more tights questions

Hi, I'm looking for suggestions on tights. I have a pair of Cannondale midweight tights that I love, but they're kind of slippery, and sometimes the leg (particularly the right) twists around when I ride, putting the seams in a not so great position. I had to size down to an XS/P in the tights from my usual S in their shorts.

I really like warmth and muscle support of tights, and for this winter I'd like one pair of chamois tights (since I don't have many shorts and I don't have any shorts large enough to fit over the tights for a less slippery ride). But I'd be ok with another chamoisless. I'm just wondering if there's something a little better out there than the Cannondale.

I've tried on PI, but their stuff is way to big in the waist and seat for what size fits everywhere else (I have the same problem with all PI bottoms). I tried on Nike tights, but the rise was very low, and the proper size was too tight for using as an overlayer. The next size up just wasn't right. (I won't buy another Nike chamois though...my knickers are painful..and I don't know if these tights come with one anyway).

I have a fairly low waist, so while I want coverage, I don't need an exaggerated high rise. Bottoms tend to be the tightest around the thighs and sometimes the hips but cycling is melting away my butt and waist. I also have skinny calves, and probably want something like around a 28" inseam.

What brand / styles would you recommend for me? (Not much else to try in the LBS, so I'd have to order).

Even lightweight tights recommendations welcome for future reference / warm days. It's hard for my legs to feel too warm when I ride--if I need to cool off, I tend to take layers off the top first.

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Originally Posted by aicabsolut

I really like warmth and muscle support of tights, and for this winter I'd like one pair of chamois tights .....I have a fairly low waist, so while I want coverage, I don't need an exaggerated high rise. .... I also have skinny calves, and probably want something like around a 28" inseam.

What brand / styles would you recommend for me?

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I went through our tights selection and narrowed them down toa couple that might work for you:

1) http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=21467 snuggly warm, has a chamois, and a 28" inseam.

2) http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=15724 MidZero is one of my most favorite fabrics. Warm without being suffocating. Also has a nice Ricaro chamois (same as in the evolution shorts) and a 28" inseam.

Hope that helps!

Susan

My Favourite are UA Frosty Tights (no Chamois). http://www.underarmour.com/ProductDe...&pf_id=1001525
Next Are Surgoi Midzero Knicker(non chaois version. There is one with chamois, I have not tried those)
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=21152
Shebeest Pedal Pusher (Awesome Chamois):http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=9954

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Originally Posted by Susan Otcenas

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=15724 MidZero is one of my most favorite fabrics. Warm without being suffocating. Also has a nice Ricaro chamois (same as in the evolution shorts) and a 28" inseam.

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I wore these out the other morning in 45° weather and I thought they were great. They also come in XS! I wore them with the Gore Phantom Jacket http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=21287 and was toasty warm. Like Susan said, very "non-suffocating."

I have the LG Oslo chamois tights, and they are GREAT! I wear them a lot they are way comfy and good chamois. However...they are not quite as supportive (firm wise) as my Shebeest Tech tights:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=11094
My tech tights have the absolute greatest chamois. And they are very WARM and snug and supportive, without being bulky at all. They are actually warmer than either my Oslo tights or my Shebeest Windpro (chamois-less) tights.

By the way, both the Oslo tights and the SB Tech tights have nice smooth looking chamois pads without any strange diaper butt ridges.

Thanks everyone!

I've tried on a Sugoi MidZero speedster, and while my shoulders didn't fit into it well, the fabric was amazing.

Bluetree, do you think they'd be ok in the upper 30s / low 40s too?

Thanks for the suggestions and great reviews!

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Originally Posted by aicabsolut

Thanks everyone!

I've tried on a Sugoi MidZero speedster, and while my shoulders didn't fit into it well, the fabric was amazing.

Bluetree, do you think they'd be ok in the upper 30s / low 40s too?

Thanks for the suggestions and great reviews!

