[Closed] Tights / long trousers for Winter biking

I generally go to 3/4 bibs with shorts and pads for winter but hold a pair of full length bibs for truly cold weather.  Something like the £15 PX ‘365’ 3/4’s are ace but definitely autumn/winter weight and cheap enough to have a few pairs. Sizing is normal not Euro roadie.

Edit: ah, you said ‘no bibs’. Sorry!  Maybe running tights then? I had a pair of cheap Decathlon ones that lasted a couple of winters commuting but never did more than half an hour or so in them. Didn’t feel like they’d be a problem though - they skipped the crotch seam for a separate panel...

Waterproof shorts, knee length sealskins and knee pads serve me well through anything I’ve rode in.

cross country ski trousers here in sweden.  with normal cylcing shorts and waterproof socks underneath

Here in the mild SouthEast ,3/4 bib shorts work best for me too but I do have some 3/4's  which aren't bib ,used for for mtb only. I add long socks if chilly. If it's absolutely Baltic ,full tights and maybe pair of windproof 3/4 britches.

You want some Fox Flexairs

wohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Wear them over your knee pads if it's normal cold or combine with Aldi Women's Fleece Tights (£3.99) if it's really cold. Yeah

Trousers for me too. I have some of the above Fox, some RF Agent  & the Specialized Demo ones.

All better than shorts & leggings IMO.

I bought a pair of Endura trousers last year, after years of winter riding in shorts and knee warmers or 3/4 bibs and claiming that cold calves aren't really an issue

I still think they aren't, but I had no idea how lovely it would be to peel off the trousers in the garage after a filthy ride and be perfectly clean, warm and dry underneath.  Unexpectedly delightful!

And if the cuffs sit over the tops of your shoes your socks and shoes stay much drier and cleaner too, and all the cack isn't running down your legs straight into them.

Madison waterproof shorts, which go down over dakine knee pads, which go over knee high sealskinz, keeps all the water out the socks as well. And Five10 impact vxi.

None of it winter specific, so can be worn in various forms all year round.

Works a treat in all weathers, as ned says, great peeling it all off and clean legs below.

Pair of Boardman convertible MTB trousers have served me well this autumn, will wear over cycling bib tights if it gets really bitter.

Personally I wear either Castelli Nano Flex Plus or Sorpasso bib tights and if it's really wet a set of waterproof soft shell shorts.

To be honest, from about October on I wear bib tights, up until it's back over about 15deg C for sustained periods

Full bib Roubaix longs for me. The ones with windstopper or similar on the front are great. Add waterproof shorts over if it's truly grim.

Mainly the same as Yak, but knee pads are a bit of a problem. With bib longs the knee pads can't go underneath the bib and they move about too much over the bib.

If its really bad weather wise I wear a pair of waterproof walking trousers. Thought the walking trousers would be too restrictive but work well. (Knee pads fit under with no problem)

I've got some of these and think they're great for winter/muddy riding (and on offer at the moment too!):  https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/Am-1000-Repel-Mountain-Biking-Trousers-p/pol01-5323-p.htm

I bought Hummvee trousers and didn't get on with them what with the zips at the bottom and the flappy lower legs, it really didn't work for me so gone back to wearing Nike compression trousers/tights under Hummvee shorts.

I've tried loads of stuff but always end up with cycle shorts,  Ron hills and cheap waterproof trousers.

Ron Hill tracksters, £16 off Ebay, or an old pair of Rab VR trousers if it gets really parky. I don't bother with cycling specific clothing, it's mostly overpriced underperforming gash.

Shorts in proper winter? Good luck with that.

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Bibs are great, but for winter even more so as they cover your lower back up. A trip to Decathlon is all you need, the 900 winter tights are lovely, baggies over the top if you must.

Running tights could work too, but the back of high back and the seams in the wrong place make them nowhere near as good as proper bibs.

Anything made from Roubaix type material. DHB used to do some that had a water resistant outer surface - it wasn't soft-shell but just done in a way that the outer surface felt very smooth. The finish was also wind resistant so even better!

As above once it gets really cold then something like the Rab VR trousers but you might need something to stop the material on the drive side from flapping around.

I am using full cycle shorts,, full bib and waterproof shorts will change to just tights and baggies in summer -  I was out yesterday wind and rain and was totally protected and on my feet I used MT500 covers.

I use roubaix leg warmers then just usual favourite undershorts & shorts. If it's just cool rather than cold then kneewarmers. Pads can be worn on top if required.

