3/4 Bibs - Whats the point?

[Dr Murdoch]

Ive just used some thermal 3/4 'thermal' bibs, ordered on-line.

They leave about an inch or two gap, exposing the skin, between the top of boot/sock and the bottom of the bibs.

Should I be wearing 8" socks? Just seems odd to expose the skin in freezing conditions? + it feels weird.

[lufbramatt]

Sound like one of those niche bits of equipment that is only useful on about 4 days a year when it's slightly too cold for shorts but too warm for full length tights

Having said that I could have done with those on Sunday when I was just starting to get a bit cold by the end of the ride but was fine in shorts for the first 90 mins and would have been way too warm with the full winter spec long bibs.

[Connectors]

Can’t answer your question, but I’ve always thought the same about knee warmers.

[Your Dad]

I've been using Endura 3/4 bibs for years, the fabric is slightly heavier than normal bib shorts so it keeps the chill off my thighs and knees on early starts.

I never got on with leg or knee warmers, always found they'd be tight on the thigh and loose on the lower leg.

[snobetter]

I love them, mine come to just below my knee and my knees appreciate that.

[Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area]

I find the ideal is shorts, leg warmers for mild/chilly weather and fleece-backed tights for colder days. I see 3/4 bibs as being a waste of money as you’re effectively paying for a second pair of shorts that are just a bit longer than the ones you already have, so why not simply add warmers underneath and save a load of money?

[Mark83]

I bought some this year and they fill that 5-10c void for me. Worn with toe covers over my shoes and long sleeve jersey/gilet I'm at a comfortable temperature. Below that, bib tights or leg warms and over shoes. Above that, shorts.

[TwistingMyMelon]

I like keeping my knees covered otherwise they hurt in cold weather

[Connectors]

TwistingMyMelon said:

I like keeping my knees covered otherwise they hurt in cold weather

So do mine, I wear leg warmers until bib tights are necessary. My theory being, if my knees are cold, my shins will be too, so 3/4 and knee warmers are pointless.

[louiebaby]

I wear them for commuting throughout the winter.

I only feel cold enough for full longs on about 5 days a year.

[Dannbodge]

Connectors said:

TwistingMyMelon said:

I like keeping my knees covered otherwise they hurt in cold weather

So do mine, I wear leg warmers until bib tights are necessary. My theory being, if my knees are cold, my shins will be too, so 3/4 and knee warmers are pointless.

Same here.
Rouxbaix bib shorts with leg warmers until it hits low single digits (this week) then I'm in tights.

Never saw the need for knee warmers or 3/4s

[lauda]

I tend to over-heat in full bib tights. I don't actually have any 3/4 bibs but shorts with knee warmers are my preference in anything above properly freezing temperatures. To be honest, the only bits of my body that every get really cold are hands and feet. Otherwise I'm generally sweating like a bd regardless of the temperature.

[Matt_N]

Connectors said:

Can’t answer your question, but I’ve always thought the same about knee warmers.

Knee warmers are useful for early morning commutes in Spring and Autumn when it’s too cold for shorts but likely to be too hot for tights on the later ride home. That’s what I use them for anyway.

[Connectors]

We’re all correct, it’s an unanswerable question.

[millen]

My bike fitter said to me that, for those with knee issues, the question should be not "Is it cold enough for knee warmers?" but "Is it warm enough not to wear knee warmers?"

Yes leg warmers are great for those days when it starts off cold then warms up. Sadly mine don't grip too well around the thigh. Bit undignified trying to hoick them up every 5 mins with full-finger gloves; OK with fingerless.

[louiebaby]

Connectors said:

We’re all correct, it’s an unanswerable question.

I'll have another go:

For hot blooded people in cold weather.
For warm blooded people in temperate weather.
For cold blooded people in warm weather.

[itlab]

TwistingMyMelon said:

I like keeping my knees covered otherwise they hurt in cold weather

this 100%

I damaged one of my knees in a crash years ago, and since then its been more prone to aches if it gets cold. my ankles and calves are fine. so 3/4s, knee warmers or knee pads help warm the knees up quicker and keep the heat in.

it has to be mid teens before ill get my knees out.

[millen]

Apologies for the thread drift, but as one who sees no point in the 'bib' part of bib shorts and bib tights, does anyone have recommendations for straightforward waist-high winter tights with integrated gel or foam pad?

So far I've been happy with Funkier, which offers a basic and a thermal version. I've just bought a new pair but they seem not to be stocked widely and indeed the recent pair (from Wiggle/CRC) seems to be 2017 stock which may be running low. I don't see that many alternatives - maybe DHB or Btwin, but that's about it. For summer shorts there's a wide choice and I'm very happy with Lusso They have a small range of winter tights but quite pricey at £65-80. Any other suggestions? (I'm seeking close-fitting lycra tights, not loose-fitting trousers for which there's plenty of options.)

Thanks!

Edited by millen on Thursday 31st October 20:04

[TCX]

Edwin van Hooydonck knows

[g7jhp]

All options for road bikers. Some feel the cold more and need more warmth.

I've got bib shorts and thermal bib tights, but often overheat in the tights unless it's really cold or there's a biting wild.

I had looked for 'non-thermal' bib tights but decided to get some Castelli Nanoflex knee warmers for cooler mornings as it gives me the flexibility to take them off when it warms up.

They're so good I've also got some Castelli Nanoflex Leg Warmers as they're not as warm as bib tights and so give me full cover rather than overheating.

No right or wrong, just what works for you.

Edited by g7jhp on Saturday 2nd November 16:56