Cycling Tights or Leggings

Whether long, or short I use them as a base layer for my cycling look for any rides longer than five miles.  For me it's all about being comfortable and always in black so that they can look like tights. They are an extremely important item of my cycling wardrobe as they ensure I have a completely comfortable ride on my bicycle.

Padded shorts, longs, 3/4 lengths (ending just below the knee) depend on your shape and how you feel.  I personally look better in 3/4 length rather than shorts but that's just me.

As with all things the prices can vary enormously.  Assos is top of the range and they do bib shorts with leg warmers which means you can cover your legs if the temperature drops.   Castelli 3/4 leggings work best for me in the summer. 

As a Five Mile Cyclist I then wear a dress or skirt over the top.   Clothes manufacturers like H&M and Levis are beginning to make jeans and clothes suitable for cycling in so fingers crossed that this expands to other brands.

For longer than five mile rides the wardrobe changes make things more comfortable.  The advancement in Lycra and Merino allow the body to move without restrictions, managing body temperatures and making the time on the bike about being on the bike and not about fabric malfunctions.

For the autumn and winter on long flat rides when temperatures are below 11 degrees I wear two pairs of full -length leggings, one pair is padded the other isn't.    If the temperature drops to 4 degrees I wear overtrousers on top which not only keep me warm but also keep me dryer in the rain. Mine are made by Gore.  If the ride is hilly I remove the overtrousers before the hill!