couldn’t find a thread on this, sorry if i missed one.
i need some tights. i recently found two pairs of castelli bib tights tucked behind a rack in a thrift store so i grabbed them, but i’m finding them sort of stiff and uncomfortable (although they’re really warm). i have one pair of under armour tights, too, but if it’s really cold, they don’t block enough wind.
i’d like to get a pair or two of good tights - not bibs, no chamois - that i can wear running and biking. it’d be nice if they were somewhat windproof in the crotch area.
I have a pair of 2XU thermal tights and they are fine. I also have the New Balance NBx wind blocker (wind stopper?) tights. I’ve worn them (for running) twice in the 2 years I’ve had them. They are frigging hot. The first time I wore them (for running) it was 35F and I over heated. The second time I wore them (for running) it 20F and they were great.
I occasionally wear them over bibs for cycling when it’s really cold.
I live in Southern California and I am not fond of being cold, so when I say the NBx tights are too hot, I mean it. But if you run in sub freezing temps these are the ones.
CW-X insulator. Going strong for its 4th season of use. $110 well spent.
X2. I have a few including the ventilator and stabilyx insulator, love them. Fair warning on the insulator – anything much over low 30’s and you will roast. However they fit great and stay put, provide perceived muscular support, seem durable and are perfect for running in true cold.
Caveat: I haven’t tried biking in them, afraid I’m an Assos snob there and while IMHO they are the last word in cycling tights (and are available sans chamois, and on sale if you look around) you did say no bibs and I’m not sure they’d work for running anyway. I see no reason why you couldn’t bike in CW-X though.
I actually got a cheap pair of performance brand tights 4 years ago, and I’m still wearing them today. They are super cheap but they get the job done. I just wear them underneath my bibs.
Caveat: I haven’t tried biking in them, afraid I’m an Assos snob there and while IMHO they are the last word in cycling tights (and are available sans chamois, and on sale if you look around) you did say no bibs and I’m not sure they’d work for running anyway. I see no reason why you couldn’t bike in CW-X though.
I got my pair ( the stabilyx insulator) when i was a rather zaftig runner four years ago. Over the next few years, i ditched the running, started cycling, got less zaftig (and no, i won’t start swimming ;), and the tights are still as good as the day when i first bought them. The only blemishes on it were the result of when i took a wrong line on a off-camber turn and slid into gravels.
I wear them from 15F to 40F riding, and my legs never felt cold. I’ve ran in sub 10F temperatures in them and was fine.
I have two pair. For moderately cold temps I have a pair of loose thin new balance tights I use which is 75% of the time For when it gets real cold I have a heavy pair of sugio pants that are amazing.
for sub-arctic conditions, go with craft pxc storm tights. windblock over the whole front, cleverly articulated knees, stretchy flex fleece back. incredibly warm and comfortable - they’re my go-to article when it’s -30c.
The Zoot Ultra, though spendy, is fantastic for running. I was out lastnight in the mid twenties with one light layer of the stuff and was comfortable.
3SP for when it’s especially cold and windy
“Level 2” for all other times
I’ve had Craft, Sugoi, PI, CWX, 2XU, UA - the Sporthill destroys them all in terms of effectiveness. UA is my second favorite because they’re inexpensive and easy to find in stores.