Winter Cycling - Perfect Tight

Im looking at buying a pair of tights. I want them to be full length, wind proof, water resistant, and good quality. I want to spend no more than 80$. With that said , Can anyone help me pci out the right tight? There are so many. I also take it that tights are not supposed to have chamois, but that you eithor wear the shorts under or on top of the tights?

i found some : http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19447&subcategory_ID=1121 Pearl Izumi® Therma Fleece Cycling Tights

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19354&subcategory_ID=1121 Pearl Izumi® AmFIB™ Tight this one may be a little bit too pricey, but if it is really worth it i would do it.

Any advice would be nice.

I have both of those Pearl tights and I like them both. The AmFIB is for when it's really COLD and possibly wet. The Therma Fleece are good for moderate cold which, for me is anything down to maybe 45 degrees. Below that, I reach for the AmFIB's. Either one is worth every penny in my opinion. Much better than being cold the whole way.

And I wear my shorts underneath...works for me. Feel free to wear your undies on the outside, tho... ;-)

Do you know of any that are in my price range that are for lowest of 15 degrees F, and wind proof and water resistant?

One more question,


Is a Cycling tight, (without chamois) the smae thing as a running tight?

Well, they're cheaper at gearlink if you can go $9 over your budget. For what it's worth, Pearls hold up pretty well, provided you line-dry them and don't bit the pavement. I've still wear mine from last year. Also, I've had very good experiences ordering from gearlink too, so I'd recommend giving them a try.

http://www.gearlink.com/gear/AMAZING/items.asp?CartId={F3A6AE20-82FB-4DAA-A373-83358BF3EVEREST965D}&Cc=TIGHTSKNICK&ItemMoveby=1&Nbm=TK2103&Pbm=TK2101&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&sTitle=&FromNav=False

Sorry, but I can't speak to running tights as I've never been into running.

I'm still pretty new to cycling, but the AmFIBs are what my local shop recommended for cold weather. But then, we don't get as cold as you're talking. It's been in the 20s and 30s lately, but no teens - that bites!

It really depends on what fits you best as well. REI has their windfront tights on clearance right now - about $55. They fit me very well and do the job for me. But no cycling chamois inside. But room for layering.

MEC Venturi, Made in Canada
LINK (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=668731&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=12699)

I have two pair that I've used both of for 2 winters.
They are good with shorts beneath to -10c. I've worn them with shorts beneath and a 3/4 length pants put out by our company down to -40c not including windchill. All day.

That being said I rode last winter 5 days a week 10 hours a day, this winter 6 hours a day. Winter (to a southerner like myself) lasts 4-5 months here. I won't have to buy more this winter and if I stay only part-time they will get me through next winter too. Great investment. They stand up to it. Pearl Izumi are good performance tights but the stiching on them leaves much to be desired if you are planning on wearing them A Bunch. After all, you don't take a Corvette off-road though I think Chevy would have no problem with it if you did. ($ka-ching$)

Plus the $85 Canadian price tag put them within our budget even including shipping.

In an ideal world, I would own at least:

1 pair bibs (65F+)
1 pair knee warmers/knickers (50-65F)
1 pair windproof bib tights with chamois (40-50F)
1 pair windproof tights w/o chamois (30-40F with bibs)
1 pair fitted cross-country ski pants (0-30F with either bibs or bib tights underneath)

The only piece I'm missing at the moment is the tights w/o chamois. These temperature ranges are based on my experience so far this year.

Am-Fib, I have a couple I rotate through, very nice, legs stay very warm and dry.

Im looking at buying a pair of tights. I want them to be full length, wind proof, water resistant, and good quality. I want to spend no more than 80$. With that said , Can anyone help me pci out the right tight? There are so many. I also take it that tights are not supposed to have chamois, but that you eithor wear the shorts under or on top of the tights?

i found some : http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19447&subcategory_ID=1121 Pearl Izumi® Therma Fleece Cycling Tights

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19354&subcategory_ID=1121 Pearl Izumi® AmFIB™ Tight this one may be a little bit too pricey, but if it is really worth it i would do it.

Any advice would be nice.

I use the Performance ones, and they work well for me.

I am shocked they are already on sale! I bought them at $80, and now they're $40? I'll have to pick up another pair or two.

Koffee

I use the Performance ones, and they work well for me.

I am shocked they are already on sale! I bought them at $80, and now they're $40? I'll have to pick up another pair or two.

Koffee


I''ll second that, My performance tights are warm, durable, and comfortable. I dodn't notice any shortcomings, give them a try.

I''ll second that, My performance tights are warm, durable, and comfortable. I dodn't notice any shortcomings, give them a try.


