Hypothermia is 3 pedal stokes away. Damn is it that time already??

Studded MTB tires, WOW ! Thats hard core!!

It depends entirely on how cold is cold.....

over 17℃ (63℉) it's just the jersey and shorts
13℃-17 (55℉-63) I'll add a very light windbreaker on top and the shorts on the bottom.
8℃ - 13 (46℉-55) I'll add some wind resistant rain pants over the shorts
0℃ to 8 (32℉-46) then I'll add some polyester sweat pants and a polyester sweater under the same jacket.
Below 0℃(32℉) then it's trainer time....

I don't know, I imagine I'll try sweat pants over my bike shorts, This brings me to another question,,, a VERY PERSONAL one,, do you guys wear underwear under the bike shorts? I have been, don't know if I'd be better without or not? (The leg seam rubs) Also, what kind of sauve or balm do you use for the "Jewels"?

Commando.
Chamois Buttr.

Cold??? Not here.

Try these tips on what to wear as the weather changes. --> http://www.civiacycles.com/whattowear/


I usually don't wear pants. I wear knee warmers or leg warmers.

Castelli Leggerezza Tight - I'll probably try something like these.
http://www.backcountry.com/images/items/small/CST/CST0239/BK.jpg

do you guys wear underwear under the bike shorts? I have been, don't know if I'd be better without or not? (The leg seam rubs) Also, what kind of sauve or balm do you use for the "Jewels"? Quote:>

Commando is correct but Bag Balm Is much better and cheaper too. I only use it on long rides of over 75 miles and if the weather is hot.

I was up at a pass at 7300 ft, it was overcast, but I definitely got my first chill since spring. It made me very sad.

I just wear some fleece tights over my bibshorts when it's under 50º F, though I'm thinking of gettin some leg warmers this year.

PS, I'm not over 50, don't know if that matters.

NikeFit tights w/o chamois, usually over some Craft briefs. Loads of other stuff, too. It's like Fall out there tonite, isn't it? Won't be long...

I don't know, I imagine I'll try sweat pants over my bike shorts, This brings me to another question,,, a VERY PERSONAL one,, do you guys wear underwear under the bike shorts? I have been, don't know if I'd be better without or not? (The leg seam rubs) Also, what kind of sauve or balm do you use for the "Jewels"?

No underwear under bike shorts. Defeats the purpose. Nothing for short rides. For longer rides if I am experiencing chafing I use either Chamois Butt'r, Bag Balm or Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Creme.

To the original question, the progression is shorts, knee warmers, leg warmers, thin tights, wind front tights. The tights are padless and are worn over shorts. For short casual rides, sweat pants over shorts. I can't remember the temperature cutoffs and really, it's too early to think about it now.

These http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-JUN-MER.htm over my regular bibs. I also wear the Baked Alaska LS Jersy from Ground Effect. Awsome winter wear.

Okay, here's another question. With bike shorts on, what do you do when you have to take a leak? With loose shorts on, I can always just pull them to the side in the woods, but with the bike shorts on, I don't feel like dropping my drawers! It's ok if I find a bathroom somewhere, but a lot of times it's not possible.

Right now my rides are about 2 hours, and I can make it, but longer rides will be difficult.

Last thing I need is to be on the Sex Offender list :eek:

Down to 50 and it is still shorts (or rather bibs)- below 50 and the KNickers come out- winter material and the knees welcome the warmth. Getting near freezing or the cold wet rain and the tights go on. They don't add warmth but they do take the sting out of the cold or wet.

But below 50 and it is the extremities that will start to feel the cold. Hands and feet are my problem so Waterproof/windproof gloves and socks are the order of the day.

But other than hands and feet- it is not the cold that is a major problem- it is the wind. That takes body heat away quicker than anything else. Keep the cooling wind off the body and you will soon warm up.

Okay, here's another question. With bike shorts on, what do you do when you have to take a leak? With loose shorts on, I can always just pull them to the side in the woods, but with the bike shorts on, I don't feel like dropping my drawers! It's ok if I find a bathroom somewhere, but a lot of times it's not possible.

