Cycling tights - confused!

[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!!