Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel

40F-55F what is your lower body clothing setup?

3267 Views 31 Replies 31 Participants Last post by  jct, 
DeoreDX
Winters here in Alabama average high temperatures are in the mid 50's. When the sun starts to set it quickly drops 10-15 degrees and might be in the 40's fliting with upper 30s by the end of the ride. I use pull on leg warmers with MTB shorts and those are great until it gets into the 40's then I start to want a little more wind protection for my legs. I'm curious to hear what others are wearing in this type of weather. I realize I'm pretty warm blooded so if the temperatures I listed seem warm just imagine a scenario where the start of your ride you leg warmers are great but as the temperatures drop you want a little more wind protection. Perhaps there some type of one garment solution that would work? A light weight wind resistant but breathable pants? I normally just use a small hip pack and try to avoid using a pack if not necessary but if I have to carry a piece of garment for the changing weather conditions something small and packable wouldn't be too bad. I do want to avoid getting too hot and sweaty at the beginning of the ride so I'm not sure how viable a single garment solution is.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 32 Posts
GlazedHam
Generally, just a liner and baggies for anything above 45F and riding offroad. Removable, thick leg warmers below 45. Road riding I have a couple different tights with varying degrees of insulation, wind and water proofing. My goto leg warmers are some older Perl Izumis ...don't know the model.

BUT ..what I really want are riding pants.
Reply
Save
Like
evasive
If you wear leg warmers, you probably aren’t wearing kneepads. That’s relevant. I always wear kneepads. Coupled with shorts and long socks, I wear exactly the same lower body gear from 90+ degrees to about 35. Below that I wear softshell pants.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 2
DoctorJD
Georgia here. So 50 and below my default setup is usually bibs/liners with baggie shorts (PI Summit shorts) with a sleeveless base layer. If its closer to 40, I'll throw on some knee warmers, if it's closer to 50, I go without. Wool socks for that same range of temps with the toe box taped-off. It's rare that I go full let coverage, even into the high 30s.
Reply
Save
Like
Y
I'm in PNW so if the temp is in that range it is often wet. I wear waterproof shorts (Fox, I forgot the model) and shoes (Shimano MW5), along with liners and knee pads that are worn year-round. Can't remember the last time I wore pants for mountain biking in the winter, mainly because I'm off the trails if there's snow. The waterproof shorts and shoes combo have been a revelation...just started wearing the combo this year and my core + feet haven't been happier riding through cold rain + puddles! Plus, the mud just hoses right off at the end of the ride rather than sticking to my regular riding clothes.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
B
For the weather you describe I probably would just wear long pants, like some athletic pants or sweats. I rode as it was beginning to get cool in the late afternoon here in Virginia back in September/early October, and I put on a base layer "thermal" and some athletic shorts over top, and it was not enough. And it was probably 60 degrees so not what I consider all that cool. But if I was wearing knee pads and shin guards that changes things. When I used to ride BMX at night it would be in the upper 30s and I wore big padded knee pads and shin guards with shorts.
Reply
Save
Like
Jayem
Base layer under normal shorts. Chamois under the base layer and shorts.
Reply
Save
Like
S
Summer shorts.

Has to be in the 30s before I feel like I need to add a layer or something.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 3
CLDSDL43
Leg Sleeve Waist Knee Thigh
Leg Sleeve Waist Knee Thigh

