My cycling tights are comfortable when I ride. There is less friction on the nether-regions. As for why I wear long legs even in the heat of summer, I am trying to cut down on the amount of exposure to the sun I get. I taught fly fishing for many years and I have had a lot of time in the sun over the years. After surviving colon cancer (hence the tights and gel seat), I don't feel like succumbing to skin cancer. I also always wear sunglasses to hopefully prevent cataracts.