Thermal/thick bib tight/tight recommendations

[marinyork]

I have some Ronhill unpadded tights, you know the ones that were about a tenner and they've stopped doing. Basically looking for anything warmer than these and was wondering how warm some of the other popular things like altura night vision etc are and any recommendations.

 

[Fab Foodie]

The dhb fleecy bib tights are great, a marked improvement over tracksters and good value too. Padded knees are a big bonus. I find that they're fine for all but the very coldest days when my inner thighs and nads get a bit cold. To that end I've just bought some rainlegs from Wiggle (Denim-look ones are £7!) to keep the wet/very cold off my thighs on the really really bad days.
My other big recommendation are the Endura neoprene overshoes, these have proven to be fab even in the coldest weather.

 

[mistral]

+1 for the DHB Bib Tights -

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Merston_Hi_Viz_Padded_Bib_Tights_2010/5360045078/#more

Keeping me nice n' warm on recent rides over Christmas, just got back from a 50 mile loop of Windsor, not the coldest day today, but fresh enough.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Been wearing some Ron Hill bikesters under Aldi tights last couple of days - toasty warm and not too heavy.

 

[ianrauk]

Marin, the Altura Night Vision tights seem to keep me nice and warm, have worn in zero temps and are very effective. And as you probably saw from the FNRttC, they are also very bright indeed. 100% recommended.

York Bicycle Works still sell the Ron Hill bikesters. I have just bought a pair of the DXB as they are waterproof

 

[dan_bo]

Another vote for the DHB tights here. Good quality stuff for the money.

 

[marinyork]

Ah yes, good points about knee padding.

I'm generally all right upto about -2C for short rides but if it gets colder than that I have problems or if I'm out for 4-8hrs even in higher temperatures such as 1-5C seem to suffer a lot, I don't know why it is not enough fat on me or just how it is or getting used to it.

The problem areas just seem to be hands, feet and neck feeling pretty cold and the perception that legs are losing too much heat. I've worn bib shorts under but that only seems to help to a certain extent.

I'm getting a buff so that'll do the neck and the hands have been sorted.

 

[andrew_s]

I'm using Endura, waist longs, no pad.

Features affecting choice:
Bib or no bib?
With some bib tights you've got to more or less undress in order to take a leak. Others are low enough to just yank down at the front, and a few have zips or clips on the shoulder straps. On the plus side, bibs are more comfortable due to the lack of a waistband, and they don't expose a gap in the middle of the back if your jersey is a bit short.
Pad or no pad?
If there's no pad, you wear a pair of shorts underneath. If it warms up during the spring and autumn you can take off the longs and carry on just in shorts (provided you have somewhere to carry the longs).
Ankles
Generally it's a choice between a stirrup and an ankle gripper (usually with a zip). Ankle grippers can fail to grip, and allow the bottom to ride up a bit, but on the other hand you can wear the longs on the outside of winter boots or overshoes. With stirrups you have to have the end inside, and if it's raining the water from your leg gets wicked in and you end up with wet feet.
Windproof?
Some come with windproof material at the front. It's warmer, but comparatively stiff and hence less comfortable. You also get sweaty more easily.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I used to wear biksters but now I can't get then I am using these
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=22080&categoryID=211
if it drops below freezing I use long johns under them, nice and toasty

 

[lazyfatgit]

I've been using endura thermal bibs, double knees, waterproof inside shin fronts, good grippers around the ankles and the bibs have clips. When it was really cold last Jan (-5) they were fine.

 

[AlanW]

Assos 851 Windblock.

Expensive, but shop around there are deals to be had.