Aero Tech Designs Cycling Tights and Bike Pants
Don’t run from the cold, grab your cycling tights and get on your bike! Cycling in cold temperatures is not only manageable but can actually be fun when you are dressed appropriately and you feel comfortable. Layering is always a good practice when you’re planning on being active outdoors during cold months and that is why Aero Tech Designs men’s bicycling tights are designed to wick sweat away, provide valuable muscle compression and, of course, keep you warm. Aero Tech Designs men’s cycling tights use a variety of fabrics to achieve these goals, depending on the degree of insulation and compression you need. Adding extra layers at your knees is also a best practice to stay warm and allow you to operate at peak performance. Ankle zippers also come in handy with cycling tights because they make it easier to take the tights off after a long, sweaty ride. Also, you can usually remove the tights or put them on without having to first take your shoes off. Reflective elements at the ankle offer great visibility in low light conditions because your legs and ankles are constantly moving as you pedal. This creates a vibrant, reflective element that is more noticeable to motorists. Aero Tech Designs men’s bike tights are ideal for all seasons.
Fabrics
One rule of thumb is to cover your knees when outdoor temperatures drop below 69 degrees F. Spandex bicycle tights are ideal for that first temperature range from 45 to 70 degrees F. Additionally, in the summer months lightweight spandex bicycle tights and pants provide excellent sun protection and they fit smooth and snug against you, like a second skin, so there is no unwanted bulk in warmer temperatures. Providing muscle compression, they insulate and enhance the blood flow through your muscles. Using effective compression garments both before and after exercise is recommended for this reason and spandex materials like Lycra enhance compression.
Another popular material for men’s cycling tights is a soft, stretchable fleece composition. Brushed polyester fleece is most commonly used in cycling tights designed for cold weather because the synthetic polyester material is hydrophobic, meaning that it wicks moisture. As you pedal, your perspiration (or rain and snow, depending on the climate) is transported, or wicked, away from your skin to create a comfortable layer right next to your skin. Polyester fabrics provide a comfortable and thermal insulating layer that keeps you dry while also keeping you warm. Most cyclists find that stretch fleece is warm to about 30 degrees F.
Padded Cycling Tights
Several Aero Tech Designs tights include a multi-density foam- or gel-based chamois pad for comfort during longer rides. The chamois pad is sewn into the saddle area and it provides support at the sit bones as well as comfort through the crotch as well. Commuters take advantage of padded bike tights by staying comfortable and warm during their ride to work or school. Additionally, the long inseams provide an extra layer of support and warmth and they can be worn as a base layer or as an alternative to bicycle shorts.
Features
Lightweight spandex cycling tights are great for sun protection and compression and stretch fleece tights insulate and keep you dry and warm in cold months. But the warmest option for winter cycling are windproof or wind-resistant pants that also feature thermal lining. These tights prevent wind from cutting through while also insulating and preserving heat. Many riders are surprised to learn how much warmer they are simply by shielding the wind. Layering is always important but fewer layers are required if your outer layer is windproof. Multi-layer fabric that is thermal, breathable and also windproof is the key to this approach. To accomplish this balance, laminated fabrics that include three layers are ideal.
The outer face fabric of winter windpants is typically composed of nylon or polyester that serves as the windbreaker shell. Next, the middle layer is a breathable yet waterproof membrane that pulls moisture from the inside layer next to the skin so that it can evaporate into the air. On the inside, a thermal layer of soft brushed fleece works to trap heat in its engineered hollow-core fiber structure. This layer also helps to wick moisture, keeping you dry and for this reason thermal layers perform at their best when they are touching your skin.
Interested in Compression?
Compression tights work by actively squeezing and massaging your muscles to reduce the buildup of lactic acid. This practice can benefit you during exercise as well as before and after your muscles are performing an activity. Some people report experiencing benefits of compression tights in other situations, including during long plane rides to relieve fatigue experienced from long hours of inactivity in a cramped environment. Wearing compression tights and garments keeps blood flowing and offers substantial recovery effects. Muscle and vibration stabilization are also believed to increase power during periods of activity.
Reflective is Important on Cycling Apparel
Winter months mean longer periods of low light and darkness. It is so important to be as visible as possible when cycling and being active outdoors during the winter. One easy way to enhance your visibility is to wear reflective cycling tights. Aero Tech Designs men’s cycling tights include 3M Scotchlite reflective treatments that use glass beads that are lined up in a precise pattern to maximize light reflection back to the source, rather than scattering the reflective light. The polished, spherical glass beads are encased in a mirrored film that reflects light back towards its original direction.
3M is relied on by consumers and commercial enterprises everywhere for its brighter reflective performance. 3M’s Scotchlite technology greatly increases the visibility of cyclists, runners and active outdoorsmen in low light conditions by reflecting light back to the source and it is very luminous and effective in the dark, whereas generic and off-brand reflective treatments scatter light in all directions.
Some of the Key Features of Cycling Tights
Degrees and levels of insulation, warmth, sun protection and thermal capacity vary greatly. This is why it is important to evaluate your climate, riding style, ride duration and personal temperature tolerance so that you can have an appropriate array of layers and cycling tights to choose from as temperatures range from summer to fall to winter and then to the spring. Each season and even each ride brings its own set of challenges and needs in order for you to be safe, warm and visible on the road.
Keep in mind your own needs of thermal warmth, reflectivity and sun protection before you gear up and head out on the road or trail. Layering is crucial so everything from lightweight spandex tights to heavy duty windpants can serve a strong and utilitarian purpose for your rides. Padded tights for cycling and unpadded compression tights for general activities and to use as base layers are available and come in regular, big and tall and women’s styles. Cycling tights should fit snug like a second skin to maximize the benefits of muscle compression and moisture wicking while also preventing chafing.
