I bought these thinking I could wear them when riding in really cold, wintry weather. I do, but not by themselves. I ride year round & was looking for something that was warm & also repels moisture. I had a pair of Garneau pants that I wore out on the seat that I was looking to replace. I would've replaced them in kind, but the Garneau's weren't available. Not that weather is getting milder here in New England, I do find that these Pearl Izumi thermal tights are great for this time of year.
I mostly like PI products, they've been good to me. All the descriptions indicate this pair of tights was the newest version of tights I already owned. When I got them I noticed they were thinner (perhaps not as thermal) than my old pair. Warmth wise, they seem to do ok, no complaints. I've ridden these down to 32 degrees and been fine. They don't look like they are going to last as long as my older version but we shall see. I do miss the ankle zipper and the draw string on the waist. Some folks don't like the string and that's ok, they can remove it. I like the string but harder to add it. Overall, another good product.
These are snug enough to require some effort to get on, but plenty stretchy, and once they're on, they keep me completely comfortable into the 30s F on 3- to 4-hour rides. Easily would take me into 20s F if I still did that. Given a choice I prob should have sprung for the suspended tights, since my body's shape (i.e. flat bum) allows them to creep down a bit, though not unreasonably. Not having pads gives me another level of customization whether I use reg tights or knickers underneath for extreme cold, and to vary the chamois. The warmth, breathability and freedom of movement are really amazing. While riding I'm not aware of them at all. Value rating reflects my view that in general cycling kit is grossly overpriced. At least Pearl Izumi gives me peace of mind that whatever I invest in of theirs will last.
They tights are very comfortable. I use them for riding and running too. I like the lack of a zipper at the bottom on the legs too. For riding, I'd say 40 degrees is fine for trails and 45 for the road.
Used down to 20 deg F and they seem to work well enough. Would have liked a little more length above the crotch, so I could tuck in my base layer. Was a bit skeptical of no zippers at the feet, but the stretchy material seems to work well enough.
I use these tights for riding and running, they work great for both. They are warm and fit great, they kept me dry, but I haven't worn them in a downpour. I'm very happy with them and I wished I would've bought 2 pair while they were on sale.
These are my deeper winter over-tights when it may get wet. Covers your butt and sheds water, so road spray doesn't give you wet butt.
Extremely warm for such lightweight. Better than thermal bibs, cause you can use these with ALL your regular bib shorts.
Recommended.
Overall they do a good job of keeping my lower extremities warm during 40F - 50F rides. The lack of a zipper at the ankle makes them a little hard to get off at times. I also miss not having a drawstring at the waist to hold them up - I feel like I'm "sagging" at times.
Bought these to replace several well used warm cycling pants. I like not have the ankle zippers and appreciate the snug but flexible fit. Only draw back is no draw string at the waist. Would love to have, but not a deal killer for me. I use at 25F to 40F. Would definitely recommend.
Warm tights fit well. Wish they had a string around the waist.
Nice tights, except the lack of a zipper at the angle is something you think of every time you struggle to get out of them!
