Steve B.

Iride01 

Cough up the 59 bucks. Don't expect them to be much better.

You can get some somewhat insulated compression pants at some of the discount places a little cheaper. Not specifically for cycling though. I found some with the zippered ankles at Academy Sports, which seems to always have several inexpensive lines of athletic wear. You can buy them big to wear over your normal warm weather shorts.

caloso

I just get basic running tights and wear them over bibs. Get them at any generic sports store like Dick's, Big 5, Sports Authority, etc.

canklecat

Check the outlet department for most cycling apparel dealers -- Garneau, Pearl Izumi, REI, Nashbar, etc. They'll occasionally have heavily discounted tights, especially as spring approaches.

If it's for wearing under jeans or any long slacks, it's hard to beat women's tights for value. Same wicking fabric used by sportswear makers. Only downside is some no-name women's tights tend to pill and snag more easily, but the fabric is warm and wicks moisture as well as more expensive tights. DNLA Sport has thermal tights that would pass for cycling tights unless someone was looking closely for logos or zipped ankles rather than elastic. Costs $5-$10, and often discounted this time of year. The DNLA tights don't pill up or snag either. Good stuff for cheap.

Shimagnolo

AERO TECH TALL MEN'S BLACK SPANDEX UNPADDED WORKOUT TIGHTS $39.99

https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/meuncytiblbl.html

Teamprovicycle

That's easy ,Amazon sells basic pearl shorts I paid like 35 bucks , second layer is 6 dollar Walmart russle level 3 . Third layer is what ever compression tights I have laying around , I always byrn holes in them .

robnol

as ive been told on bf the only way to gauranty u get a quality product is to spend a lot of money.....

Steve B.

There's truth in that.

My issue is these are just so basic, thus no need to cost $60. A bunch of Lycra with no zippers, no padding, probably no insulation. Just a set of basic tights for spring/fall days. I've had multiple pairs over the decades, usually Performance or Nashbar house brand, generally $25-30 or so. No longer.

robnol

try amazon better prices same products

bakerjw

I get all of my gear from Academy sports. Their BCG gear is just as good as Nike or UA.
I ride leather saddles and only Lycra. No padding whatsoever. I find that the padding holds moisture and makes for rough days in the saddle.

JohnDThompson 

If the zipper is the only problem, take them to a place that does clothing alterations. I've had zippers replaced on my tights; only cost about US$15, much cheaper than a new pair of tights.

If you need more work done than that, Kucharik will replace zippers, elastic, chamois, etc.:

https://www.kucharikclothing.com/repairs.php

Steve B.

Yes, the tights are otherwise fine.

So that's a thought, thanks

SB

Shimagnolo

I bought my last tights from Aerotech Designs, and when a zipper broke, they fixed it at no charge.
So all it cost me was shipping to them.

bogydave

Cyclist0108

In my experience, anything below Pearl Izumi is going to be very hit-or-miss, with the emphasis on miss.

I'm a cheapskate. I think a truly egalitarian society would not charge for toilet paper. But we live in the real world.

mcours2006

+1

You can even get thicker, insulated tights to go over your bib/shorts. Been doing this for a while, though I do have insulated tights that I use, just for some variety.

TimothyH

Increase budget and get Castelli Sorpasso. You won't regret it.


-Tim-

WaveyGravey

Performance Bicycle was/is having a great going out of business sale. I stocked up on some. Try them or their website.

NoWhammies

This is my go-to. I run already so I I just running tights. Kinda kills two birds with one stone. Especially if you're thinking of taking up running in cooler temps.

tntyz

I've been using the same pair of REI cycling pants for 10 years now. Not very aero, but work great as a top layer with long johns underneath. Looks like they're on sale for about $25 right now.

BobbyG

Ride often enough to justify the cost.

But I understand you. I hate feeling like I've been fleeced...

Steve B.

canklecat

Also, check out Przewalski. I've had a pair of their 3D shorts for several months. Possibly the best pad I've tried -- much denser than any other pad I've tried, smoother surface with dimpled golf ball type texture, resilient, comfortable with firmer saddles. The shorts overall are outstanding values for the money. Reviews indicate their bibs and tights are good to, and cost as little as $15. I'm not sure I even need tights or full length bibs but at that price I might try 'em.

The Przewalski pad has been a bit uncomfortable only with my more thickly padded Selle Italia Q-Bik saddle. I usually prefer very thin chamois microfiber type padded shorts with that saddle. But on my firmer minimally padded Selle Italia the 3D pad is excellent.

Wilmingtech

Like Tim @TimothyH said above, spend the few extra dollars and get a pair of Castelli tights.

My experience, I bought some bib-tights off Amazon for about 50$ that had great reviews. They fit fine and they are super warm. But they are uncomfortable under the knees, dont fit right around the ankles. The padding is good and over all they are fine for 20-30 miles.

I found a pair of Castelli LW (lightweight) tights for about 99$ and figured I would try them to see the difference. Oh my. Night and day. I could ride in these things all day long. Very comfy. The paneling makes a huge difference and they have double walled waterproofing from the knees down that helps keep your legs dry from the spray.

Looking for some higher end Castelli's now coming out with the end of season sales. If you can get a pair for less than 150, buy them. Seems like a lot of money (whats a couple hours of OT?) but you will come back and thank us after you buy them.

-Sean

kaos joe

Everything I've ever bought from AeroTech Designs has been absolutely first rate. That said, I don't have any tights from them but my next pair will be. And Made in USA if that appeals to you as it does me.

I have a pair of older Canari tights which are great, and I ordered another couple of pairs a year or 2 later, only to find they had outsourced production to China and the sizing was wildly inaccurate.......bought a medium for me and a small for Mrs Kaos, and the small was visibly larger than the medium. Gave them both away IIRC.