What is the exact name of them?

I saw a decent pair of Neoprene overshoes on eBay (He has many different sizes, no relation to the seller):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7296&item=7128148392&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

I saw this too late for me as I bought PI AmFib overshoes (paid full MSRP at LBS), they are good, I'm happy with them... They work down to 25F pretty well, and you can push it a bit lower if you don't mind slight discomfort... I had to get a size XL for my MTB Spezialized Sport shoes, size 43...

The AmFib tights worked great for me on my 0F commute one morning. They start to feel hot in the 20s/30s.

What is the exact name of them?

These are the tights:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15776

Koffee

I have not tried the Pearl Izumi tights mentioned above. However, I did buy the Performance Triflex tights last winter, I was kicking myself for not having gotten them sooner. The windfront pannels work very nicely, and they're much warmer than my previous winter tights (Shaversport lycra bibs with polyester windpannels on the inside). They also work well on cool, wet days. They're not totally waterproof, but they do provide good protection from road spray. I opted for the model without the chamois, and I wear bib shorts underneath instead. I'd highly recommend the Triflex tights.

These are the tights:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15776

Koffee


Thanks doest it comew with out chamois?

Yep.

Koffee

Im looking at buying a pair of tights. I want them to be full length, wind proof, water resistant, and good quality. I want to spend no more than 80$. With that said , Can anyone help me pci out the right tight? There are so many. I also take it that tights are not supposed to have chamois, but that you eithor wear the shorts under or on top of the tights?

i found some : http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19447&subcategory_ID=1121 Pearl Izumi® Therma Fleece Cycling Tights

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19354&subcategory_ID=1121 Pearl Izumi® AmFIB™ Tight this one may be a little bit too pricey, but if it is really worth it i would do it.

Any advice would be nice.

I've used the Pearl Therma for many seasons to temps below 15F. They are quite comfortable although I prefer a bib tight to regular tights since they tend to keep more air trapped against your core. I also don't like the way low tights cut across my stomach. I do wear shorts under the tights and wear all jerseys under the bibs. One: it keeps the heat in. Two: try going to the bathroom in a port-a-potty when you have to take off your jacket, two long sleeve jerseys and a short sleeve jersey to get down to the straps at 20F :eek: It's not an experience I want again. Brrrrrrrrrrr.

Stuart Black

Yep.

Koffee

Where i coudlnt find it, and does that tight come as a bib?

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15777
That's without the chamois.

I don't know if it comes as a bib. I just know these two pairs of tights. I actually have both- with and without the chamois. I wore it today. Absolutely no problems with keeping warm at 5 F when I was out riding this morning.

Koffee

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15777
That's without the chamois.

I don't know if it comes as a bib. I just know these two pairs of tights. I actually have both- with and without the chamois. I wore it today. Absolutely no problems with keeping warm at 5 F when I was out riding this morning.

Koffee

I have two pair of these, one pair is probably seven or more years old. I love them. I have people comment to me about how much the reflective material on the zipper shows up. In the rain if you keep moving the back of your legs stay pretty dry. Of course if you stop eventually it gets in the back. I use these in the coldest weather with breathable tights underneath and padded shorts. The stitching in the front in one place started to come out a little in the old pair last year, But I just fixed it. I think you will like them more over time. An excellent value for the price.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15777
That's without the chamois.

I don't know if it comes as a bib. I just know these two pairs of tights. I actually have both- with and without the chamois. I wore it today. Absolutely no problems with keeping warm at 5 F when I was out riding this morning.

Koffee


Your link showed men's tights, is that what you have, Koffee?
I was gonna mention they have different tights for genders, not sure which one the original poster was.
The only winter bibbed tight in performance catalog are the Pearl Izumis and they are marked sold out. Colorado Cyclist more than likely has some too, or Nashbar.
A good pair of bibbed winter tights looks like it will cost over a hundred dollars.

Koffee, you were warm at 5 F above with JUST those tights on your legs? That's awesome.
Doublechecked mine, and they are actually Hind brand, bibbed.

I guess they are men's. When I was at Performance, I went to the women's section, and that's what they had. I asked, and they said it was what you used whether you were a man or a woman.

I had the tights on, but I also put on a pair of my old performance rain pants too. It was more than enough.

Now my forehead hurt from the cold and wind, and I had on two skull caps and a baclava. :-/

Koffee

Your link showed men's tights, is that what you have, Koffee?
I was gonna mention they have different tights for genders, not sure which one the original poster was.
The only winter bibbed tight in performance catalog are the Pearl Izumis and they are marked sold out. Colorado Cyclist more than likely has some too, or Nashbar.
A good pair of bibbed winter tights looks like it will cost over a hundred dollars.

