Cold Weather Tights and gear
derrickyoung
Posts: 136 Member
The temp is dropping here in Ontario and rides are getting Colder. I had been adding pieces of kit as I go knowing that temp drop was coming. Thursday night I had my arm warmers, vest and jersey on and was pretty good up top. I had bought a pair of cheap knee warmers and they seemed good for the temperature we were riding in. However for whatever reason the left one would not stay up. Maybe I am still to fat or maybe the MEC branded warmers are crap. Either way I am leaning towards a pair of tights or being Canadian a role of shin pad tape. ;-)
Most of the tights I saw did not have a Chamois and I guess were intended to work with existing riding shorts. Stupid question, but do I put them over my shorts or under?
Most of the tights I saw did not have a Chamois and I guess were intended to work with existing riding shorts. Stupid question, but do I put them over my shorts or under?
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I wear under. Personally find it more comfortable.0
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I found tights that did have a chamois. I didn't want to deal with extra pieces. Sugoi was the brand.0
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I have worn them both ways. Now, I wear them over. I have had less chaffing issues that way.0
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My preference is for good quality "roubaix" material (i.e. fleecy backed spandex) bib-tights with their own chamois... The Castelli Nanoflex ones are fantastic down to 3c or so, especially in spring/autumn damp, because they're effectively water-repellant from the nanoflex coating. For colder conditions, I tend to prefer something that's got a windstopper layer in the appropriate areas - say the Castelli Sorpasso Wind Bibs - they're good to way below zero. Any colder than that, and it's layering time, and I'd probably have my trusty Nanoflex Shorts with a pair of padless bib-tights over them. Boy are "pee-breaks" inconvenient at that time of year.
Just as important though, are a good set of overshoes - I tend to favour neoprene ones - they don't have to be particularly expensive, because frankly they'll probably be knackered by the end of the winter anyway. Last year's model for me were these - http://www.inmotionproducts.com/OZZO-Black-Neoprene-Overshoes-Code-OSBK-155.htm - plain black 3mm neoprene with a big oversized zip up the back that you can still undo with hands frozen after 6 hours out on the bike. Actually, they were tough enough that I'll buy a new pair for this winter, and keep last years for the 'cross bike and kill them off with the offroad stuff.
And of course, no discussion of foul weather clothing is complete without mention of the Castelli Gabba. The best bit of Cycling Clothing I've ever bought - bar none. I got the short-sleeved one, with the nanoflex armwarmers its perfect for autumn, but wear it over a warm winter jersey and it'll see you through most of the cold and wet stuff. Ludicrously expensive for a Shirt, and you know what - I'm seriously contemplating buying the long sleeve version as well. It's just THAT good.0 -
I wear shorts with chamois under tights that don't have chamois. Tights without chamois are more versatile - more comfortable for other winter activities (skiing, sledding with kids, plowing driveway, etc). The more wear I can get out of them, the easier it is for me to justify the price. And good tights are pricey, but definitely worth it.
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If I'm wearing baggies (we have large temp. swings in the shoulder seasons so I need warmth in the AM and cool in the PM) I'll wear the tights under the baggies. But normally I just have tights over the bike shorts w/chamois. That said, I don't buy bike-specific tights but whatever I can find for less $$$ than bike-specific. My favorites at the moment are Under Armor Cold Gear tights, I'm good on the bike into single digits with them.0
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I wear shorts with chamois under tights that don't have chamois. Tights without chamois are more versatile - more comfortable for other winter activities (skiing, sledding with kids, plowing driveway, etc). The more wear I can get out of them, the easier it is for me to justify the price. And good tights are pricey, but definitely worth it.
^^^THIS^^^
I have a pair of insulated rain pants, cycling specific, that go over the tights when it gets real cold. It's rare that I'm not warm enough, but then I live in Georgia. Mine are Specialized, they have worked every way that I've tried 'em.0 -
Really no help here since still in hot temps....but I wear tights under my shorts. For me wearing over the bike shorts is just too bulky. The more obnoxious neon yellow the better....in January, its usually cold enough for layer of tights & an extra layer of gloves, too.0
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I suppose it's all down to you're definition of cold... Over in the UK, being a small island with a largely maritime climate, we don't often get the really STUPID cold weather that we would at our latitude were we in the middle of a large continent. Winter's are seldom below -5°C for extended periods (It may get there at night, but through the day climb to +5° or better...) If it gets any colder than that for extended periods, strange as it may sound, basically, the UK road system just fails. Because it's maybe a once every 20 years scenario, we simply don't invest in the necessary resources (snow-ploughs/blowers) to keep things clear - as it'd be quite possible to buy a couple of million pounds worth of kit, and it be rusted away before it was ever needed. So - bad winters are rare enough to just say "screw it" and either ride the MTB offroad in the snow for fun, or get on the Turbo and suck it up.
