Winter clothing

[Arnout]

Hey all.

Its getting colder and colder and that presents me with the same problem I have every year.

I cannot seem to find good long cycling pants. I am quite skinny and long so the pants I've tried are either too short or too loose, at my lower leg as well as at my bottom.

Now naturally I didn't try all pants there are in this world, so I'm hoping some of you can advice me where to look. But it seems clothing manufacturers always choose for short and tight or long and wide and the reasons for that are not clear to me.

But there are differences among manufacturers. Any idea where I can try my luck? I want them to be comfortable and warm (-5 to +5 Celsius advertised so I keep warm in them when it's 10 degrees...).

Price is no problem, I just want to see the options.

 

[Boeing]

I dont know what to tell you because I cant find my leg warmers

 

[MarkvW]

Hey all.

Its getting colder and colder and that presents me with the same problem I have every year.

I cannot seem to find good long cycling pants. I am quite skinny and long so the pants I've tried are either too short or too loose, at my lower leg as well as at my bottom.

Now naturally I didn't try all pants there are in this world, so I'm hoping some of you can advice me where to look. But it seems clothing manufacturers always choose for short and tight or long and wide and the reasons for that are not clear to me.

But there are differences among manufacturers. Any idea where I can try my luck? I want them to be comfortable and warm (-5 to +5 Celsius advertised so I keep warm in them when it's 10 degrees...).

Price is no problem, I just want to see the options.

I've worn the Pearl Izumi Amfib pants down to 27F. They're pretty good.

 

[Arnout]

Well the main requirement is a model where the pants are long but not too wide. How's the Pearl Izumi on that?

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Well the main requirement is a model where the pants are long but not too wide. How's the Pearl Izumi on that?

My brother has one of those, but it's made by Bio-Racer, you might try that out

 

[Michele]

This may sound stupid but you obviously need some custom fitting, so Id just get the nicer one (as material/shape/etc) and go to a knitter or something similar to get it fitted to you.

That's what I do when the clothing given from my team doesnt fit correctly.

 

[Arnout]

This may sound stupid but you obviously need some custom fitting, so Id just get the nicer one (as material/shape/etc) and go to a knitter or something similar to get it fitted to you.

That's what I do when the clothing given from my team doesnt fit correctly.

Mmm I didn't consider doing this yet. So you suggest basically buying the shape that is ok in length but too wide?

And then going to knitter / mother

 

[La Pandera]

I'm 5'-10" and in ordering a pair of Endura bib tights on-line upon receiving them they were about an inch or 2 too long, such that I have to fold them over at the knee to make up for it. Additional mine have the stirrup bottoms that would somewhat makeup for them being too short (if that ends up being the case).

Endura is a British brand and maybe that fact means their line of gear is more for the average cyclist (recreational, commuters...) and not focused on just the competitive riders. You don't say exactly how tall you are but maybe these will work for you.

 

[La Pandera]

This may sound stupid but you obviously need some custom fitting, so Id just get the nicer one (as material/shape/etc) and go to a knitter or something similar to get it fitted to you.

That's what I do when the clothing given from my team doesnt fit correctly.

^This sounds like the best option if you can find a good tailor. You wouldn't want to look like an old lady with baggy panthose while riding your bike.

 

[BroDeal]

I've worn the Pearl Izumi Amfib pants down to 27F. They're pretty good.

Down to? I would not wear AmFib tights for temps above 27F.

At 5C all you need are thin leg warmers. At -5C an insulated tight or heavy duty leg warmers will work, but what you use to keep your feet warm is a lot more important than what you wear on your legs. A lot also depends on how long your rides are.

 

[Arnout]

Down to? I would not wear AmFib tights for temps above 27F.

At 5C all you need are thin leg warmers. At -5C an insulated tight or heavy duty leg warmers will work, but what you use to keep your feet warm is a lot more important than what you wear on your legs. A lot also depends on how long your rides are.

Well not for me. I need warm clothing, trust me

Anyway, thanks for the tips everyone. I am planning to go to cycling shop this week, will keep the advices in mind

 

[La Pandera]

One option I forgot is the Descente Coldout bib shorts. They have a roubaix lining like the tights. Combine them with leg warmers and you're all set, unless you have the same problem with fit with leg warmers also. If the shorts aren't warm enough with the roubaix lining, Craft makes a wind resistant under short that works pretty well.

 

[Quixote]

Well the main requirement is a model where the pants are long but not too wide. How's the Pearl Izumi on that?

I've got the Pearls, too. I'm pretty tall and they fit fine. Try them on before purchase, as they're pretty pricy...If you're too long-legged for them, you can hike them up and wear some higher warm socks so you are covered contiguously. BroDeal is right (kind of)...they are way too warm for simply chilly weather. I don't put mine on unless it's in the 40s with a wind chill. It's all a crap-shoot though. That's why I wouldn't buy them online...need to really check the fit.

 

[rhubroma]

Down to? I would not wear AmFib tights for temps above 27F.

At 5C all you need are thin leg warmers. At -5C an insulated tight or heavy duty leg warmers will work, but what you use to keep your feet warm is a lot more important than what you wear on your legs. A lot also depends on how long your rides are.

I concur, feet are the real problem.

And when they freeze, life sucks.

 

[oldborn]

I have problem. Zipper runs out on windstopper jacket so I turn it to local tailor/knitter lady to fix it.
That was before 3 weeks ago. So she did not show up since then neither she returns my phone calls, and I am freezing my ***.
What should I do?
1. Daylight break into SWAT style
2. Clandestine break into balaclava style
3. Run out of ideas, so break in seems only option

 

[MarkvW]

I concur, feet are the real problem.

And when they freeze, life sucks.

Lake winter cycling boots are great! I've worn them for four winters and my feet have never been cold (but I'm talking mellow Pacific NW winters, though).

 

[usedtobefast]

I concur, feet are the real problem.

And when they freeze, life sucks.

keep the feet and hands warm,and the rest is easy.

 

[MarkvW]

keep the feet and hands warm,and the rest is easy.

Keep the hands and feet warm, and then all you have to manage is overheating!

 

[SpannerBender]

I used Wiggles own dhb Pace SuperRoubaix Windproof Tight a lot last year in some prety cold conditions. Warmth, comfort and function all good. I had to send the first pair back because of some stitching issues but replaced with no questions and a voucher! The 'foot loop' could be thinner and better integrated but thumbs up all round.

 

[Arnout]

Just to report, I think I succeeded, they let me pay €130 (which is, translated to English, 5 pence from the middle of next week onwards... ) for a Castelli which seems to fit perfectly

 

[DirtyWorks]

Mmm I didn't consider doing this yet. So you suggest basically buying the shape that is ok in length but too wide?

And then going to knitter / mother

You need to pick your tailor carefully. The stitching is quite special for multi-way fabrics and they have to have a machine that does that very special kind of stitching. Sometimes it's called a serger.

 

[Arnout]

You need to pick your tailor carefully. The stitching is quite special for multi-way fabrics and they have to have a machine that does that very special kind of stitching. Sometimes it's called a serger.

Luckily I don't need to go to the tailor anymore, but thanks for the tip anyhow

 

[Cobblestoned]

I hate the Föhn.

Danger of riding over- or underdressed is pretty high.
It is cold outside, but the wind is warm. When the sun comes out, it is really warm. When there is no sun, it is suddenly cold, but the wind keeps you warm a little bit. But not warm enough.

Changing clothes all the time. I hate it.