slowandsteady

Just got my performance brand triflex tights today. I wore them on my ride. It was 58 F with 23 mph winds. I felt warm and comfortable for the ride, but as soon as I stopped I couldn't wait to get them off. But that was to be expected since it really isn't that cold out.

Here is their description:

Anybody already ride a winter season with these and can comment on how low I can go with these tights???

Ernesto Schwein

I've worn them into the -40 Fs with patagonia expedition weight capilene base layer, I wore them last winter on a regular basis with just midweight capilene in the -15 to -25F range, when its that cold we don't have wind here (except what you make yourself). I'm never on the bike for more than an hour at those temps, just commuting.

As a note. . .I am crushed that Performance no longer lists these in the bib style, I'm a bib-guy and Amfibs don't fit me as well. I thought the tri-flex bibs were the best product for a winter cyclist available.

2manybikes

Everyone is different when it comes to feeling temperature.

Also you can wear more tights with some "loft" under them and go as cold as you want. I wear mine as a top layer when it's 15 degrees.

slowandsteady

I know that. I just have no clue how cold I can expect for these tights and be comfortable. I mean are we talking 30 degrees or -25? Having some opinions should help me to narrow it down to a range. Either way, I live in Jersey and it won't likely get below the 20s for any extended period of time.

joejack951

I bought a pair of Triflex bibs w/ chamois 2 years ago for cold weather riding. I was able to ride down into the mid 30's or so with just them on for extended periods (2+ hours). Below those temps, my legs/knees were fine but my man goods got mighty cold which is not a pleasant experience. I've since bought just the Triflex bibs and when worn over top regular bib shorts, I'm ok down into the mid 20's or so. Lower than that and my knees need more protection.

2manybikes

It also depends on how long you will be out and how hard you are working. And what kind of bike you are on and if you are in the snow, and if it's windy. And how you feel the cold.

You talking 6 hours like me? That's nothing like a 45 minute ride if you are working hard you can stay warm for a short ride. On a road bike you will get cold very fast. In the woods with a mtb on a path you can stay warm all day in the same temperature. If you are riding in a few inches of snow you get hot just like cross country skiing you could be soaked with sweat, in the temps that were too cold on the road bike.

You could be too cold at 35 degrees or too hot at 20 degrees. Or vice versa.

If it's windy or not windy makes a huge difference too. You just have to lean what's right for you as you go along. You have a great pair of tights to start with, that's a big plus. If you attach a small thermometer to your bike you can start to remember how to dress at a certain temperature and for what kind of riding. By next year you might be able to dress right on the money for a certain temp. Maybe..

fruitless

numb-nuts are usually a clue that your seat might not be set up correctly, I've ridden in triflex's in much colder temps, mid 20s is spring weather, I don't even put them on until its in the teens.

joejack951

Numb-nuts isn't exactly describing the problem. There's feeling, but it's frigid down there That's with just the Triflex layer though and nothing else. Add another layer on top, and I'm fine into much colder temps. I guess it depends on how fast you ride too, as 2manybikes has pointed out.

slowandsteady

I doubt I will be doing rides any longer than an hour in the winter. I ride a road bike, but do have a MTB for snowy times. There generally aren't any trails...hence the purchase of my road bike...so even riding a MTB will be on the road. Winters are generally very windy here 20mph and up, but don't have much snow.

2manybikes

On the days when you just can't seem to be comfortable on the road bike, try the MTB. The lower speed, increased effort, and the ability to spin fast for heat in a lower gear, make them warmer. But, if it's 20 mph winds...........never mind.

You are the furnace, spin fast in a low gear more heat. Spin slow in a high gear less heat.

CBBaron

I wore my triflex tights by themselves for my 40 min commute down to about 20F. Below that I put on a light tight under them to get me down to near 10F. If you bought them large and wore a fleece under them they should be good too below zero temps.
Nearly as warm but more comfortable and not as wind proof are my Polartec Power Stretch tights. I am really impressed with these and I much perfer wearing them to my Triflex tights. It is especially nice on the days with large tmp variations as the tights remain comfortable at warmer temps, while I find the Triflex tights to be restrictive and cause me to sweat.
Craig

Portis

I second the advice to ride a mountain bike. I don't ride my road bike in anything below 30 F and normally don't even ride in those temps. I'll ride my mountain bikes below zero with no trouble. If you are cold in the crotch region, use a folded over wool sock and place it in front of the effected area to block wind.

I had a pair of those Triflex tights for a short while. Personally I didn't like them much. I had Lou at Foxwear make me a pair of powershield tights that are absolutely amazing for winter riding.

slowandsteady

Thanks for the recomendations. It looks like my triflex tights should get me through just about any temp I would see in South Jersey.

I don't intend to ride longer than an hour in the winter. But hey you never know...I never intended to ride longer than 2 hours ever... and certainly never wanted to own a road bike(boring I thought)...and I have done plenty of 6 + hour rides so far on the road bike that I love.