I have about 3 sets of tights, but they all seem to work best between 35-50 degrees. Now that the winter is coming full force, I need some tights I can wear down to the teens and even single digits that won’t leave my legs bright red and my knees creaking. Anyone have recomendations for tights in the 20-35 degree range and even the sub 20 degree range. I’ve started wearing two pairs which works well except a bit of chafing. I’d prefer one extra thick comfy layer to multiple restrictive chafing layers.
The manufacturer sites don’t seem to really address the issue of temperature ranged.
Desoto fleece tights. so warm I can’t wear them unless it’s below 35. Once I get inside I have to rip them off or I’ll really pour sweat, they’re that warm. windproof - so great on the bike or run. I have 3 pr and wish I could wear them more but it has to be pretty cold.
i wear Patagonia cool-weather tights for running down to about 10deg and below that i don’t run!
for cycling i used to wear a Gore-Tex front tight i bought at MEC 10+ years ago, and xc ski in those too at times. I also use Nike cycling windfront tights for riding in the winter. i would wear shorts or a bib under the tights for added warmth.
last winter i bought an insulated full length bib which is AWESOME - it doesn’t have a pad so i have to wear shorts under it, but it’s great for as low as 25deg riding and i don’t ride any colder then that.
I bought a pair of Performance Triflex tights in 2003. Now they’re selling for $60 w/ no chamois, and there’s always a coupon out there for Performance. Windproof front, crotch, and center of the butt (keeps wet road spray out). I’ve ridden in them down to 20, run in them down to -10. They kick ass for cheap!
3rd the DeSoto Polartec fleece tights - I have yet to break em’ out this year. SUPER warm that I can only use them below about 25 degrees. Nice low cut front as well.
I have some of these from Craft - http://www.craft-usa.com/ - the Mens Gore Wind Stop Thermal Tight - under cycling bibs and tights. They are awesome for both running and cycling - of course you’ll need some shorts underneath - no cold legs that is for sure.
In fact I have an extra pair that are too small for me - been kicking around waiting for someone to wear - size L if anyone is interested.
I have found the Pearl Izumi Amphib tights to be too warm for any temperature. They are a little restrictive as well so a size larger than normal may be good. I have a pair of Trek tights that I don’t even know the model and they are great. Fleece lined wind the wind stop on the front. They seem to have a little flex panel around the knee so they are less constricting than the PI’s, and plenty warm for coldest of Virginia weather which is not as bad as New York etc…
Also for anyone that cares the Gore Bike Wear WINDSTOP jacket is the best thing that has ever existed for winter cycling. 2 mesh rear pockets and a nice zip up center pocket in the center rear that is close to your body so gel does not freeze, and it’s a big pocket for additional item storage.
Living in Maine I have tried a number of things to keep the legs warm at 20 degrees or so. The cross country ski equipment has been the best buy and most effective for me. Never had cold legs. I have used Sporthill as mentioned above. It is not really tight or aero, but it is warm and wind resistant.
I know that you do not prefer to layer but i would start with Super Roubaix type fleece shorts under any winter tights.
I still use a pair of Gore-Tex fronted tights from 15 years ago. With warm shorts and long socks I am fine in almost any cold. My feet make me quit (even with booties, etc.) long before my legs get too cold.
hard to find really ‘cold’ weather tights…the pi amfib (also performance triflex) are pretty good…maybe down to the mid 20’s?..go with bibs…the gore bibs seem about the same but more expensive…i searched around a lot and can’t really find really cold stuff…craft makes a really warm one, but it is bulky…i have seen some adidas windstar (?) advertized on ebay that look good. for super cold (10-15f) i wear a fall-weight bib w/no wind block front and a pair of old bellweather heavy tights that have a nylon front over that…it seems that most ‘cold’ weather tights are really not northern us cold weather, but more like denver winter (35f) …ie not really that cold…same goes for running tights…the sporthill cross country are really the best i have found, and i have tried about everything…also try ‘beyond fleece’ custom clothes, they have some good farbics…but not nec for biking…the way to go is to order several different pairs and return all but the best, since it is really hard to tell what ‘warm fuzzy’ fleece means from a catalog description (which is usually not the ‘same warm fuzzy’ a northern rider is thinking of…also, store in your mind this thread for next march when everything goes on sales at your lbs…some of the stuff is very expensive, like the italian brands, but very good, and you can get them 1/2 off then…