MMPC

It's getting cooler here in Colorado so my thoughts have turned to keeping warm during cold rides. Since we all know most cycling apparel isn't cheap and difficult to return, I need some first-hand advice before spending more money.

The most cost-effective option for me would be to buy some warm tights minus chamois (Pearl Izumi AmFIB or similar) to wear over my bib shorts. I could also use these tights for cross training - running and XC skiing. Butt I'm wondering (sorry ), does this option work well or do the tights spend the majority of the ride sliding down? What's everyone else do?

late

Are you kidding? When I leave for work it's about 42. In a couple minutes I head down the mountain and get over 30 mph before I have a chance to warm up. The wind chill without warm clothing is a real experience. I started having pads sewn into my tights last year.
I prefer them. But that is just because I have pretty big legs; so layering hasn't worked real well for me. Head over to www.icebike.com and see what they have to say. Take your shorts with you when you shop for tights. Make sure they are going to work together without binding.

DnvrFox

I use tights in Colorado over my bike shorts.

I have been known to wear two pair of tights!!

I have a light tight and a heavy tight and also a waterproof nylon covered set (which get sweaty and cold pretty quickly) - not the best option.

None of them slide down.

However, they ARE pretty "tight!"

miamijim

Its getting colder out?

cyclezealot

Our cold winters can find us going down hills at 39 mph, with temps about 40...Wind chill , seems cold to me..
Usually, heavy leg warmers work...I put leg warmers underneath knickers.that way they stay put. To keep your stuff warm during the descent..Performance advertises "Wind Briefs." They work well... Only time of year I wear underwear. Keeps your chamois warm.

khuon

I usually wear arm/leg warmers until the temps drop below 40 which it doesn't do too often for too long. At that point, I break out the tights. I wear the thermal ones with chamois because I dislike the slidey feeling of tights over my bike shorts so I'd rather just go with one very warm layer.

bsyptak

Go to REI and take a look at these:

https://www.rei.com/product/47811763....HP_CYCLING_TOC

They have a wind blocking front and a nylon back. No chamois, I wear my shorts under them. They are somewhat loose fitting all over, yet look nice and slim and don't flap at all in the wind. They are without a doubt the best piece of cycling clothing I have. My legs are never cold and only get hot if the temps are above 50 degrees (no need to wear them then, but it happens, like on the way home). If you get cold (maybe below 20), you can wear another layer under them and not look like the Michelin Man.

Best of all, REI will gladly take anything back and sell it at their Garage Sale twice a year. But this is one item you will never return. I'm thinking about getting another pair in case they stop making them. Manufacturers tend to do that with good stuff.
I think they are similar to Pearl Izumi Tokyo pants, though I don't think the PI's have a wind blocking front which I consider crucial.

My wife has a pair as well and loves them too. I use them on my 17 mile round trip in Denver, so our experiences should be similar.

sch

When I wear tights, they go under the shorts, I figure the shorts are tougher and will
protect the tights. Does make it harder to get them off if it warms up but on days
cool enough for tights, that is rarely a problem. Steve

Guest

I'm still wearing shorts. That's not in the poll, though.

I'm going into winter kicking and screaming. Stilll wearing shorts and sandals, although I do now wear my warmer socks with the sandals.

Koffee

LordOpie

yo MMPC!

I wear leg warmers. Only once last year did I wear more... ski pants during a snowy mtb ride in 15*F.

Performance and REI will allow you to try and return what ya don't like.

But I think with a light layer on your legs, you should be fine... it's feet, hands and head that I focus on. With booties and warm feet, I haven't had an issue with my legs.

Are you riding at night? Cuz I don't remember it getting all that really cold last year during the days. With black leg warmers on a sunny day, I'm thinking even freezing weather isn't that bad. Carry some chemical pack warmers just in case... tuck 'em in wherever your coldest

MMPC

Thanks for the replies and great suggestions!

LordOpie - leg warmers are fine - I use 'em on chilly days. But when it's more than just chilly I get concerned about that whole crotch area. Things can get mighty icy down there and it's not a feeling I enjoy. Your chemical pack warmer idea - while creative - sounds a bit too...adventurous for me. So do you ride mtb or road - or both?

LordOpie

well, I wasn't suggesting sticking chemicals next to the boys Put 'em along main artery lines and warm up ya blood supply.

Both... we're in heaven bro. But I've been mostly road the past year. Enjoy getting into the zone and it's safer than mtb'ing. Just bought some lights to roadride the Cherry Creek Trail to and around the reservoir for weeknights. I like getting into the foothills on the weekends. Tho I do plan to get a handful of ski and snowshoe days in this year.

