Umbra

My LBS doesn't carry knickers so I can't really try any on. Furthermore, I can't really try on these: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthrea...5&page=10&pp=25

Thus, instead of ordering size and then returning it if it doesnt fit, I figure I'll ask here first.

I'm 5'11" and hover around a waist-size of 30 to 31. Very average.

So whaddya think?


I called Nashbar, and the C.S. rep. looked in the catalog and told me "Small is 28-30, Medium is 32-34", etc. and that was it. I tried talking to someone that knew the products...but I don't think they have a bunch of bike junkies (i.e. people that would know the products well) working the service phonelines.

So. I'd assume medium...but 32-34 is bigger than my waist size...but small...well, I don't wear a small ANYTHING. If I'm a small, then anyone smaller than I am is out of luck? LOL

Anyone ever wear these? Are they tight or loose? Do Nashbar brand clothes tend to be tighter or looser?

fhall1

I don't have any of their knickers, but I do have Nashbar shorts and wind pants. I'm 5'11" with about a 33" waist (I usually buy 34's for jeans, dockers, etc that only come in even sizes). For the Nashbar stuff I've found their medium fits fine. I don't know if that helps you much since you're kind of caught between the size bands, but if you're a 30 or 31, my advice would be to go for the small.

Dchiefransom

With shorts, bibs, and tights, the size doesn't change for me. If I wear a L, or XL, in one, it's the same for the rest. Different manufacturers size their clothes differently.

molten

I never bought them (at least yet), They're so popular out here. I don't understand what's the big deal about them. {I prefer the leg warmers --- in that I can remove them,when the weather gets warmer.} >>>But what I'm getting at = the "knickers" are the same as "tights", in My observation, xcept that the "knickers" have that cut on the bottom. Of being slightly shorter on the bottom of the leg portion.<<<< SO WHAT? are they getting tinglled by getting that cool down there?

Umbra

Aren't knickers padded...and tights not padded? That was my understanding.

Apparently not a big deal about them on this forum though, LOL. No knickers fans...

auk

Some knicker info. Hopefully it helps.

Why they are nice: Allows you to have a level of comfort in that 45-60 degree range without feeling bulky with shorts and tights over the top. Knee warmers will do the same and allow you to remove them once it heats up, but if you know that the temp is going to be constant, they stay on anyway.

I've used them in a variety of situations. Knee warmers under the knickers will give you a lot of warmth in the joint area which is critical for some people. Knickers by themselves with tight over the top. Again, that extra little layer over the entire leg.

Tights, as a rule, usually do not come with a chamois, so therein lies a problem with just tights. I typically hate the tights over shorts due to the moving around that you get with the two similar materials slipping against themselves. And, unless you get bib-tights, you get the tights sliding down enough to get saggy crotch which if left unattended gives you a nice area to snag on the tip of your saddle.

Knickers, in the end, just give you another tool to combat the chilly weather. I have two pairs and they get heavy rotation in the fall and spring in the variations listed above.

Umbra

Know anything bout sizing by chance? How tall are you, what's your waist size, and what size do you wear - if you dont mind my asking??

auk

Good point, and the point of the thread too. Opps.

I wear the same size knickers as my shorts. As listed above, size is pretty consistant with shorts, unlike jerseys, so if you take a medium in the shorts, go with that in the knickers. Personally, I take a medium in both. 5-11, 170. 32ish waist and 32ish length.

molten

P.I. makes makes "padded" tights --- the Microsensor tights. I didn't check about the other levels. So Micros doesn't oly come in shorts...

Umbra

Ooo finally some help. Thanks!

BIKERBRAD

I am 6'2" 200 lbs 36" waist and a large fits me well. Knee warmers work Ok if you expect the temps to warm up during your ride, but for those 40-50 degree days and evenings, knickers are a good compromise.

With knee warmers/shorts, you have two overlapping rings of elastic squeezing on your thighs and one on your calves. If you're not wearing bib shorts, then you're getting squeezed at the waist too. It may not bother you, but I found it uncomfortable. They look sloppy too when they start to wrinkle and slide around.

Without any doubt, go with the bib style. It is nice to have the extra coverage around the waist and up under your jersery or jacket. It probably depends on how tall you are and how they're cut as to how far down your legs they go. Being tall, mine seem to end up a little bit below the knee. Finally, my girlfriend thinks they look like football player's pants, which she thinks look pretty hot!