With winter boots and thicker socks keeps me toasty . I also use short gaiters if it's really splashy to keep  the water out of my boots and lower legs dry.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-equinox-thermal-leg-warmers/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=100643986&kpid=100643986&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mckv|sX3qZLujI_dm|mcrid|295297463276|mkw||mmt||mrd|100643986uk|mslid||&mkwid=sX3qZLujI_dm&pcrid=295297463276&prd=100643986uk&pgrid=60973418042&ptaid=pla-522551594285&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuf7fBRD7ARIsACqb8w4SpcNcM1nzfqh1_k13OMF1almSxtxsWUvwuOTPseehxLjig6GngNEaAmcWEALw_wcB

Your username indicates you are an old lady, so tights are acceptable.

If you are a bloke, then get trousers.

It's pretty rare that the conditions are too cold for roubaix bibtights.

I find trousers a bit restrictive when throwing my mag cover pose shapes. Baggies over the top to avoid willy outline in MTB groups who just aren't used to it, and allow a quick layer to be removed for adequate cleanliness for an MTBer's car for the lift home. I've never bothered with waterproof ones but I can see they might be useful.

Ron hill tracksters? Forgot this place is full of pensioners... 🤣

Decathlon do a sort of updated ronhill in their running range from a roubaix style fabric needs a pair of braces to keep them in place on the bike though.

The problem with cycling is you want something windproof, especially on the road. Whereas ronhill etc are all designed to be warm but not windproof so they cool a bit as you run and get warmed up. More expensive cycling bibs tend to use a much tighter weave.

DHB always seem like good value and fit well to average proportions. Decathlon are good too but fall into the trap of assuming that an XL is 6ft6 and fat rather than just the same proportions as an L just a bit chubbier.

If anyones 6ft+ and a few extra lb's ive a set of their 900 series roubaix longs, theyre just too long for me both in body and leg.

Howies unpadded bibs - https://www.howies.co.uk/men/clothing/cycle/unpadded-recycled-bib-tights-black.html see me through the winter.

Ion Shelter pants are good

I am a recent trouser convert. Singletrack from endura. Waterproof enough, pads fit under bit most importantly they are super super comfy.

I've got a pair of Endura, I think it must be Singletrack, bought them 2nd hand off here. Seems like I've had them forever they just won't die! Absolutely bombproof, for wet rides Madison 3/4s waterproof that I don't think they make any more? Underneath the best bargain ever Campri thermal tights to keep lower legs warm, bargain at 8 quid!

I normally use a pair of Goretex shorts over bibs/undershorts (length depending of the temperature) and it's been great.

However I decided to treat myself for an early Christmas present and bought Endura MTR trousers. My first commute in them yesterday, in biblical conditions and the setup with neoprene overshoes was a revelation!!!

Decathlon are good too but fall into the trap of assuming that an XL is 6ft6 and fat rather than just the same proportions as an L just a bit chubbier.

This amused me as I get frustrated as well, but because I want the XL to be like a large (or even a medium) but longer. Don't assume all us tall people are fat too.

I’m watching with interest. Always a 3/4 bib over waterproof shorts in winter type with sealskins (on the mtb at least).

Did my research, read reviews, set on the Race Face Agent Pants and now I can’t find a pair anywhere - including across Europe!!! Just when I decided three figures was reasonable for a pair of pants.

Too late to edit - how do you find the Race Face Agent, Hob nob??

The last two rides I've been rocking knee length Sealskinz over Endura tights, with padded shorts under the tights and some Tenn waterproof baggies over them.

Seems to be a good balance of warmth, waterproofness, and the ability to still move.

Though I suspect I probably look ridiculous (especially as the Knee length socks have luminous orange stripes 😳 )

I thought only PE teachers were allowed to wear Ron hill tracksters?

t’s mostly overpriced underperforming gash.

At least your ronhills are cheap underperforming gash, eh?

I am with Lunge.

I'd love a pair of trousers, but having a 32/33" waist and 34/35" inside leg I have yet to find anything that fits. Those polaris trousers looked great - at least they quote the inside leg, which most manufacturers dont - but I need a Medium for the waist measurement and an XXL is just long enough.

3/4 tights and shorts for me, with sealskin socks.

Perhaps HebTroCo could do some HebTroMtbCo trousers for tall folk? 😉

Again, I will recommend these

https://www.pearlizumi.co.uk/men-s-escape-softshell-pant

So good I've bought 2 pairs so have a pair when one is in the wash. Stretchy, light, warm, fraction of the price of ones with a big MTB branding on the leg.... Wore knee warmers under in the recent cold snap.

