one4smoke

Need some recommendations on cycling pants for primarily cold/cool weather use. Not into tights or bibs. Something like this is pretty much what I have in mind:

https://www.rei.com/product/892417/n...FZQkgQodeQwLyg

superdex

sounds like you answered your own question?

drlogik 

I have two pairs of Endura Humvee mountain bike shorts and a pair of the knickers and LOVE them! They are of exceptional quality, rugged (NOT flimsy like many others) and I also wear them when I'm riding my road bike to. They also make the same shorts in a long pants model. I looked at a LOT of shorts and pants for biking and none of the others can come to close to the shear rugged build of the Humvee's. The olive and black shorts I can wear during the day to because they don't "look" like bike shorts. Same probably goes for the pants.

Note about the Endura Humvee's though: they run small, at least the shorts do. I have a 34/35" waist and 6' 2" tall and wear XL and they aren't big in the waist and the extra room in the legs and seat is welcome when riding.

No, they aren't cheap but in apparel you get what you pay for. The shorts come with a liner, not sure these do though. These will last a long time. Now that the weather has turned cold I may buy a pair of the longs myself.

These:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A1IPYSP9L3GOSK

Eric S.

I've been wearing $18 Russell athletic pants for a couple years. They're lightweight Lycra-ish and I'm comfortable in them down to about 40F before I consider wearing long johns.

zze86

define cold/cool? I found this season that ~15degF (including windchill) is cold and the point where I need to upgrade.

I just ordered these softshell pants to combine with gaiters to try out.

rumrunn6

my 2 cents - this time of year features/benefits to look for, might include thermal protection & water repellency. I've been happily using Novara Headwind pants but I think they are discontinued. when it's 32- 17 degrees I add thin running/cycling tights underneath

bmthom.gis

I thought so too, then I saw they are no longer available.

OP, check out Chrome Industries, Rapha (they have some pants for about the same as Chrome), etc.
Not sure what cold is for you. The biggest enemy of cold is wind, so maybe just some windbreaker "swishy" pants you can put over your other clothes.

one4smoke

No, those are discontinued. Just wanted to give an example of what I'm looking for, so others have an idea.

one4smoke

Something to keep me warm at 25° but yet not too warm at 45°. I assume like most, my legs are the last thing to get cold though. I usually wear shorts down to about 50°.

Craptacular8

My lbs which also carries ski wear this time of year usually has cross country ski pants available starting late october that they sell for biking. They look a lot like the REI pants you linked to, and of course are made for motion. I got a pair for my spouse, they loved them worn over their bike short liners for the riding we did through November. I've put them on my Xmas list, so will update with a review if I actually receive them, lol

canklecat

Those REI pants and a couple of similar models were still available at the local store a couple of weeks ago. I didn't like 'em. They seemed unnecessarily baggy, the pockets lacked good security features and the cuff latch seemed too fussy for easy handling, especially with cold hands. I might find those compromises acceptable at around $15-$25, but not at the higher "discounted" price.

I'm still looking for cycling trousers made like my Wear First shorts, with all zippered pockets front and rear. Even Wear First doesn't make that style anymore.

rumrunn6

Amazon just reminded me about some pants I put on my wishlist after learning another BFer bought them

4ucycling Windproof Athletic Pants for Outdoor and Multi Sports


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQDTTF8...30928cf47723_S

edawg55

I just wear my ski pants. lol

fietsbob

Sweatpants .. Track warmup pants, a Knit Fabric Gives with leg flexing..

Phil_gretz

I wear the pants shown in the Amazon link above, but I buy they on eBay from the Chinese manufacturer, under the brand NENK. The windproof lined ones are EXTREMELY WARM if you are riding. With out tights underneath, they can be worn comfortably between 25 degrees and 35 degrees or so. Above that, you'll be sweat soaked. With tights underneath, you can go down to 0 degrees pretty comfortably.


There is also a non-lined version under the same brand. These are really the nicest ones, and they can be worn at a few degrees warmer than the lined ones. They allow wind penetration, which helps really. They also look really nice for sporting pants, not like sweats, so they can be worn in mixed company or in casual settings. Paired with a clean golf shirt or trim athletic jacket, it's a good look for an athletic man. Just sayin'

rumrunn6

these?

