the sci guy 

I don’t love rolling up to work in typical spandex cycling tights that leave nothing to the imagination for my coworkers - the bike rack is right outside the main entrance.

So as the weather starts to cool down, I’m looking for your [affordable] alternatives to tights.

My commute is on a vintage road bike made to a single speed, usually around 15mph avg. It’s not a lolligagging kind of ride.

Suggestions?

groovestew

It gets cold in Houston?

I use those leg warmer things that extend from your shorts to your socks. Helps when you wear cycling shorts to hold the top of the warmer in place. I always wear baggy shorts over any spandex shorts for modesty.

Daniel4

So you're not into performance aerodynamic racing. I wear loose nylon track pants with liners. The shell shields from the wind and gives a little bit of rain resistance. When it rains, get baggier overpants. I can usually tolerate rain but it's really uncomfortable to have wet thighs.

Darth Lefty 

it can be kind of dim down here what with all the shade coming from Canada

groovestew

I've also used cross-country skiing pants. A bit tighter than track pants, but not form-fitting like cycling tights. Plus the ones I had were more insulated in the front with a wind breaker layer, and vented in the back.

pdlamb

You could use ordinary pants with ankle bands to constrain the cuffs.

I got over being shy 15 years (or more) ago, so polypro tights for me. At least I don't have the skin gap showing between shorts and the knee warmers slipping down.

BobbyG

I wear "jogging pants", you know, tighter and lighter than sweat pants, but not as tight as tights. I use elastic hair bands at the ankles. Everything's black so it looks alright.

I run hot so for me the important thing is the balance between breathability and wind blocking. The pair I have now have a vent strip down the side. which works great. I don't need to worry about water resistance in this dry Colorado climate. When it rains I use a rain cape and it keeps my legs mostly dry.

In loose, wet or messy snow I wear water resistant jogging pants...over the others when its below 20F.

DonkeyShow

Merino wool is the business for cold weather. Put some track pants on top.

or just drop stacks on ak gear from burton. Some of their waterproof lighter weight stuff should work for biking.

prj71

Thank me later. Just order one size up from what you normally wear. The the size chart is valid.

https://www.amazon.com/4ucycling-Win...-1-spons&psc=1

RB1-luvr

those Amazon pants look to be a good suggestion.

Darth Lefty 

uh oh, who's going to be prj's guinea pig this thread?

prj71

Practically everyone I ride with during spring/fall/winter wears those pants. They can't be beat for the price.

prj71

Countdown to WhyFi and Koyote chiming in. WhyFi will want me to model them and post pics.

the sci guy 

do these have a liner or do I need to wear some unmentionables underneath? Hard to tell.

Kat12

Soccer warmup pants? Not tight up top (in fact, have a roomy fit because of course they're meant for someone who has shorts underneath) but fitted at the lower leg (so no catching in anything). Have zip bottoms to put them on/remove them over shoes.

BikeLite

If someone wanted to cover up in warm temps from the sun, would the soccer pants be too warm?

RB1-luvr

I bought a pair of the pants from Amazon someone mentioned. I have not used them yet, but they will be handy for errands and times I don't want tights. I might use them for warmup laps at CX races too. I sized up as suggested, but I don't think it was necessary. I'm usually a L, I bought XL. I'm 5-10", 165 lbs, 32" waist, 32" inseam. The L prob would have been gooder.

Bikewolf

I thought leg warmers were a nice solution for the season prior to winter, until the warmers slipped off. That happened very early after purchase even. Not pleasant! Too bad, because those leg warmers gave a good feeling on the skin. Very very unfortunate :.-( So I am not inclined to purchase new leg warmers.

You might consider long socks, then pants with a fleece liner, eventually add a thin thermal pants layer.

(I'm speaking in the context of commuting.)

MAK

These Amazon pants seem great but after reading the one star reviews, the issue of Class "C" clothing is troublesome. I wasn't aware of clothing classes so could someone with textile knowledge please chime in? One would think that if they were really dangerous, some government agency would have banned their import.

prj71

No liner. They are wind blocking up front and breath on the back side. Just wear you normal padded bike shorts underneath.

prj71

You are probably correct. I'm normally a large as well but 5'8" 33" waist and 185 lbs. I have both L and XL. The L is just a little snugger.

bargo68 

When the temps drop in autumn (below 50 in the morning) I switch to liners under long workout pants.
Under:
https://www.rei.com/product/170782/z...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Over:
https://www.rei.com/product/157092/r...ing-pants-mens

Not cheap, but I've gotten 3 seasons out of 2 pair of liners and 2 pair of pants riding appx. 150-200 miles a week. And, they keep me warm down into the high 30's with a merino wool top and light jacket.

prj71

LOL. Fleece is not dangerous. The pants are fine.

fooferdoggie 

I have a pair of chrome pants as I wanted something I could work in and did not have to change. Plus I need something that holds up I have worn the crotch out of more jean pants. they block the wind and the rain on your legs. when it is closer to 32 then I use this guys. water proof and really warm. they kept my legs so warm my whole body stayed warmer.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

MAK

I wasn't questioning the fleece itself (although fleece from China could be suspect in some cases). I wondered about the Class 3 rating. Read the one star reviews. One reviewer (who may or may not be truthful or accurate) claimed that a label actually said something to the effect that it shouldn't be worn against the skin.

Waiting for a person knowledgeable about textiles to respond.