Long Cycling Bibs
 

I moved from Texas back to Michigan a few month ago and this this cold weather is killing my outdoor riding time. If it's about 50 degrees outside I'm good with my short bib and leg warmers but with it being 30-45 degrees my legs are a little too cold. I have proper and warm upper clothing but I need recommendations on a long bib for winter. I'm confused with thermal, radiator, and other terms.

I looked in the local bike shop and they don't have any long cycling pants so I need to order online. Any suggestions on a brand or what to look for? Is a long bib the same as a thermal bib etc?

Thanks.

Odds are that long bibs (knickers, which go to the calf; or tights, which go to the ankles) are insulated somehow since hardly anybody wants to ride with full-length tights in hot weather.

As far as a recommendation goes, if you can find something in the same brand, or even with the same chamois pad, as what you have now, that'll be fine. At least you'll know that it'll fit the same.

I've found there are three basic types of fabric for tights: plain lycra (like your summer shorts), fleece-lined lycra (usually referred to as "Thermal" or "Roubaix" fabric), and wind-proofed fleece-lined lycra (usually with Gore-Tex or equivalent panels and referred to as "Super Roubaix" fabric). I'm very comfortable with the fleece-lined tights in 30-45 degree weather. If it's particularly windy I'll pull out the wind-proofed stuff.

I've got Capo, Descente, Pearl Izumi, and Sugoi tights. All are pretty much equal from a fabric point of view.

Bib tights are also usually expensive. You might find Leg Warmers as a better option. They give you much more flexibility in types from cool to cold weather to wind proof, plus they can be removed and rolled up if weather changes during a ride.

One thing that can save you some money and still keep you warmer than leg warmers is to just buy some running tights. They don't have any kind of chamois in them, so if you put them on OVER your bib shorts, you get the comfort of the bib shorts with the warmth of tights. It doesn't necessarily look quite as good as bib tights, but you can go to the local big box store and get running tights for a lot cheaper.

Turns out that that's what I did, too. I have regular bibs and thermal bib knickers, but I've also got long running tights to layer on top for the really cold days (I haven't tried them in subzero weather yet, though). They work just fine, and I've also got the option of using them for running or anything else in the winter.

I use leg warmers down to around 2C and below that tights over bibs work well. You can use your old 'see through' bibs under the tights.

I rode today with the temp being 46 degrees. I wore my shoe toe covers, wool socks, leg warmers, short bib, long sleeve jersey, long sleeve bicycling jacket, and face mask(like a ski mask but 1 opening for my face). My legs were a little cold but it wasn't uncomfortable.

I wanted to say thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I'll check them out.

gadgetadam, where do you ride? It is not winter yet. 90 days + without getting up to freezing is instore virtually every year. I like 2 layers on the legs and 3 layers above the waist. Feet and hands are the most personal of choices. Some people are ok with cool extremites and others can't stand anything but normal feeling. Neoprene is wonderful imo. You can get fishing gloves at Sports Authority that work fine for teens temps. I don't see alot of training value below 15 degrees. There are 2 rides thru winter on the east side (one Sat. 9 am and one Sun 9 am) weather and road condtions permitting.

I ride knickers down to 30 and then change over to bib tights once it goes below that. Makes 15F feel more confortable that way.

I have a couple bib tights. A Gore thermal that stops the wind, and a Bontrager for use when it's not too windy. Just bought the Bontragers and really like them. I've begun with temps as low as 36º, and as it warms up to mid-50s, they are not too hot.

A buddy of mine has bought a number of things from KB Cyclewerks. He likes his tights from there, and the price is really good. Don't know how long they will last.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...8_10000_202489
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...8_10000_202489

$40 for the pants or $60 for the bibs. I can use the pants down to around 30 or so. after that I do the non insulated tights on top of them as well. I also bust out the packets of toe warmers, makes a huge difference.

I ride Knickers down to 40 with thermal top... then I stop riding... spring will come again, till then binge on your rollers or trainer... if you are commuting, then post in the commuting forum... they will recommend some serous weather gear ;)

I live in western Michigan about 5 miles from Lake Michigan. Yesterday it was in the 40s and I was comfortable with one layer on my legs and two layers on top. I'm just trying to prepare for colder weather before the snow and salt hits the roads. Last night I picked up a pair of Nike Pro Combat running pants. They were on sale for $36 so I thought I would give that additional layer a shot below my waist. They seem a little thicker and fleecey(I know not a word) so they might work.

I don't think I have much time before the snow and salt trucks hit the roads so I just need something to get me outsite till then. The "biggest" bike shop where I moved to doesn't even have any long bibs. I would have thought they would but nope. The meteorologists are saying it's going to be a brutal winter so I already have my notebook and speakers in front of my rollers downstairs to watch movies/listen to music.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.

I would recommend fleece-lined leg warmers as well, I wear them down to the 30s or 20s. I have a cheap pair of Nashbar ones that work great. I also received these recently and they seem nice. The tag inside even says "Made in Italy".
http://www.departmentofgoods.com/zer...ogo-leg-warmer

I wear long shorts under loose tights. Just wanted to put that out there.

??? something about that doesnt sound right.