Tights (?) For running.. and cycling.

[Fetchez la vache]

Looking for something to keep the legs warm, and ideally dry, but maybe that's asking too much.

Looking online most popular seem to be be tights of some sort. Never worn tights but was wondering whether compression tights would fit the bill for both
running and cycling. For cycling I mean up middy mountains in the wind and rain, rather than on road if that makes a difference - so even when not raining I'll be getting drenched legs.

I'm assuming that tights (compression or not) would do nothing to keep me dry - would they actually be worse than cycling in shorts in the wet?

[Hoofy]

Ignoring the fact that compression kit has no real benefit (google it), they're probably not waterproof or designed to keep legs warm. If they're getting that wet then I'd look at other sports such as rambling, golf or skiing and seeing what products they use for "inclement weather".

Make sure they've got wicking properties as your legs will get sweaty.

[Fetchez la vache]

Hoofy said:

Ignoring the fact that compression kit has no real benefit

Won't they make me look I have the build of Anthony Joshua?

[Sowler]

Having recently been a convert to tights for cold weather exercise (pair of shorts over the top) have a look at something like Under Armour ColdGear tights. Definitely an improvement on bare legs in the cold weather! I also plan on using them when out MTBing.

[JagBox]

I wear Castelli arm and leg warmers when cycling when its too cold for just shorts and top. Water proof and warm and if you get too hot you can take off and roll up. Great bit of kit.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-nanoflex-leg-warm...

[boyse7en]

I've got some Ron Hill tights for running in, and some Trek bib tights for cycling in. The cycling ones are a brushed finish inside and are very warm - it needs to be either an easy ride or below 3-4degC to wear them without getting an bit overheated.
The Ronhills are really comfortable for running. They are a snug fit but not compression.
I have got some compression tights but don't wear them now. I used them for marathon training in the rain as they helped stop chafing. They are much thinner and a bit of a pain to get on and off due to the tightness of fit.

[Roger Irrelevant]

I've used many, many pairs of tights for both running and cycling over the years. I've found that ones that are marketed as being designed for cycling work just as well for running (so long as they don't have a pad, obviously), and tend to be a little bit thicker/warmer to boot. I wouldn't bother about them being waterproof - I've found that if you are exercising in anything that is genuinely waterproof you only get drenched in sweat anyway, even if it is meant to have miraculous wicking properties. As long as you're not cold you're fine. Compression gear is a complete waste of money IMO, but some people like it.

If you are planning on doing a lot of cycling though then I'd get a decent pair of bib tights for that and a cheaper pair of 'normal' tights for running.

[telford_mike]

Tried lots of tights for running and they do work well (cheap ones from a Sports Direct are fine). However I much prefer a very light, stretchy pair of trousers like Northface Speedlight:
https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/m...

[lauda]

JagBox said:

I wear Castelli arm and leg warmers when cycling when its too cold for just shorts and top. Water proof and warm and if you get too hot you can take off and roll up. Great bit of kit.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-nanoflex-leg-warm...

Personally, I wouldn't run in leg warmers. Mine stay in place fine on the bike but they keep falling down if you try running in them.

[Halb]

Fetchez la vache said:

Looking for something to keep the legs warm, and ideally dry, but maybe that's asking too much.

Looking online most popular seem to be be tights of some sort. Never worn tights but was wondering whether compression tights would fit the bill for both
running and cycling. For cycling I mean up middy mountains in the wind and rain, rather than on road if that makes a difference - so even when not raining I'll be getting drenched legs.

I'm assuming that tights (compression or not) would do nothing to keep me dry - would they actually be worse than cycling in shorts in the wet?

Skins are a good make, I use them. For running and weights, also got some compression socks for running, they are pretty good. Good for blood flow and keeping dry.

[hyphen]

telford_mike said:

Tried lots of tights for running and they do work well (cheap ones from a Sports Direct are fine). However I much prefer a very light, stretchy pair of trousers like Northface Speedlight:
https://www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/m...

+1 running pants + wicking/breathable running boxers shorts is my preferred combination.

[Halb]

Used my new skins K-PROPRIUM™ today. I could feel the difference, running, and post run, they were just excellent and well worth the purchase. Had my fastest time of the year too. Legs just felt brilliant, especially my hams.