[Closed] Strathpuffer - What is recommended in the winter tights world?

I have the same quandary. Just ordered some of [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-bodyfit-pro-thermal-bibtight/ ]these[/url]. Obviously I haven't worn them yet but I'll add an update later this week after I've tried them. To be honest if it's super cold I'm fully expecting to have to wear two pairs of winter tights. Also got a buffalo jacket for the worst case scenario and I've also ordered [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/northwave-artic-commuter-mtb-gtx-boots-1/ ]these[/url] in a vain attempt at keeping my feet warm. Just need to find some better gloves next...

Got to say I'm quite enjoying the kit-buying binge in advance of the puffer 🙂

Waterproof shorts.

Waterproof shorts.

Got some of them but doubt I'll wear them. I'm not keen on baggies for long rides if the weathers crap, they get quite heavy and chafe a lot whereas the dirt and grit just brush off lycra.

Dirt and grit brush off lycra if the lycra is dry.

Ahahahaha dirt and grit brush off lycra....

First timer eh?

He must be.

Dont go down the Endura Stealth route either as you'll wear the arse right out of them.

I got the endura waterproof tights a few years back for the puffer with the intention just not to take them off for 24 hours. They were too warm for ' racing ' and I soaked through with sweat. Plan for this year is multiple pairs of normal tights and change every few laps. I'm not due there's an easy way to do it...

It's not been seriously cold either for a few years...

Thin tights and a pair of waterproof trousers presuming it's wet.

You really don't want a wet gritty arse.

Dirt and grit brush off lycra if the lycra is dry.

Well, quite. Anyway, I can't imagine wearing baggy shorts for any length of time. Too bloody uncomfortable if you ask me. I'll stick with the lycra option.

First timer eh?

It's true sadly. I guess everyone has to start somewhere.

You really don't want a wet gritty arse.

Well I'm swaying towards a mudguard for that problem.

I've done 6 of them. Stay away from lycra. Cut off goretex just below the knee. Job done.

Get plenty of warm kit for when you're not on the bike. Time on the bike you don't need to go overboard. Off the bike's where keeping warm makes a huge difference.

I basically empty my kit cupboard and end up doing a couple of laps in some 3/4s, and the rest in my stock of tights. I've got some DHB ones that work a treat - but seriously you don't need any epic clothing or you'll be too warm. You'll not be stopping on the bike for any length of time (maybe a puncture if you're unlucky).

I now avoid baggies - end up with too much clarty kit otherwise. As far as I'm concerned, lycra and merino base layers are where it's at.

Oh - and good luck!

Stay away from lycra. Cut off goretex just below the knee.

Well that does surprise me. Probably the first time I"ve ever been advised to avoid lycra for a bike race. Is there a consensus on that from the old hands?

No - I'd take tights of various weights and run waterproof shorts on top.

Sorry, that wasn't meant to sound negative I keep missing the entry to have another crack at it.

I think lycra is fine but you seriously want something over the top i reckon the grit is like grinding paste and goes right through lycra in the first splash.

If the past couple of years are anything to go by tights aren't really needed.

But then I'm a 365 days a year shorts wearer.

Lycra bibshorts underneath cheap fleece lined tights underneath waterproof baggies.

That's what I'll be wearing and have done for the past 5 years of Puffers.

"Avoid lycra"? Don't.

Mudguards keep your legs dry and your arse unchafed, and that's half the battle sorted.

From what I've observed many of the fast guys can get off with wearing next to nothing because they have a good furnace going. As a mere mortal, I found that Rab VR works best for me (with big mudguards), but it's best to test your gear with a few several hour rides in foul conditions. Even with mudguards the lower part of your legs get saturated, so anything baggy get horribly flappy.

However, the last few years 'Puffers were more like autumn conditions, whereas I remember seeing -20ºC on my thermometer at the top once, and then there was the windchill on the long descents to suck the last of the heat out before the pits.

A lot depends on whether you're doing it solo or as a team. As a team, you get a chance to warm up so your gear is not hypercritical so long as you stay reasonably dry and warm and can change into dry stuff at leisure.

However a soloist hasn't got the time to waste so you'll need gear you won't have to change which means it has to do its job effectively for the whole 24 hours especially during the usual 3am sleet.

I am going to try Terrahawk's suggestion. I don't like the draggy feel of fleece tights, but I hadn't thought of wearing lycra under them.

The really hard thing is sweat control.

To clarify, I meant avoid lycra as an outer layer.

Another vote for waterproof shorts.

Stealth light tights give em their due did last the race..... Only they were new prior and scrap after. That was with mud guards

trail_rat - Member
...Stealth light tights give em their due did last the race..... Only they were new prior and scrap after...

Everything is scrap after, even one's body is only fit for organ donations. 🙂

It is a thing to bear in mind. Doing the 'Puffer solo when the conditions are bad is like doing an entire XC race season without maintaining your bike, and with predictable results.

dunno my bike hosed off and looked like new after....

rigid SS with good quality bearings (ie not cheap ones packed with grease off ebay)

only thing that died iirc was the shimano BB and the brake pads.

if using gears - well thats just silly isnt it.

trail_rat - Member
dunno my bike hosed off and looked like new after....

rigid SS with good quality bearings (ie not cheap ones packed with grease off ebay)...

Ditto - Singlespeed is the way to go. 🙂

I haven't had to change anything on my bike for the last 3 years apart from a precautionary chain before last year. But I didn't want to do my usual singlespeed and drum brakes panegyric and upset the geared chaps.

So to clarify, quite a few derailleur systems get trashed in the 'Puffer and sometimes lots of brake pads get consumed.

If you're solo and don't have a pitcrew, training to change brake pads in the dark after you have had your hands in the freezer until you can't feel them anymore might save you more time in the race than getting up to the next level of fitness. (That's why I use drum brakes). But we might have another soft 'Puffer, so ignore that. 🙂