Just got out a pair that was new last year that I had never worn…Cheap Nashbar Bib tights and I hate them! The chamois is not horrible but, I wear small in everything…got the same here and these fit but have none of the “give” that most tights/shorts do. Is this because of them being thermal or the cheap materials? What bib tights/ winter bottoms do you guys wear? I need something that is good down into the low 20s/teens.
That is my experience across the board with thermal tights. Pearl Izumi tights are good and warm as well are Dhb from Wiggle.
I don’t use thermal bibs but can offer the alternatives I use. Most cold days here in New England I can get away with a decent pair of fleece lined leg warmers and my regular bibs. Slightly colder days I use these and a nice layer of embro underneath. Cold, cold should I even be out here days I will go with the leg warmers over a pair of running tights (worn under my regular bibs) with the layer of embro. I don’t like that extra layer of fabric between me and my chamois and rarely do this. Under 40 degrees and I usually opt for a pair of ankle high neoprene shoe covers worn over toe covers for the feet.
The bibtights you have are perfect, all you need to do is get rid of the stock pad and wear you regular shorts underneath the tights.
My 6th grade home etc skills and a seam ripper have the pad out of my bib tights and bib knickers in less then ten minutes.
What bib tights/ winter bottoms do you guys wear? I need something that is good down into the low 20s/teens.
I’ve got a pair of these and they are great. Super comfortable shammy, no issues with flexibility over the knee and no problems with leg warmers sliding down my legs during a ride.
I agree with an above poster about no chamois. I have a number of pair and I have pretty much switched to them for running as well. I have Pearl, and also Bontrager. The Trek Stores have/had a GREAT promotion where they had the $110 thermal bib tights for $49. I picked up 3 pair and they’re awesome! I seldom use my regular tights anymore as the bib ones are so much more comfortable. Check out the Trek site and see if you can still find some.
Invest in a pair of winter shorts, not tights. Add in good leg warmers and you are good to go down into the 20’s. Below that, you can add knee warmers over your legs warmers, if you want, but at that point, I’d just assume hit the trainer.
Tights suck.
Pactimo makes great bibs that are reasonably priced for the quality (about $130). Pair with their leg warmers and you should be set.
The benefit of using leg warmers is that you can use the bibs during all seasons.
I ride year round in CO. If I wear tights it’s mostly for running but I do own a pair of perl izumi cycling tights that don’t have a chamois, you just wear them over normal bibs. Other than that I wear normal fleece lined leg warmers or most often just knee warmers and good winter socks. My winter socks are a lot taller than my summer socks, and of course wool. The end result is that between the knee warmer and my sock there might only be an inch of exposed skin which for some reason I typically prefer to full coverage.
I do a lot of backcountry skiing and winter camping. The worst thing you can do, in terms of clothing, is to get wet. Thermal clothing tends to absorb sweat so your body is trying to heat up the wet fabric that is next to your skin. IMO, you want a bib that simply protects your skin from direct contact with wind and cold air and wicks any moisture coming from the inside. Assuming you’ll be doing aerobic exercise, I would worry more about keeping dry than keeping warm – your body will regulate the temperature.
I’ve used Campagnolo Steamer bib tights and currently use a pair of club kit tights from Champion. The Campagnolos were pretty good for warmth but had no stretch to them and I tended to be concious of the feel of them around my knees as I pedaled. The Champion tights feel much less substantial but are more fleecy on the inside and are very flexible and stretchy. They are very comfortable. I used to long for the first warm day so I could get out in my shorts, but now I’m not too bothered. There are good tights but they’re harder to find than good shorts.
Incidentally the pads on both were fine for me. I usually use Assos, Castelli and Pearl Izumi shorts and the pad in the Champions is as comfortable as any of those for me.
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. bibs… they see me through PA winters (no pad, I just wear my regular shorts under them). For fall/spring when it’s not ridiculously cold I use the P.R.O. bib knickers - same construction as the bib tights, but they have a pad.
I like the idea of the chamoisless tights. Also is there anything in particular to look for in a good set of leg warmers?
The bibtights you have are perfect, all you need to do is get rid of the stock pad and wear you regular shorts underneath the tights.
My 6th grade home etc skills and a seam ripper have the pad out of my bib tights and bib knickers in less then ten minutes.
This. Including the seamripper.
And for me this is the contniuum:
Just shorts
Shorts + kneewarmers
Shorts + legwarmers
Shorts + bibtights
Shorts + “legwarmers” (recently legs cut off from a wicking baselayer) + bibtights
Shorts + “legwarmers” (recently legs cut off from a wicking baselayer) + bibtights with a wind-resistant panel on the front
Someone else mentioned embrocation in training - that might feel good but is not good for the body. Wear more instead.
Invest in a pair of winter shorts, not tights. Add in good leg warmers and you are good to go down into the 20’s.
Invest in a pair of winter shorts, not tights. Add in good leg warmers and you are good to go down into the 20’s.
No. Some people might be good to go, but many would not. Me, no way would I train in legwarmers with even the warmest short in the 20s. In the 20s I’d have two laters on my knees, and the other layer would be windresistent.
I just got a pair of 2XU thermal bib tights that so far I like. I’ve worn them down to mid thirties and been comfy.
I also got a pair of these recently: Baleaf Men’s Windproof Bicycle Cycling Fleece Thermal Winter Pants Size M https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019GUHXWM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6eIIyb5T432CA
I haven’t taken them on the bike but did wear them on a 20 degree run and my legs were sweating after 30 min or so. I think they’ll be great on the bike down into the 20s. And for $25 I’m shocked at the quality. Especially since I am a cold natured person.
https://www.twinsix.com/...s?variant=6672493123
Wow that company makes some nice stuff at decent prices…and is made in the USA !