Right now my rides are about 2 hours, and I can make it, but longer rides will be difficult.

Last thing I need is to be on the Sex Offender list :eek:

Spandex stretches.

Recently I did a 131 mile ride that started in the mountains at 8:30AM. It was about 38F and I just used my normal shorts knowing it would rapidly warm up when the sun came out from behind the mountains. Normally at that temp I would put on a pair of thin polypro long johns over my bike shorts. If I am going to go inside some place I may wear them inside the shorts for appearance sake. Thin Patagonia Capilene (polypro by a fancy name) doesn't have much of a seam that bothers me so inside isn't a big deal. I also have a pair of full length bike pants that have windbreak in front and are a stretchy fabric in the back side so they breathe well. When it's too cold for a simple pair of Patagonia thin underwear I switch to the bike pants. Then as it gets colder I put the long underwear under the bike pants. At -20 to -30F I may have two pair of long underwear under the bike pants but I only need that if it's going to be a slow easy ride. If its a good hard ride a single pair of thin long underwear under the bike pants are warm enough for any temp I would ride in as long as I'm exercising hard. At those temps I carry a pair of thick fleece pants to throw on in the event of a breakdown or other trouble because if I stop I need more layers almost immediately.

Bike shorts and...

Below 65°F Kneewarmers (http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=109&prod_id=235)
http://www.endurasport.com/UC/GetImage.aspx?file_id=354&im=5

Below 50°F Endura Thermolite Bib Tights (http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=131&prod_id=262)
http://www.endurasport.com/UC/GetImage.aspx?file_id=558&im=5

Below Freezing Pearl Izumi AmFib Bib Tights (http://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/content/pi_2010/us/en/index/products/men/ride/apparel/0.-productCode-11111029.html)
http://www.pearlizumi.com/image/process/publish/content/pi_2010/us/en/index/products/men/ride/apparel/0.image.+media+images+pearlizumi+products+Ride+Apparel+CYM+Road+Bottoms+Tights+11111029_021_v1_m5657 7569830743935_dot_png.bm.390.0.png

Below 10°F Add kneewarmers under my AmFibs

Thanks all, I kind of thought I was in the wrong wearing tidy whities under my shorts. Some of the discomfort was at the edge of them. I will likely ride down into the 30s or so,, but don't think I'll be out there riding in the negative temps,, not real sure what to expect here in the eastern NC area. I doubt it'll be real close to the temps we saw Missouri.

I ride down to zero f, although it doesn't often get that cold here. We might only see one or two days a year down in that range.
I have a pair of Louis Garneau water resistant pants, similar to Gore Tex, that I bought probably 10 years or more ago.
From about 45f down to freezing, I wear just those with bike shorts or padded underliner. Below that, I add a base layer and it's all I need.

Okay, here's another question. With bike shorts on, what do you do when you have to take a leak? With loose shorts on, I can always just pull them to the side in the woods, but with the bike shorts on, I don't feel like dropping my drawers! It's ok if I find a bathroom somewhere, but a lot of times it's not possible.

Right now my rides are about 2 hours, and I can make it, but longer rides will be difficult.

Last thing I need is to be on the Sex Offender list :eek:

Pull them down in front.

It doesn't get that cold here for any length of time to worry about winter cycling clothing. But often it does drop into the 30's for a few hours. My wife got me two pair of Canari riding pants and they work just fine for our winters. If it gets windy on those days, I normally put a pair of sweat pants over the riding pants.

As for the underwear, I don't wear "underwear" but the padding on my first pair of riding shorts becaame very rough after a few washings and I started using UnderArmour boxer style, mesh undergarments to keep from having that "sandpaper feeling." I got so used to wearing them that when I bought my other riding shorts, I continued to use them. They are fairly seamless in the places that matter and they wick really good and have not caused me any problems. Every once in a while I go commando but it just feels funny riding without the UnderArmours.

