How long should tights be?
 

I'm about to buy a pair of basic Novara tights from REI. The pics on their website show tights that don't quite come all the way down to the guy's shoes: http://www.rei.com/product/786445

Wouldn't that leave an area exposed to the cold/elements? Should I be buying longer tights that cover or maybe even bunch up over the top of my shoes so that I'm fully protected, or are tights really meant to be worn like they are on the website?

A lot of riders use shoe covers in the winter that go up past the ankles and would cover that area.

Or Longer socks!

Leg Length
 

It's said that someone once asked Abraham Lincoln how long a man's legs should be. He replied "just long enough to reach the ground."

It would've been fun to ride with Abe.

That's what socks are for!

Get some cycling thermal tall socks or shoe covers.

Also how cold are you planning on going?

I might suggest leg warmers instead of the tights.

you would not want that. they could easily get into your chain/chainring and ruin it. there is a reason for the snug/short fit.

That's how I like my tights ... really long. Only I don't bunch them over the top of my shoes, I bunch them around the knees, so they are looser around the knees. If you get them too short, you may find them to be too tight over the knees.

Unfortunately it can be quite difficult to find long tights. I don't have exceptionally long legs (or at least I don't think mine are all that long), and yet, it can be difficult to find tights as long as I like them.

Not sure yet, as this is my first season of cycling. I live in the Northeast and don't plan on taking my road bike out when they start putting salt on the ground, but am now thinking about riding my hybrid when temps drop to 30F or below.

At what range of temperatures would these REI Novara tights be most effective? I was thinking 35-45?

I also already have a set of knee warmers that I love. My plan was to use the knee warmers until it got too cold, then switch to tights, and then use both at the same time for when it's really freezing out.

I'll wear knickers or knee warmers below 18C (65F).

I start wearing tights or leg warmers when it gets down below about 10C (50F)

When it gets down to about 5C (40F), especially if I'm going to be out there in that temp a while, I'll start to think about throwing an extra layer on over my thighs and hips ... one combination that works for me is shorts, full-length leg warmers, and then knickers overtop.

Below freezing, and I'll be in two long layers ... shorts, tights, and sweatpants or something over top.


(I'm cold when I ride)

They might be pretty effective if you used them in layers. The reason I asked about the cold is really tights are only going to be useful in the winter.

Spring/Fall the warmers are nice because you can take them off when it warms up if you're doing a morning ride.

I don't plan on doing much riding below 35-40 so I don't own a pair of tights.

Of course if you're taking the hybrid out in sub 30 degree weather I think the tights might be really useful. Especially in layers. Shorts, leg warmers, and tights over the top. Since I assume you won't be working out as hard on the hybrid it will be harder to stay warm.

I guess! I'll put on leg warmers in the low 50s. I feel like such a wussy doing it though. Around here I'll see cyclists passing the other direction in short sleeves and shorts at 50-55 while I'm all bundled up.

Mostly for me it's an issue of getting warmed up. If I don't get warm I tend to slack a bit. I like the warmers because I can peel them off once I get warmed up. If I start out too cold I'll never get warmed up.

I should say I'm pretty new to road cycling as well. So take any advice I give with a grain of salt :-)

I used to run throughout the winter though so I'm no stranger to layering.

My tights have straps about the bottom of the cuffs. Nice and snug. That feature will keep your ankles warm.