Winter Bib Tights preferences

[MagicHour]

As the temperature drops which do you all prefer?
Wondering about bib tights (w/o chamois) over regular bib shorts and if wearing two sets of straps is annoying as I shop around for a pair (think below ~35 deg or so, I prefer leg warmers above that) or is it better to just get a pair of dedicated heavy winter bib tights (w/ chamois). Pros cons?

[kppolich]

Twinsix thermal bibs with chamois. 26% off today

https://www.twinsix.com/collections/mens-bottoms/products/black-thermal-bib-tights?variant=6672493571

[MagicHour]

Thanks kppolich I'll add those to my list, looking at Galibier, PI Elite Escape Amfib, maybe Rapha.

Twinsix thermal bibs with chamois. 26% off today

https://www.twinsix.com/collections/mens-bottoms/products/black-thermal-bib-tights?variant=6672493571

[Geemalar]

I prefer the full length tights without the chamois and use a pair of bib shorts underneath, I never really notice any issues having 2 sets of straps over the shoulder. I just go this route based off of the temperature.......

I have 2 sets of full length tights, one lighter set for when the morning starts out around 30 degrees but ramps up to the mid to upper 40’s, and a heavier set for when it never gets out of the 30’s.

[adrien]

I run hot so, take this FWIW.

I really like knickers (Rapha calls them 3/4) above freezing. They come in different weights and lengths and essentially cover your knees but don't go the full length. I really like Cafe du cycliste's, and have three pairs. Anything over about 38 I'll wear them with long merino socks and toe covers on my shoes.

I also just picked up some nice tights from Chapeau, which have stirrups which is really a nice feature.

[vincenz]

Never had a problem with wearing two sets of straps. I go with a regular pair of bibs (and leg warmers if in the 20s and below), and then a pair of wind proof tights without chamois on top of all of it. I can do thermal bibs underneath if I wanted to, and can choose between leg and knee warmers, etc etc. Plus the tights don’t have to go through as many wash cycles and I don’t need to have multiple pairs of tights with bibs.

[Geemalar]

@Adrien - I happened to be in the area of the Rapha NYC store a few weeks ago so I stopped in, I was actually interested in a set of their bib knickers. Salesperson told me that Rapha no longer makes knickers........I found that rather odd.

I actually prefer knickers until it just gets too cold, then the full length gear comes out.......

[tv_vt]

For winter temps (low 30's and below), I use a looser strap bibshort w/pad under a PI Amfib bibtight w/o pad. The Amfib tight is really nice for cold weather. If using a tight fitting bibshort, the double shoulder straps are a bit uncomfortable.

[azrider]

Whats a bib tight?

:p:p:p

[MagicHour]

Thanks guys, that helps. sorta along my lines of thinking with the thermal/non-chamois bib tights; flexibility for layering and less frequent laundry, since I'd only be getting one pair this season.

I prefer the full length tights without the chamois and use a pair of bib shorts underneath, I never really notice any issues having 2 sets of straps over the shoulder. I just go this route based off of the temperature.......

I have 2 sets of full length tights, one lighter set for when the morning starts out around 30 degrees but ramps up to the mid to upper 40’s, and a heavier set for when it never gets out of the 30’s.


Never had a problem with wearing two sets of straps. I go with a regular pair of bibs (and leg warmers if in the 20s and below), and then a pair of wind proof tights without chamois on top of all of it. I can do thermal bibs underneath if I wanted to, and can choose between leg and knee warmers, etc etc. Plus the tights don’t have to go through as many wash cycles and I don’t need to have multiple pairs of tights with bibs.

Adrien - thx I run pretty warm too, and I get a ton of use from my Defeet Wool kneekers + my normal bibs. I can see how a pair of 3/4s or even just thermal bib shorts could be handy for a big chunk of the season. Hmm... will keep my eyes open during sales as another option.

I run hot so, take this FWIW.

I really like knickers (Rapha calls them 3/4) above freezing. They come in different weights and lengths and essentially cover your knees but don't go the full length. I really like Cafe du cycliste's, and have three pairs. Anything over about 38 I'll wear them with long merino socks and toe covers on my shoes.

I also just picked up some nice tights from Chapeau, which have stirrups which is really a nice feature.

[MagicHour]

I see what you did there, haha moving is not an option right now :)
Whats a bib tight?

