Ugh...it's time to talk Winter riding apparel

[zoom-zoom]

So I have a pair of PI Amfib tights...the ones without a chamois. They're OK. Not super comfy, but probably good for the coldest rides I'm likely to do outdoors.

Any other suggestions? I also have Sugoi Sub-Zero tights, which are my favorite for very cold runs. Not sure whether or not they'd be adequate for riding, but I love how they are warm and still stretchy. I've seen people in cyclocross races wear them when it was around freezing. I'd like to be able to ride outdoors when it's maybe as cold as 20...not sure I have the badassery to ride in anything colder than that.

I also have a PI quilted jacket that is VERY warm, even though it's not particularly heavy.

[nscrbug]

My first year that I cycled in cold weather, I was doing the unpadded tights over cycling shorts thing. I did it that way for 2 cold weather seasons. Then last November, I decided to buy a pair of padded PI Elite Thermal cycling tights...and now I probably won't go back to wearing tights over shorts again. I really like the comfort of just one layer...especially around my waist. Having 2 waistbands digging into me got to be really uncomfortable. The PI tights have that nice wide, comfy non-digging waistband and I have found that even in temps down into the high 20's, my legs seem to be fine in them.

I also bought a pair of Gore bibtights last spring on clearance, and those suckers seem like they'd be really warm and wind-resistant. I'd like to say that I can hardly wait to try them out...but, frankly...I'm hoping I don't have to try them out too soon.

Linda

[Abarnes]

Agree with Linda about getting a pair with chamois for the waistband issue; although the non-padded are great if commuting (don't have to wash them every day, just the shorts underneath).

I love my Vermarc bib tights as well as an older pair of Craft Thermal.

[Miranda]

I have three different warth levels of unpadded tights. The warmest being the PI ones you posted about it and already own.

I don't mind the two waist band thing. But putting on multiple layers gets to be a time consuming. I was just considering getting some knickers and now maybe tights with the chamois in them for that reason. Good thread.

I do xc ski some and wear the unpadded tights for other things though... so you do get more versatility for your money. And yea, I'm one of those freaks that likes the cooler weather, vs dead of summer. Just wish it was less work getting dressed!

Jackets- I have a different wind shells, and a warmer Gore jakcet, think it's this one... http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_JPOWGL_0.html. Plus, some heavier type Shebeest soft shell jacket.

[zoom-zoom]

I do xc ski some and wear the unpadded tights for other things though... so you do get more versatility for your money. And yea, I'm one of those freaks that likes the cooler weather, vs dead of summer. Just wish it was less work getting dressed!

Yeah, I run all Winter, too...so I'm thinking maybe I should just stick to running tights over my cycling shorts. It's less comfy, but cheaper than having multiple pair of very specific tights, I think.

[trista]

I have a pair of Craft Wind Stopper Thermal Tights that I wear for super cold rides. I really like them... I haven't tried running in them but I think they would actually be too hot! I wear padded shorts under them which also serves the purpose of keeping them "clean" for multiple wears.

I need new gloves this season... my current gloves are either too warm or too cool.

[malkin]

... I'd like to be able to ride outdoors when it's maybe as cold as 20...not sure I have the badassery to ride in anything colder than that...

You can see by reading this thread that it is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery.

[zoom-zoom]

You can see by reading this thread that it is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery.

Ha, true. Though if it's that cold I'd don my running shoes and fewer layers and go for a run. 'Cause mama already does far too much laundry!

[OakLeaf]

mama already does far too much laundry!

That's the advantage of tights without a chamois, thin knit caps and wool base layers, that you can use for running AND cycling ... and wear a few times between washings.

[zoom-zoom]

That's the advantage of tights without a chamois, thin knit caps and wool base layers, that you can use for running AND cycling ... and wear a few times between washings.

I sweat like a horse and just can't do it. Even when it's bitterly cold I finish with my gear soaked (and massive sweat-sicles off my hair).

[jessmarimba]

Me too.

Though I prefer sweat-sickles to snot-sickles.

[nscrbug]

I sweat like a horse and just can't do it. Even when it's bitterly cold I finish with my gear soaked (and massive sweat-sicles off my hair).

Count me in as another one who ends up with sweat-soaked gear, even on a cold ride. My DH thinks I'm some kind of "freak" for sweating in the cold...of course, he has trouble breaking a sweat on a warm ride, so go figure.

[lph]

You can see by reading this thread that it is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery.

Can I borrow this for a signature?

[malkin]

Can I borrow this for a signature?

I'd be honored!
Sig away!