Originally Posted by
MickeyMaguire
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.
I just bought a pair of long cycling pants (Novara Headwind). I absolutely love them. I originally bought them to wear on my commute as it was getting colder and rainier here. (The Headwind are water-resistant.) As it turned out, they are so comfortable even on relatively warm days, I don't feel like going back to my baggy cycling shorts. Must have to do with the "friction" factor you mentioned.