Winter Cycling - winter clothing guide??

During the day it was 5 Celsius and felt warmer with the sunshine. But the ride after dark was colder at -1 Celsius and windier than several hours earlier. I wore:

HEAD
- ski helmet (good grief I love the ear covers!)
- goggles (1 pair had rose colored lenses, the evening pair are clear)
- fleece neck tube. I should have brought my neoprene face mask for the evening ride. But I made do.

TORSO
- cotton short sleeve tshirt
- insulated rain jacket

LEGS
- underwear (I know, BAD! But I'm behind in my laundry. Bike shorts are in the basket.)
- powershield tights
- MTN bike shorts (because I love the zippered pockets for my wallet & stuff)

FEET
- wool socks
- suede skateboard shoes

HANDS
- waterproof ski gloves

Other than needing to catch up with laundry chores, my get up worked well. I'm putting the neoprene face mask in my pocket tomorrow.

Here are a pair of convertible mittens that I bought last year. They must be popular because they raised the price of them since I bought them. But they're still an excellent cold weather mitten for riding in frigid temps. At 20f, your hands will be toasty warm. At 5f, you'll be grinning to yourself at how warm your hands are. Great versatility, excellent venting and finger dexterity, the gauntlet is easy to use one-handed. And they even have a pocket for handwarmers. Good design and well made.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4126331044_cc3c555724_m.jpghttp://www.onlygloves.com/winter-gloves/womens/loki3wayaccessmit.cfm

I'm having a hard time with my Sidis leaking massive amounts of water, even with a pair of PI Barrier shoecovers. I guess the next step is waterproof socks? There are some at REI that got mediocre ratings, anywhere else I should look?

I guess it depends on your shoe size but ive been wearing diving boots under my shoes when its wet and cold out, i use the 2mil thickness with those and a pair of socks under i had to go a size larger on shoes.

Matt,
are you riding to work or for fun? Big difference because of changing clothes. I ride year round to work so I usually try to just keep warm and cover my work clothes. So, Pearl Izumi is great place to start and look for outlet its even better. Leg Warmers under jeans, Arm Warmers under Sweatshirt, ocassionally I wear a vest for chest warmth but keeps pits from over heating. Lobster gloves are good or Swix has a mitten with gloves inside, throw a pair of hand warmers in and your set. I have waterproof pants that zip and velcro up sides so no taking off shoes when I get to work, and I stay dry and helps cut wind, Jacket depends on if its wet or dry. I prefer light layers. Beanie under helmet. Nike hatphones so I can have my music and stay warm, shoe covers if needed cause its wet and I want to wear cute shoes.
Oh and something to cover mouth and nose, I have fleece lined bandanna that velcroes behind head. Works great. Good luck and welcome back

28F yesterday morning:

poly underwear
blue jeans
cotton t-shirt
LS cotton t-shirt
polartec vest (cheap one from TJ Max)
full gloves
helmet liner, skull cap, helmet
safety glasses

Good to go for 30 mile round trip! Best part is my clothes are cheap and I'm not a walking advertisement for anyone. I passed about 3 other cyclists, all in full racing kit.

Man, I keep feeling like I should buy more cycling jerseys and tights, and then throw them in the closet all winter and hang my bicycle in the garage. Then I'll tell cyclists on the forums and in the bike shop that they "gotta" get some tights and jerseys to ride in the winter.

I haven't looked through all five pages of this thread, but are there any insulated pants out there? I usually wear synthetic long johns under jeans. That works well for me, but I wish there was a one-piece pant. Seems like there's so many types of coats for the upper body. What one-piece gament works for the legs? I would use these for 10-20 mile nighttime after-work rides, in the sub-freezing cold and dark. If I do something longer I'll go with bike shorts and poly underwear and sweat pants. I'm looking for one-piece convenience.
Thanks

Try the Col d'Lizard tights. I have a pair and they are superb. For conditions approaching zero, go with the 200 fabric instead of the 100.

http://icebike.com/Clothing/lowerhalf.htm

8 degrees in the Colorado Mountains this AM. Hiking boots (toe cages). Long underwear, tights, cheap ski pants. Thermal shirt, light fleece pullover, gore tex ski jacket with all vents open. Snowboard gloves. Headband & googles. Six mile commute, perfectly warm.