I just were these under my regular riding shorts. Without the included pad.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
LVLBTY
Long Under Armour long johns and shorts or long Mountain Biking pants. I'm good to about 40 degrees.
Reply
Save
Like
Z
If it is 45 or above I’m in shorts. Below 45 and I’ll put on a very thin pair of long underwear with shorts over them. They are the type that fit tightly around, not baggy. At 55 and above I’m in short sleeves. 45-55 I have a thin long underwear top then a short sleeve over it. That will be enough to keep my legs warm even in shorts, sounds strange but it works. As the temps drop the long underwear gets thicker on the legs and a wind proof jacket goes on. I have a system for temps all the way down to -10 but I’m in Montana. One thing that makes a huge difference and buys about 15-20 degrees for me is windproof jackets and pants. Pulling the wind factor out greatly increases you ability to retain warmth. Try a wind proof pair of pants to put on once it gets cold. They pack down to a very small size and are very light. Windproof gloves are great too.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
A
Cross-country ski pants often have pretty good breathability and wind blockage and most are looser than tights so they can go over knee pads if need be. I wear them running and biking in the winter as well as for skiing. Sporthill for example has a lot of options of varying weight and have even started offering MTB specific options, though I’m not sure they’re really any different from the skiing pants. I haven’t tried them.
Reply
Save
Like
biker human
DeoreDX said:
Winters here in Alabama average high temperatures are in the mid 50's. When the sun starts to set it quickly drops 10-15 degrees and might be in the 40's fliting with upper 30s by the end of the ride. I use pull on leg warmers with MTB shorts and those are great until it gets into the 40's then I start to want a little more wind protection for my legs. I'm curious to hear what others are wearing in this type of weather. I realize I'm pretty warm blooded so if the temperatures I listed seem warm just imagine a scenario where the start of your ride you leg warmers are great but as the temperatures drop you want a little more wind protection. Perhaps there some type of one garment solution that would work? A light weight wind resistant but breathable pants? I normally just use a small hip pack and try to avoid using a pack if not necessary but if I have to carry a piece of garment for the changing weather conditions something small and packable wouldn't be too bad. I do want to avoid getting too hot and sweaty at the beginning of the ride so I'm not sure how viable a single garment solution is.
Click to expand...
A couple days ago, it was about 45 degrees, and I wore long ski socks, sweat pants, a t-shirt under a fleece shirt under a flannel. I also wore gloves. I felt perfect the whole ride. The ski socks help so much.
Reply
Save
Like
N
I always regulate my core and my head, I can deal with chilly legs for a while. If your legs are getting cold enough to bother you I'd probably just start the ride with something over the entire leg and dealing with them being a bit too warm for the start versus freezing at the end. YMMV.
Reply
Save
Like
B
I wear Assos lightly insulated bib knickers under some baggies in Texas in temps from 35-50*. And knee pads over them, no problem. Kinda pricey, but oh so comfy without getting too hot. Assos MILLE GT Spring/Fall Bib Knickers (Black Series) (L)
Reply
Save
Like
Big8urns
Remember the old rule! No knees below 60 degrees! It's not good for your joints to have exposed knees when it's cold out.

We ride into the dark most of the winter, so you need to dress for the coldest part of the ride for sure.

I typically ride in knickers/ 3/4 tights anytime the temp looks like it will get below 60. Regular ones take me to about 45. Colder than that and I have fleece lined knickers to about freezing. Colder than that and I go to neoprene tights.

When it's cold, I also think it's important to consider if you need to stop and hang out for a bit to change a tire or something. I always carry a light rolled up wind jacket with me when the temps drop below 55. I had a crash a few years ago in temps around 50. I was plenty warm with arm warmers and knickers while riding, I also tend to ride warm. Standing around for a while after the crash, as well as shock associated with a few dislocated fingers, my core temp dropped pretty quickly. I really suffered on the hour or so ride back to the car and was borderline hypothermic. Easier to carry a jacket and not need it, than to need it. Should be able to roll up in a jersey pocket or something like that.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
F
For those temps I wear the same gear I use in the summer on my lower body. I will wear a light wool long sleeve up top and maybe a light softshell if it is near freezing or particularly windy. I ride in wool socks all year round. If it will be wet however then my footwear changes and I will consider a base layer or pants. For the most part pants are too hot for me but a nice active weight base under my shorts does the trick. Kneepads as well, depending on the type of riding. I generally don't put on the softshell pants until the lower 20s/teens.

Big8urns said:
When it's cold, I also think it's important to consider if you need to stop and hang out for a bit to change a tire or something.
Click to expand...
Agreed, this is an important point. If an issue will keep you off the bike, or you just want to chill out for a while, gear for while you are pedaling will likely not be warm enough. The ability to take a jacket with you and wear as needed, or some leg warmers that can come off and on, can be very helpful to outright lifesaving. When I ride below freezing I always wear my pack and bring a light puffy jacket and ski cap. It has saved me a few times when a mechanical issue takes my heart rate back down. I am rarely far from the car or a populated area so I can go a bit lighter (riskier) on the clothing I wear and carry in those situations
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
N
Fox Flexair pants might be what you’re looking for. Light, breathable, fit nice over a chamois and knee pads
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Jayem
It's funny that basically everything that I wear from about 0F to 105F has been suggested...
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 2
FrankS29
40’s to 50’s here in NY, my lower body is my normal setup, bibs under baggies. However, since I have crap circulation, I wear slightly compressive knee height socks year round. They are thin and a wool blend sock from Darn Tough.

When it hits 30’s and maybe low, low 40’s I wear Rapha trail pants for a little extra comfort.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 20 of 32 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Passion Shocks and Suspension
Top