I have a pair of PI shorts - can't remember the model but the chamois has no grooves or anything, just a uniform pad - and some Shebeest SSS. Between the two the Shebeest chamois is not as firm. If you measured them uncompressed, they're probably a similar thickness, but the Shebeest compresses quite a bit more when you sit on them. Really they're both too thick for my taste.
I much prefer tights with no chamois that I can either run in, or wear over cycling shorts.
Speed comes from what you put behind you. - Judi Ketteler
I really like my Sugoi tights. They have a thin and warm fleece on the inside. For colder days--in the 30s and below, I have some old Performance tights with a wind panel on the front. They are pretty thick. For very cold days or before and after a cold ride, I pur on a pair of gore-Tex pants over my tights. But since I stopped bike commuting, I don't ride much when it gets that cold.
I find it best to get non-chamois tights and wear shorts under them.they last longer since you don't have to wash them after every ride like you do shorts.
I'm not a fan of the graphics on the Shebeast tights, but that's just personal preference.
I like unpadded tights for the same reason. Plus, when it's really cold, I like to wear two layers on my butt anyway. I also do some winter hiking and running in my tights.
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher
Thanks everyone, it sounds like the AmFib tights are what I am looking for. My leg warmers, which stay up just fine as long as I put them on first and then put my shorts on, are fine for temps >40. I do have some knickers that can go over my leg warmers and shorts if I think the temps won't stay <37-38.
My regular shorts and bib-shorts are starting to show signs of wear/washing so much, and I would like to wear them next spring/early summer, so it is either get the AmFibs, or get another pair of shorts if I get tights w/out a chamois... This might be the most cost effective approach, but will look into it more before pulling the trigger. Temps aren't that low as of yet anyway.
My leg warmers fit me MUCH better this year. My weight is 50 pounds less than last winter - but my thighs are larger so no problem with them staying up![]()