So my kit advice should be considered with that weather in mind - we have "not very cold, often damp-cold, or rainy/sleety-cold" conditions. Obviously, advice from someone who lives in a similar climatic area to you would be the best thing to follow.
I just don't get the Padded Shorts over Unpadded Tights though... unless of course you're on about MTB Baggies over tights/threequarters, which is eminently sensible (if you're into MTB Baggies of course)0 -
I have both a set of unlined and chamois lined tights. I'll wear the chamois lined on days where it is chilly and I want to keep my legs warm. On colder days where my butt gets cold, I'll wear shorts with a chamois under the unlined tights. When it really gets cold, at least for me, I'll wear the chamois tights under the unlined tights for a complete double layer.0
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After reading this I was curious and had to check all my my tights, bibs, warmers, etc. None of them have a chamois. Anytime I wear tights, etc they go over my chamois bibs.0
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And of course, no discussion of foul weather clothing is complete without mention of the Castelli Gabba. The best bit of Cycling Clothing I've ever bought - bar none. I got the short-sleeved one, with the nanoflex armwarmers its perfect for autumn, but wear it over a warm winter jersey and it'll see you through most of the cold and wet stuff. Ludicrously expensive for a Shirt, and you know what - I'm seriously contemplating buying the long sleeve version as well. It's just THAT good.
Another vote for the Gabba, I have the long sleeve version.
Off topic, how do you wash yours and still keep breathability and waterproof properties0 -
Not that I have got an Gabba, but I would suggest NikWax Tech Wash and Wash In WaterproofingOff topic, how do you wash yours and still keep breathability and waterproof properties
I use it for washing & re-proofing my Altura NightVision Jacket etc.
I might ask Santa for some Gabba for Crimbo... :huh:0 -
Not that I have got an Gabba, but I would suggest NikWax Tech Wash and Wash In WaterproofingOff topic, how do you wash yours and still keep breathability and waterproof properties
I use it for washing & re-proofing my Altura NightVision Jacket etc.
I might ask Santa for some Gabba for Crimbo... :huh:
most of the time mine gets the same washing treatment as all the rest of the cycling gear - 30°c wash, no spin, no tumble dry and always with Fairy non bio soap powder, however, every 3rd or 4th wash it gets the Tech Wash and TX Direct treatment - I generally chuck the Nanoflex Arm Warmers and Sportful "NoRain" Kneewarmers in at the same time, just to "top up" their proofing a little.0 -
This came up in my google adds probably because I googled it after this thread, but it's a good deal:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/castelli-gabba-ws-jersey-long-sleeve-mens?CMP_SKU=CST2456&MER=0406&CSPID=0912&CMP_ID=DM_CRT012fb&mv_pc=r350&mr:referralID=ccf2c4f8-49bd-11e4-886a-001b2166c62d0 -
They're selling off the old stock - 2015 model has been slightly redesigned... slightly relocated vent zips and extra colourway (blue version).0
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They're selling off the old stock - 2015 model has been slightly redesigned... slightly relocated vent zips and extra colourway (blue version).
http://youtu.be/zAwOYM6K5MQ?t=9m7s 0 -
They're selling off the old stock - 2015 model has been slightly redesigned... slightly relocated vent zips and extra colourway (blue version).http://youtu.be/zAwOYM6K5MQ?t=9m7s
That's the "Alpha" Jacket... - makes the Gabba look quite affordable... http://castellicafe.co.uk/castelli-alpha-jacket-winter-2014-1?var=5776
New Gabba 2 is here - http://castellicafe.co.uk/castelli-gabba-2-long-sleeve-jersey-rain-jersey-1?var=5897 - relocated vent zips (further back, less "diagonal" - the red zips on the black jersey - and instead of the metal eyeletted holes (that can go rusty if you're not careful) there's now a mesh section at the bottom of the pocket to let the water out. Reminds me of the Guys down the local pit who used to cut a hole in their wellies at the heel to let the water drain out...0 -
I wear shorts with chamois under tights that don't have chamois. Tights without chamois are more versatile - more comfortable for other winter activities (skiing, sledding with kids, plowing driveway, etc). The more wear I can get out of them, the easier it is for me to justify the price. And good tights are pricey, but definitely worth it.