4ucycling Men's Lightweight Breathable Soft Pants
https://www.amazon.com/4ucycling-Men...cm_wl_huc_item

Phil_gretz

Yes. As nearly as I can tell from the Amazon listing and photos, they're what I wear. Really nice. I'm 6'1" and a fighting 172.5 lbs. I wear an XL. Sizing is a bit confusing, as the reviews noted. Again, I buy the NENK ones from China on eBay, though. PG

shelbyfv

I have these from REI https://www.rei.com/product/102060/n...ike-pants-mens They work well over bib shorts. I agree that if you are wearing your pants over cycling shorts or bibs they don't need to be cycling specific. They do need to be designed so that they don't bunch up under you or flap and catch your chain. In other words, insulated Carhartts probably wouldn't be the best choice if you are actually cycling. Coffee shop or running errands would be another thing.

jefnvk

Just curious, have you actually tried tights? I kind of laughed them off, until I got tired of tucking pant legs into socks and bought a pair cheap to give a shot. I got over my preconceived notions in a hurry.

If I were looking for something non-cycle specific, I'd take a look at hockey warm-up pants. Lots of articulation (designed to be skated in), somewhat form-fitting, designed for cool temps, and generally water resistant.

mrodgers

At 45° I'm like you. I have a difficult time in putting away the shorts for that. I just have regular old $5 sweatpants I wear around the house. At 23° the other night, I had an old too small pair I threw on and a 2nd pair over top. That was fine with me. At 30° I have just worn a single pair of sweatpants.

Camilo

I use a variety of running and skiing "tights". None that I have are actual tights, they're loose-ish, but not baggy. An example are the Sporthill XC pant (look for an image... available many online and local sources). It's an excellent fabric, nice and warm, comfortably loose without flapping in the wind, and very wind resistant. I also have some other similar fitting pants of various weights. But the Sporthill XC pant is an excellent, versatile and extremely durable and tough. I use them for XC skiing, riding, and hiking. I've probably worn mine several hundred times over the past 15 years and they aren't worn out.

I just wear my thinnest/lightest pair of cycling shorts underneath. If I need another layer, I have a pair of roomy full zip Sporthill wind pants I wear over them.

But it looks like the REI pants you referenced would be great too. I believe REI sells Sporthills stuff so you might be able to compare.

Dirt Farmer

Shorts (either baggy or lycra) over base layer leggings.

canklecat

If the main concern is staying warm and you don't specifically need cycling pants that are mess-resistant (rain, puddle splashes, etc.), try leggings or knee warmers.

I just got some Nashbar brand knee warmers this week -- regularly $15, only $10 after one of their many discounts. Good enough down to freezing with shorts. Under trousers they'd be even better, especially with long socks to cover the shin gap. At work you can pull off the leg warmers and knee warmers without pulling off casual fitting trousers or loose fitting jeans. Drop trou, roll down the leggings/knee warmers below the knee. Pull up your pants, roll up the pants cuffs and pull down the leg/knee warmers.

If you don't mind wearing tights and plan to wear 'em under trousers all day -- if you work outdoors or in a cold indoor location -- don't spend money on cycling tights until you're sure you'll like 'em. Buy some women's tights for $5 from Walgreen's, Walmart or any place that carries discount clothing. They fit exactly like men's tights. Very warm. And if you don't like 'em, only five bucks wasted. Cycling tights will cost at least $50.

I'm never gonna wear tights in public, although I look damned good in them, thank you very much. But I usually wear baggy shorts even in winter, so women's tights under baggies look the same as pricey Pearl Izumi or other brand tights -- minus the logos and racing stripes.

Unfortunately there's no cheap alternative to cycling arm warmers, but I can buy Pearl Izumi arm warmers for $10-$20 from the local PI outlet store, or Nashbar brand for $10-$15. They really do make a difference under a thin shirt with a windbreaker, and I can peel 'em off and stash 'em in a pocket when I get inside.

coominya

nothing wrong with bibs, as long as you hide them under a tee shirt.

Rowan

I agree with everything you say about these. They come with different brand names, but buying direct through eBay from China reduces the cost a fair bit. I actually went XXL just to be on the safe side with the sizing, and it worked out well.