Cycling tights - confused!

[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!)

[cylegoddess]

I also have knicks( lined, padded) for days I cant keep pulling up warmers( like group rides). Ive found, in a variable climate its good to have one of everything, as seasons, seems to require it( also, I used ot buy lots of clothes, now just cycle gear!)
None of my longs have liners.

A guy cyclist also told me that if your shorts get stretched from too many washings( although mine have gotten tighter), wear them under tights.

[OakLeaf]

On my legs, a single layer of ancient mid/heavy weight wool tights over regular shorts is plenty down to the high 30s F (and below that, I don't ride, sorry ). I don't know if anyone makes tights like that any more (they're PI circa 1987, and I know PI doesn't make them any more). Actually they had a natural leather chamois in them originally - when I returned to cycling three years ago I just took the chamois out and wear them over regular shorts now.

In warmer weather I'll either wear knee warmers or over-tights. I wear the same tights for either running or cycling. For me, the chamois stays in place better if the garment ends mid-thigh, so if I want more coverage on my legs I wear over-tights.

[Aggie_Ama]

I forgot- if I attempt a road ride in sub-45 degree weather I put my leg warmers on with padded shorts and then tights over all that. My leg warmers do not budget but do give an unpleasant sausage look. I have found that if it is below 50 I am much happier hiding in the trees on my mountain bike, I hate cold.

[beccaB]

I have a pair of wind pants that look more like tights, but not quite so tight, on order from REI. They were on sale! It looks like I could probably do my fitness walking in them and that they're not so form fitting. I would probably wear my padded full length bike tights under them . I never have liked being too hot, but I hate hives worse.

[cylegoddess]

I get a 'sausage( veggie one!)' look too with leg warmers. But its the flesh that keeps them up, I think!
I think that watching too many tour de france reruns has corrupted my idea of what my legs should look like. Next to those guys, my legs look like they havent finished growing and need more fertilizer!!