knickers vs tights (cold weather prepartions)

[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.

[Catrin]

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? ...

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.

I have a good baselayer, thermal jacket and leg warmers, I pretty much need everything else. I do see that there are less expensive options for tights rather than the really pricey varieties. Last winter I did learn that I enjoy being out in temps above 24-25... but of course my riding style has changed a bit since then

Just mulling over what I need, and separating that from what I want. Not that I have a weakness for buying bike stuff. Nope. Not me

[indysteel]

I have a good baselayer, thermal jacket and leg warmers, I pretty much need everything else. I do see that there are less expensive options for tights rather than the really pricey varieties. Last winter I did learn that I enjoy being out in temps above 24-25... but of course my riding style has changed a bit since then

Just mulling over what I need, and separating that from what I want. Not that I have a weakness for buying bike stuff. Nope. Not me

In building a winter wardrobe, I think a sensible approach--and keep in mind I'm a fiscally conservative bankruptcy attorney--is to buy items that can be layered and to start with items that are suited for the cool and cold conditions you're most likely to ride in, which from my personal experience in Indiana are around the freezing mark and upwards. Like you, I've ridden on days with temps that were 25 degrees or less, but they're fewer and farer between, because there are other factors, like precipitation and wind, that often limit the feasability of those days. You may find that if you invest in pieces that you can layer, you will have enough to cover those really cold days, and you won't need to spend much extra money on pieces specifically for those conditions.

For instance, when I rode this past January in 15-degree weather, I wore my Shebeest knickers under my cheap Sugoi tights (the same ones I wear in cool weather); a wool baselayer, a long sleeve jersey, and Gore Windstopper jacket (the best piece of gear that I've ever spent money on); windproof gloves and glove liners, wool socks with charcoal toe warmers, a hat and balaclava. With the exception of the windproof gloves and the balaclava, these are the same items that I wear on cool days; I just wear fewer of them.

Now don't get me wrong, all of the above mentioned stuff cost money and added together wasn't cheap, but I always keep my eyes out for sales and rarely buy top-of-the-line unless it is on sale. There are deals out there; you just have to scour the web for them sometimes.

While this doesn't help you this season, the best time to look for winter clothing is on the sale rack in the spring and summer. Remember, too, that winter riding gear often does not have to be cycling or athletic specific. A cashmere sweater from the thrift shop will serve you as well as a Smartwool baselayer. In the very least, I'd encourage you to look on Craigslist or post a WTB thread on here and on CIBA's website.

Just my two cents; YMMV.

[nscrbug]

I live just outside of Chicago, so our fall weather can really swing up and down the spectrum. Last weekend, it was in the high 40's/low 50's when we headed out...but expected to get to 70. Since we usually try to be back home by 12noon, I opted for my Descente knickers and long-sleeve jersey. I was a tad bit chilled for the first 1/2 hour or so, but after that, was quite comfortable.

Yesterday, it was in the low 60's starting out, but drizzling. Again, I wore my knickers (PI this time), a lightweight merino wool base and a windbreaker type cycling jacket. Was a bit warm initially, but once I was sufficiently WET from the steady rain...I was FREEZING for the remainder of the ride. Yeah, my jacket was NOT water-resistant, so the merino wool top got soaked and didn't do much in the way of regulating my temperature.

Today it was high 50's when we started with an expected high of near 80. I had plans of shooting for 100 miles today, so would be out a bit longer. I opted for shorts, short-sleeved jersey with arm warmers (which I removed 40 miles into the ride), and was comfortable.

I love knickers. I have 4 pairs - Shebeest, Descente, PI, and PI Thermal. For tights, I rotate between 4 pairs - PI Thermal, Sugoi Sub-Zero, Performance Tri-Flex, and Under Armour (all unpadded because I prefer to wear my favorite shorts underneath). I do also have 1 pair of padded tights that I recently bought from Sierra Trading Post - Descente ColdOut Tights...couldn't pass them up for the price. I have yet to try them out.

[jelee1311]

I live in the PNW we get more cold rain than snow but last year we got 13degrees and wind. In winter I wear shorts with gore wear leg warmers,shortsleeved jersey longsleeved under amour shirt, gore wear arm warmers ,and a gore wear jacket. Oh yeah smartwool socks booties and those fantastic hand warmer in the toe of my shoes. It sounds like a lot but it seems to work. So far I am glad I invested in gore wear I don't think they make a product I have not liked.

[Owlie]

I've been wanting a pair of warm tights. My legwarmers just don't cut it if it's below about 40F. Last time I went out in the cold, I had on a pair of lined track pants that I tucked into my socks...over my shorts and leg warmers. I was nice and toasty, even if I looked funny.

My upper body cold gear is sorted, though. Craft base layer or Smartwool tank, depending on the weather. Long-sleeve jersey. Jacket that (according to manufacturer) is good down to 25. I'm not going out in anything that's significantly below freezing, though, as it also tends to be icy...

[nscrbug]

I've been wanting a pair of warm tights. My legwarmers just don't cut it if it's below about 40F. Last time I went out in the cold, I had on a pair of lined track pants that I tucked into my socks...over my shorts and leg warmers. I was nice and toasty, even if I looked funny.

My upper body cold gear is sorted, though. Craft base layer or Smartwool tank, depending on the weather. Long-sleeve jersey. Jacket that (according to manufacturer) is good down to 25. I'm not going out in anything that's significantly below freezing, though, as it also tends to be icy...

If you're looking to go "cheap" (assuming you want unpadded tights), I would suggest the TriFlex or Radiator tights from Performance Bike. On the more pricey side, would be Pearl Izumi's AmFib tight.