Bib tights v 3/4 v shorts and leg warmers

plife

Started off last year with a cheap pair of tights from Aldi, decided I quite liked riding so after summer last year bought a pair of DHB bib tights - which I frankly find rubbish! The zip is so chunky and rattles constantly, they are an odd fit and even though a bought a small they still bunch up at the back of the knees and are generally not comfy! Then bought a pair of Pearl Izumi elite thermal bibs for the winter which I love.

Now it is warming up I need a new pair of something. I can't seem to find any standard bib tights apart from the DHB ones, everything seems to be thermal. So I started looking at 3/4 which I am not sure I understand why the last 1/4 of your leg doesn't need to be covered! I don't fancy shorts and leg warmers as I very rarely stop to take layers off.

Any normal good quality non thermal bib tights out there or if not any suggestions on 3/4 - currently looking at Shutt or Pearl Izumi.

Thanks!

liquor box

i just bought some long bib Knicks online from Monton cycling and they are not thermal, but of a high quality, they are just as comfortable as my pearlmizumi bib shorts. the padding is also just as thick as an expensive pair

bus_ter

Crikey its March! In a few weeks it will be warm enough to wear regular Bibs shorts and you won't need to worry about tights until September. I would buy a good quality pair of bib shorts and some cheapish knee warmers. I know you said you don't like stopping to take off layers, but if you're wearing tights and get hot what are your options?

maddog 2

the Giordana bibtights are quite thin. Still roubaix but not super warm. If you fancy something in lycra material then I'd say go for 3/4s, rather than full bibs - I run Gore but there are loads of options. 3/4 are very useful as they can handle a wide range of temps. In fact I probably ride in my 3/4s more than my shorts these days - nice warm knees...

As for shorts+warmers, each to his own but I never liked them.

JesseD

3/4 are brilliant, I use endura, Lusso and DHB one's for early morning commuting as it can still be a little cold on the knees etc. I swap to bib shorts in about May/June until its back to 3/4's then tights for when its really cold.

carbon337

I bought the DHB Pace Roubaix Bib shorts and matching leg warmers - been using them down to +6 degrees and still warm. A lot more flexible in terms of fit but also practicality. Not too thick but just that level up from normal bibs material.

Early races on their own, add knee warmers for warmer days training or full leg warmers for cooler.

They really are great

Routier

I think that bibs and warmers is the best combo - why pay the extra for a pair of padded shorts and a pair of padded 3/4s where you don't need both? You can spend the saving on better quality shorts as warmers are only £25-35 for some decent roubaix ones which will keep you warm down the pretty chilly temps.

giant_man

I use 3/4s for spring and autumn use. They are great for protecting knees especially and overall warmer. You want roubaix 3/4s and you want Assos, end of. Forget DHB and god forbid, Shutt VR.

You want something decent which will last.

zippypablo

giant man wrote:

I use 3/4s for spring and autumn use. They are great for protecting knees especially and overall warmer. You want roubaix 3/4s and you want Assos, end of. Forget DHB and god forbid, Shutt VR.

You want something decent which will last.

You might want assos but they are expensive.
I use endura 3/4s quite a lot.
My commute starts early in the morning so quite often shorts will be too cold but full tights are too much.
I get loads of use from my 3/4s, pretty much from september to april with full tights for a few weeks when it's sub zero temperatures. I have knee warmers but rarely use them.

plife

giant man wrote:

I use 3/4s for spring and autumn use. They are great for protecting knees especially and overall warmer. You want roubaix 3/4s and you want Assos, end of. Forget DHB and god forbid, Shutt VR.

You want something decent which will last.

I can't justify the cost of Assos, even if I do want them. Happy to pay around £100, but £150+ for Assos is a bit steep.

I do want something decent that will last though

Herbsman

I would never buy 3/4 shorts again.

For Winter I use my club bib shorts underneath unpadded thermal bib tights.

Cold days during Spring and Autumn; club bib shorts and leg warmers

Summer; just bib shorts.

Thus, I own 7 pairs of identical padded bib shorts that cost under £40 and are used all year round, in addition to one of two cheap items to keep my legs warm when required - as opposed to buying padded tights or 3/4 shorts that can only be worn for part of the year.

maddog 2

why pay the extra for a pair of padded shorts and a pair of padded 3/4s where you don't need both?

because 3/4s feel better on than shorts+warmers (for me).

galatzo

Ventured a pair of Assos TK.434 from the last Royles sale £120 ! and happy with them so far.
Discovered last year how nice it was with warm knees and thought these just the ticket over the roubaix Assos 3/4 as my longs are ok for when it's colder. British summers aren't often that warm and I just thought these would fit my needs pretty well. Used them quite a few times in the last few weeks when it's been over 10degrees and I think they'll be good for me personally to about 18 or 19 degrees. Couldn't have gone to £150 for these but do think they are a quality item even compared to my normal Etxeondo stuff which is generally a little cheaper and normally of equal quality. Had a pair of Uno shorts once that I didn't think were all that but I do fancy some Mille shorts now and they aren't gonna be cheap.
Upshot is buy what you think you'll get most wear from and will WANT to wear.

kentphil

I have Endura bibshorts and Endura leg warmers. Both are great to wear. I was suspicious of leg warmers but I now love them. Both are mid range and so I think are good value for money.