I haven't looked through all five pages of this thread, but are there any insulated pants out there? I usually wear synthetic long johns under jeans. That works well for me, but I wish there was a one-piece pant. Seems like there's so many types of coats for the upper body. What one-piece gament works for the legs? I would use these for 10-20 mile nighttime after-work rides, in the sub-freezing cold and dark. If I do something longer I'll go with bike shorts and poly underwear and sweat pants. I'm looking for one-piece convenience.
Thanks
I wear Sporthill XC pants over my summer bibs. They are a special weave of polypropylene and quite amazing. I was out today, 1:15 of riding at ~25F, both pavement and snow. I sweat a bit in these but don't get chilled or feel much in the way of wind. If you're near the LL Bean store outside chicago, I got mine there and it was nice to be able to try them on. They are a close-fitting pant, not quite a tight.

Separate question... I'm working on my feet right now. Today I had a thin polypro liner sock, mid-weight wool sock, and waterproof leather boots. The boots don't breath well at all so my feet got sweaty, the socks were quite damp when I got back. Should I try a thinner wool sock to reduce sweating or is that just going to happen with exercise regardless of my clothing?

I live in the NE. One of the biggest things I've found in tolerating temperature extremes is regular riding. That is, if I've been riding / commuting several days per week, every week, my body adapts as the seasons change and I can tolerate riding in 100 degree weather or 20 degree weather. If I haven't been riding regularly and try either, I don't last long. I still use a Cannondale cycling jacket that I bought around 1984 for winter riding. It has a nylon front and arms and a polypro back. It works better than any other jacket I've tried over the years (I've tried Goretex, e-vent, windpro, etc). They don't breathe as well as my old ratty Cannondale which has just the right combination of wind protection and breathability. All the others cause my sweat to accumulate which soon gets uncomfortable. Wish cannondale still made that jacket. I'd buy several and be set for life!

I live in the NE. One of the biggest things I've found in tolerating temperature extremes is regular riding. That is, if I've been riding / commuting several days per week, every week, my body adapts as the seasons change and I can tolerate riding in 100 degree weather or 20 degree weather. If I haven't been riding regularly and try either, I don't last long. I still use a Cannondale cycling jacket that I bought around 1984 for winter riding. It has a nylon front and arms and a polypro back. It works better than any other jacket I've tried over the years (I've tried Goretex, e-vent, windpro, etc). They don't breathe as well as my old ratty Cannondale which has just the right combination of wind protection and breathability. All the others cause my sweat to accumulate which soon gets uncomfortable. Wish cannondale still made that jacket. I'd buy several and be set for life!

Let's see here, 27 years you've had that jacket and it's still going strong. If my math is correct, I'd say you only need 1 maybe 2 more to get you thru! :D Just kidding obviously, but I have to admire Cannondales quality. That, and your ability to make it last that long. :thumb:

Let's see here, 27 years you've had that jacket and it's still going strong. If my math is correct, I'd say you only need 1 maybe 2 more to get you thru! :D Just kidding obviously, but I have to admire Cannondales quality. That, and your ability to make it last that long. :thumb:

Actually, I've only commuted year-round approx 8-9 years out of the 27 (3-4 years back then and 4-5 years now). During the in between years, I cycled sporadically and rarely cycled in weather cold enough to need the jacket.

are there any insulated pants out there?.......... I wish there was a one-piece pant. Seems like there's so many types of coats for the upper body. What one-piece gament works for the legs?.......... I'm looking for one-piece convenience.
Thanks
I'll second the Sporthill XC pants. Originally designed as a cross-country ski pant that could quite possibly be the best winter cycling pant out there. A loose fitting comfortable pant that is totally windproof and coldproof. I commute in the morning with these over my workpants when its below 25f. I'll add leg warmers below 10f to -10. I wear them by themselves in the aftn when its above 20. They're not cheap ($105). But you'll find them cheaper if you search around. I found a pair on Amazon for $65 w/ free shipping.
Their jackets make excellent mid-layers also. I wear a showers pass on the outside with a Sport Hill Symmetry jacket underneath. I wear that all winter regardless of the temp. If I need more warmth I'll add a long sleeve fleece shirt or jersey.

