Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?

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2009-11-27 4:04 PM

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Expert
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Subject: Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?
Can someone help me understand the differences please?

I have some UA Coldgear compression leggings, and they are pretty good but not very windproof when it gets up. I have some cheap full length winter bibs, which are more windproof but less comfy (cheap = poor shape) and the shin areas are not very fitted so get draughty.

I was thinking some leg warmers over my UA tights might be the best thing, as they are a lot cheaper than a quality set of bibs, but am I missing something here? I have read a few people seem to have problems with them staying up, but are there any other drawbacks?

I have a UA Coldgear mock and Gore bike jacket that have so far been toasty warm, so its realy just legs causing a problem at this stage.

Thanks

2009-11-27 5:22 PM
in reply to: #2533316

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?
If you're looking for "windproof" or "warmer" or some other specific quality, the answer lies in the material of which the garment is made, not the form into which it is shaped. Shop around, and look for those made of the stuff that gives you what you want.
2009-11-27 6:17 PM
in reply to: #2533316

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?
I found some inexpensive winter tights @ Performance.  I tried leg warmers over tights and it works but they do slide down.  If you want a really inexpensive option, you can get wind pants to wear over your tights, if you don't mind the rustling sound.
2009-11-27 8:19 PM
in reply to: #2533316

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Master
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Subject: RE: Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?
Or...why not try the leg warmers UNDER the tights...where the grippers can grip to your skin, thus preventing them from sliding down. I wear arm warmers as a first layer on my arms in really cold temps, and they do not budge...don't see why it wouldn't work the same for leg/knee warmers.
2009-11-27 8:30 PM
in reply to: #2533316

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?
Pearl Izumi AmFib are my favorite for windproof tights..they are about $100 but work great riding when it is 20-45 and I also use them for running when it is under 15. Really very good investment I made 3-4 years ago. They are windproof in front and different material on back so more comfortable for when you sweat.
2009-11-28 12:07 PM
in reply to: #2533316

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Master
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?
I will concur that the PI Amfib Tights are indeed warm and definitely do their job on cold rides. However, my only gripe with them is the fact that the fabric used on the backside of the tight is slippery as all get out. At least it was on my saddle, which is a Specialized that is covered with their water-resistant Micromatrix material. Perhaps this isn't a problem with saddles covered in other types of material. It was annoying enough for me, that I ended up returning the Amfib's.


2009-11-28 9:54 PM
in reply to: #2533316

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Leg Warmers vs Tights vs Bibs?

How about a base layer? Craft (www.craft-usa.com) has base layers for upper and lower body. I'm in Southern California so an upper base layer, jersey, and tights are all I need but I bet if you got their long underpants and put tights over them you'd be nice and toasty.

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