zpl

So the weather is getting pretty cold in the mornings here (dipping into the upper 30s already), and I'm thinking about buying some cold weather clothing while the selection is still good. Among my options are buying new tights without chamois and wearing them over my bib shorts, or spending the extra dough on bib tights w/ chamois. Any opinions on what's more worthwhile, especially as a clydesdale? Any recommendations on particular brands?

Scott

Tom Stormcrowe

I just use runners tights from Nike over my regular shorts/bibs. A set of wind proof/waterproofed runners tights will also be good and don't forget wool socks either.

dbikingman

Why have I seen riders wearing their tights under their biking shorts?

Mr. Beanz

I had one dude ask why I had my tights under my shorts from a pic I posted.

Well he thought they were tights but they are leggings. Only go up to mid thigh so they are tucked under the shorts. You sure that aint what you been seein'?

Sumthin' like this?

dbikingman

You might be right, I'm aware of leggings and arm warmers, but I hadn't thought about that is what I maybe seeing. I guess if I am real curious I can walk over and give a little tug test and see what breaks loose

mkadam68

It's also a matter of taste. I found that when I (lived in Rochester, NY...brrrr) put my tights on over my bib shorts, the tights sagged a bit in the crotch and caught on the nose of the saddle while my shorts stayed where they were supposed to stay. So, I put tights on first, bibs on over, and voila, no more nose-catchy. Of course, then I had seams from the tights rubbing....

Of course, I live in California now, and just wear leg warmers when necessary

theetruscan

Bibs blow the **** out of shorts. That said, they're not much warmer at all.

Wogster

I would look at tights without chamois, you might find them easier to get, and cheaper, at regular sports stores. The advantage of course is that, if you leave home at 8:00AM and it's 35℉ out, it can still get into the upper 50's and low 60's by noon, so you can always pull over and take them off if you find your legs over heating.

Crast

I wear bib tights without chamois over shorts with chamois. Means I can cycle through several pairs of cheaper chamois shorts while using the same tights.

CliftonGK1

Depending on how big you are, you might want to give the PI Gavia Plus bib tights a try. I'm 6' 6", 242 pounds, and I wear an XL in that model. The only kvetch I've got with them is that the shoulder straps could be about an inch longer. (Might bust out the sewing machine and fix that this weekend.)

For winter weather down to about 30, I'll be wearing these without anything additional. They've got Pearl Izumi's proprietary AmFib Ultra outer panels for wind/water resistance, extra wind/waterproofing at the thighs and crotch, stretch panels at the knees to keep from restricting movement, and extra waterproofing at the shins. The rear panels are breathable so you don't overheat, and they're microfleeced to keep you warm. The 3-D Pro chamois feels bulky off the bike, so the whole thing feels like a bib-john wetsuit with a diaper, but on the bike it is the most comfortable chamois I've ridden.

They're a bit on the pricey side, and that's probably the only real detractor I can find with them.

Bone Head

+1 I wear Under Armor tights over my bibs. As previously mentioned, it's less expensive than a dedicated pair of cycling tights.

MikeR

I bought tights to wear over my padded shorts. I also bought leg warmers. I prefer the leg warmers most of the time. The tights don't keep my legs any warmer then the Leg warmers do, but the tights heat up my crotch. I don't really need more heat in the crotch.

When it is REALLY cold I wear shorts and leg warmers covered by my rain pants. When I tried this combo with the tights I got too hot in the crotch again.

If the tights and shorts were both bibs then my stomach and chest would be too hot too.

YMMV

wrk101

I just use insulated warm up pants. Bought a pair at Goodwill for $1.... I wear them over my bibs of course.


"thrifty" bill

whrl1

Bib tights cost more, but they are worth it IMO for C/A because they stay up better and don't sag so much in the crotch. They also will keep your torso a bit warmer ( which is important, because the warmer your essential organs are, the more blood your body will allow to get to your extremities ). Leg warmers I find not very useful - it's usually cold enough for tights or just wear normal shorts.

They are sometimes hard to find, but skinsuits are actually excellent base layers in cold weather. A plus size person may balk at a skinsuit normally because of the flab it can show off, but in the winter it's all underneath. The usually thin material wicks moisture well. Long sleeve versions are great but are usually harder to find. They are becoming more popular recently for cyclocross and cold weather road racing. Now is a good time to look for used ones on ebay, because many people get new team clothing at this time. Bidding competition for the large sizes can be a bit fierce though.

dobber

WalMart carries a clone of the UnderArmor Cold Gear series, including some nice full length leggings. I'd wear these over my bibs.