This year I'm going with

outerwear-Gore bike wear balance 111 jacket
- Louis Garneau Matrix Balaclava (ski mask)
Pants- have not ordered yet Will get sport hill running pants
Base layer- Louis Garneau Thermo Elite long sleeve jersey
-patagonia capilene perforance base layer
- Nike pro fit t- shirt
- NIke pro fit socks
mid layer- Long sleeve pro fit polar tec


Going to add another layer to my legs, socks, gloves, hat, shoe covers, snow tires and a super bright rear flasher lots of stuff to add :twitchy:

Even though winter has not yet showed itself around here, this is what I usually wear:

HEAD
- Buff windstopper or the insulated hood ski jacket
- Buff windstopper (2) around my neck and over my nose (I love these things)

TORSO
- Icebreaker Merinowool base-layer and sweater
- Either a primaloft insulated gore-tex ski jacket
- Or a down liner with a gore-tex hardshell (more versatile)

LEGS
- If it's -10C or colder some merinowool leggings
- Waxed windresistant hiking trousers (quasi-casual looking)

FEET
- Smartwool hiking socks
- Leather hiking boots (Hanwag Yukon)

HANDS
- Gore winstopper gloves (up until -5C when winter preogresses)
- Gore-tex skiing gloves with fleece inner gloves

The perfect gloves are a bit of a personal quest of mine. I'm going to experiment with a few different liners this winter to try my personal best combination.

that's an unbelievably hot setup for non-winter riding (to me). There are a couple of glove recommendations here. My preference is a very thin pair of polypro type gloves under my biking gloves. Over that goes any of several pairs of gloves depending on the temperature or none if it's about 45F to 55F. As it gets colder I add a pair of gloves over that combination that aren't very thick and then switch to gloves with wind-block. Once that isn't warm enough I switch to putting pogies on my bike. Locally winter riding must be done on a mtn bike of some type and pogies with a heat-pack tossed in and a medium weight glove will take me down to any ridable temperature.

Well, it is. :P What I meant is, that is what I usually wear for winter riding. My bad.

Right now we've got 15C and some hard winds and rain. Just a windstopper jacket with a a longsleeve Icebreaker 200 merinowool shirt is enough.

During winter snow is pretty rare, but freezing temperatures are common. Combined with strong winds because I live close to the sea windchill becomes something to keep in mind.
When it's just below freezing, but you have windforce 7 or 8 even those ski-gloves are not enough on a bike. -5C with 50km/h winds mean a temperature of -25C or -13F. :lol:

Just bought head/ear band, under armour coldgear longsleeve compression shirt, thermal tights, arm/leg warmers, shoe cover, and gloves...am I forgetting something?

A jacket?

If it's cold enough for that gear consider what you'll do if you flat out. Once it gets cold enough for gloves, thermal tights and such, it's probably cold enough to bring panniers and enough warm clothing to keep you warm while you change a flat. Either that or know you can get a ride.

Hey guys, I have question.

I've noticed that my core is overheating like a mofo. Even in 24 degree weather, I'm still sweating like nobody's business. My base layer is a short sleeved Champion C9 wicking shirt. My mid layer is a Mission Workshop Bosun Merino wool midweight jacket http://missionworkshop.com/products/apparel/jacket/merino-wool-bosun.php. On the outside, I'm wearing a North Face wind/water resistant "windbreaker", which is lined on the inside but lets ZERO heat/sweat escape.

Is my outer layer the problem? Should I be wearing a thinner windbreaker? If so, how cold could a mesh lined windbreaker plus midweight merino jacket plus polypro base layer take me?

I sweat no matter how low the temperature gets. I'm going into my fifth winter of riding now and have found over the years that all I really need on top is a long-sleeved base layer (I usually wear SmartWool) and my Marmot windbreaker. As others have pointed out, I guess you could throw something extra in your pack for when you catch a flat.

33 or so this morning. I went with


2x socks, thinner cycling ones under thicker cotton ones
2x gloves, tight-fitting full finger MTB gloves, sized-up fleece lined winter gloves from Target
4 thin layers up top: technical T, long sleeve thin cotton shirt, regular short sleeve jersey (not really needed but will be used on the way home), very thin shell jacket (mesh lined)
standard "Buff" around neck (http://www.buyabuff.com/)
fleece lined neoprene balaclava under helmet (great!)
MTB shorts with built in liner
fleece lined neoprene leg warmers


The gloves were a bit leaky and not really cutting it but otherwise I was comfy or too warm even.

