Winter Cycling - Using windfront tights?

I did a search, but found no useful feedback...

I am considering a pair of Bellweather windfront tights, or the Nashbar windrider tights. Anybody out there wearing these? If so, down to what temp do you find them comfortable? I have some REI Windpants that do the job, but I'm looking for something a little less bulky...

Thanks!

I used to have the bellweathers and they were great but the zippers craped the bed early on. But they always kept my legs warm as long as I had something underneath as well. But for a 10 mile commute they should be good.

good to know... I'll have to examine the newer ones for possible zipper anomalies. Thanks!

good to know... I'll have to examine the newer ones for possible zipper anomalies. Thanks!

I had a pair of those for a little while. I prefer my Powershield Windfront tights from Foxwear.
http://www.foxwear.net/PowerShieldTights.htm

I wear these tights alone, (shorts underneath) down to 20 F. I put a lighter pair of winter tights under below that. I have worn that combo down to near 0 so far this year.

I've been wearing stopzone tights from Garneau. They have a wind front with fleece lining and have worn them down to -10c no problem. Louie makes good stuff.

I wear two pairs of winter tights. One is just plain huge.
That one is a Sugio and is especially handy at being a top layer.

I had a pair of those for a little while. I prefer my Powershield Windfront tights from Foxwear.
http://www.foxwear.net/PowerShieldTights.htm

I wear these tights alone, (shorts underneath) down to 20 F. I put a lighter pair of winter tights under below that. I have worn that combo down to near 0 so far this year.

I remember you talking about getting those a while back. Are they just more comfortable, or do perform that much better? I've browsed the website, and would prefer to give him my cash if the product is that good. did you wait long for shipping?

thanks for the replies!

I remember you talking about getting those a while back. Are they just more comfortable, or do perform that much better? I've browsed the website, and would prefer to give him my cash if the product is that good. did you wait long for shipping?

thanks for the replies!

The windfront tights were to restricting. The windproof ffont has very little "flex." The powershield tights are a unique fabric. It is hard to describe. All i can say is they are very warm and comfortable. On top of that they were custom built according to my measurements.

I ordered mine in August. (gotta plan ahead ;) ) I think i got them in about a week. He might be busier now i don't know. I will tell you that he was extemely helpful. He sent me a dozen or more different fabric samples of different materials so i could feel and see what he had available. Together, we then decided that the Powershield tights were just what was needed. I couldn't be happier with them.

If you do have him make you a pair, i recommend having the top made longer like i did. IOW, they sort of ride up between the belly button and chest. This helps to keep stomach warm and free from "wind burn." I fought that last year with my other tights. No more of that with these tights.

Also make sure they are made plenty long since they don't have grippers on the ankles. There is just gathered elastic which works fine since mine are longer. There is no way they can ride up. If they were shorter there might be a chance for them to ride up.

Give Lou a call. If nothing else you will find him interesting to talk to.

Fabric Samples

http://xs10.xs.to/pics/05010/samples.JPG

I had wondered about the front of those (bellweathers), since it's made from a ripstop type material I wouldn't think it to be very flexible...

Cool that he sent all those samples out to you. Looksl like I'll have to give Lou a call next week and see what's cookin up there. Hopefully they won't be too backed up in the middle of winter. Thanks so much for the info, that's what I was looking to hear.

The windproof tights are a little restricting, they don't stretch too well, so order 1 size larger if you have to. And they're really warm, down to 10 degrees or below is when I'd probably start using them.

[QUOTE=jerrryhazard] I have some REI Windpants that do the job, but I'm looking for something a little less bulky...
QUOTE]

Are these the windpants you speak about? I've been using these for 2 years and they are probably the single best cycling clothing item I own. I generally wear them when the temps are below 50F. Below 20, I sometimes add a thin long underwear layer. As these are loose tights, they don't show underlayers like tight tights. No visible wear in the saddle area after 1000 miles. They're not bulky or stiff either. I think $74 is kind of steep (not because of the quality, but just in general $75 is a lot of money); seems like they were on sale for $49 when I bought them.

http://www.rei.com/product/47811763.htm?vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC

My mistake. I have the campmor windban fleece pant. For some reason I always mix up Campmor and REI... Too much online shopping/browsing with beer in hand...
here's the link (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=24731498&memberId=12500226)

They do work very well down to 10 degrees, maybe even less. Over 30 degrees and you overheat. But they are so thick and cardboardish in how they (don't) bend with your legs (bulky and stiff). So I am looking for something that fits/feels more like a tight. Thanks for the link to the pants I actually mentioned, I will check those out too, but am leaning towards the Foxwear.

Now I have to check and make sure I really ride a Kona, and not some other brand of bike ;)

I wear these w/shorts beneath comfy down to -10c. For colder I add 3/4 length pants as I do a lot of stopping and starting. If you're on an extended ride w/out stops they're good w/shorts & proper footwear down to -20c
MEC Venturi Made in Canada (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=668731&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=12699)

I use Performance wind-front tights, which I think are identical to Nashbar's. They're a little restricting, but they're great in the rain. They keep me dry enough in anything short of a deluge. I hate rain paints, they're too big and floppy.

I ride in the coldest of our temps(Maryland) in Sporthill (zone 3) wind pants. They are all around clothing that's good for xcountry skiing, running, biking. It will block winds to 35mph and are extremely flexible. In fact I can only wear them below freezing(32F/0C) because they are too hot. I think I've only wore them once this winter. I just got the Sporthil shirt for Christmas but haven't worn it, hasn't been that cold. This weekend will be the test. Temps are heading down on Friday. Also they aren't super tight but a little pricey. I got mine on ebay for 20.00, usually around 100.00

I use Performance wind-front tights, which I think are identical to Nashbar's. They're a little restricting, but they're great in the rain. They keep me dry enough in anything short of a deluge. I hate rain paints, they're too big and floppy.

I went to these tights (I think- mine are the "triflex") as well when my Gill rainpants delaminated after my first ride in them. I haven't had any issues with lack of flexibility, and I find them to be quite warm/dry and comfortable.

I found the windstop tights to be a lot like digging out a pair of Sunday pants from Jr. High and wearing them on a bike. Very tight in the crotch.

I wear a pair of these: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=668731&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=782845&bmUID=1105489319831

Windproof and quite water resistant (Entrant coating), they are just loose enough to layer over polypro or other base layer if the temps get really low. But, I've worn them on their own down to about -15C so far and been quite comfortable. I don't know how waterproof they are, but I've stayed dry in heavy rains so far. I also wear them for skiing, snowshoeing...