scarleton

I am 6'4" & 290 lb. The Pear Izumi shorts I have are very comfortable, but I am tired of having to pull them up all the time, so as it turns cold, I am looking to switch to bib tights. I am in Cincinnati, Ohio, it is often in the 30's & 40's most of the winter.

The problem I am having is find them that will fit me. Being 6'4" w/ 44~45 waste (yes it is shrinking), tights seem hard to find. I understand that good ones will often be USD 120 or more, thought I would prefer to keep it under USD 200. What do you suggest?

volosong

Might be too close to the change in seasons. In the past, I've found the best "bargains" are end-of-season closeouts from retailers who sell on the web. Specifically, chainlove.com. They went by a different name in the past and have been bought out by Competitive Cyclist. The deals are not all that fantastic anymore and they merged MTB stuff with road stuff. The chainlove.com site list just one item, for about 15-20 minutes, then it's gone, having been replaced by a different item.

When on sale, I've found good stuff at Competitive Cyclist also. I really like them. At full price, their prices are pretty fair. On sale, they are darn good. No sales tax either, (unless you are a Utah resident). They have a good return policy also. All their clothing has sizing guides. My guess for you, (considering my size), is that you would take a XXXL size. I'm 6"3" at 220 lbs and find that XXL fits well. (The XXXL sizing is European sizing. Castelli, Capo, etc.) You might fit into a XXL size from a Canadian/U.S. manufacturer, (Louis Garneau, Hincapie). Check the sizing guides.

Earlier this week, I noticed that Competitive Cyclist did, (and might still have), a sale on bibs. Don't know if they are thermal or not. A set of leg warmers will go a long way in making them work in cold weather. I just took a quick look because I'm set for bibs for a long time.

About the only thing I can suggest. Do some searching pretty quick because the deals might be gone or the prices will probably go up as soon as it really starts getting cold. The window is closing pretty rapidly.

bigfred 

I'm 6'4" 260lbs'ish XXL Pearl Izumi bib tights are working fine for me. Not sure of the model, but, they're made with the roubaix fleece and could easily accomodate another inch or two on top of my 42" waist. Unlike some of the XXL bib shorts I have from PI.

Willbird

Lots of folks seem to live Aerotech design, I have not ordered from them yet.

They list them clear up to a 4X size, but a 44-45 waist would put you between a 2X and a 3X maybe ??The "tall" has a 36-38 inseam, the regular is 30-34 inseam.

Thermoroubaix Mens Cycling BibTights PADDED

dagray

I will be ordering the 3x from Aerotech as my 4x bib shorts are getting loose in the legs and bum.

RyeRey521

FWIW, I own two bib tights and still prefer my shorts with quality leg warmers over them (Elite Thermal and Amfib). For your size and considering you are decreasing in mass, consider that as an option. I will wear a base layer under the shorts and leg warmers and be good till the high 20's.

Zoxe

I'd watch Twin6 to see if their Thermal Knickers get stocked this year.

I caught a pair last year on one of their progressive sales (around Thanksgiving, I think, big $$ off), and they're very nice. They are best in the 40s and 50s on damp fall mornings. I am not a commuter, but I've worn them down to ~35 (light wind conditions) and been comfortable w/ long socks pulled up.

If they come back into stock, they will be shown here: Men's Bottoms- TWIN SIX - Alternative Cycling Apparel

Reseller here (out of stock): Twin Six Thermal Bib Knicker - Men's | Competitive Cyclist

They are reviewed here: Review: Twin Six Long Sleeve Jersey and Thermal Bib Knickers | Singletracks Mountain Bike Blog


I'm not affiliated with Twin6, but I like their stuff. Keep your eyes open for Hump Day Sales on Wednesday and special deals before the holidays.

Nikon shooter

I have had great success buying from Aerotech. Also, I was in Performance Bicycle this week and they had a ton of clothes on clearance. Lots of 2x and 3x stuff. i bought a pair of bibs and a jersey for $89 total. Wasn't looking for tights and they most likely didn't have any in the clearance, but they do carry big and tall stuff. If there is one near you might be worth a trip.

Zoxe

Twin6 had a big progressive sale yesterday and free shipping today.

Their bib knickers are back in stock, in sizes up to 3X (46-50 waist, 250-260lb according to their size chart). As I mention above, I rode in a pair of these last year and really enjoyed them. They are not "winter" bibs but they get the job done in the conditions in which I tend to ride.

THERMAL BIB KNICKERS - Men's Bottoms- TWIN SIX - Alternative Cycling Apparel

(I'm not affiliated in any way with Twin6, but I do really like their stuff and have had great service from them when I've emailed with questions and comments; as I have lost size I've been purging older bigger bike clothes out and replacing with T6 jersies and bibs).

scarleton

I purchased a pair of Pearl Izume thermal tights. They were heavenly in the upper 40's. Over the last month there have been things going on preventing me from cycling in the arktic cold. I am hoping to be able to change that this weekend! My hope is I can stay comfortable down to about 30 degrees.