Leg and arm warmer first

then a variety of tights

then a nylon athletic pant and any combination of the above, sometimes all three.

Hey, why are we discussing this? It is still September. I don't use much of anything on my legs above 55F.

I always wear bike shorts and when it's cold I add leg warmers. Have ridden below freezing that way and the legs don't bother me as much as everything else.

Pearl Izumi AmFIB tights ($$$ but worth every cent), with a pair of polypropylene tights as a base layer when it gets down below 10* or so. I'll ride down to -30* usually if its not too wet, but my limbs or core temperature seldom are the limiting factor. It's usually my face and ears.

My legs don't get cold much so I wear bike shorts down to about 45 then thin tights or medium weight tights down to -10. Beyond that I don't do much riding.

Make sure you have somwthing under your helmet, I use a PI skulcap. It's thin but works wonders at keeping the right amount of heat in. With out it you get a blast of cold air comming in the vents. That give you a great ice cream headache. Also, wool socks will help keep the toes toasty. But be wary of cutting off the circulation in the feet by jamming thick, or multiple layers in to your shoes. Winter is a great time to ride.

Dollar store synthetic sweat pants. If really cold, add some good wicking longjohns under the sweat pants. Really, really cold? Snow board pants or ski pants.

BTW, if using sweats, I have an extra set of shoe laces to tie them to my ankles so they do not get in the front Chainring!!!

40s-50s: Lycra tights over shorts. 20s-30s: Serious pearl Izumi tights that are a heavy nylon layer on the outside, and a blend of wool/polartec (or something similar) fleece on the inside.
Warm? You betcha. I don't think Pearl Izumi makes this particular model anymore. Pricey, but mine are now ten years old and are wearing just fine. These are the ones with the really heavy
ankle cuffs, with zippers.

Just added some leg warmers to my cart on Sierra Trading Post's website. I have a long sleeve baselayer shirt I wear underneath my polyester T. I think that should be enough for me unless it gets really really cold.

Sporthill running tights work very nicely down to around 30F. Don't need no padding on a 'bent.

http://www.sporthill.com/product.php?TypeID=0110&gender=u
I have an older pair of fleece 'tights' from Performance that are good for colder temps.
Starter tights from Mall-Wart are a good base layer for really cold times.

No underwear under bike shorts. Defeats the purpose. Nothing for short rides. For longer rides if I am experiencing chafing I use either Chamois Butt'r, Bag Balm or Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Creme.

To the original question, the progression is shorts, knee warmers, leg warmers, thin tights, wind front tights. The tights are padless and are worn over shorts. For short casual rides, sweat pants over shorts. I can't remember the temperature cutoffs and really, it's too early to think about it now.

+1 Since you purchased a CF bike your posts are getting more intelligent and practical. Who could have predicted that.:D

I come from the pro old school of thinking which is cover your knees at temps below 65 degrees F. I wear my knee warmers most of the year except for the warmer days.

Here is another vote for the REI Novara Headwinds. I wear them down into the 20 deg F range and they are great for me but if its wet and below 32 deg F. here I don't ride mainly because of black ice. I'll be hanged if I'm taking a chance on sliding off the downhill end of a bridge into a semi. I'll take the truck with studded tires.

I come from the pro old school of thinking which is cover your knees at temps below 65 degrees F. I wear my knee warmers most of the year except for the warmer days.

I cover my legs at temps below 65F otherwise I'll start having cramping issues in my calves.

And like wogster...
over 17℃ (63℉) it's just the jersey and shorts and sometimes running pants if it's damp.
13℃-8 (55℉-46) I'll add a very light running jacket on top and the shorts on the bottom. running pants or tights over the shorts
0℃ to 8 (32℉-46) same bottoms but a fleece top over the dryfit shirt with maybe a running jacket if its windy. Also some neoprene booties
like http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product2_10053_10052_501220_-1
Below 0℃(32℉) then it's trainer time....

