Garneau Solano 2 Tights (Men’s & Women’s)
Pearl Izumi Elite AmFIB Tights (Men’s & Women’s)
HOT!
Garneau Solano 2 Tights
Pearl Izumi Elite AmFIB Tights
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NOT!
Garneau Solano 2 Tights
Pearl Izumi Elite AmFIB Tights
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www.garneau.com; www.pearlizumi.com
Cost: Garneau: $99; Pearl Izumi: $110 Sizes: XS – 2XL (Garneau, women’s & men’s; Pearl, women’s) / S – 2XL (Pearl men’s) Colors: Garneau: Women’s – Black, Black/Pink accents or Black/Neon Yellow accents; Men’s – Black / Pearl: Women’s – Black, Black/Blue; Men’s – Black
How Obtained: Garneau – Sample from company; Pearl – Purchased Availability: Online, retail RBR Sponsor: No Tested: 15+ hours |
No-Chamois Tights Are Versatile Wardrode Additions
If I have the option to ride outside or on the trainer, outside always wins – even on a cold winter day in Chicago. John Marsh loves to rub it in that winter in Atlanta only occasionally requires a full winter kit, while I’m stuck in Chicago trying to figure out how many layers to put on. So when it came to testing winter tights, he knew exactly who should be RBR’s test monkey.
Both the Garneau and Pearl Izumi tights come in men’s and women’s versions. Note that the model I tested of both the Garneau and Pearl tights does not include a chamois, which I actually like because it makes the tights more versatile; they can be used for all manner of outdoor sports and activities, not just cycling.
With both, I tested the women’s version wearing cycling bibs underneath. When possible, I’d prefer to wear bibs when riding because the chamois stays in place and they are all-around more comfortable. Unfortunately, most women’s winter tights are not available in bibs. I imagine it is because when it comes time for a nature break, there’s a lot of clothing that needs to be removed which isn’t ideal in cold weather.
Both brands performed well on cold, windy days. I tested them both on road and trail rides down to the high 20s. I stayed warm and dry for the first 20-25 miles, but then started to get a bit cold after that. But I’m not surprised, as I chill easily. So I’m actually thrilled with these results. Now, to provide some detailed notes on each pair of tights.
Garneau Solano 2 Tights
I tested the black tights (no chamois) with pink highlights. I like that they had a little bit of color, which helps with visibility, but also provided a bit of a feminine touch.
Garneau strategically places the Light WindDry 2 and HeatMaxx fabric panels to maximize wind protection and breathability. The HeatMaxx fabric retains heat while providing a 4-way stretch opaque construction knit with a brushed back. It is soft against your skin and combines with flatlock seams for added comfort and reduces the chance of chaffing.
An additional layer of Light WindDry 2 is added to the front and key back panels for protection against water and wind. The use of POWER+LYCRA® fiber provides maximum support for muscles, thus reducing muscle fatigue.
The men’s version has an elastic waistband with a drawstring, whereas the women’s style incorporates a HugFit waist. The women’s version came up high in the back to protect you from the cold and stayed securely in place for me. I never had to reach back and pull them up. The articulated knee design was minimal and I never found the fabric to impede my pedal stroke.
The inseam was on the short side. According to Garneau, it is supposed to be 32 inches. But when I measured it myself it was 30 inches. Interestingly, a customer review on the Garneau site mentioned the inseam running shorter. Since I wore long wool socks and winter cycling boots, the shorter inseam wasn’t that big a deal. But if I used them for running, then it could be an issue.
One shortcoming was the lack of ankle zippers, which make getting them on and taking them off more of a chore than it would be otherwise.
Pearl Izumi Elite AmFIB Tights
Like the Garneau tights, I tested the Pearl Izumi Elite AmFIB® tights without a chamois. I bought them myself this fall as I was looking for a good pair of cold weather tights. PI rates them for 30-40 degrees F. But that’s just a guage, as everyone’s tolerance for cold temps is different.
With these tights, the inseam was the perfect length for me. The 8-inch ankle zipper made it easy to put them on and take them off, something that can be an issue with full-length tights.
The Elite amFIB tights use a wide waistband, which was very comfortable and kept the tights in place. As with the Garneau, I had no issues with the tights slipping down. (I have had an issue with other tights sliding down in back, which we all know isn’t a good look on anyone!)
The fabric panel placement takes into account where you need the warmth, wind protection and movement. ELITE Thermal Fleece fabric provides moisture transfer and warmth, while the ELITE Softshell delivers wind and water protection. The fleece was soft against my skin, and the flatlock seams helped to enhance the comfortable feel.
As with the Garmeau, the PI tights have articulated knees for unrestrained pedaling movement. However, the fit for me was baggy around the knees. It didn’t bother me while on the bike, but it wasn’t a clean, smooth-fit look.
Bottom Line
Both the Garneau Solano 2 and Pearl Izumi Elite AmFIB tights (men’s and women’s) are ideal for winter cycling. The strategically placed fabric panels keep you warm and dry on cold rides. The tights I tested did not have a chamois, allowing me to use them for hiking, running or skiing. Both are right around $100, which is a reasonable price point for these high-performing tights. If your intent is to extend your riding season, stay out a little longer and enjoy winter road or trail riding in comfort, either would make a good choice.
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