I sweat no matter how low the temperature gets. I'm going into my fifth winter of riding now and have found over the years that all I really need on top is a long-sleeved base layer (I usually wear SmartWool) and my Marmot windbreaker. As others have pointed out, I guess you could throw something extra in your pack for when you catch a flat.

Good call. I expect to sweat, but the issue is me getting to work soaked just as much as when I ride in 100 degree weather. I went to REI last night to check out their cycling jackets; I tried all the Novara and Pearl Izumi stuff. It turns out my softshell is WAY thicker than any of their cycling windbreaker/outer layers. I'm going to try a thinner lightweight polyester shell and see if that works.

Sweating is just part of the game. Limiting that when commuting to work is the key. I use a breathable soft shoft jacket from KB Cyclewerks, Its called a Nordic CX Jacket, they're cheap and work well. I was in the same boat previously wearing a light wicking base layer a mid wool layer and then a wind shell. The wind shell didn't breath and by the time I got to work, I was wearing a fish tank. I know wear a long sleeve base layer under my KB jacket and that's it. I've now worn it in temperatures down to 8 degrees Farenheit and it works great. This year I also purchased a set of Bib knickers from them that have the same material on the front, but a lycra/fleece back. They work great even when its raining or snowing.

I think so. I'd make two points. First is that if you are not almost uncomfortably chilly the first 10-15min of your ride you are over dressed and will/should need to take off a layer once you are warmed up. Secondly, if your outer layer does not have an open weave/non windproof back side your sweat will stay inside your clothing and you will build up sweat no matter what you do if you are working hard. Up here in the North (it's -42F at my house today) we learn to either remove a lot of layers when we are working hard or keep our work output very low and work easy. At 24F I wear two or maybe three very thin poly pro underlayers with a shell that has a thin lining, windproof front and very breathable rear. I'm quite chilly when I take off then I warm up OK. Look for jackets that are pretty much just a shell or one with very minimal lining that are windproof only on the front. They are, in my opinion, key to winter riding unless you just want to pedal slowly from here to there without working up a sweat, which is an option for many communters but that's not how I roll. (ha! that's the first time I ever got to use that phrase in that manner! )

I have had good luck with clothing made for cross-country (Nordic) skiing as well as with the winter cycling gear at MEC. Definitely it's all about *breathability* for me, especially in this climate. It's so dry that the instant you warm up you can end up with your own personal snow cloud inside your jacket if it's not vented enough!

Current Favourite Item: "Glide XC" ski mittens from MEC. They are wind resistant, lightly insulated, breathable mittens that kept my hands perfectly comfy in -22C on the weekend. They're flexible enough that I'm sure you could work most types of shifters with them on.

That was after I gave my Planet Bike "Borealis" gloves one final chance and damn nearly gave myself frostbite (right thumb still hurts 3 days later). Those gloves are now in the trash bin. Grr. (I can't deal with Gore-Tex. I just end up feeling clammy in it, no matter what).

A nice white thong and some flip-flops for anything over 5 degrees.

OK. I will write this down.

I fear, I fear I may have to give up my clipless pedals for winter stuff......my selection of shoes is just not,,,insulated.

My Mother told me when she was younger, she rode from home to work on freezing cold snow pack, (In the 40's) she had a kerosene lantern hanging over the handle bars. And she wore a dress. Thats tuff.
I never tried to ride with a lantern, but when walking the dog, they are nice.

So is it a bad idea to cycle in jogging pants or any pants?

So is it a bad idea to cycle in jogging pants or any pants?

I bike in running tights basically all winter, with zero, one, or - if it's in the teens - two layers of thermal tights underneath. One can very well get insulated bike tights; but since I am also a runner I prefer to buy things that I can reasonably utilize across multiple activities. I see a lot of people riding in loose running pants, and I guess there isn't anything wrong with that. It's just not my personal preference.

I bike in running tights basically all winter, with zero, one, or - if it's in the teens - two layers of thermal tights underneath. One can very well get insulated bike tights; but since I am also a runner I prefer to buy things that I can reasonably utilize across multiple activities. I see a lot of people riding in loose running pants, and I guess there isn't anything wrong with that. It's just not my personal preference.

I guess my biggest concern is getting them cought in your crank or chain, not being fashonable.

I guess my biggest concern is getting them cought in your crank or chain, not being fashonable.