:p:p:p

[pdmtong]

@Adrien - I happened to be in the area of the Rapha NYC store a few weeks ago so I stopped in, I was actually interested in a set of their bib knickers. Salesperson told me that Rapha no longer makes knickers........I found that rather odd. I actually prefer knickers until it just gets too cold, then the full length gear comes out.......

there is a shift towards thermal bib shorts plus knee/leg warmers instead of 3/4

I recently sold my spare pair of classic 3/4 here - it's now outside Toronto where it will get worn. the classic thermal roubaix was a bit too warm for me - prefer the rapha CX 3/4 - sadly also no longer made.

If I need to wear full length I prefer a built-in chamois. then again it is rarely <35d so if it is I find something else to do.

[makoti]

Tights over shorts=never again. After my first set of good winter bib tights, I'll never try to cheap out with that again.

[Cbh]

I recently got a pair of Rapha thermal bib shorts that I really like. I also use Rapha tights with the pad but the thermal shorts are my go to unless its below freezing. They work great with a pair of PI leg warmers and are perfect for those days when you have a 20+ degree temperature change.

[joosttx]

I tried Rapha and Q36.5 winter tights. The Q’s are superior IMO. They are water repellent, thinner but equally warm, more comfortable, and better quality than Rapha.

[Dired]

Assos habu have a very nice temp range, wear them into the low 50s comfortably or can pair them with some warmers for into the 20s.

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[MagicHour]

Oh yeah I should mention...let’s keep the budget ~<$150.:o thanks guys.

[Gummee]

I run warm too, so usually end up in knickers till it's below 45 or so.

After that, I still run knickers under tights. I'll swap between weights of regular tights (no chamois) and bib tights (no chamois) depending on the weather.

For example: today it was 40-43 during my ride. Thin lycra bib knickers under thin lycra tights, thin wool socks and toe warmers for bottoms. A Castelli Perfetto light SS jersey, a mesh base layer, and a thin Craft base layer on top. I was about half a layer under dressed because the sun never came out.

M

[Gummee]

Oh yeah I should mention...let’s keep the budget ~<$150.:o thanks guys.

Buy once. Cry once.

I've got some mid-level shorts and knickers and much prefer the nice stuff.

M

[jemoryl]

Why doesn't the poll have bib tights with chamois as a choice? I have two pairs of those - one old pair (>10 years old) from Santini with WindTex fronts and a more recent pair of high end Nalini (Team Nalini black label?). The former are wearing like iron and are decent, while the latter are really top notch comfort wise. I like the idea of having a pair without chamois to wear over regular shorts, but for some reason the ones with chamois were there when I was in the market.

[glepore]

Why doesn't the poll have bib tights with chamois as a choice? I have two pairs of those - one old pair (>10 years old) from Santini with WindTex fronts and a more recent pair of high end Nalini (Team Nalini black label?). The former are wearing like iron and are decent, while the latter are really top notch comfort wise. I like the idea of having a pair without chamois to wear over regular shorts, but for some reason the ones with chamois were there when I was in the market.

This. Habu are awesome, pricey, and discontinued. Have an older pair of Capo with a windtex front that are for low 30's, but my go to for mid 30s thru 50's are Castelli Sorpasso. The logos are fragile but the tights aren't, and they have a nice mix of materials making them really versatile.

[LouDeeter]

When really cold, I used regular, not bib, shorts under heavyweight bib tights with wind blocker front and no chamois. I also have some bib tights with chamois for between temps. I ride bib knickers with knee warmers/braces from 50-60 degrees. It's really my head that I have to worry more about--whether to cover just my ears, a skull cap that covers the ears, or a full balaclava. Full finger gloves sometimes with liners, sometimes just heavier gloves. Oh, I live in SW Florida, so don't have the opportunity to do this much anymore, but I did live and ride in colder climates during my life, so I still have the gear. I also keep a pair of larger shoes that I can wear thicker socks.

[MagicHour]

Gonna go with option 2 for now: heavier winter tights (https://galibier.cc/product/mistral2bibs/) with some windblock, which should cover me for the extreme end of things and as cold as I'd want to ride in (before wussing out and riding Zwift :p).

Next if I find myself doing lots of cold weather riding, I'll add some more "nice to haves" kit - ie Rapha Core Winter tights, and/or Rapha Classic Thermal Bibs + warmers or similar. Both look great and honestly being here in NYC will probably get much more use than a dedicated deep winter piece, that's really only needed for a month or two.

Thx for the help.

[efixler]

I'm very happy with my Morvelo Stormshield Bib Tights.

Based on my experience with the Vertex jacket, I'll bet the Pactimo tights are really good too, but I haven't actually tried them.

