Favorite tights for NW winter riding?

[SadieKate]

I adore my Shebeest Wind Pro tights.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=2499

They aren't super form fitting but aren't tight either. The fronts are windproof. I've never tested them in the rain. They seem to do well with our heavy fogs. I wear then over shorts down to about 35-40 degrees for night time rides of up to 2 hours. I think they'd pull over knickers very easily for even extra warmth.

My original review:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...hebeest+tights

Maybe Susan can tell us whether these are as warm as the ones she posted. They're pretty heavy.

[Trekhawk]

I have the Sugoi Firewall tights and used them to ride through winter here in Grass Valley. Not sure how my winter compares to yours but they kept me pretty comfy in the rain and cold.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I adore my Shebeest Wind Pro tights.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=2499

They aren't super form fitting but aren't tight either. The fronts are windproof. I've never tested them in the rain. They seem to do well with our heavy fogs. I wear then over shorts down to about 35-40 degrees for night time rides of up to 2 hours. I think they'd pull over knickers very easily for even extra warmth.

My original review:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...hebeest+tights

Maybe Susan can tell us whether these are as warm as the ones she posted. They're pretty heavy.

I have both the SportHill Pursuit and the Shebeest Windpro- (both are non-chamois, with ankle zippers). I can do a comparison for you:

The Windpro front thigh panels are semi-waterproof. Rain beads up on them for a long time and the beads tend to blow off without absorbing. But eventually they DO get wet if you're out in the rain long enough, at least in drizzle they did. They are warm, with a fuzzy llining. They fit more like thick tights than pants. They are sleek and form fitting.
The SH Pursuits are being made in a new style now, but I have the old ones that still are available in some sizes on TE. They are warm too, and heavier fabric than the Windpros, but not in a fuzzy way. They are a nice dense stretchy fabric, very well made. They fit beautifully, like a hyrid between form-fitting pants and tights. I haven't tried them in the rain yet, but they sure keep the cold out. Their *slightly*more pantlike fit allows you to more easily put other stretch tights under them such as Underarmour or a chamois short or capri. Of the two, I like the Sporthill Pursuit better. I wouldn't hesistate to try their new style. I think they will last a long time. I am pearshaped, 5'5" 140 lbs, and both tights fit me nicely in size Medium.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I tend not to ride in the rain, but maybe this option will help...

My winter tights of choice are REI's Power Stretch Tights (http://www.rei.com/product/48032737.htm). I wear them over a pair of bike shorts. The outside of the fabric is smooth, the inside is fuzzy. While they are not waterproof, light rain/snow tends to run off, and my legs have stayed pretty dry.

If I'm caught in the rain (or decide to break my own rules about starting out in the rain), I picked up an as yet to be tested layer that looks very interesting: http://www.rainlegs.co.uk/. At the time I bought mine, they were not yet available in the US (and I think that's still the case), but shipping from the UK was fast (I had them in 3 days) and surprised me by ending up in my mailbox without any customs due.

--- Denise

[Dianyla]

I really like my PI AmFib tights. In addition to the wind/water resistant front, it also has a nice booty panel in the back for the "honestly, I swear I didn't just crap my pants" mud stripe.

More importantly for me and my shortwaisted torso - the AmFib tights are nicely scooped down in the front. Similar to the way the Sugar shorts/knickers are dipped down. The back is nice and high. When you're in position on the bike it's perfect. (I usually end up having to roll the waistband down a few turns on other tights because the waistband cuts into my digestion.)

I mainly like these tights for cold and dry weather, or for light precipitation shorter rides. For real rain, just get waterproof rainpants to put over shorts/tights.

[roshelleuop]

I am absolutely in love with my Pearl Izumi tights. I can't find the exct name as I have them at home, but they are two different fabrics. The front it a windbreaker/waterproof fabric. Then the back is a lighter weight, regular tight fabric. They are wonderful!!!! Especially on longer rides where you want to block the wind and rain, but not sweat your butt off becuase you can still breath through the back.

Sorry I can't provide a link, but I got my last two pair from performance bike.

Roshelle from Milwaukee

[Blueberry]

I can second (or third...) the AmFib recommendation. I cannot wear them if it is *above* 45. They're super warm, and very nice.

[Susan Otcenas]

Jeff wears Amfibs in the winter and loves 'em. I've never tried a pair but they sure do have nice features. I DO have a pair of the Thermafleece Cycling Tights, though. Thermafleece is the fleecy fabric used in the Amfibs. Then, the Amfib Tight adds another layer on the front of the windblocking, water-resistant fabric (the amfib fabric). Thermafleece is VERY nice and warm. I don't wear those tights over 55, and actually prefer it to be a bit cooler, like sub 50 before I wear them, otherwise I get a bit too warm.

So, yet another good option.

Susan