Shorts through winter

I have a pair of Endura Stealth tights, which are very warm, waterproof and a bit stretchy. They are only usable when it is below zero AND it is either raining or snowy. I should have bought the bib-tights because I found I need to use a pair of braces with them. I had to go XL for the length but I can't constrict the waistband small enough for them to stay up!

I think their matching overshoes would work to prevent the shoes filling up.

I like a good breathable and not too baggy pair of waterproof trousers with a bit of give in the knees - wear 'em all the time for commuting in the rain with jeans underneath - take Dave's point about channelling all the rain into your shoes though. For commutes I bring an extra pair of socks and on long rides I wear some waterproof socks which are a superb invention. Serve me well for walking the dog and digging the allotment too.

i find that waterproof trousers tend to channel the rain quite efficiently into my shoes, so i don't often wear them. baggy 3/4s if it's a bit chilly, knee warmers underneath if it's really cold.

waterproof trousers? to ride in..sweaty and uncomfortable, jeeez

sort of

or buy some ready-made waterproof 3/4s like these http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=133&prod_id=366

And hey, Endura do sponsor a pro road team so you probably could match 'em up with race kit!

Waterproof trousers from Millets or similar cut down to 3/4 length are ideal for inclement commuting, commuting was what the OP meant I think, not for pseudo racing posers though I expect as they are unavailable to match your trade team kit

Jesus upon a velocipede ! Personally, I only wear shorts on their own when it's hot (ie a few days in July). The rest of the year I treat them as underwear.

When it comes to tights, I recommend Endura Multi tights:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=9295

On exceptionally cold days I'd wear these (and the shorts) as underwear with a pair of Ron Hill Bikesters on top.

i don't own anything but shorts and garish ski-socks. that's seen me through well sub-zero rides around here. not necessarily while looking great, but my legs didn't fall off or anything.

Thanks for the tip, DaSy, will do that.

Endura or dhb, depending on your size. Although dhb's are highly rated, of the two pairs of dhb's tights/3/4's I've bought, one had a large hole in the crutch when I opened the pack and one had a seam split open as I pulled them on (and no I'm not that big). They tend to be slightly undersized compared to Endura. For me its Endura all the way - made for normal sized Brits. I have the FS260 Pro 3/4's (reviewed on this site) which I've worn for most of this year and have just moved into their cheaper but warmer Thermolite 3/4's - great value @ £45 from CRC. Tip - go to Endura site and look at their sizing chart - its accurate - most online sites are still using an old one which is not.

I wear three-quarters year-round 'cos I don't look great in Lycra

Now need to find someone to mend the pair of Rapha fixed shorts I ripped when I came off the bike recently

I agree mikem, I tend to wear three quarters nearly all year round just for that reason - cold mornings aren't good for your knees especially when you haven't warmed up in any way - like ctznsmith I'm usually able to go right through the winter with these and a pair of long socks - mind you, winter is pretty mild in these parts.

Been wearing knee warmers for a couple of weeks now reckon it will be tights by end of the month. Harsh cold weather is not good for knees and joints better to cover up.

Quote:

However I'm thinking of investing in a pair of tights of some description this winter as I am going to be riding more than just the commute as I train for RAB 2010

the higher end dhb tights are really good: good quality, not too expensive. likewise the endura ones.

No, no, no. That's the wrong way round. You need to start wearing your full length warm bibs as soon as possible, and keep wearing them for as long as possible next year. This shows other cyclists that you're finding your riding so easy that you're not even breaking into a sweat.

I still only own one pair of shorts (although they are 3/4 length) I got through all of last winter with these combined with a pair of football socks.

However I'm thinking of investing in a pair of tights of some description this winter as I am going to be riding more than just the commute as I train for RAB 2010. Recommend me some!