Cycling Tights Information

Your legs are the moneymakers! Hypothetically speaking anyway. It makes sense to cover them up when the weather gets cold. Cycling tights are a fundamental piece of cycling apparel because they insulate your hardest-working muscles. Keeping the muscles warm is important not only for comfort, but also for preventing tendinitis in the knees.

Biking tights are constructed of moisture-wicking fabrics that trap warm air next to the skin to provide thermal insulation. The cut is form-fitting (hence the name “tights”) so that the material comes in contact with every inch of skin, which enables it to pick up sweat and transport it to the outside of the fabric for evaporation. The form-fit also allows for a full range of movement in the legs. Lightweight tights are made of lycra and have a shiny or matte exterior. Winter tights have a fleecy interior for warmth. Some cold weather tights feature wind-proof, water-resistant panels on the front and sides of legs to protect them from wind, and on the back side to protect it from road tire spray. For better breathability and freedom of movement, the back and inside of the legs are constructed of insulated lycra.

Padded cycling tights have a chamois insert and are worn next to the skin. Just like in cycling shorts, the chamois provides seamless, breathable padding to sensitive areas. Tights without a chamois are meant to be worn over your favorite bike shorts or bibs. They are usually not worn next to the skin because they can have uncomfortable stitching in the crotch. These tights are versatile because they don’t always have to be washed between uses, and they can be layered over anything. Tights usually have a drawstring or a flat waistband. Elastic leg openings keep the hems from riding up, and zippers at the bottom of the legs make them easy to pull on and off.

If you’ve never ridden in winter, you’d be surprised at how warm you can stay when wearing a cozy pair of cycling tights. The legs generate an amazing amount of heat when pedaling, so it only takes a relatively thin layer of fabric to trap that heat and keep your body warm. Lengthen your riding season with this basic piece of bike clothing!