(Limited sizes there, but worth a hunt around.)(Sizing is spot on too)

I used to wear Endura leggings under baggie shorts, but then discovered the ones that Aldi do for a fraction of the price. Think I have about four or five pairs of them now, a mix of bib longs and normal, although I prefer the bibs as they keep my back draught free in the really chilly stuff.

But if you look at the size guide for those Pearl Izumi trousers in XL, it's the usual story - designed for a paunch and stumpy legs, i.e. your average British mountain biker. I've become convinced hiding a fat arse and overhanging belly is the main design criteria behind the circus clown sh!te I see MTBers wearing. It's the only logical explanation for such obviously non-functional clothing.

It’s the only logical explanation for such obviously non-functional clothing.

Wait, what? According to your first post; MTB specific clothing is too expensive, now it's too hide the fact that mountain bike riders are fat? By your our admission on the same thread you've spouted out at least 3 "explanations"... because now it's non functional as well? this from a man who goes about in public in Ronhills... 🙂

montgomery

Member
But if you look at the size guide for those Pearl Izumi trousers in XL, it’s the usual story – designed for a paunch and stumpy legs

Seeing as I recommended those (not actually mtb trousers) you're calling me fat with a paunch? Well, you're an ugly turd. I don't know this for a fact either, but hey, just type shite eh?

Reading comprehension's clearly not your strong point, Nick, so, in summary: overweight mountain bikers buy clothing that flatters (or least camouflages) their physique; they are willing to pay over the odds in order to achieve that; the companies making the kit know this, so put more effort into the marketing and aesthetics than they do into the function and performance.

No, Dez, I'm saying that manufacturers making size XL clothing (I don't know your size) do not scale up the fit properly. As others have said, the assumption is that tall people are also fat. When one considers the UK population as a whole, and mountain bikers specifically, that's probably a safe assumption to make, but even so, it can somewhat frustrating if you sit outside the bell curve.

tallmart10

I am with Lunge.

I’d love a pair of trousers, but having a 32/33″ waist and 34/35″ inside leg I have yet to find anything that fits. Those polaris trousers looked great – at least they quote the inside leg, which most manufacturers dont – but I need a Medium for the waist measurement and an XXL is just long enough.

3/4 tights and shorts for me, with sealskin socks.

Perhaps HebTroCo could do some HebTroMtbCo trousers for tall folk? 😉

Maybe take a look at Keela as they do three leg lengths for all sizes?

https://www.keela.co.uk/roadrunner-trousers.html

https://www.keela.co.uk/sizing-charts

somewhat frustrating if you sit outside the bell curve.

Indeed. So it's [i]you[/i], not the clothing manufacturers. Unfortunate, I know. Ron Hills look awesome anyway 😆

I like and us these cheapo Sondico Rain Trousers for most of my local winter rides,lightweight,windproof,mudproof,corded waist,2 zipped pockets roomy enough for knee pads with no snagging .I have got more expensive heavier trousers,but prefer these most of the time.Not super strong but 'may' last a good winter of riding.

https://www.sportsdirect.com/sondico-rain-pant-mens-514034

I’ve decided to give the Keela ones a punt. Never really ridden in trousers before, just shorts & maybe knee warmers. After a car took me off my bike in the summer & buggered my knees up I am feeling quite achy when they are cold so hoping that wearing troos will help.

Having a 34” inside leg with a 32” waist kinda narrows the options though, where are all these xxl waisted long legged people so many manufacturers cater for then?

But if you look at the size guide for those Pearl Izumi trousers in XL, it’s the usual story – designed for a paunch and stumpy legs, i.e. your average British mountain biker. I’ve become convinced hiding a fat arse and overhanging belly is the main design criteria behind the circus clown sh!te I see MTBers wearing. It’s the only logical explanation for such obviously non-functional clothing.

It's the same reason really obese people seem to end up all wearing tracksuit bottoms. They are much more accommodating and flattering than say jeans. They stretch well to cover the encroaching girth. Super XXXL jeans look like a sail, tracksuit bottoms even make you look sporty.

I had wondered about a pair of these for riding when it's really cold/wet. They look like soft shell type material....  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Men-Waterproof-Windproof-Winter-Warm-Long-Pants-Thick-Trousers-Hiking-Skiing-UK/273482825814

Probably crap and would fall apart first time out though.

Biggest problem with stuff like those trousers isn’t so much the quality as the fit.

They tend to be cut with low waist bands, that sort of thing.

A workmate bought some of those type of cheap soft shell trousers and they were fine other than the constant builders bum he got, bad enough normally let alone when hanging from ropes!

hey tend to be cut with low waist bands,

That's to accommodate the gut 😀

I use Mountain Equipment Ibex pants. Cheap, stretchy, accommodate knee pads. Pockets have their zips in a daft place for MTB but otherwise great

somewhat frustrating if you sit outside the bell curve.