Koffee, you were warm at 5 F above with JUST those tights on your legs? That's awesome.
Doublechecked mine, and they are actually Hind brand, bibbed.


im A guy, just to clarify.

INteresting, how come the ones without chamois are more expensive than the ones without?

I guess they are men's. When I was at Performance, I went to the women's section, and that's what they had. I asked, and they said it was what you used whether you were a man or a woman.

I had the tights on, but I also put on a pair of my old performance rain pants too. It was more than enough.

Now my forehead hurt from the cold and wind, and I had on two skull caps and a baclava. :-/

Koffee

I had the forehead problem too. On line at Campmor I found a North Face balaclava that has a special panel, wind proof and insulated (maybe gore tex) in the forehead for this problem. I wear it over at least one other balaklava. It was years ago I don't remember how much it was. It helps.

im A guy, just to clarify.


If I were you, and I had the money I'd get the good tights, just depends if they need to be bibbed or not.My Hind tights were cold at 20 degrees today with a pair of lined Nike nylon pants on top.
All depends on how much you ride, and how cold.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15777
That's without the chamois.

I don't know if it comes as a bib. I just know these two pairs of tights. I actually have both- with and without the chamois. I wore it today. Absolutely no problems with keeping warm at 5 F when I was out riding this morning.

Koffee


http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19481&subcategory_ID=1121 found the bibs, now i need to find ones with out chamois.

I have the Performance bibs with the triflex wind and rain proof fronts and breathable backs.
I got them during the summer for $59.
I've ridden them down to +5F without a hint of cold, and I can wear them up into the 50's without getting too warm.
The stitching seems a little fragile, but no seams have failed, yet.
If I only get one year out of them, I figure I got my money's worth, and I'll buy another pair this summer just to have an extra set.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19481&subcategory_ID=1121 found the bibs, now i need to find ones with out chamois.


Why don't you want it? You're wearing another pair of shorts?

true
it think i am going t buy the bib tights, sound like they are good for me, any last thoughts?

Someone asked about running tights.

I peicked up pair for about $14. They are not as tight fitting as bike tights but they can be worn over riding shorts and do warm your legs.

Performance tights work well - especially when on sale.

Next i want to buy shoe covers that are windproof and water proof.

Found these http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17558&subcategory_ID=1344 Performance® Neoprene Bootie i like them but it says that they only have size 9. Does that mean that i wont be able to get it for Size 11 or can i call and get them?

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15808&subcategory_ID=1344 Pearl Izumi Wind Shoe Cover Is this more than i Need?

I have had a pair of the Performance booties for a couple of years, they are very nice. They are warm. The Pearl Izumi shoe cover on your link is a different thing. It's just a thin wind break layer. The booties are fleece lined.

Sometimes the web sight is not updated to be current, or is wrong. If you need another size, call them and check if they have it.

Thanks a bunch,

Hate to be s tickler one more question. What do you recommend for a jacket, do i get one of those thin jackets that are water proof windproof? and just pu a bunch of layers under, or do i get a cycling jacket that is windproof, waterproof/resistant?

Next i want to buy shoe covers that are windproof and water proof.

Found these http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=17558&subcategory_ID=1344 Performance® Neoprene Bootie i like them but it says that they only have size 9. Does that mean that i wont be able to get it for Size 11 or can i call and get them?

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15808&subcategory_ID=1344 Pearl Izumi Wind Shoe Cover Is this more than i Need?

I have used the Performance bootie for ages and like them. They fit well and perform well. I did find that I had to buy them several sizes larger than my regular shoes. I wear a size 11 in the winter and use a size 14 bootie. (Shimano mountain bike shoe with a smooth sole). It saves wear and tear on the zippers and makes them last a good long time - 5+ seasons on the last pair. The stores are usually selling them out by now so I don't know about the availability.

I tried a Pearl bootie a long time ago and didn't like it because it was almost impossible to get on and off -even when oversized. They were expensive too, if I recall correctly.

Stuart Black

Thanks a bunch,

Hate to be s tickler one more question. What do you recommend for a jacket, do i get one of those thin jackets that are water proof windproof? and just pu a bunch of layers under, or do i get a cycling jacket that is windproof, waterproof/resistant?

Layers. You usually can't go wrong with layers. Generally, I wear a short sleeve jersey and a Pearl Izumi zephyr jacket to about 45F. Below 45F I add a long sleeve jersey (lightweight). Below 35F, I add another jersey that is heavier and usually wool. With that and bib tights, I good down to 16F or so. But then I live in the dry west. I think I have to deal with more temperature fluctuations than you might.