That's why I like wearing the tights. They have a very snug and streamlined fit. They do take a certain getting used to though. My first winter I wore thermals with shorts over them because I didn't feel confident about how I would look in the tights. Once I got over that though it was great. I think whatever you choose, you simply have to not care about what everyone else thinks.

That's why I like wearing the tights. They have a very snug and streamlined fit. They do take a certain getting used to though. My first winter I wore thermals with shorts over them because I didn't feel confident about how I would look in the tights. Once I got over that though it was great. I think whatever you choose, you simply have to not care about what everyone else thinks.

Very true about not caring what others think. I'm still trying to convence my wife that I need a helmet. She says that I'm going to look like a dork in one. I said, well I'd rather look like a dork than having you wiping my arse because I'm paralized from the neck down!

I guess my biggest concern is getting them cought in your crank or chain, not being fashonable.

That's where the skinny jeans come in.

Being new to cycling, this is my first winter season. Weather dropping to mid 40s-50s (I know... I don't have it as bad as others). I'm also recently unemployed so I've been trying to be as cost efficient as possible. Some stuff I know I must put out the extra $$$ for better quality (learned the hard way).

As I was reading through the thread I did see quite a few sites, but some still too expensive for me. What's a good site to purchase winter gear on a budget?

Being new to cycling, this is my first winter season. Weather dropping to mid 40s-50s (I know... I don't have it as bad as others). I'm also recently unemployed so I've been trying to be as cost efficient as possible. Some stuff I know I must put out the extra $$$ for better quality (learned the hard way).

As I was reading through the thread I did see quite a few sites, but some still too expensive for me. What's a good site to purchase winter gear on a budget?

Target and Walmart actually have some affordable stuff that works. REI has more selection, higher quality, but a tad more expensive. Basically, stop looking for bike specific clothes and BAM! instant money savings.

Try checking out your nearest factory outlet and see if they have the big sports outfit companies like Nike, Adidas, UA, etc. Also check your local Sports Authority or Dick's and see if they still have some cycling stuff on clearance.

When I am teaching our annual winter cycling classes I always tell people who are looking at riding in the winter that they probably have much of what they need hanging in their closets or tucked in their drawers and that one does not have to spend a lot on specialized cycling gear to stay warm and comfortable in the winter.

I prefer a layered approach and do not own a winter jacket despite my location... a base layer plus an insulating layer (or two) and a windproof and waterproof shell pretty much covers it all and also remind people to avoid cotton as it loses all it's insulating properties when it is wet and does not have many to start with.

Wool can be your best friend as it is an excellent insulator that also stays warm when wet.

Follow my link on winter cycling and you will find a lot more information there.

Being new to cycling, this is my first winter season. Weather dropping to mid 40s-50s (I know... I don't have it as bad as others). I'm also recently unemployed so I've been trying to be as cost efficient as possible. Some stuff I know I must put out the extra $$$ for better quality (learned the hard way).

As I was reading through the thread I did see quite a few sites, but some still too expensive for me. What's a good site to purchase winter gear on a budget?

Everyone has great points here.

If you do other activities, I'll say it again...target your buying to accommodate multiple activities. I also run and backpack. For backpacking I invested in a lot of SmartWool (socks and shirts) - which have also become integral to my winter riding experience. SmartWool is expensive, but it will last. You can also wear it days on end without it smelling. Similarly, a pair of Nike running shorts that I bought was what I hiked in all summer, and with the addition of a pair of padded underwear from Nashbar...biked in all summer. Again, Nike isn't the cheapest option out there, but with all the use the shorts have seen they have not worn out one bit.

Truthfully, if you're riding in 40's and 50's there won't be that much specialized clothing required. You can get away with shorts in the 50's, and in the 40's put on a lightweight set of thermals under the shorts. Want cheap but good thermal tights? Check out the Heattech line from Uniqlo. I'm lucky to have access to two Uniqlo stores here in NYC, but you can probably find them online.

Hey guys, I have question.

I've noticed that my core is overheating like a mofo. Even in 24 degree weather, I'm still sweating like nobody's business. My base layer is a short sleeved Champion C9 wicking shirt. My mid layer is a Mission Workshop Bosun Merino wool midweight jacket http://missionworkshop.com/products/apparel/jacket/merino-wool-bosun.php. On the outside, I'm wearing a North Face wind/water resistant "windbreaker", which is lined on the inside but lets ZERO heat/sweat escape.