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^^ This......I just wear my running tights under my bike shorts. Takes some of the pain out of the price (MEC has really good sale, I even managed to find some Made In Canada tights last year for a very reasonable price)0 -
I managed to find a pair of Adidas running tights at Running Room for 35.00. They are not the thickest but so far on the cooler night rides they are doing the trick as the sun drops and we ride back with lights. I just pull them over my bibs. As I get closer to my goal weight I will invest more in some cycling specific gear with the hopes i will not shrink as fast rendering them useless to me.
Next purchase will need to be a jacket. Finding arm warmers, jersey, vest combination is only good for about 10 degrees Celsius when the sun sets. Or maybe a heavier long sleeve jersey will get me down in the 5 degree range0 -
It was cool this afternoon and went on my road first ride with a new pair of Lycra tights over the under-liners I usually use for mountain biking under the baggies. The full length tights really made a big difference and kept out the wind and road spray quite well. Warmer too. Guess I am a reluctant fan of tights now, even though I still feel fairly ridiculous.
Got a cycling specific wind/rain jacket too. I think this Fall is going to be better than the last few years when used sweatpants and a regular jacket and quickly gave up. The cold winds just whipped right through that material.
I suppose I should get a skullcap though for under the helmet. Maybe with some ear protection too.0 -
It was cool this afternoon and went on my road first ride with a new pair of Lycra tights over the under-liners I usually use for mountain biking under the baggies. The full length tights really made a big difference and kept out the wind and road spray quite well. Warmer too. Guess I am a reluctant fan of tights now, even though I still feel fairly ridiculous.
Got a cycling specific wind/rain jacket too. I think this Fall is going to be better than the last few years when used sweatpants and a regular jacket and quickly gave up. The cold winds just whipped right through that material.
I suppose I should get a skullcap though for under the helmet. Maybe with some ear protection too.
I know I keep banging on about it, but there really is NO substitute for the correct clothing
Those microfleece skull-caps are brilliant though - worth their weight in gold.0 -
I know I keep banging on about it, but there really is NO substitute for the correct clothing
Those microfleece skull-caps are brilliant though - worth their weight in gold.
I took TBY's advice and bought the Castelli Gabba 2 convertible jersey/jacket and have to say it's the absolute best bit of kit I have ever purchased. Incredibly light yet amazingly warm and rainproof too! No idea how they do it.
I particularly like the fact that you can zip off the arm sleeves at the shoulders but that there is still short sleeves left due to an overlap. This also means the zip is not touching the skin when you wear it without a base layer.
I added a Gabba Fawesome vest and was quite warm riding in 34-38F weather with just a thin base layer underneath.
Now I just need to find the right pair of gloves that provide warmth and dexterity without leaving your hands clammy wet. Any suggestions?
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"I know I keep banging on about it, but there really is NO substitute for the correct clothing"
Color choice on the other hand...
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Now I just need to find the right pair of gloves that provide warmth and dexterity without leaving your hands clammy wet. Any suggestions?
I've got some 3mm neoprene 'Diving' gloves. Got 'em from Amazon for about £15.00 & they're warm & toastie. Not waterproof, but keep your hands lovely and warm!
Look here for examples
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Now I just need to find the right pair of gloves that provide warmth and dexterity without leaving your hands clammy wet. Any suggestions?
I've got some 3mm neoprene 'Diving' gloves. Got 'em from Amazon for about £15.00 & they're warm & toastie. Not waterproof, but keep your hands lovely and warm!
Look here for examples
Effective but they do make your hands smell like something that's long dead after wearing them.
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Now I just need to find the right pair of gloves that provide warmth and dexterity without leaving your hands clammy wet. Any suggestions?
I've got some 3mm neoprene 'Diving' gloves. Got 'em from Amazon for about £15.00 & they're warm & toastie. Not waterproof, but keep your hands lovely and warm!
Look here for examples
Effective but they do make your hands smell like something that's long dead after wearing them.
I've tried the neoprene gloves but they don't breathe so my hands get really sweaty. As most of my rides are at least 2-3+ hrs my hands get all pruney and then I get blisters.0 -
A pair of Castelli Leggenda gloves showed up on the UPS truck today. Look very promising and fit great. Will take them out for a spin tomorrow.
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I went with Lobster gloves. I was out in 7 degrees F and my hands stayed warm. They didn't sweat and I was surprised how easy working the shifters and brakes was.0 -
I tried on the Lobster gloves but they just felt so bulky. It was ok braking and shifting but impossible to get open zippers or get things out of pockets. I agree they are the ticket for extremely cold temps but I probably won't ride in anything under 30F in all likelihood.
The Castelli's are great for temps down to about 38F or so and with a pair of silk liners I was comfortable on a 3 hour ride with temps down to 32F and I still have full dexterity. Very happy with them.0
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