So it’s <em class="bbcode-em">you, not the clothing manufacturers. Unfortunate, I know. Ron Hills look awesome anyway

They do on me - but's that's a happy coincidence, not the reason I buy them.

Some of the people replying to this topic should check out various Scandinavian clothing manufacturers. They tend to make their kit for people for who take the outdoors and their physical and psychological well-being seriously - rather than the UK, where we have not only normalised obesity and mental ill-health, but actively celebrate it (which, to be fair, is at least an effective way of increasing traffic to your website/social media of choice).

I can't remember if I said this on the thread already. All my favourite pairs of outdoorsy trousers are from haglofs. I'm a 32 in waist and 34 in inside leg and they fit great. Haglofs stuff is excellent, but expensive

Ive just ordered a pair of Tenn Driven Waterproof cycling trousers,38% off and £28 , big fan of the Tenn waterproof shorts so took a punt , not a massive loss if there rubbish.

And that is why I am still wearing shorts this for into winter in Stockholm; I cannot find a pair of trousers that fits my 33" waist and yet gives me a leg length that I need for my 197cm frame.

Full disclosure: It's raining today here, so not _that_ cold, but last week was -8C and next week is going to be cold as well. I may give in and go to winter tights soon.

Walking trousers from Go Outdoors for cold dry days (just wear padded shorts/leg warms underneath).

For wet weather, bung some light weight packable walking trousers over the top if your out in the mountains and not too bothered on looks, cheaper than most MTB specific gear and does the same job.

i've just got some of the halfords jobs and i'm suprised how nice they are to ride in.

they dont look as slick as fox trolleys and they are a bit lightweight but they got me through sunday at BPW and friday at BMCC all good.

Could do with a thicker arse and a dwr coating  but for £50 i`m not complaining!

@DezB

Cheers. Had my eye on a pair of those Pearl Izumi for a while but didn't realise there were such good deals on at the moment. Got my size at a good price on another site. Good shout.

Fatty! 😉

somewhat frustrating if you sit outside the bell curve.

I think we can all see who is being the bell curve on this thread 🙂

And Ron Hills don't look good on anyone.  Much worse than tights.  Not that anyone that would wear them would care, or even be aware of that.  If I was out all day and knew for certain that nobody would see me, I'd still know the badgers were laughing at me behind my back.

I use Mountain Equipment Ibex pants. Cheap, stretchy, accommodate knee pads. Pockets have their zips in a daft place for MTB but otherwise great

I love Mountain Equipment gear but sadly their trousers are no good for the taller among us, as their "long" leg fitting is a measly 33 inches.

I love Mountain Equipment gear but sadly their trousers are no good for the taller among us, as their “long” leg fitting is a measly 33 inches.

ME are noticeably short compared to most other brands.  However this can be an advantage on the Ibex trousers, as it allows you to cinch the lowers around the top of your boots, with very little excess material to get in the way, flapping around getting muddy.  Look stupid with trainers on though.

Ive just ordered a pair of Tenn Driven Waterproof cycling trousers,38% off and £28 , big fan of the Tenn waterproof shorts so took a punt , not a massive loss if there rubbish.

I've had a few pair of these but have finally given up on them due to the quality, they are just fall in pieces after half a dozen rides

Ive just ordered a pair of Tenn Driven Waterproof cycling trousers,38% off and £28 , big fan of the Tenn waterproof shorts so took a punt , not a massive loss if there rubbish.

I’ve had a few pair of these but have finally given up on them due to the quality, they are just fall in pieces after half a dozen ride

Shame that, tried them yesterday and felt quite nice to ride in, got caught in massive downpour and they were fine, see how long they last, as I said, for £28 they were worth a punt :/

Thats the reason I've had a few pairs, they are good in every other way apart from durability.

I'm on my 3rd pair of Tenn shorts. I like the fit (not too baggy), the material (not to rustly) but the arse just wears away rapidly. TBF, they've replaced one pair FOC.

I’m on my 3rd pair of Tenn shorts. I like the fit (not too baggy), the material (not to rustly) but the arse just wears away rapidly. TBF, they’ve replaced one pair FOC.

Tbf I had same problem with endura mt500 at 3 times the cost after a dozen rides, which they replaced under warranty, same thing happened with the ones they replaced.

I got some Tenns for £16 in their recent 60% off sale. Only two rides on them so far, but liking them.

Will be annoying if they do go through in the arse, but it does sound like their CS is good.