Looking for a pair of themal bib pants for the fall and spring. Something that’s good down to 40*. Usually below that I’m indoors.
Would prefer something with a thinner pad if possible. Like you find in most tri bike shorts. Don’t like the thicker pad in cycling shorts. Although I haven’t worn cycling shorts in years so not sure if the pads are still as thick as they used to be.
Also a recommendation on some gloves down to the same temps. Prefer wind blocking.
Thanks
Pearl Izumi Elites - no pad, just wear my regular bike shorts under them.
https://www.coloradocyclist.com/pearl-izumi-elite-thermal-bib-tight-md-black
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I am quite fond of my Castelli Nanoflex bibs. They are easily good down to 40 but also still comfy up to about 60 if you’re riding in the morning and its going to be warming up.
I can’t believe I went all those years freezing my ass off in Lycra bibs before I sprung for thermal bibs. They are the perfect bridge between summer and full on tights weather. Everyone should have a pair of thermal bibs!
x2 on the Castelli Nanoflex bibs. I went with the knickers to get coverage of the knee. Comfy and not too expensive. Size up as it’s Castelli!
I love my castelli bibs. Riding in the winter used to involve a complicated and restrictive combination of clothing. Now it is super simple and comfortable. Good shoe covers were the second key!
But I don’t even put them on until it gets into the 40’s.
But I don’t even put them on until it gets into the 40’s.
My favorite thing about thermal bibs are those early mornings when it is in the mid 50s to high 40’s but it will eventually warm up. In the past my sensitive parts would have been uncomfortable with just a thin layer of lycra between me and the cool air while the rest of me could be bundled up in warmers I could strip off later if need be. It never made much sense to me that the only place not getting warm gear was the most sensitive. Now all of me can be warm on any given day and I don’t have to risk over heating in tights if the temps are going to be going up during a ride. For me, the fact thermal bibs can sub for tights down into the high 30’s is just a bonus.
Aren’t we talking about long bib tights here?
I do believe that the OP’s original question regarding full length thermal tights.
However, STP has a great observation (albeit slightly tangential) that Thermal bib shorts are useful as they can be paired with leg warmers for full length thermal protection and then said warmers can be removed as the temperature warms through the day.
The thermal bibshort + Warmer situation is terrific for those days that begin in the 30’s and end in the 60’s.
As an example: This week in Boulder we have 5 days with 20 degree changes from morning until afternoon, 1 day with 30 degree shift and 1 day today with 10 (rainy all day today).
I swear by SealSkinz - even when it’s somewhat dry out.
If it’s really chilly (sub 40 degrees) then I will consider wearing something thermal over the top of them or a thermal top under the coat. But that has rarely happened…mostly because if it’s that wet AND cold then I’m not going to ride
I was asking about thermal bib tights. Most of my rides start in the dark and finish as the sun is coming up so usually there isn’t much of a temp swing during the ride. Do like the info on the thermal bib shorts though for the odd time or two I get a later start.
Pearl Izumi Elites - no pad, just wear my regular bike shorts under them.
https://www.coloradocyclist.com/pearl-izumi-elite-thermal-bib-tight-md-black
Do you ever have a problem with the two layers rubbing or chafing. I have a pair of thermal tights, no pad. When I wear my bike shorts underneath I tend to get some movement between the two as I’m shifting around in the saddle. On occasion I’ve gotten some chafing. I’m assuming with the bibs I’d have a snugger fit and that wouldn’t be an issue?
I have some Pearl Izumi tights without a pad I wear with Castelli bibs and I don’t get chafing but I don’t think the brand matters as long as they are quality. The key is both your bibs and tights have to fit well and you really have to make sure you get your bibs on “right” before the tights go on as it is hard to do major adjustments afterwards.
Frankly, I find the bib/tight combo a little of a hassle but it is well worth it so you don’t have to wash your expensive tights after every ride and have their life limited by the life of the pad.
Pearl Izumi Elites - no pad, just wear my regular bike shorts under them.
https://www.coloradocyclist.com/pearl-izumi-elite-thermal-bib-tight-md-black
Do you ever have a problem with the two layers rubbing or chafing. I have a pair of thermal tights, no pad. When I wear my bike shorts underneath I tend to get some movement between the two as I’m shifting around in the saddle. On occasion I’ve gotten some chafing. I’m assuming with the bibs I’d have a snugger fit and that wouldn’t be an issue?
No problems at all… both layers are snug enough that there’s no bunching and no chafing. As STP mentions, make sure you have your shorts on right prior to putting the bib tights on over them.
I use the Peal Izumi ambfib bibs. They have a wind panel on the front of the crotch and legs. I have not plumbed the true temperature depths of these things but I have done multi hour rides at 30 degrees and I am confident that leg warmth is no longer a limiter. Others my differ but I find these to be fine even up to the mid 50’s if you are not working super hard. But I generally over dress as my motto is every day can be an August day if you dress right 
https://www.backcountry.com/pearl-izumi-amfib-bib-tight-mens-plz008g
I mostly run Castelli now as that is my current team kit provider but I have always had very good luck with Pearl Izumi over the years.
Pearl Izumi Elites - no pad, just wear my regular bike shorts under them.
https://www.coloradocyclist.com/pearl-izumi-elite-thermal-bib-tight-md-black
Do you ever have a problem with the two layers rubbing or chafing. I have a pair of thermal tights, no pad. When I wear my bike shorts underneath I tend to get some movement between the two as I’m shifting around in the saddle. On occasion I’ve gotten some chafing. I’m assuming with the bibs I’d have a snugger fit and that wouldn’t be an issue?
No rubbing or chafing for me either.
One thing that I especially like is putting wool, knee high, socks under the tights.
Either Defeet Woolie Boolie or any of the various “ski” socks.
Assos LL.bonka tights: this is the gold standard and worth the money if you ride a lot in cold weather. You honestly do not notice you are wearing bib tights, perfect.
Castelli Nanaoflex: cheaper and works well but has questionable durability and fit.
Assos LL Habu bibtights: this is the slightly lower level bib tights from assos but another good option. A bit less protection but they maintain the perfect fit and feel.
Pearl Izumi thermal bib tights: best bang for the buck, good fit, respectable lifespan, and will easily get the job done.
If you want really warm gloves buy high end ski gloves, otherwise pearl izumi pro amfib gloves are exceptional for anything above freezing.