Confused About Cycling Shorts-Tights-Knickers.

[nsandz]

I am relatively new to cycling and have decided that my bad cycling shorts from a local sporting goods store need to be upgraded. To give you an idea how bad they are, they only cost me 20 dollars.

So where do I begin? I have been overwhelmed by the choices! I live in Connecticut and the weather is getting slightly chilly (and I tend to be cold a lot) so I thought I may want Knickers. However, my boyfriend is suggesting I get a decent pair of shorts and some legwarmers. What would you suggest? Also, I have no idea the difference in padding and good or bad brands.

I have noticed that some cycling bottoms come with leg-grippers and others don't. I feel they would be nice to have on shorts, but what about knickers and tights?

Sorry that these may be dumb questions, but I really have no idea and am very confused. Thanks for your help.

[fatbottomedgurl]

I don't like leg warmers- they create "Michelin Man" lumps on my thighs. When it is cool I wear capris, when its cold I wear capris with knee sox. You can also start with a good pair of shorts (I am a Sugoi fan), and when it is cold wear a pair of tights over them- they don't have to be "cycling" tights.

I think most shorts have grippers, if you don't like the feel of them on your skin just roll them up.

[redrhodie]

Hi nsandz! I'm in New England, too. I wear knickers all fall and winter long, with tights or legwarmers over only if it's below freezing. I like them better than shorts, but that's just my personal preference.

I've been wearing Terry knickers for years, but I just decided to try a different brand this season. I got my first pair of the highly recommended Shebeest pedal pushers this week (thank you TE for the speedy service!). I wore them for a 35 mile ride the day before yesterday and loved them even more than my old knickers. They're a little sleeker and the chamois is a little thinner.

I recommend you try some on and see what feels comfortable. I know the fabric of both the Terry and Shebeest will be warm enough for our weather.

[nsandz]

Thanks! This helps a lot. I especially thankful that I was informed about the "Michelin Man" legs while wearing leg warmers. I would say I am a "full figured woman" so that would be a concern. I was looking at Shebeest and Terry as well this really helps me decide. Also am very excited about being able to wear long socks or leg warmers with knicker, never thought about that!

This is great, I am actually getting excited about new cycling bottoms instead of overwhelmed!!!

[redrhodie]

I admit to looking a little silly, but I wear knee high striped socks with my knickers so no skin is exposed once it's below 60º. Then, I add fleece socks over those in a contrasting color and pattern (I have harlequin print and polka dots) when it's a little colder. I look so much like I rode out of the circus tent that small children wave and smile, but I'm warm!

Guys who wear full kits would go with the leg warmers and shorts, but they all hibernate through the winter around here, so I don't worry about looking goofy to them. I'm sure when they drive by me, they're thinking I'm a brute to be out there.

I really aspire to be my avatar.

[OakLeaf]

Most shorts have grippers, but many don't also. I'm pretty sure Susan put up a list of the shorts TE offers without grippers, a couple of months ago - try searching either in the store or on the forums. Shorts without grippers are usually longer, so they don't ride up on your adductor muscles.

If they're not super-tight or super-short, a lot of people fold the hem of gripper shorts toward the outside, exposing the gripper and taking it off the leg. Some brands incorporate their logo into the grippers, upside-down, so that it's right ways up when you do that.

When the temperature will be cool all day, I prefer tights without a chamois worn over regular shorts. That way I can wear the tights several times before they need to be washed, and I also don't need different tights for running and cycling. Leg/knee/arm warmers are great for days when the temperature changes a lot during a ride.

[graceomalley]

I really aspire to be my avatar.

Oh, and I love your avatar! Always loved Pippi.

[Biciclista]

I wear knee high striped socks with my knickers so no skin is exposed once it's below 60º. Then, I add fleece socks over those in a contrasting color and pattern (I have harlequin print and polka dots) when it's a little colder. I look so much like I rode out of the circus tent that small children wave and smile, but I'm warm!

ME TOO! I love knickers and kneesocks just round it out. If it really gets hot, i can roll my socks down.

[flash]

Hi,

I would suggest buying one or two high quality pairs of cycling shorts, and then also investing in some UNPADDED tights and/or knickers/capris. If you also want knee warmers and/or leg warmers, go for it. I find that I prefer tights to leg warmers, just because I haven't found leg warmers that truly stay up!

Layering cycling shorts (with chamois) under tights has several advantages ...

• if the weather warms up, you can just strip off the tights and still be comfy (and vice versa)
• you can use the unpadded tights/knickers for other sports (running & xc skiing come to mind, also as a baselayer for hiking or adventure racing), and that saves both space in your closet and $$$. I sometimes layer tights on really cold days.

Monica

[Debster]

I'm new here, and this thread is very timely for me. I was trying to figure out what to wear now the weather is colder. Thanks for all the great ideas!

[blackhillsbiker]

I wear Shebeest shorts. They've spoiled me for any other kind. I'd rather spend the money on good shorts I can wear year-round. I'm not as picky about the tights. Over bike shorts I layer wool tights, and sometimes wind pants. I usually just wear street clothes for my commute unless it's really cold or really hot.

Deb

[PamNY]

I agree with putting whatever you want to wear over good cycling shorts. Someone here advised me to get Shebeest shorts and I did. They are great and I can put anything I want over them.

For cold weather I found I had to experiment a bit to find what worked for me. My outfit varies depending on the level of exertion I expect.

Pam

[GrassyRidge]

I found these on another thread and ordered some. I'm crossing my fingers they fit. I figured 8 panel shorts for $15.00 were worth a shot. Anyway, they are on clearance so you may want to check them out.

http://www.blackbottoms.com/BBCW2010...nsBottoms.html