[mt2u77]

Take your pick of bibs or non-bib tights, but NO CHAMOIS. I've never met a pair of bib tights with chamois that fit just right, plus it's an expensive niche garment for me. I'm more of a multi-sport athlete in winter. I spend at least as much time on XC skis and running as I do on a bike in winter, so I try to choose garments that are as versatile as possible. That means all my thermal gear is non-padded and I just wear an old pair of summer bibs underneath for cycling.

[TunaAndBikes]

Being unwilling to spend big $ on winter gear, I use tights from LuluLemon and put them over my bibs, call it a day.
I'll wear skinny running pants over them or jorts, depending on my mood

[45K10]

I have a couple pair of Santini winter bibs. They are awesome from about 15F to 35F and way more comfortable than wearing leg warmers and regular bibs

[teleguy57]

there is a shift towards thermal bib shorts plus knee/leg warmers instead of 3/4

My n=1 says the opposite. I have an amazing pair of Endura bib knicks that had wind/waterproof sections on the front that are no longer in their product line. Before that (and still in rotation occasionally was a similar version from Cannondale, albeit a bit beefier).

Decided to try thermal bibs and knee warmers, and after two seasons am going back to bib knicks for "cooler" conditions (WI cooler, not AZ SouCal, FL cooler). So I just picked up a pair of Vermarcs and pair of Patimo 3/4 bib knicks to add to the wardrobe so I'm not always washing clothes. Will still run the 4 pair of thermal bibs with knee warmers where it's likely temps will rise, or when I feel like a little thicker fabric is warranted. Regular or summer weight bibs now start at 70F for me.

I run warm too, so usually end up in knickers till it's below 45 or so.

After that, I still run knickers under tights. I'll swap between weights of regular tights (no chamois) and bib tights (no chamois) depending on the weather.M

This. With 65-year old knees with no cartilage I have to take care to keep my knees warm. Bibs under tights really don't do that; knicks under tights do and they subjectively feel better too.

When going for full leg coverings always some form of bibbed bottom (short or 3/4) with chamois under bib tights without pad.

No issues for me with two sets of straps either.

[mtb_frk]

I really like the Pearl Izumi amfib tights. Having the wind block, I’ll wear them all winter in temps down to the teens with no problems. I’ve been thinking about trying some pants this winter while out on the fat bike also.

I’m trying to find something similar to the amfibs in a knicker that has wind block in the front. I haven’t had much luck.

[adrien]

Hey folks -- sorry, been crazy busy and I've been away from the thread.

Rapha had (apparently) discontinued the 3/4, but when I was in the clubhouse recently one of the employees told me they had relaunched classics 3/4. I picked up a set and on one of our clubhouse rides I'd say at least 3 other riders (I'm a ride leader locally) were very interested in them. Link:

https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/classic-3-4-bib-shorts/product/BSL02XXBLK

Note: they are a little shorter than others coming in just below the knee (see below) and for me, very warm. They need to be pulled into position, but once in-place they're all-day great. I went XL because the length of the large was too short, and waist-wise I'm right on the line between L and XL. I'd be fine with these at pretty much anything above freezing, but I grew up playing ball hockey outside at -10, so...

And I do love the Cafe du Cycliste product. Longer than the Rapha product above (these for me fall mid-calf), and lighter. The fleece lining is less thick, and the bottom colored panels below the knee are unlined. For me, extremely comfortable in the 40-60 degree range. I wear a large.

https://www.cafeducycliste.com/en_us/men-bib-shorts-adrienne-navy.html

For reference: I'm 6'3, 215.

[MagicHour]

Thanks - was looking at those Elite Escape AmFibs and are on my short list to try if the Galibier Mistral fit doesn't work, at least for the heavier windblock type. They seem to get really good reviews and are not $300.

I really like the Pearl Izumi amfib tights. Having the wind block, I’ll wear them all winter in temps down to the teens with no problems. I’ve been thinking about trying some pants this winter while out on the fat bike also.

I’m trying to find something similar to the amfibs in a knicker that has wind block in the front. I haven’t had much luck.

[verbs4us]

Assos Bonka bibs are crazy warm and crazy expensive. The only negative is they don't quite fit my anatomy, and the boys are pushed uncomfortably upward. Chamois cream required. Also, the zipper doesn't go low enough, so I have to fish a bit. The pad is so thick, I had to lower the saddle a few mm. Good into the 20s.

[Dired]

Thanks - was looking at those Elite Escape AmFibs and are on my short list to try if the Galibier Mistral fit doesn't work, at least for the heavier windblock type. They seem to get really good reviews and are not $300.I know you keep mentioning your budget but have you actually looked at what the assos pieces sell for on sale? The habu are basically in the same price range as the amfib from cc.

