Wearing Tights for XC

manc_ian

Tights came today. Ive never worn anythin like em before so its gonna take me a few rides to get used to them.

Really daft question - Are you supposed to wear anything under the tights like boxers or is that what the anti-bacterial thing is for? :?

fumps

with out the boxers mate.

Otherwise you'll have a non breathing layer under a breatherble one.

I did that once got a bit errghhh i'll stop there

cjw

Go commando mate then there's no unsightly panty line

How do they fit?

manc_ian

Ive never worn them before so im not really sure how they are supposed to feel. The shoulders straps felt a bit tight at first but i kept em on for a bit and then got used to the feel. Overall do feel comfy and can tell they will keep me warm. Im gonna go for an early mornin ride on sunday and give em a test. Oh yer, and without boxers on. :P

juankerr

Ron Hill Bikesters are a good comprise if you don't have the confidence or the legs for tights. Plus they cost about £10 from Wiggle.

djdime

this thread is really interesting as i have been thinking about buying for ages - again - havent got the bottle to wear tights but im going to take the plunge.

Just out of interest, what do you all wear up top?

cjw

djdime wrote:

this thread is really interesting as i have been thinking about buying for ages - again - havent got the bottle to wear tights but im going to take the plunge.

Just out of interest, what do you all wear up top?

Seeing as I look strange enough on the bike anway (helmet, top, camelbak, shoes) I thought what the hell - the tights aren't that much worse

On top; Either Endura FS260 (short sleeve) or Endura MT500 (long sleve) and Gill Freedom Jacket for the wind / rain.

Bazzowmb

Do all you guys wear the thicker Merston tights in the winter?

I must admit I was considering 3/4 Earnleys as I never seem to get that cold when riding. Last winter I got by using Ron Hill jogging bottoms under my baggies which seemed to do the job, how would these compare with the 2 different materials DHB do their tights in?

Do I go for the Merston or Earnley?

Sev101

I got specialized ones for 50.00 comfy as hell!

Wear baggies over em may make you feel slightly less conscious than without em

Am gonna go without the baggies now tho I think as they starting to collect water and gain about 3lbs during a ride!!!!

Who cares what I look like!! :shock:

davethejackal

Decathlon do XC specific bib/tights with extra padding on the legs.shins:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rr8-bib-tights-25269521/

I was tempted.

Billyounger

Endura bib long tights had some for about a year and they are great, water just beeds on them .i only use them when its chilly or cold
some times i dont know wether to wear shorts or longs ,when you leave the house, i judge it by how cold it feels while loading up my bike. even if mates have shorts i do what i feel is best for me on the day.

Touch to much :twisted:

320DMsport

I've worn my bib tights all summer, seems to keep the temps even, on hot climbs it's warmer but when on the downhills it keeps the cool out, stops nettles etc.

SiLanc

I bought some leg and arm warmers for my trip to Iceland last year...when you get too hot you just remove them, rather than either carrying a spare set or becoming 'boil in the bag'

I reckon that's your most practical solution

Mrs Toast

fumps wrote:

lol

Sorry but all i can think of when i see the name for this thread is that "Driving a truck with my high heels on " tune off radio one

I was reading it and singing that song ....now the rest of my office is singing it as well

if no one knows this song please ignore i know its a random comment

Ah, the joys of Weird Al Yankovic...whattaguy! Running With Scissors is my favourite Weird Al album, not only does it have the aforementioned truck driving song, it also features such masterpieces as, "The Saga Begins' (the plot to The Phantom Menance sung to American Pie) and "Pretty Fly for a Rabbi".

Anyhoo, I bought some Trek leg warmers last year. Whether it's though toning up a little thanks to the biking, or just through repeated washing, the leg warmers now have a tendancy to collect around my ankles in a distinctly Nora-Batty-esque fashion. Plus the rubbery grips around the top have started to disintergrate - anyone know if this happens with all leg warmers after a while?

Anonymous

personally I prefer stockings, or hold-ups for, hang on, what forum is this again?

When the really cold weather comes (usually arrives at about august, but only lasts until august) I wear my Ron hill tracksters underneath my baggy combats. keeps me snug as a bug. The combats keep the wind, hail, rain and whatever else off, and the Ron Hills keep the warm in. if you see what I mean.

And just to prove that I do ride in all weather and that I'm not just some quarry riding hooligan, here's proof........... (and yes, that is real snow)

tomxc

i was just wondering about lycra shorts...for mtb is there a certain lenght they should be? i got my from tesco :oops: and they fit more like boxers(although they are pretty tight)

Bikerbaboon

tomxc wrote:

i was just wondering about lycra shorts...for mtb is there a certain lenght they should be? i got my from tesco :oops: and they fit more like boxers(although they are pretty tight)

generaly you have a point of no return that id the shorts sit above then the curve of your legs will make them ride up in to your crotch and couse rubbing ( and not hte good type)
If your shorts dont ride up and you can ride in them with out complaint then they are fine.

tomxc

ok thanks

SDK2007

I just wear my knee pads on lighter trails when it's cold.

ride_whenever

IIRC aren't you supopsed to keep your knees covered if the ambient temperature is less than 18 degrees celcius?

SiLanc

Mrs Toast wrote:

fumps wrote:

Whether it's though toning up a little thanks to the biking, or just through repeated washing, the leg warmers now have a tendancy to collect around my ankles in a distinctly Nora-Batty-esque fashion. Plus the rubbery grips around the top have started to disintergrate - anyone know if this happens with all leg warmers after a while?

I've experienced the Nora Batty effect and put it down to my legs being more toned and I pull the leg warmers a little higher, not Simon Cowell high but you know what I mean! I've had my warmers for around 12 months now and mainly use them for racing in so they do get some stick, so far they've been spot on. I can provide the make if you like? Can't remember off the top of my head...