What should I wear?

[LucyBrown]

Hi Ladies,

I've been lurking here for a couple of months, haven't really posted much.

I'm riding this Sunday on a fun ride (35 - 50 miles, TBD). The weather is supposed to be a high of 57, cloudly, maybe rainy.

What should I wear? I have padded bike shorts, but nothing longer. Will those be OK or should I try to find some knee-length or full-length biking pants?

[mtkitchn]

Hi Lucy,
I have some leg warmers that I wear when it gets a little chilly (mid thigh to ankle). That way if it gets warmer, they can be taken off and stuffed in a pocket.
Sue

[DeniseGoldberg]

I've heard advice over the years that if the temperature is below 60 that you should keep your knees covered. (In fact I've heard folks say that the magic temp is 65, not 60...) I use knee warmers more often than full-length leg warmers, but the idea is the same... something you can easily stuff in your jersey pocket if it gets too warm.

--- Denise

[SalsaMTB]

I went riding yesterday and the temp was in the mid-30s. I just wore a pair of padded shorts with cheap tights over them. I felt OK. You can get cheap tights at any sporting good store for a minimal cost. The leg/knee warmers would also work!

[Grog]

Leg warmers or tights-over, for sure. A high in the 50s means a beginning of ride in the high 30s-low 40s. Save your knees by adding a layer there... You can always take it off when it's too hot.

Enjoy!

[Trekhawk]

I've heard advice over the years that if the temperature is below 60 that you should keep your knees covered. (In fact I've heard folks say that the magic temp is 65, not 60...) I use knee warmers more often than full-length leg warmers, but the idea is the same... something you can easily stuff in your jersey pocket if it gets too warm.

--- Denise

I read this too and yep the magic temp was 65. Apparently this helps keep knee tendons warm as they lie very close to the surface and dont like being exposed to the cold. Sounds like a good tip so Im trying it.:)

[bcipam]

Wow, the only time I wear tights or leg warmers is when the temperate gets below 40. Usually my legs don't get cold, but I understand wanting to keep large muscle groups warm.

I hate wearing leg warmers adn with tights I'm stuck with having them on even when it gets warm. I like the cheap tights over shorts idea and might try it. If you aren't going to be out all that long I would just go with the padded shorts and make sure your upper body is kept warm.

[Nanci]

The Florida Freeze Baby here wears knickers in any weather lower than 70F. I _hate_ having cold legs. I can tolerate heat much better.

Nanci

[DrBee]

I'm with you Nanci - my threshold on tights is somewhere between 65 and 70 (depending on humidity/wind).

[bcipam]

And I hate riding in weather over 75 - 80 degrees. Rather have cold than warmth/hot. This girl does not do hot well!!!!

Did a week long ride in Utah several years ago during the Fall. It was pretty cold in the morning (35 - 40 degrees) but would be warm (75 - 85) during the day so I started out usually with arm warmers and vest, I never pulled on tights or leg warmers but one morning wished I had. It as 32 degrees and the ride started on a downhill. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! So cold, had to go into restaurant where I sat under the hand dryer in the restroom for 15 minutes. Also one day it never got warm but in fact got colder and started to rain so, I found my sag vehicle and put on a few more layers. Tights probably would have been a good idea that day!

[solobiker]

Hi there, I would go with leg warmers that way if you do get to warm you can take them off. I myself do not enjoying riding in warmer weather, usually up to 70 is what I enjoy. I have gone out in the upper 90s, and that is way too hot. I tend to thrive and do better when the weather is "poor" meaning cooler with rain/snow mix. Dont know why, call me crazy. The same is when I, the worse the weather is the better my run.

[Grog]

Wow, the only time I wear tights or leg warmers is when the temperate gets below 40. Usually my legs don't get cold, but I understand wanting to keep large muscle groups warm.


According to my coach, the problem is not so much getting cold legs, but arthritis and other damage in the knees in the long term. It's more a preventive measure, she says...

[LucyBrown]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I really appreciate it. I'm gonna see if my running tights fit over my bike shorts for now, if not I'll hop over to my LBS for leg warmers. I'd never even heard of those, so...thanks! :)

[tulip]

I wear tights if it's cooler than 70F. I think I'll get some knickers this year for the 65-70 days.

[cyclingnewbie]

I have a pair of knit pants that are slightly looser than tights that I wear over my shorts until the day warms up. It's just enough fabric to help with the cold, and easy to take off and store when it warms up. I've thought about investing in knee or leg warmers, but it doesn't seem worth the money when I have a current solution. I don't usually ride unless it's at least 55 degrees, so I don't need serious cold weather gear.