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Aicabsolut, I'm sure they would be.
By the time I came home the temp was in the mid-50s and I was feeling a little TOO warm. I like these tights a lot, but there are only a few times a year it'll get cold enough to wear them in SoCal.

BTW, Susan, you guys are dead on right with the length of the legs on the Castelli tights. I am thrilled to pieces! I actually have warm ankles for the first time ever. http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=21762

I'd say the weight is good for 45-55 degrees, maybe a little colder but I'm turning into a wuss in my old age.

If 50s is getting hot, then I'm sure they'll be fine for upcoming winter rides. I wouldn't be wearing chamois winter tights anytime I'd consider taking them off anyway. Thanks

Maybe I'm a weird one in that I don't like my ankles completely covered. I want the grippers to stay in place just above the ankle bones. I already get a little bunching in the calves and stretching at the bottom hem from that when I have more heel-down ankle flexion on a hilly ride. Strange from someone used to exercising in stiff leather riding boots, I know. :p

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

BTW, Susan, you guys are dead on right with the length of the legs on the Castelli tights. I am thrilled to pieces! I actually have warm ankles for the first time ever. http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=21762

I'd say the weight is good for 45-55 degrees, maybe a little colder but I'm turning into a wuss in my old age.

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Thanks! :) We disregard whatever the manufacturer says and re-measure all our tights in a size medium. It really helps us when we need to recommend things for taller or shorter folks. Plus, sometimes we add items to the petite or tall categories even when the manufacturer doesn't designate them as such.

As for temps - you ARE a California girl, aren't you! :D I think temperature ranges are very subjective. I would be OK in those Castelli tights in temps down into the 30's. I also wear my Midzero tights in the 30s with no problem at all, and would personally be a little too warm in them over 45 or 50.

Yesterday morning it was 24 degrees when I left my house. I was just fine in my Sporthill tights. This morning it was 36 degrees and I was actually too warm in them. But as always, YMMV.

Susan

Wussie California girl reporting that she just got in from her night ride (so no solar heating of black lycra was available) and she was very happy in her Shebeest wind tights, Descente shoe covers, thermafleece tank, Northface midweight turtle, PI kodiak jacket and windvest. PI insulated gloves and a buff topped it off. Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Yes, I am a wuss but it was in the upper 30s by the time we arrived home.:o

Said wuss was also very happy not to have had quite such a close encounter with Mr. Pepe LePew as the last night ride.

Off to shop as Mr. SadieKate asked for another LG balaclava from TE since it has to be washed every time he rides (ewww :eek: :rolleyes: ).

Well I wasn't on the ball and the MidZero tights are out of stock in my size. I found a pair of SubZero tights w/ the chamois somewhere, though. Would these be too warm? I am looking for something that can handle 30s-40s (possibly wind chill in the 20s). I'm a wussie GA girl, though some have told me I must have antifreeze for blood ;) . As I said before, my legs can handle some warmth--I'd shed top layers first. But I don't want to be a sweatball either. Thanks! (Might go for some MidZero too eventually...*hint, hint* TE, get more smalls)

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Originally Posted by aicabsolut

*hint, hint* TE, get more smalls)

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I'm trying, I'm trying ! :) I've had a purchase order in for over a week, but so far, no tights. I think Sugoi may be out of stock too, but my inside account rep has been frustratingly hard to get in touch with this past week. :mad:

I'll let you know if we get any more.

Susan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Susan Otcenas

I'll let you know if we get any more.

Susan

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It's a sad, sad day. Sugoi is sold out, so I'm afraid we won't get anymore of these this year. :( Whatever we have in stock is it. Sorry!

Susan

That's ok. Turns out I can't stand Sugoi. :rolleyes:

I tried the SubZero tights w/ the R2 chamois from another retailer.

Review:
The chamois was bulky--not as short from front to back as advertised, and there are exposed seams between the main chamois and the sides (high friction zone).
The rise is also REALLY tall--came up over my bellybutton if I didn't want things hanging down below. Constricting and uncomfortable. I might've been able to make them work by folding over the waistband, but I sent them back.