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[Likes2ridefar]

I prefer the full length tights without the chamois and use a pair of bib shorts underneath, I never really notice any issues having 2 sets of straps over the shoulder. I just go this route based off of the temperature.......

I have 2 sets of full length tights, one lighter set for when the morning starts out around 30 degrees but ramps up to the mid to upper 40’s, and a heavier set for when it never gets out of the 30’s.

This is what I prefer too. Assos roubaix or with windblock are my two for cooler or cold. Never wore the heavy since moving to arizona.:hello:

[MagicHour]

Thx Will take a look around - I'm a M in Assos and those and L tend to sell out quick. Tiburus s7 look pretty good too.

FWIW since it keeps coming up, I do have several pieces of Assos kit I picked up over last 2 seasons, which I love wearing, but a cursory search at the prices of their winter gear I figured it was out of my league/budget, and would rather spend money elsewhere.

Also I'm sorta old school (and possibly self-conscious) in my thinking re: riding around wearing $1000+ worth of kit with my $25 legs :o...but I also tend to be my own worst critic and that's a discussion for another time and place :help::) ... and I get YOLO, durability for $ etc. and believe me I'm in NYC so there's no shortage of fancy kitted people riding around.

I know you keep mentioning your budget but have you actually looked at what the assos pieces sell for on sale? The habu are basically in the same price range as the amfib from cc.

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[Likes2ridefar]

I got my assos both half off, maybe 10 or so years ago when they were on clearance at signature cycles. I wear large in assos and The heavy ones are xL but work perfect with heavier layers. I’ve ridden in extremely cold conditions with them, blizzards, etc. I’ve used them heavily. Tons and tons of nasty winter commuting in NYC and long distance training miles. I’d say they are worth it.

[ernmony]

Oh yeah I should mention...let’s keep the budget ~<$150.:o thanks guys.

Rapha merino knee warmers always do the trick too and don't forget the merino hat (doesn't have to be Rapha) too.

[MagicHour]

Oh yeah I'm a big merino fan and have several pieces of kit (and a cap!). Over black friday sale I just took a flyer with a couple inexpensive DHB merino base layers of varying weights and a set of their leg warmers from Wiggle. I'll see how it compares quality-wise and fit to Icebreaker and other items I have.

Rapha merino knee warmers always do the trick too and don't forget the merino hat (doesn't have to be Rapha) too.

[paredown]

Old banged up knees, so for me it is 3/4 knicks once the weather gets into the 50s/60s, light tights for tweener days and Assos Roubaix with bibs under when it gets down into the 30s.

I have never liked arm warmers/leg warmers--I hate stopping to take stuff on and off.

I have been less likely to ride on cold days the past couple of years, but I still remember how delighted I was with the Assos roubaix tights plus the 851 jacket--I was really sorry that we had nothing that good for the cold when I was young and fast...

[Robot870]

Assos knickers with Assos winter pants over - 10 dollar suspenders from amazon holds things in place!

[jadedaid]

I've bought more Rapha stuff than I am proud to admit (convenience of access, good pricing whilst on sale and cool look...) and haven't been very impressed with their stuff.

Except - their winter gear. I have the Pro Team Winter tights with pad and those are amazing. Warm, comfy and still look new after 4 months of 3x-4x a week riding. Wore them in NYC last year when the temps dropped to almost zero and I was still ok.

I tended to ride with boxers to avoid having to wash them after every ride and I was too cheap to buy a second pair.

[MagicHour]

To circle back on this thread. Guys with the PI AmFib tights - quick fit question, Hows the fit for you on these? Just got a great deal on a set. The material is pretty stiff which makes them fit a little less like other cycling gear that I’m use to, and more like snowmobile pants or a wetsuit or something. Fit is mostly tight, but slightly loose at the knees, for example, but I definitely wouldn't be able to fit into a smaller size. Do yours fit similarly?

For winter temps (low 30's and below), I use a looser strap bibshort w/pad under a PI Amfib bibtight w/o pad. The Amfib tight is really nice for cold weather. If using a tight fitting bibshort, the double shoulder straps are a bit uncomfortable.

I really like the Pearl Izumi amfib tights. Having the wind block, I’ll wear them all winter in temps down to the teens with no problems. I’ve been thinking about trying some pants this winter while out on the fat bike also.

I’m trying to find something similar to the amfibs in a knicker that has wind block in the front. I haven’t had much luck.

[buddybikes]

Really cheap out - Champion C9 compression (20.00) tight over whatever shorts aren't dirty. If really cold I use, and love, sporthill 3SP xc ski fabric.