Was in a group riding down from the top a Pikes Peak in Colorado back in 1997. Some wore jeans or loose sweats so the outfitters just duct taped them around the shins. So the fabric wouldn’t get stuck in the chain.

This discussion is not very useful without people stating where they live and what the climate is like. Most years here in sunny northern California (except this year which is the coldest summer on record) I wear wool shorts with full length leg warmers from about November through April. After that it is too hot to wear anything but lycra shorts (except for this year).

Of course I'm only talking about long (20+ miles) rides. For anything else I just wear whatever I happen to be wearing (i.e. street or casual clothes).

I live in Central Illinois and the last 7 weeks been really hot so going in shorts. Then about 3 days ago we got a cool spell and temps when I leave early in the morning are 58 degrees instead of 68. I wore long running pants over a thermal long sleeve shirt and jersey. It was warm by the of the 55 mile ride but nothing of a problem. Under 60 I go with pants.

It’s interesting. In the cool weather season I’m becoming more likely to wear long cycling tights at 60 degrees F and below and maybe even just over.

But we also had cooling just below 60F this morning and I wore cycling shorts and a running tank top and it felt just fine. I think the chance to feel even slightly cool after all this heat meant that it was ok. Plus it was a hard, hilly ride on a single speed.

Otto

We pay for comfort, so it’s better to overpay but get a better quality item.