Is my outer layer the problem? Should I be wearing a thinner windbreaker? If so, how cold could a mesh lined windbreaker plus midweight merino jacket plus polypro base layer take me?

I bike to below zero with a Illuminite rain jacket over similar base and mid-layers. The jacket has a rear-vent and loooong pit-zips that stay open. It is a non-breathable jacket, so the vents are needed. If it had no vents, I would be super-wet after my commute with just a base-layer under it at 20 degrees.

A nice white thong and some flip-flops for anything over 5 degrees.
Mesh or capilene thong? Don't leave out the important stuff!

I bike to below zero with a Illuminite rain jacket over similar base and mid-layers. The jacket has a rear-vent and loooong pit-zips that stay open. It is a non-breathable jacket, so the vents are needed. If it had no vents, I would be super-wet after my commute with just a base-layer under it at 20 degrees.

I wear a Showers Pass jacket similar to the one goalieMN has--pit vents that zip and a rear vent. If it's very cold, I'll start with the pit vents closed, but by the first significant hill, I unzip them at least half-way. The sleeve cuffs have velcro tabs so you can open them up and get air flow through the arms of the jacket. I can ride this way for hours and, if I'm not bone dry, I'm just a tiny bit damp. It makes [U]a tremendous[U] difference. It's also bright yellow with reflective trim, so it's an added safety feature. I wear it over a double capilene (two shirts) down to about 25 F. or so, with one long sleeve capeline up to 40 or a little higher, and, if it's gonna be a little wet, over a short sleeve dri-fit type shirt if it's around 50 (I don't own any cycling specific jerseys at the moment).

Do yourself a favor and invest in a cycling jacket like this.

Target and Walmart actually have some affordable stuff that works. REI has more selection, higher quality, but a tad more expensive. Basically, stop looking for bike specific clothes and BAM! instant money savings.

+1

But also, put them on a birthday/Christmas list(I don't know if your age so, I don't know if you still celebrate your birthday) or religion(if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, etc.).

Out of the blue, (I am 44)my father gave me two pairs of cycling shorts and a pair of cycling pants, yesterday. Not as a Christmas present but, he said he hadn't worn them in years. The last time I saw him ride a bike was 25yrs. ago when he had a 10-speed road bike.

My only problem with them(which I will have to figure an answer to, since I 'never look a gift horse in the mouth') is in terms of having to use a restroom. Presently I make a mini aerobic workout of my layers since I have tshirt-shorts-sweatshirt-sweatpants. When need to remove them.

That's why I like wearing the tights. They have a very snug and streamlined fit. They do take a certain getting used to though. My first winter I wore thermals with shorts over them because I didn't feel confident about how I would look in the tights. Once I got over that though it was great. I think whatever you choose, you simply have to not care about what everyone else thinks.

I feel the same way. I will just work on getting used to them.

Being new to cycling, this is my first winter season. Weather dropping to mid 40s-50s (I know... I don't have it as bad as others). I'm also recently unemployed so I've been trying to be as cost efficient as possible. Some stuff I know I must put out the extra $$$ for better quality (learned the hard way).

As I was reading through the thread I did see quite a few sites, but some still too expensive for me. What's a good site to purchase winter gear on a budget?
Sometimes you'll see good prices at Sierra Trading Post. They have decent stuff there. I got a lot of my winter gear there. Cabelas and LL Bean too. LL Bean has good socks. You want to splurge on socks.

So is it a bad idea to cycle in jogging pants or any pants?

My favorite pants to ride in are Reebok light running pants. I have two pair, which seems to be enough as it is, though I might buy a third. They block wind reasonably well and breathe reasonably well. Are comfortable as my only layer (not including underwear or shorts) from low 50s to mid 20s, and are tapered at the bottom with a zipper so they are not a danger to get caught in the crank, but since they aren't tights, they look fine if I have errands to run or want to stop and have a casual lunch or something. They also have some reflectivity built in.

If it's wet or colder, I will usually go with some wind and waterproof pants from O2 that are very breathable. If it's wet and very cold, I'll wear the O2 pants over Thermasilk long underwear. Wore this for about an hour in 15 F and snow and was plenty comfortable.

Don't own a pair of biking tights. Not against them, but what I have is working great for me.