Bike Tights- Chamois or no Chamois?

Hey, 

My wife wants some bike specific thermal tights. Done a bit of research but looking for some input from Chicago bikers. Checked the bike winter threads but most was related to layering.

 

Is it better to wear non-chamois tights over bike shorts or are ones with chamois/padding built in enough? I can't imagine that she'll want to ride with tights alone in anything lower than 30 degrees, so let's say btwn 50 and 30 degrees. Any brands, any brand lines? I know there is a great variety out there, just looking for some personal choices.

 

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Liz on November 29, 2011 at 12:43pm

I usually just ride with shorts under my tights for long rides.  Its not too warm when its between 50 and 30.  When it gets below 30 I get into leg warmers + shorts + tights.

Permalink Reply by Naomi Ruth Jackson on November 29, 2011 at 1:21pm

I also ride with tights over the shorts. Sometimes I'll layer with another pair of leggings underneath. I'm sure there are some good brands out there, but I bought my tights at Walgreens for $10 and they are awesome.

Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on November 30, 2011 at 7:09am

Thanks for the info so far. Anyone have any technical recomendations? Distance/Racing wise?

Permalink Reply by Kelly on November 30, 2011 at 4:10pm

I have found that riding with the tights (no chamois) UNDER my padded shorts feels better. I just did a 40 mile ride (in 30 degree weather)with them and it felt fine. The trick is having a pair of shorts that fit and are going to hold the tights in place. 

Permalink Reply by Mark on December 1, 2011 at 3:47am

I always wear my regular padded shorts as the outer layer.  I have lighter and heavier tights (unpadded).  As the winter season progresses, I go from the lighter tights to the heavier tights, and then both when it gets below 20 degrees.

Permalink Reply by Chucko on December 1, 2011 at 3:47am

The following is not based on any actual fact, just personal preference: I just go with tights over regular bike shorts. Mostly because that means I can buy just about any tights that work, regardless of bike specificity. That is when I wear tights at all. I'm more of a bike shorts, knee warmers, knickers, and long wool socks kind of guy myself. I have a pair of swobo wool knickers that I love, and prefer them to just bike tights for cold winter days. But of course, whatever turns your crank...

Permalink Reply by koala on December 1, 2011 at 7:42am
I prefer non-padded tights over regular bike shorts. One advantage in spring and fall -- you can wear the tights+shorts in the morning when its in the 40s, and go with shorts alone in the afternoon if it warms up. Makes it a little easier to stay comfortable on both commutes.

The only brand recommendation I have is for sub-25 degrees: Peal Izumi AmFIB. For 30s and 40s, I'm not real particular.
Permalink Reply by Jeff Markus on December 2, 2011 at 11:19am

I have used bike specific undershorts inside of tights for the seam locations and padding then a pair of shorts over that can be removed if it gets warm as the ride rolls on. The lighrtweight blend fabrics with pads make a great inner layer and are less likely on my body shape to migrate even if the tights want to ride down with pedalling.

This is just for commute recreation as I don't race/train.

Jeff

The Chicagoan

Permalink Reply by Jeff K on December 2, 2011 at 1:12pm

I have settled on non-padded shorts, tights & pants. Underneath I wear chamois shorts or underwear. Because the outer layers (shorts, tights & pants) don't need to be laundered as often, they last longer.

Also, that makes the outer layer pieces more useful for non-biking activity.

Permalink Reply by Greg Valent on December 2, 2011 at 1:48pm

Save some money and just get the leg warmers.

Permalink Reply by Susan Hayse on December 3, 2011 at 1:39am

I go with padded tights, not shorts under tights.  I prefer the tights because I ride to work all year and I get sick of peeling off multiple layers multiple times per day.  Also the shifting-shorts are a problem - the tights seem to move the shorts around and you get the bunched up chamois with no way to modestly adjust the short.  The best ones I've found are Performance's Triflex tights, which are pretty close to the Pearl Izumi AmFib tights in quality and warmth.  Those AmFibs are the gold standard for super cold riding.  It really depends on how fast she's going to ride and her personal thermostat!

Permalink Reply by Stuart Joshua Holt on December 5, 2011 at 3:38am

Hi, I've been riding in this cold environment for many years. Often down to frigid temps. I usually find riding with my bike shorts, with chamois AND tights with chamois offer the most protection AND comfort, especially if I am doing longer miles (>30). The extra padding offers additional warmth for sensitive parts and also gives better protection from some of the bumpy roads we "enjoy" in Chicagoland.

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