Cycling tights - confused!

[kermit]

I picked up a pair of Canari tights from ebay for about $20. They have a light chamois and are just enough for extra warmth. I too hate the leg warmers, slippage sucks!

[beccaB]

I like the sleekness of wearing a pair of padded bike tights, and the ones I purchased from Sierra Trading post are warm and didn't cost a lot. However, I'm having a problem with winter hives on my legs and rear end and hip area, and I wondered... does anyone wear something over their padded full leg bike tights?
It seems like if I can keep my legs almost overly warm, I don't get the hives.

[Aquila]

Becca,

I've gone so far as to wear long johns (both silk ones and more high tech ones) over shorts and under biking tights.

You're sure the hives aren't more a heat rash?

[beccaB]

Becca,

I've gone so far as to wear long johns (both silk ones and more high tech ones) over shorts and under biking tights.

You're sure the hives aren't more a heat rash?

Yes, I never get them in warm weather, and it's always when I am starting out really cold. It's red with welts and little bumps underneath.

[Sin Younger]

I like both tights and shorts both padded. I have seen at Proformance chamois undies that I haven't tried yet but it is on my list of things to purchase before the Texas MS 150.

[DebTX]

Thanks for the help everyone -

Today we're in the 60s so I'm headed out bare legged. But I'll buy either tights or knickers so I can get out there comfortably when it gets colder next month (or to get in some early AM winter rides, when lately its been in the 40s.)

[Becky]

I like both tights and shorts both padded. I have seen at Proformance chamois undies that I haven't tried yet but it is on my list of things to purchase before the Texas MS 150.

You mean those Andiamo things (or whatever they're called)? I tried them on in store once.... The liner things were flimsy-feeling and didn't stay in place very well, IMO. I prefer regular lycra cycling shorts under other shorts to those under another layer.

You might want to try them on first, that's all....

[coyote]

I like the sleekness of wearing a pair of padded bike tights, and the ones I purchased from Sierra Trading post are warm and didn't cost a lot. However, I'm having a problem with winter hives on my legs and rear end and hip area, and I wondered... does anyone wear something over their padded full leg bike tights?
It seems like if I can keep my legs almost overly warm, I don't get the hives.

I wear a pair of thick compression shorts. They are just enough to help keep my thighs warm. I'll were them under my padded capris or tights. I think the extra layer helps keep me warm. We just don't get cold enough that I feel I need actual long johns. So, it may just depend on how much warmth you need to stop the reaction.

[DebTX]

I like the sleekness of wearing a pair of padded bike tights.

I keep peddling with the hopes that someday I too will be able to publically proclaim that I look sleek in padded bike tights -

Right on BeccaB!

[Andrea]

I haaaaaate to wear unpadded tights over shorts! I've tried a few different pair, but I always end up fussing with them at some point during the ride because they've slipped or rotated or something else obnoxious.

I have one pair of pretty thick bib knickers that I use for super cold days as well as a not-as-thick pair of non-bib tights and bib knickers. Strangely enough, I've never had an issue w/slipping leg warmers unless I don't have them pulled up high enough.

[malkin]

From the outside in:

Tights (no chamois)
over
Tights with chamois
over
Wool long undies, also more fashionably known as "base layer"

It's COLD out there!

[Crankin]

I have 2 pairs of non padded tights, one from Performance and one from Hind. I have had both for years and I like them, because I also wear them for running, walking, and hiking. The regular bike shorts feel fine under them. I also have a pair of Ibex wool/windproof tights that are for winter sports that I have won cycling a few times. It has to be in the thirties to need these. Then I wear long wool ski socks, so almost my whole leg is covered.
The Andiamo liners s*uck. The chamois is huge and they fit horribly under anything I tried them with. However, I bought a pair of Sugoi liners that fit like cycling shorts, have a nice chamois and would be good under tights, too.

[cylegoddess]

Believe it or not, it gets cold here in Canberra, Australia( I miss california!).
So ( being weak to cold);
padded shorts under
leg warmers( on warmer days with slightly cool mornings) . Mine are ok ones from netti . I have small thighs so they had some slippage so I wear the shorts that used to fit me before I got a bigger tummy. A nit of a squeeze but keeps warmers up.
tights( thin ones from netti) on days that are cooler but dont warm up
roubaix tights( lined)on really cold days

shorts, tights and lined tights on really cold days
and adding a outside layer of merino in winter when you freeze your buns off.

I have castelli lined ones. I have cheaper tights( as I still fall off now and then), but expensive shorts( nzo tarmac) which I find keeps chafing at bay.

As for sleek, I tend to have a cartoon dolphin sort of look, whilst bundled up in these!( as the guys wizz by in only tights and a jacket!)