I am not sure why people are reviewing these pants as cycling pants, because they lack the chamois padding and are not specific for cycling. The Alpine Pants are for running, and advertised for 8F-25F temperatures. I wore it in 8F windchill weather with active snowfall and wind, and can attest that the Barrier system does the job in protecting the skin from wind. The insulation works perfectly in this cold weather. I had worn Pearl's thermal running tights in the same conditions, and my legs were the coldest part of the body. With the Alpine Pants, this is not the case and I can actually feel some sweat buildup on my legs but the Alpine Pants breathe well without being cold.With respect to sizing, I have a size 32-33 waist (32 in the summer, 33-33.5 in the winter) with 34 inseam. The medium pants are a perfect fit, although I would feel more comfortable with a slightly longer inseam on the pants. Pearl's large pants will generally run longer, but with too much space at the waist and crotch. The medium ends up about 2 inches shorter than what I'd like but the waist, crotch, and thigh sizing is perfect. These are also running pants, so you don't necessarily need the full inseam length. These are not tights, but semi-form fitting pants that still have some stretch. They are ergonomically cut, as with other Pearl Izumi clothing with extra allowances at the knees, etc...There's one small and shallow pocket at the back for keys/snacks, and the zipper feels very robust.Overall: 5/5 stars, insulates well in single digits as advertised, great running pants for colder climates.UPDATE 7 JAN 2014I ran outside when it was 0F air temperature and about -30F windchill. For my legs, I only wore these pants and Pearl Izumi's elite thermal wool socks. I was actually sweating a little, and my feet felt ok. The Barrier fabric works as advertised for blocking the cold, and thermal fleece was perfect for keeping me warm while running.Over my base layer I've been riding in too breathable natural sweat pants where my legs freeze and too clammy plastic sweat pants where my legs sweat. So finally found these actual cycling pants that have vents but cut wind in front and are breathable in the back. Awesome! Articulated sections fit the riding position perfectly. Legs move freely like you're wearing shorts. They don't ride so low in the back which is nice too. I love these cycling pants. Tough too. I rode them in the woods this winter and wiped out once. Somehow managed to break the skin on my left knee right through the pants which didn't even show a scuff much less a tear. Amazing cycling pants for winter.these pants are worth every penny. ran last night in 20 degree weather wearing just this, wxb barrier jacket and thermal compression under neath. started to sweat after just a few minutes, never really fell cold at all. even as my sweat was cooling ...These fit well, are warm down to 15F with a base layer and look great! I'm 5' 10" and 175 lbs, with a 35 inch waist.Das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis ist OK. Es ist keine Rennradhose. Sie sitzt nicht eng, aber eng genug um sich nicht als Windwiderstand bemerkbar zu machen. Eine warme Radhose für die Fahrradfahrt zur Arbeit oder in die Stadt.Leider fällt die Größe XXL eher kurz aus.Nach langer Suche, bin ich bei 1,98 m endlich mit der Hosenlänge wirklich zufrieden mit der Windstopperhose von Gore Bike. Sie ist eher dünn, hält aber den Wind ab und erlaubt sehr gut auch eine Schicht darunter zu tragen, so dass sie wintertauglich ist.