Pants for cool weather...
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 89
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Pants for cool weather...
What do you guys use for cool weather riding? I have tights but I feel silly when I'm not on my spandex worthy bike. I use cheap target (champian runnning pants) when it's REALLY cold (< 30 degrees) What are some good options for 30-60 degree weather?
#2
I still wear shorts when it's in the 40's and 50's.
When it gets colder I have some fleece pants and some shell pants that will keep me cozy even when the temps are in the negatives.
When it gets colder I have some fleece pants and some shell pants that will keep me cozy even when the temps are in the negatives.
#3
Seņior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I wear cheap running tights from about 55*F down to 35 or so, then switch to cheap running pants as you do.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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#5
cyclepath
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,550
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From: "The Last Best Place"
Bikes: 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0, 2001 Specialized Sirrus Pro, Kona Lava Dome, Raleigh hardtail converted to commuter, 87 Takara steel road bike, 2008 Trek Soho
Sporthill 3SP stuff for me. Good to below zero and pretty much anything above.
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"Without music, life would be a mistake."
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"Without music, life would be a mistake."
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#6
I always wear my tights (though one time I forgot to pack my work pants, and I felt silly all day at work in my tights).
Your bike isn't spandex worthy? I didn't realize that was possible. I judge the spandex worthiness by the ride, not by the machine. For example, a trip to the grocery store (1 mile) is not spandex worthy, but a visit to grandma (20 miles) is spandex worthy. I haven't figured out where the cutoff is though.
Your bike isn't spandex worthy? I didn't realize that was possible. I judge the spandex worthiness by the ride, not by the machine. For example, a trip to the grocery store (1 mile) is not spandex worthy, but a visit to grandma (20 miles) is spandex worthy. I haven't figured out where the cutoff is though.
#7
Just a student
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Yakima, wa
Bikes: Cannondale, schiwin old road bike fuji a unicycle
i agree with the above ride in comfort for colder weather i wear layers it works down to 20's or so you just have to find the right layers somtimes it can be a tradeoff cold to start warm up as you go or warm to start and too warm when you get there
#8
Non-Custom Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,613
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From: Portland, Oregon
Bikes: 1975-1980 SR road bike
I always wear my tights (though one time I forgot to pack my work pants, and I felt silly all day at work in my tights).
Your bike isn't spandex worthy? I didn't realize that was possible. I judge the spandex worthiness by the ride, not by the machine. For example, a trip to the grocery store (1 mile) is not spandex worthy, but a visit to grandma (20 miles) is spandex worthy. I haven't figured out where the cutoff is though.
Your bike isn't spandex worthy? I didn't realize that was possible. I judge the spandex worthiness by the ride, not by the machine. For example, a trip to the grocery store (1 mile) is not spandex worthy, but a visit to grandma (20 miles) is spandex worthy. I haven't figured out where the cutoff is though.
#9
Drops small screws


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,608
Likes: 9
From: NYC Metro Area
Bikes: Soma Grand Randonneur, modified Xootr Swift, Trek 1000SL with broken brifter from running it into a hotel porte-cochčre
For me, it's summer clothes (shorts, jersey, sandals) down to 50°F, and then I start adding jackets and tights as the temperature descends. I use half-gloves all year, but in the low 40s or so, the Moose Mitts go on the bike and I'll break out the Gore-Tex boots. (Or, if I'm on my road bike, the Lake winter cycling boots.) Much below freezing, I'll add a second pair of tights.
https://icebike.com/Articles/strategy.htm
https://icebike.com/Articles/strategy.htm
#10
Have bike, will travel
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,286
Likes: 317
From: Lake Geneva, WI
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
I'll be using Mountain Hardwear tights of its too cold for Lycra bike pants alone. See: https://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardw...ansition-tight
The windstopper fabric breaths but also holds off minor wind, ran & snow.
The perfect cool weather, active gear: windproof, breathable and lightweight with inset stretch panels and a DWR finish. Wear alone or over a lightweight baselayer for aerobic activities. Sheds light rain and snow.
100% polyester WindstopperŪ Featherweight™; 92% polyester, 8% elastane WindstopperŪ Featherweight™ Stretch
Low profile waist
Reflective patches
Stretch inseam gusset and stretch back waist yoke
Updated fabric and fit
Welded construction at all body join seams
Windproof and breathable
Weight: 9 oz. / 249 grams
The windstopper fabric breaths but also holds off minor wind, ran & snow.
