Cycling Tights Guide
Whether you’re commuting, training, or racing, keeping your legs insulated is essential for your comfort and performance in the saddle. Cycling tights and knickers are a great way to keep warm on cooler rides.
Types of Tights
Tights vs Knickers
Knickers and tights are very similar it’s just the leg length that’s different. Knickers are ¾ length covering your thighs and knees while tights offer full leg coverage. Knickers have the advantage of keeping your knees warm without covering your full leg, so they’re great for riders who tend to overheat when wearing too much.
Tights are warmer than knickers as they cover your whole leg but the fabric makes a difference too. Both tights and knickers are available with different thermal properties which we’ll cover later.
Bib vs Waist Band
Regular tights and knickers are held up with an elasticated waist band while bib tights and knickers have straps that go over your shoulders. Bibs are generally considered to be the most comfortable option, especially on long rides. They may be a little less convenient to get on and off, but they stay in place without the need of a waist band to hold them in place. Bib shorts and tights are popular with pro cyclists for this reason.
Wide seamless bib straps or waist bands help to avoid chaffing so are more comfortable. Mesh straps will enhance breathability to keep you cool while brushed thermal bibs help you to retain body heat. Tights with a high cut panel on the core and up the back can act like an extra layer for the coldest rides.
Spring / Autumn Tights
For most of the year in the UK a pair of warm weather bib tights that offer light protection for use in double digit temperatures are ideal. These tights are usually made from slimline materials, often Lycra (without the added bulk of brushed fleece inner you see on winter tights). Both tights and knickers offer more protection for your knees than cycling shorts.
Water resistant, or splash proof fabrics like Endura’s DWR or Castelli’s NanoFlex are a good choice. These help to stop road spray from penetrating the tights, so you stay dry. Some tights offer additional weather protection on the shin and bum panels for this reason.
Winter Tights
When the temperature drops into single digits, a pair of thicker winter bib tights are best. Fleece-lined thermal tights will keep you warm through all but the most extreme temperatures you’ll find in the UK. Thicker fabrics with a brushed ‘Roubaix’ inner lining help to trap warm air between your skin and the fabric. Look for bibs with a higher torso cut to help keep your body core warmer.
Windproof fabrics such as Gore Windstopper are good for really cold weather as they stop the wind from penetrating the fabric and chilling your skin.
Key Features
Fit
Fit is by far the most important factor in comfort when it comes to bib tights. Tights are constructed from several panels that are stitched together. Premium tights will come with more panels and strategic stitching for a better fit.
Pre-shaped areas (usually the knee) also improve fit when you’re on the bike while also reducing excess bulk.
Pad
Most bib tights have a padded insert called a Chamois. This pad sits next to your skin and offers more comfort for your lower vitals, which is ideal on longer rides. Premium pads will utilise a multi-density construction for maximum comfort and ergonomics while you’re in the saddle.
Weatherproof Fabrics
Tights that have some water repellent properties are ideal for UK cycling. Shin and rear panels are most important as they will pick up the most road spray. Most manufacturers will treat their tights with some form of water repellent membrane to help water bead up and run off.
Windproof tights use front facing panels to help keep the wind chill out. Some manufacturers will also use multiple layers of fabric to shield your skin from the elements.
Insulation
Thermal lycra panels will help to keep you warm in cold riding conditions. These fleece lined fabrics are excellent insulators and often have weatherproof properties too. Combining insulation, comfort and water repellency Castelli’s Nano Flex and Endura’s Thermoroubaix are great examples. These highly technical fabrics ensure your body heat stays within the fabric, while letting moisture escape out, so you don’t feel damp as you warm up.
Reflectivity
If you’re planning on cycling to work or fitness training in the evening, then added reflective elements are a bonus. More brand offer tights with reflective panels for low light conditions. Look for logos, stripes and graphics positioned on the thighs and around the ankles for maximum visibility.