Started to work to day at 25F. Will go home at 60F. So I have to cart all of that crap home now. At least it's downhill with a wind at my back! :D WHEEEEEEEEEE!

Stuart Black

Layers. You usually can't go wrong with layers. Generally, I wear a short sleeve jersey and a Pearl Izumi zephyr jacket to about 45F. Below 45F I add a long sleeve jersey (lightweight). Below 35F, I add another jersey that is heavier and usually wool. With that and bib tights, I good down to 16F or so. But then I live in the dry west. I think I have to deal with more temperature fluctuations than you might.

Started to work to day at 25F. Will go home at 60F. So I have to cart all of that crap home now. At least it's downhill with a wind at my back! :D WHEEEEEEEEEE!

Stuart Black


That is my biggest problem in the winters in Arizona. Rides start cold but often 10-30 degrees warmer by rides end or at the other end of the commute.

So I try to go for thin materials for layers so they will fold/roll up nice and small.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19609&subcategory_ID=1130# Pearl Izumi® Staccato Jacket--SPECIAL MAKE what do you think of this jacket? is it a good jacket, I think it is windproof is it water proof/resistant?

Is tht a good buy? i think that i may have to make a deal with my dad for this.

That is my biggest problem in the winters in Arizona. Rides start cold but often 10-30 degrees warmer by rides end or at the other end of the commute.

So I try to go for thin materials for layers so they will fold/roll up nice and small.

As a cross country skier from way back, I can't tell you the number of times that I have laughed a newbies in downhill skisuits baking on a warm Colorado spring day. Or the number of times, I've cursed myself for trying to put shoe covers in a miniwedge on a road bike :o Bulk is not good!

I'm currently using Craft 3 layer Windprotecti (art# 90408) they are easily the best winter tights I've ever owned. last week it was down as low as -36C with wind chill in the -40's and I had no issues at all, I wasn't wearing anything other leggings at all just cycle shorts underneath. I can't say how much they would cost you, but I payed around $130 CDN.

'Rasher

that sounds a little bit much, i think if i get the performance tights, and it gets cold i will wear long underwear under them.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19609&subcategory_ID=1130# Pearl Izumi® Staccato Jacket--SPECIAL MAKE what do you think of this jacket? is it a good jacket, I think it is windproof is it water proof/resistant?

The Ultrasensor fabric is more of an insulator, if what I read is correct, than a wind blocker. The Zephyrr is a tighter weave and more wind and water resistant. Look at Pearl Izumi (http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi/site/catalog/productList.aspx?iProductTypeSubID=18) for more information on their outerwear.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19576&estore_ID=114 Performance® Long Sleeve Triflex™ Jersey

this looks like a great jacket for the price, anyones views on this one?

SWEEEEET, just ordered the Bib tight, and the booties. Ahh yes two days, and i will be outside, excpet without a jacket. :(

For my general body, I wear only the performance bibs, a mid-weight Pearl Izumi jersey, and a bike specific jacket called a Concurve Windstopper.
I've tried to find the Windstopper online and I can't, although I find a lot of similar products by the same name.
This one has a windproof, water-resistant shell with a mesh liner and nothing else.
It has kept me plenty warm down to +5F, and I must admit, it has surprised me.
If I wear even a thin extra base layer of Poly, I get too warm.
When it gets to +25F and above, I take off the sleeves and use the Windstopper as a vest with arm warmers.
Having my shoulders in the breeze keeps me from overheating.
Gloves and my hands remain my biggest issue.

For a jacket, I just use a nylon shell. Down to about 20F, I'm fine with just the shell and an UnderArmour ColdGear shirt. Between 0F and 20F, I put a wool sweater over the UnderArmour.

For my general body, I wear only the performance bibs, a mid-weight Pearl Izumi jersey, and a bike specific jacket called a Concurve Windstopper.
I've tried to find the Windstopper online and I can't, although I find a lot of similar products by the same name.
This one has a windproof, water-resistant shell with a mesh liner and nothing else.
It has kept me plenty warm down to +5F, and I must admit, it has surprised me.
If I wear even a thin extra base layer of Poly, I get too warm.
When it gets to +25F and above, I take off the sleeves and use the Windstopper as a vest with arm warmers.
Having my shoulders in the breeze keeps me from overheating.
Gloves and my hands remain my biggest issue.

Is that one fo those jackets that are like three jackets in one type thing, if its a good price it sounds like a great deal, If you have any info PM me or just tell me, thanks