WARMEST winter tights -- NO chamois ?

[bluebug32]

Another vote for PI's AmFib. I wear them to run, bike and XC ski. They are breathable and wick water too. The key is to find something windproof. I just bought some Gore windstopper leg warmers and just blocking that winds makes a huge difference. No amount of fleece can keep you warm when it's windy.

[MojoGrrl]

For those of you who ride in cold weather - do you recommend a) tights with a chamois, b) tights without worn over shorts, or c) leg warmers? Sometimes it is actually *cold* around here (central valley in Northern CA) but often, it starts out cold and warms up enough through the day that I might not want to be stuck wearing tights.

[bluebug32]

Mojo: I live in Upstate NY, which is why I own all three of your options! Really the key to keeping warm, however, is to block the wind. For me windstopper leg warmers are my go-to for chilly days. I upgrade to tights with a chamois when my butt starts to get cold in regular shorts and then I'll go full coverage (PI Am Fib tights over a pair of bike shorts) when it's super cold (usually below 40 or a nasty wind chill).

[MojoGrrl]

Really the key to keeping warm, however, is to block the wind.

True dat.

I think maybe I'll try some leg warmers first and if they don't cut it, then invest in tights. It very rarely gets truly "freezing" around here, but indeed, the wind can make it seem that way.

[bluebug32]

I finally bit the bullet and invested in Gore Windstopper leg warmers. They're a bit pricey, but I managed to find a new pair for half the price on eBay. Fleece leg warmers just don't cut it for me in the cold. The wind just blows right through

[jessmarimba]

For those of you who ride in cold weather - do you recommend a) tights with a chamois, b) tights without worn over shorts, or c) leg warmers? Sometimes it is actually *cold* around here (central valley in Northern CA) but often, it starts out cold and warms up enough through the day that I might not want to be stuck wearing tights.

I usually layer - I've been known to strip off my tights before a long climb and put them back on at the summit

My other personal favorite for moderately chilly days is bike shorts with wool snowboard knee socks. My knees don't mind being cold as much as some people's, but I have to keep my lower legs warm or risk my feet going numb.

Plus my snowboard socks are pretty colorful and I love to wear them so they're visible. Totally not stylish in anyone's world but they're fun!