For anything more than a trip to the store, there are two things I always wear:

1. Padded cycling underwear
2. Padded cycling shorts

When the temps start to drop, I have several thicknesses of NON-padded tights that go between the underwear and the shorts. The tights/base layers I choose aren't even cycling specific most times. Patagonia, EMS, REI, etc. base layers will do as I'm not looking for any padding or reinforcement in the saddle area. When it gets colder still, I have insulated tights, also NON-padded that go over the top of everything (with or without base layer tights underneath, depending on temperature). For the very cold or very foul I add a Gore-Tex paclite shell layer.

I wear bike shorts under corduroy knickers. Wool knee socks, wool sweater over tech tee shirt. Wool, its your best friend in cool and cold weather.

Stringbreaker, I use the Trek 520 with carbide studded snow tires. I commute year round so in winter I have my uniform pants under a pair of Goretex rainpants. They are surplus with bibs and suspenders on them. I'm going to do Saturday club rides all winter this year and see what it takes for longer periods on the bike. It may be different than a four mile trip. It gets cold, sometimes wet, and always windy in the winter here in the state of Misery. I use anti fog snowboard goggles to keep my vision in severe wind. Then a silk balaclava inside the helmet. I use a rain cover outside the helmet to stop wind and it is yellow for more visibility. YMMV

Down to 50 and it is still shorts (or rather bibs)- below 50 and the KNickers come out- winter material and the knees welcome the warmth. Getting near freezing or the cold wet rain and the tights go on. They don't add warmth but they do take the sting out of the cold or wet.

But below 50 and it is the extremities that will start to feel the cold. Hands and feet are my problem so Waterproof/windproof gloves and socks are the order of the day.

But other than hands and feet- it is not the cold that is a major problem- it is the wind. That takes body heat away quicker than anything else. Keep the cooling wind off the body and you will soon warm up.

I am with you on the hands and feet. My cure? Wool gloves and socks.

I've been riding all summer in shorts and a t-shirt. Now that the weather is starting to cool I am trying to figure out what sort of pants to wear. Jeans are too heavy. What do you wear?

I just got wool knickers that I am going to wear. I tried them this week and found that over 55F they are a little too warm. Since I've worn shorts into the 40s, I figure the knickers might work from 55F down to somewhere in the 30s.

For cooler than that I have a pair of pants that are wind and rain resistant.

When it gets down under about 15F, I have to put tights on under the pants.

You're right about jeans -- too heavy and not warm enough either.

Something I wear that works well for me when it gets cold. UnderArmour "long johns". Cheap syn exercise pants over bottoms. Unless wind is blowing, the underarmour top will do. If it is windy, light windbreaker.
Of course, cold is a relative term. What is cold for me would be mild for someone up North.

Okay, you guys convinced me to ride with no underwear under my bike shorts yesterday (I still wear light shorts over them), and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! No SwampAss after 20 miles :eek:

So pretty much my Bike Shorts are my underwear now. The cotton underwear would hold the moisture, and make it quite uncomfortable.

I'm supposed to be wearing pants in cold weather? This bicycling game is getting a bit too regimented for my rebellious spirit.

So pretty much my Bike Shorts are my underwear now. The cotton underwear would hold the moisture, and make it quite uncomfortable.

I think you got it.

I'm supposed to be wearing pants in cold weather? This bicycling game is getting a bit too regimented for my rebellious spirit.
Hey wear whatever you're comfortable with, or party naked, who cares?

If you've never worn tights, they're surprisingly warm. A couple of times I've ridden at night when it was around freezing and I put my rain pants on over the tights for extra wind and cold protection. Otherwise, the tights are always enough.

If you're worried about what you will look like and whether others will laugh at you behind your back, you might hesitate to wear tights (especially if you're the type who wears something over your lycra bike shorts to cover them up.) But I've never been smirked at, at least not so that I could tell.

I have some from Nashbar because they sell tall-sized tights. I don't think they're anything special, but they sure keep my legs warm.

I haven't worn "pants" on a bike in at least a decade.