Favorite mtb trail: Lair of the Bear. Favorite road: ALL of 'em!

How about you? Where ya ride?

I see from your profile you've got some nice rides: '02 Bianchi Imola, '04 Kona Hoss !

If ya ever want to ride, PM me a day or two before. I'm not very fast tho.

shokhead

Shorts and leg warmers.

H23

Confession:

I look forward to wearing tights each winter. It makes me feel sort of like a superhero-- Flash Gordon in black.

MMPC

I think I'll let you keep that technique - but I appreciate the idea.

Thanks for the compliments on the bikes - they've both served me very well. As for CO being heaven, I agree! I've been switching up between road and mtb, but find myself riding road the most as well. I typically go about 20-30 miles per ride around the Chatfield area or the South Platte River Trail. I also take the C-470 trail quite a bit but the traffic noise grates on the nerves. I would enjoy hitting the road with you sometime (will PM you) and don't worry, I'm not very fast either.

For mtb, I have yet to tackle any really technical trails - that's my goal for next season. Lair of the Bear looks like a great trail from what I've read on-line; how technical is it/how much climbing?

As for skiing - do you go downhill or XC? I'm thinking of getting back into XC this year (after about 15 years away, lol) and it's interesting to see how things have changed in ski design, etc.

LordOpie

check ya PM.

DnvrFox

I have the same feeling about the C470 Trail. I live about 1/2 mile from the trail (E470 and Jordan), but the noise of the freeway is somewhat disconcerting.

I love the entire Chatfield area, including the Platte River Trail.

You must also do Waterton Canyon. I leave from the back side of Chatfield on the mtn bike and go to the top and back. It is amazinglybeautiful! See "A Ride up Waterton Canyon." About 20 miles RT.

Have you ever gone west from the PRT on the Bear Creek Trail - that is a really fun ride, gives you a good climb over the Bear Lake Dam in Bear Lake Park?

If you haven't, you MUST do the lower CC Trail from Cottonwood south - you can now get to Franktown on the trail if you know what you are doing. You can then take the road all the way to Castlewood Canyon State Park. Soon the trail will go all the way to Castlewood CSP.

MMPC

Some great ride suggestions, Dnvr - thanks! I have done Waterton many times, it's one of my favorite off-road trails to really hammer on. Certainly not challenging from a technical standpoint, but you're right on the beauty! I never like doing that trail after a heavy rain/snow melt though - something about getting conked on the noggin by rocks...

As for Bear Creek, I've gone all through the park but never taken it due west from the PRT. Incidently, I thought the dam was east of the PRT? Anyway, sounds like a fun one to try. I've also ridden on CO-8 between Morrison to 285 - pretty good climbing workout but you have to watch out for those big gravel trucks...

The lower CC trail sounds great as well. We should meet up for a ride sometime and you can show me the way to get to Franktown. PM me and let me know when you ride.

DnvrFox

Bear Creek runs west through Morrison and starts out with headwaters near Evergreen.

The park/dam is just west of C-470 - you can see the park from the freeway, and is between Morrison Road and US 285. It is about 2,500 acres.

The dam is on the east side of the park, and the trail goes through the park and campground, over the dam, through the Lakewood Skunk Hollow Golf Course, and under Kipling, Wadsworth, Sheridan and Federal, joining the PRT just south and west of US 285 and its intersection with Santa Fe.

Since I have acquired atrial fibrillation, my rides have been a bit shorter and slower, but would be pleased to show you the CC Trail S from the C/E 470 trail.

I am available a lot of the time. Let me know when you might be. Perhaps Lord Opie might join us for an EASY, SLOW and relaxed ride! Stubacca, also.

There are also trails off of the S CC Trail (i.e., Sulphir Gulch Trial) which are fun.

Zin

I have light weight and heavy weight tights. I wear them over the cycling shorts. Anthing from freezing or below, I add a pair of wind pants.

LordOpie

heck yeah! Especially if you're playing tour guide and will show us new paths/trails.


PS: LOVE Waterton! It's very dangerous in a super cool way... I've had close encounters with big horn sheep, elk, and even a 4' black bear. I was all, "aww, cute little bear. Hello little guy. Uhhh... where's your mom?! "

MMPC

I guess we've hijacked this thread to plan our ride, LOL. Good thing I started the thread! So what about Sunday for a ride? I don't really care when or where - just name it...

LordOpie

sounds good to me. We should drag Karl down from Loveland or Wyoming or wherever he is.

DnvrFox

Sunday is pretty much church and family.

Sorry. Perhaps some other time!

greywolf

Socks & sandals ?? Only you could wear that combo. & look good Koffee