Windproof Vs Thermal bibs?

[PaulSecteur]

Am I right in thinking that thermal bibs are designed to be a mid layer, and windproof bibs an outer layer?

From what I know, thermal bibs would let the wind through and remove the heat unless there is a barrier to stop that happening.

Windproof will be that barrier, but unless they have some built in thermal properties they in themselves will not be that warm, so a base layer will be needed?

Im looking at getting some for recreational riding from now till April (and the early year sportives) and dont want to buy the wrong ones. So far looking at these...

Themal... http://www.specializedconceptstore....hts/tightsaslashaknickers/Therminal Bib Tight

Windproof... http://www.specializedconceptstore....slashaknickers/Therminal EX Deflect Bib Tight

 

[HLaB]

AFAIK bibs are all supposed to be worn as a top layer but with all my thermal and windproof gear, I prefer my wind proof stuff its a bit less bulky and more flexible temperature wise. Also my windproof stuff are plenty warm enough for me and when you stop for a cafe break etc they are warmer than non windproof stuff when you have to get going again. With me the only base layer I need is the upper body (jersey) which I'd need whatever I'm wearing.

 

[johnr]

I commute every day through all weathers. I haven't used the tights you're looking at.

I've got two pairs of winter tights - Endura stealths and Pearl Izumi (forgotten the name but their wind/rain breathable jobbies). The Pearl Izumi ones have excellent wind and warmth properties and are extremely comfortable to ride in; I'll avoid using them in downpours again, however. The Endura ones have much better water resistance but are cooler and not as comfortable to ride in.

I doubt you'll need a base layer - I was riding at -14 last winter without anything under the tights. I'd go for the windproof option and see how it goes.

 

[Enw.nigel]

I bought these ready for this winter http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-roubaix-padded-bib-tight/ and find them excellent. In South Wales it has been windy but the coldest it has been is about 2/3C - but you could still add on the windchill factor to these temps. If I compare these to the bibtights that I wore last year in minus temps. then I know that these will keep me warm. They are also comfortable but haven't tested them past the 30 mile mark yet. Value for money they certainly are as with a lot of the Dhb products

 

[Enw.nigel]

hlabB and johnr comments were posted whilst I was writing my previous one and I agree that you should not need another layer under your bibtights except for the upper body. I combine different base layers with different jerseys depending on the temps.