knickers vs tights (cold weather prepartions)

[Crankin]

I have the same problem, Catrin (shortness). But, even thought the knickers come down to my mid-calf, almost to my ankle, they aren't really "warm." There's no insulation at all. They are just a pair of "long" shorts. I wear them, or knee warmers (which on me are almost leg warmers) when it's between 50 and 65. Below 50, I have tights on. I know, I see some people in the dead of winter, riding with shorts on... not good for the old knees.
When I finally found some knee warmers that fit me, I found I wear them more than the knickers. If the temperature is staying between 50-60 I wear the knickers.

[Catrin]

I have the same problem, Catrin (shortness). But, even thought the knickers come down to my mid-calf, almost to my ankle, they aren't really "warm." There's no insulation at all. They are just a pair of "long" shorts. I wear them, or knee warmers (which on me are almost leg warmers) when it's between 50 and 65. Below 50, I have tights on. I know, I see some people in the dead of winter, riding with shorts on... not good for the old knees.
When I finally found some knee warmers that fit me, I found I wear them more than the knickers. If the temperature is staying between 50-60 I wear the knickers.

Ahhhh, this is good to know about knickers - I didn't "get" that they are just long shorts. LPH is saying the same thing. So it sounds like the best investment would be a good pair of tights, and then a good pair of knee warmers. The leg warmers I have seem to come up TOO high - I think they could actually come above the top of my thighs if that were physically possible

Thanks Indy, Murieen, NYBiker, Crankin, LPH, Sundial and Becky! This thread is really helping me to focus on what is most important. Still like the idea of the bib-tights if I can swing the price.

Anyone have opinions on the chamois that Gore uses? I hope it isn't one of those thick ones...

We can have long periods of REALLY cold weather - a few winters back we were colder than Chicago and had more snow than they did or a mild winter with just occasional snow/major cold temps. It just depends...

[sundial]

Still like the idea of the bib-tights if I can swing the price.

Bib tights....very comfie around the waist, kinda difficult to navigate around it when one needs to really pee.

[Catrin]

Bib tights....very comfie around the waist, kinda difficult to navigate around it when one needs to really pee.

I love my drop-tail bib shorts - and I figure that bibs will be warmer in the winter anyway. But I am not going to bare my butt in 20 degree weather So, will just have to plan my winter routes with facilities in mind

Or just break down and get the drop-tail tights to go along with my summer drop-tail bibs...

[Crankin]

I can't imagine wearing knickers at 45 degrees! Or saving tights for below freezing. Of course, I used to wear mid weight wool jerseys at 65, but now I can wear short sleeved regular jerseys.
I also wear unpadded tights over my regular shorts, with wool socks ( I have 3 different thicknesses/lengths). This way, I can wear the tights for hiking or even x country skiing on a warmer day. I occasionally wear my wool/windproof Ibex tights that I bought for skiing, for riding. If it's that cold, it's usually just an errand or casual cruise on the hybrid. I don't regularly ride once the snow falls.
I bought a pair of padded Gore tights from someone on TE. I know she is as petite as me, but I cannot stand the chamois. It feels like a diaper. It's like spilling over the sides of the crease of my legs/body. I wear them because I feel guilty about spending the $ on something I really didn't need.
Your weather sounds like ours... one year hardly anything, next year blizzards galore.

[Catrin]

...
I bought a pair of padded Gore tights from someone on TE. I know she is as petite as me, but I cannot stand the chamois. It feels like a diaper. It's like spilling over the sides of the crease of my legs/body. I wear them because I feel guilty about spending the $ on something I really didn't need.
Your weather sounds like ours... one year hardly anything, next year blizzards galore.

There goes the Gore bib-tights idea then - well, I have time. Have to save the pennies and quarters up anyway...

Central Indiana does get interesting winter weather. Certainly not southern, but not that far north either - so we get everything.

[indysteel]

I personally don't like Gore's chamois, but that's personal. Frankly. I think there are other options out there that will work just as well for far less money. Do you have everything else you'll need for winter riding? Hat, balaclava, windproof gloves, a good baselayer?

Winter riding is a crapshoot in Indiana. For several years, I was simply unable to get out from the first of January to the beginning of March. It's not just that it's cold: it's rainy or snowy and very windy. This past January, there were some cold (15 or so degree) but dry and sunny days that I was able to ride, albeit for short distances. I tend to think they're the exception, not the norm, however. So, that leaves November and December, where the weather on semi-decent days is near freezing or just a bit below.

I guess what I'm trying to say is be sure you're really into winter riding before dropping serious coin on tights. I like it a point myself, but after that point...I go to yoga or spinning.

[Becky]

I can't imagine wearing knickers at 45 degrees! Or saving tights for below freezing.

If it's 45 degrees when I leave in the morning, and it's going to be 55+ by the time I get home, I'll just wear the insulated knickers. Less stuff to carry when I do warm up....

My windproof tights are ridiculously warm....temps above freezing, and I get chilled from the sweat

In the end, everyone's personal thermostat is just a little bit different and, IME, varies under different conditions. I'm the chick huddled under a blanket in the office, but wearing knickers on the bike at 45 degrees.