Overtrousers or Tights ?

[drfrank]

Further to my recent post regarding wet weather gear I am after some more advice please !!

I tend to cycle in shorts and don't mind getting too wet. I'm going to get the Altura night vision evo jacket (any good ?) and I was considering getting the overtrousers to match. Is this sensible ? I find in the winter the legs get cold in shorts and I was thinking about a pair of tights instead ?

Do I buy both ? Do I need both ? Overtrousers ? Tights ?

Thanks for any help

Drfrank (newbie but very enthusiastic commuting cyclist)

[Chris71]

What's your commute like?

I've got it easier here in the south east admittedly (weather-wise), but I just wear roadie cycling shorts or DHBs under tracksuit bottoms. Works for me.

[b2hbm]

I use the tights option when the weather drops colder, they obviously aren't waterproof but I find that even when they're wet, I keep warm. As you mention this is new to you, perhaps I ought to say that you can get tights in varying weights. The ones I go for a usually classed as "roubaix", they are the thickest type and normally have a sort of fleecy-looking internal finish. You can get versions which are quite thin material, the same weight as your summer shorts and more for early/late season riding.

The missus wears Ron Hill tracksters which are basically track suit bottoms with a bottom loop, a much looser fit but slim enough not to get caught in the chain. (she doesn't like the clingy lycra image....)

[cjs]

These are good if you just want to keep your legs warm, not waterproof but do dry quickly. No padding so you may need some padded shorts underneath.

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop/Clothing/C...

[hondafanatic]

Chris has asked the important question, what kind of commute.

I wear over-trousers if I'm taking the short route i.e. 3.6 miles, but as I have only one speed (hell for leather) any longer and it becomes a sweaty sauna and my jeans end up just as wet as if it had been raining on me.

Another option is a pair of baggy winter 3/4 shorts, I've a couple of pairs of Endura ones that are dry by the time I leave home. Combined with SealSkin socks and over boots, I'm normally very dry by the time I get in.

In my opinion, the best thing to do is buy the best equipment you can afford, and two of each. The more technically suited the equipment, the easier life is, and when it's a freezing wet day after the snow has turned to slush, you're less likely to reach for the car keys. All in my humble opinion though.

[y2blade]

Boobles did you wear your tights this morning?

[boobles]

y2blade said:

Boobles did you wear your tights this morning?

Na, just my "work clothes"

[Parsnip]

I never bother with tights - I ave already paid a shed load for good bibs, so either I buy cheapo tights and am uncomfy, or buy expensive ones and am poor.

Summer shorts (double them up when it is really cold) and knee/leg warmers id the way to go IMO

[drfrank]

I decided to go with the altura (?) evo jacket and overtrousers !!

I'll report back on them

[dubbs]

DHB tights here for the winter/cold stuff as it'll never be too long a ride and is generally the month or so before training kicks off just to get legs used to riding (i.e, commutes) They work well.

Also makes you appreciate just how lovely those Assos are once you wear them :-)

[coupeboy]

I'll second the leg/knee warmer option under good quality shorts.