I'm looking for a pair of therma fleece bib knickers, or tights if the price is right. I'm planning to ride through winter. I'm in Louisiana, so we don't get much of a winter, but the temps are usually around 35-50 in the a.m. My morning rides are about 20-25 miles 2-3 days a week. I'm considering PI, Descente Coldout Knickers, or Santini. I use Santini bibs already so I know about their chamois. What else has a good chamois? Your experiences, opinions, or recommendations welcome. Thanks.

Mark

I don't know how much you're looking to spend, but this is what I'd get. The 3D Pro chamois rocks your mother's face. It's super thin (a good thing, I think).


http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=524505&type_id=1&sport_id=2&category_id=2&color_code=021

I'm looking for a pair of therma fleece bib knickers, or tights if the price is right. I'm planning to ride through winter. I'm in Louisiana, so we don't get much of a winter, but the temps are usually around 35-50 in the a.m. My morning rides are about 20-25 miles 2-3 days a week. I'm considering PI, Descente Coldout Knickers, or Santini. I use Santini bibs already so I know about their chamois. What else has a good chamois? Your experiences, opinions, or recommendations welcome. Thanks.

Mark

Buy a pair of knee warmers. Seriously. Lots cheaper, and works with existing shorts. For those REALLY cold days, wear 2 pair of shorts.

I like my DeFeet Kneekers (knee warmers). Only about $20 to $25. They stay up once I get them adjusted properly and keep me warm down to 35 to 40 degrees fahrenheit. They would be okay for the temps you are considering (taking into consideration I am very warm blooded and do not require as many clothes as most people). I am wondering myself if I need a pair of tights to cover my whole legs. Knee warmers are not designed to cover the whole leg even though I am trying to use them that way. Knee warmers are great for days that you start out in the morning needing them but have the flexibility to take off when it warms up later in the day.

Another consideration for the lower temps you might be riding in. You may want to cover your knees/legs with insulated tights and keep them really warm. Some riders have commented that they thought they developed knee problems from inadequate covering even though they thought they were keeping their knees warm enough. I have noticed some stiffness in my knees and am wondering if I am covering my knees adequately. I just started riding in the cold this year so I am still experimenting somewhat.

I have not checked yet, but I was going to consult Roadbikereview.com product reviews to see if I could read some reviews on tights. It served me well researching knee warmers and some other products.

Hope this helps.

http://www.boure.com/knickersmen.html

I have three pairs of thermafleece knickers: Cannodale (sucks), Parentini (good) and Descente (best). Good pad, best fit and they don't creep up my knees.

Assos

Still wish mine hadn't shrunk by 40# !! Nicest stuff I've ever ridden.

After that, the PI TecKnickers will do the job for less than the Microsensor Fleece bib-knickers. Yes, the only way you can get knickers from PI is in a bib. Don't like bibs? Stay away from PI.

HTH

M

I really like "roubaix" fleece bib knickers. The roubaix fleece fabric is warm and semi-wind resistant, but very breathable. I find these to be comfortable down to around 35F, then I switch to fleece tights.

Knee warmers only keep your knees warm, not some of the more fragile parts of your body. The PI Teknicker is less warm than bib shorts + knee warmers.

My advice is to try on the different brands and buy whatever fits you best. I have some from Nalini and Descente, but I suspect that other major brands have similar products. Mine cost less than $100 each. I'm sure Assos is also nice, but those will cost twice as much or more.

I have used several brands of knickers and my all time favorites are the Assos. Bought mine for a relatively decent price on eBay. Yes, they can cost more, but youy get what you pay for - they are really top quality!

I second the Bourre recommendation. I used knee warmers for years and then discovered knickers when racing cross. The Bourre fleece bib knickers come a a couple of different weights and are VERY comfortable. They have some kind of articulated design and a different material at the back of the knee which, for me, is far more comfortable than leg warmers. You also don't have that tight band up on your quad. I find myself using the knickers far more often than knee warmers- even in transitional temps. It's also nice to support the local company of Ned Overend- who has been a great influence in biking in this country!

I use the arm and knee warmers, both stay put on my skinny legs/arms and are the best I've used in cold, the bibshorts, skullcap, and the fleece-like coldout gloves. I use all or some combination at 50* and below, and with a nice longsleeve baselayer and heavier l'sleeve jersey into lower 40's / upper 30's. I use the gloves in place of the windstoppers I've had several years.

I have one ride on their sleeveless windproof-front baselayer and think it'll work with the bibs, arm/knee warmers, and a regular jersey to mid-40's -maybe a little lower.

I have no affiliation with Descente - it just happens the lbs I frequent carries them. I've tried a number of combinations of layering the past 20 years and it's cool not feeling like I'm going ice fishing when I dress to do a few hours on my bici.