Cycling UK Forum

Went for a 40miler last night north of Leeds up around Otley and Norwood Edge. All I can say is that it is definately the last time I'll be wearing shorts for this year!

Time to once again don the frogman outfit

I'm good until around freezing. Indeed there aren't many days when I wouldn't wear shorts to cycle - unless I'm just nipping to the shops.
I find my legs just get too hot otherwise...

I think during the day I'll be fine, but when your in the valleys around 7pm my knees start to ache a bit with the cold.

Ian (28 going on 68)

On the 10 mile E/W commute last winter I can't remember resorting to full tights, most of the time I was in 3/4 tights. If I did wear full tights it was very rare.

I last wore my shorts 2 weeks ago on the commute, been in 3/4 longs for the past fortnight. Still using shorts for daytime rides, but not for much longer i suspect. Not cold enough for full longs yet though.

Daytime in the sunshine it's still warm enough

You guys don't wear padded shorts under padded tights in winter? I know I sure do. The extra padding and extra warmth from wearing them both together is welcome on the longer and colder rides I find.

Southern softies We wear shorts all year round, especially the postmen and postlasses.

I did my superman impression last night on the way to friends, slipped the longs on and though sod it, it's a bit parky I'll pop on some shorts. Given my journey hits 30mph a few times @5C is pretty cold on the nether regions. It might be okay for some to wear shorts all year round but I'm not seeing any benefit by doing so and general evidence suggests more strain on muscles with colder legs..just sayin'

Tonyf33 wrote:more strain on muscles with colder legs.

Cycle faster, make them warm.

Depends on time of day travelled but certainly not been wearing shorts on their own for a week or so.

To with hold the glorious sight of my bare legs from the young, and not so young, ladies of the West Midlands would be a crime against humanity and thus I continue to brave the elements for the sake of my fellow citizens.

Today was partly spent in shorts and tee shirt, and partly in cap and rain coat (and shorts), ah, the British weather, don't ya just love it.?

eileithyia wrote:Depends on time of day travelled but certainly not been wearing shorts on their own for a week or so.

Bloomin nippy at 5 am on the country lanes around here, i learnt thehard way in spring about keeping my knees warm so i have dug out the longs again.

kwackers wrote:

Tonyf33 wrote:more strain on muscles with colder legs.

Cycle faster, make them warm.

Doesn't work like that, go faster equals greater windchill as well as putting even more strain on an already cold muscle which increases the chances further of strain. I never understand why cyclists wouldn't want to cover their legs/arms when it gets appreciably chilly

I find now wearing shorts is good for my legs. I even wear camo cargo shorts for the pub, during the day and not on the night, have some respect. The cold does not bother me legs at all, only the lager.