Finding the right cycling apparel for winter riding can be tough. You want to keep warm but not overheat. The ideal is layering up with thermal but breathable fabrics that insulate heat without restricting your flexibility, but getting that right can be tricky. Ultimately, you want to build a kit that lets you safely stay active and enjoy your time outside, even when the weather turns cold and windy. 

That’s where cycling tights and cold-weather bibs can help. These pieces of kit are essential to keeping your legs warm and protected, so you can power through those chilly winter adventures. And, for many cold-weather cyclists, they’re a must-have when layering up.

In this guide, we’ll share top tips for when to wear cycling tights and bib tights, how to find the right size and style for your needs, and top choices to build your go-to winter kit.

What are cycling tights?

Cycling tights are form-fitting legwear designed to provide warmth, wick moisture, and protect skin from the elements when riding a bike. They’re actually quite similar to cycling shorts; they just cover the full leg instead of stopping above the knee.

Cycling tights are typically designed using components like:

• Thermo Roubaix lining: This specialized, fleece-like material is soft, stretchy, and breathable to help regulate your body temperature and prevent your muscles from stiffening in the cold.
• Chamois: Like cycling shorts, cycling tights also commonly include a chamois pad made of foam or gel to increase comfort on the saddle and prevent chafing.
• DWR coating: A Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish ensures water rolls off of your tights rather than soaking in and chilling you to the core.
• Panels: Since insulating fabrics can be bulky, cycling tights might incorporate panels of different materials to improve flexibility. For example, thermal and moisture-wicking might be placed over your most exposed areas like your thighs and knees, to improve warmth. Meanwhile, ventilated panels behind your legs can provide breathability and ventilation.

What are bib tights?

Bib tights are cycling tights that include comfortable shoulder straps to keep them from slipping down at the waist. Traditional cycling tights, on the other hand, feature a standard waistband, like slacks or jeans. 

While some riders might find straps to be restrictive, others feel they provide more support and prevent the waistband from cutting into their stomach as they ride. When it comes to winter riding, bib tights also provide more coverage, adding an extra layer of warmth around your lower back and midriff. Just be aware that, with their added straps, bibs can be tougher to remove when stopping for a mid-ride bathroom break.

Still can’t decide whether to choose straps or no straps? Check out our bike shorts vs. bib shorts guide to see which is best for your riding style.

When should you wear cycling tights?

Cycling tights are a good choice for chilly morning rides in early fall or spring, but they’re essential in the dead of winter. For many riders, when the weather reaches 50℉ or below, it’s time to pull out the cycling tights.

You’ll want to consider the climate in your area and different types of materials for cycling tights, too. A cyclist in South Carolina, for example, might choose a lighter pair with just DWR coating, while a cyclist in New York might choose a thermal pair for bitterly cold rides. And a Florida cyclist may not need tights at all in winter. 

The choice to wear cycling tights also depends on your personal preferences and how sensitive you are to cold weather. One cyclist might opt for thermal tights at 50℉, while another might not wear tights until temperatures drop below 40℉.

How to layer cycling tights for winter riding

Cycling tights are just one element of a comprehensive cold-weather cycling kit. Here’s how they fit in with your other layers:

• Baselayer: Start with a foundational baselayer for an extra layer of moisture-wicking warmth. If you choose to wear bib tights, a baselayer can also keep the straps from rubbing against your shoulders.
• Long-sleeve jersey: Wear your breathable long-sleeve cycling jersey for insulation.
• Cycling jacket: You might also wear a cycling jacket for extra protection against the wind and cold.
• Cycling vest: A cycling vest can help keep your core warm and is easy to add or remove as needed.
• Cycling socks: Cycling socks are most often worn under cycling tights, especially if the tights have a bottom zipper, which you don’t want to rub against your skin.
• Cycling shorts: Some cyclists like to wear shorts (usually without a chamois) under their cycling tights, so the tights don’t wear out as fast or need washing as often. If you get warm, you might even slip off the cycling tights and just ride with the shorts.
• Cycling accessories: You might add cycling gloves to protect your fingers and prevent frostbite, along with thermal headgear that fits snugly under your helmet.

How to choose a pair of cycling tights

At first glance, most cycling tights probably look pretty similar. So, how do you choose the right pair for your winter riding? You can narrow down your options by taking these factors into account:

• Chamois: Decide whether you want your tights to include a chamois for extra seat comfort, which is useful for any ride lasting longer than an hour. If you opt for a chamois, make sure the chamois is dense but not bulky, moisture-wicking, and gender-specific for a great fit. Use our chamois guide to help.
• Fabrics: Depending on where and when you ride, find tights with fabric that can shield you from the weather by blocking wind, repelling water, and keeping sweat from lingering on your skin.
• Straps: Choose a traditional waistband or bib tights for over-the-shoulder straps and extra support.
• Extra features: Consider whether you want your tights to include reflective patches for visibility or ankle zips to make them easier to put on and take off.

How to size & fit your cycling tights

Cycling tights and bib tights should fit snugly, like bike shorts, so they don’t bunch or chafe and hold the chamois in place. The straps on bib tights should be snug enough not to slip from your shoulders, but not so tight that they dig into you or strain your arms. When you try on cycling tights standing up, they should be slightly loose in the bum or on the shoulders;  when you crouch forward in a cycling position, they should be comfortable and stationary. The fabric of cycling tights should also be stretchy enough to allow for fluid pedal strokes without restricting your movement.

Use our Cycling Fit Sizing Guide to find your measurements and sizes in Hincapie apparel.

Best cycling tights for your cold-weather rides

Gear up for your next chilly morning or winter ride with these top cycling tights and bib tights from Hincapie:

1. Arenberg Bib Tights

Keep your legs and core insulated with our Arenberg Bib Tights, featuring a thermal fabric and chamois for 4-6 hours of riding. Also, easily kit up with the auto-locking ankle zippers, which slip seamlessly over cycling shoes.

2. Arenberg Cycling Tights

Not sure if you’re ready for bib tights just yet? Start with our Arenberg Cycling Tights for men and women to block those cold winds and wick moisture away on rainy or snowy days. Since there’s no chamois or straps, you can also comfortably slide them over your favorite bibs or shed them as an extra layer if it starts to warm up.

Ready to hit your next ride in style and comfort—no matter the weather? Shop all Hincapie cycling shorts & tights for men and women.