The perfect cool weather, active gear: windproof, breathable and lightweight with inset stretch panels and a DWR finish. Wear alone or over a lightweight baselayer for aerobic activities. Sheds light rain and snow.
100% polyester WindstopperŪ Featherweight™; 92% polyester, 8% elastane WindstopperŪ Featherweight™ Stretch
Low profile waist
Reflective patches
Stretch inseam gusset and stretch back waist yoke
Updated fabric and fit
Welded construction at all body join seams
Windproof and breathable
Weight: 9 oz. / 249 grams
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Likes: 3
I almost sweat more in winter. Frozen jeans... ew
I wear the following in various combinations due to the weather:
-lite weight PI tights
-poly long john bottoms
-leg warmers
-heavy weight performance tights
-jogging pants as a wind blocker or for snow. (these are due for replacement this winter).
I wear the following in various combinations due to the weather:
-lite weight PI tights
-poly long john bottoms
-leg warmers
-heavy weight performance tights
-jogging pants as a wind blocker or for snow. (these are due for replacement this winter).
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 409
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From: Central Point, Or.
Bikes: Route-x bent, GT Hybrid
I wear Pearl Izumi winter cycling tights. But they aren't spandex. They are a polyester of some sorts that is most similar to non fluffy fleece. They work really nicely. They fit snug and keep you warm. I change in the locker room.
#15
The REI Headwind pants are excellent in every way. I've had a pair for 4 years and they show no signs of wear anywhere on them. At least 200-300 days in them, probably more. They're not tight, but not real loose either. The fronts are windproof. No chance of getting them caught up in your crank/chain. I wear normal biking shorts under them, and if it gets below about 35, I also add a pair of long underwear under them. I'd say they're good to 20 degrees like that and that's as low as I go.
#16
I usually wear my regular shorts down into the mid 20's (F) then I'll don a pair of nylon wind pants. Below 10, I'll wear a pair of UnderArmour Cold Gear leggings.
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This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
#17
It really depends on how long your ride is. My commute is only 4 miles and I will be wearing jeans once it gets cold, with cotton long johns underneath when it gets really cold. For longer commutes, I might wear tights with fleece pants over the top. But I get cold really easily and this might be overkill for others...
#19
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41
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From: South Puget Sound
Bikes: Specialized Globe commuting hybrid
Those headwind pants look cool. Do they have pockets? I went to Value Village and purchased a pair of Nike nylon trainers that zip and bunch at the bottom, so they don't get caught in the gears. They work really well and aren't too hot in 40 degree weather. Other than that, I just wear my regular clothes (Dickies jeans, Levis jeans, REI cargo pants, etc.).
#20
I have always worn a hodge podge. One year it was lined running pants. Last year I even spent a while wearing an old pair of dockers.
This year I have been looking at some wind/rain cycling specific pants. At $45, these seemed interesting. Anyone have these>
https://www.rei.com/product/724558
This year I have been looking at some wind/rain cycling specific pants. At $45, these seemed interesting. Anyone have these>
https://www.rei.com/product/724558
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 103
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From: Val-d'Or in winter, Radisson in the summertime
Bikes: 97 Rocky Mountain Whistler commuter/tourer - 04 Devinci Phantom hardtail - 89 Italo-Japanese road bike - 2010 Pivot Mach 429 29er - Rocky Mountain Blizzard Fatbike
I have an older pair of xc skiing bibs in brushed lycra, with a windproof backing in front, in a 1993 stylish mauve color. Does the job for wet and cold weather (under 5 deg C). Usually it is windy around here, but sometimes when it's not I like the warm fuziness of my fleece pants. Softshell pants are cool also for cold weather riding, and nicier looking. I don't like to wear my regular clothes, I get sweaty way too quick (even with little layers) so I have to change anyway.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,878
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From: Boston (sort of)
Bikes: 1 road, 1 Urban Assault Vehicle
Think I'm gonna go with jeans with bike shorts under, just for the upside of not having to lug around a lot of extra clothing (jeans = workplace attire for me). On days with a bunch of precip, I'll be using...something else.





