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Pants for cool weather...

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Old 09-01-08 | 02:48 PM
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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?
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Old 09-01-08 | 02:52 PM
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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.
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Old 09-01-08 | 02:57 PM
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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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Old 09-01-08 | 03:07 PM
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Regular pants rolled.

Or knickers (plus fours, plus twos).

With long wool socks in the winter.
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Old 09-01-08 | 03:10 PM
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Sporthill 3SP stuff for me. Good to below zero and pretty much anything above.
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Old 09-01-08 | 04:25 PM
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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.
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Old 09-01-08 | 05:08 PM
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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
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Old 09-01-08 | 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Lizzylou
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.
I always wear spandex when visiting gram-gram, regardless of whether I'm biking or not...
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Old 09-01-08 | 05:34 PM
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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
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Old 09-01-08 | 05:53 PM
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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
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Old 09-01-08 | 06:09 PM
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30+ degrees I just wear jeans. Below that I might wear a pair of sweatpants under my jeans. It works quite nicely.
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Old 09-01-08 | 06:10 PM
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I wear what I wear off the bike. That means jeans.
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Old 09-01-08 | 06:27 PM
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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).
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Old 09-01-08 | 07:26 PM
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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.
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Old 09-01-08 | 07:48 PM
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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.

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Old 09-01-08 | 08:03 PM
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Originally Posted by noahjwhite
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?
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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Old 09-01-08 | 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by dobber
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.
Weenie.

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...
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Old 09-01-08 | 08:28 PM
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I wear shorts till it's not too hot and then I get to wear my work clothes. Below freezing (pretty rare here) I might wear longjohns.
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Old 09-01-08 | 08:34 PM
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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.).
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Old 09-01-08 | 09:00 PM
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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

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Old 09-01-08 | 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Strelnikov
Those headwind pants look cool. Do they have pockets?
Only one zipper back pocket as I recall.
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Old 09-02-08 | 07:45 AM
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Performance fleece pants are comfy. I won't pay the $50 asking price, I will wait for a sale, or one of those 30% off deals.
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Old 09-02-08 | 08:08 AM
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Base layer under regular pants works for me.
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Old 09-02-08 | 08:21 AM
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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.
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Old 09-02-08 | 08:51 AM
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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.
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