Originally Posted by derath
1. Tights- I was actually thinking of getting some running tights, so I can use them to train for the running portion of the tri. I can wear bike shorts or padded underwear for cycling and not have to buy 2 separate pairs. Does this seem doable? Are running tights and cycling tights generally similar? Are there cycling tights that would work for running as well? (Ie, no padding)
As far as I know, very few cycling tights have padding. I've owned several pair, and have looked at and tried on many others, and none of them did. I wear my regular cycling shorts under my unpadded cycling tights.
And yes, you should be able to wear running tights as cycling tights. I use my cycling tights as cross-country ski tights! I also wear many layers of other things, such as sweats and splash/wind pants, over my cycling tights on cold days (should have done that today!!).
Originally Posted by derath
2. Jacket- I currently own, and would plan to use my current shell for cycling. I know it isn't as sleek and aerodynamic as a cycling jacket. But I already own it and can spread out my expenditures that way. My current shell is more designed for camping/mountaineering etc. It is an old version of a
Lowe Alpine Crescent Jacket It has large Pit zips for ventilation, but no back ventilation. The hood is large enough to cinch over my helmet if it was really really cold. I will probably eventually get a cycling shell. But for now just use this unless I am just kidding myself.
Give it a try! If YOU don't feel comfortable in it for whatever reason, then you might want to purchase something else.
That's one of the things I like about the world of winter cycling ... you don't have to feel like you need to dress in cycling-specific clothing. You need to dress in clothing that will keep you suitably warm and dry, but other than that, you can wear what you want to wear.