Bib Tights, 3/4 vs full length

orangepip
orangepip Posts: 219
edited February 2011 in Road buying advice
Hi all,

After some bib tights, in the past I've just made do with some addidas leggings over my padded shorts so this is a new area for me!

what is the difference in weather where between 3/4 and full length tights? I was fully committed to buying some full length ones but the mild weather today has reminded me that this winter will end and probably fairly soon!

In particular I'm looking at the DHB finchdean 3/4 and compariable gore ones. I get along partilcularily well with Gore bike wear fit wise.

Comments

  • derosa
    derosa Posts: 2,819
    Bought some of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-roubai ... -with-pad/ last week and have been very impressed.

    Big H

    May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always be at your back.
  • how warm do you find them? Will they be cool enough to use for a few months until it's proper short weather? (not that we ever get that here in Newcastle)
  • derosa
    derosa Posts: 2,819
    On the basis of the first two rides I think they'll see me safely to Easter and maybe beyond - depending on the weather! Cytech pad is very comfortable.

    Big H

    May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always be at your back.
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,221
    imho proper tights for real winter, ones with windblock+insulation+water repellent

    padless ones that go over regular shorts are worth considering

    given the time of year, i'd just get some knee warmers, roubaix fabric ones

    knee warmers + shorts gives the equivalent of 3/4 length
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    Roubaix tights are good only when its less than about 10 degrees IMO, be they full length or 3/4. Its your upper body that'll overheat when its warmer.

    +1 on shorts with leg or knee warmers for sping/autumn. Today for example its about 13 degrees in Sheffield and for me that means shorts with knee warmers.
    More problems but still living....
  • derosa
    derosa Posts: 2,819
    What will you be wearing next week when it's half that temperature?

    Big H

    May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind always be at your back.
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    derosa wrote:
    What will you be wearing next week when it's half that temperature?

    Is that question aimed at me?

    If so I'll be wearing roubaix bibs since it'll be less than 10 degrees.
    More problems but still living....
  • I'm in shorts already (the snow has melted) - never understood this 3/4 malarky - it's either cold (full tights or shorts with leg warmers if there's a chance it'll warm up) or it's not. Personally I hate wearing tights of any sort anyway.
    ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH
  • briantrumpet
    briantrumpet Posts: 19,861
    I'm in shorts already (the snow has melted) - never understood this 3/4 malarky - it's either cold (full tights or shorts with leg warmers if there's a chance it'll warm up) or it's not. Personally I hate wearing tights of any sort anyway.
    Ditto, though I'm quite happy with tights when necessary. Though I'm a bit more of a wuss - I reckon about 12C+ on the forecast will makes shorts comfortable for me. If it's debatable, then leg and arm warmers are ideal. I hate being too hot or too cold on a long ride.
  • Tony Mc
    Tony Mc Posts: 180
    Done the winter in 3/4 bib tights

    Find shorts and Knee warmers a good combo for heading into work as its usually colder in the morning but milder on the return

    Not too keen on the full length tights don't know why
    Getting there
  • on-yer-bike
    on-yer-bike Posts: 2,974
    I wear 3/4 roubaix 8-10 degrees +. I prefer them to knee warmers cos they keep my tackle and backside warm but don't feel like full winter tights. They are a bit of a luxury though as I did get by without them.
    Pegoretti
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