Originating in Tokyo 19 years ago, PEdALED clothing draws together form and function thanks to founder Hideto Suzuki’s background in fashion. There is a noticeably different look and feel to the brand’s imagery, with the emphasis on adventure rather than on pro-level racing. Think endurance gravel and long-distance bikepacking, not aero socks and sprint finishes.

Broadly speaking, PEdALED divides its range into two collections: Odyssey and Element, with Odyssey being more gravel/adventure orientated and Element being slightly more road-biased. However, there is plenty of opportunity for crossover between the two ranges, and the versatile Element Tights are a good example of this.

Construction

I’d describe the Element Tights as ‘midweight’. PEdALED describes them as 3-season with a temperature range of 5°C to 15°C. Either way, the fabric is about as thick and warm as you could expect any non-windproof/non-membraned material to be. Multiple panels have been used to create good articulation and a close fit.

The ankle hems have a silicone gripper and both calves have a small reflective tab. Branding is limited to the word PEdALED on the outside of the knee. Elastic bib straps run pretty much from waist height at the rear, rather than using any kind of extra fabric or mesh panel over the back.

Like many brands, PEdALED has used an Elastic Interface pad, apparently called the ‘Mens Endurance Joy’ model, which they rate as being suitable for rides ‘up to 6 hours long’. The padding is thick but quite soft, with a pressure-reducing central channel and a thinner section at the front and around the perimeter of the pad.

Marking the Element out from many road riding tights is the addition of three pockets - one on the right thigh and two shallower ones at the back; all are open and unsecured.

Five colours (Black, Light Grey, Raisin Purple, Teal, and Dark Navy (tested)) are available in XXS to XXL for men. Women only have Black as a colour choice, in XXS to XXL, although the women’s product is a bit cheaper.

The ride

Once winter temperatures warmed up enough, or at least stopped threatening hypothermia every ride, I ventured out in the Element bibs.

Having spent the deep winter cocooned in super warm and burly longs like the Lusso Paragon Deep Winter Bib Tights and the Van Rysel RCR Extreme bibs, it was nice to ride wearing the non-membraned PEdALED bibs. As good as the windproof tights are, there is undeniably more freedom when riding in normal bibs.

Despite what PEdALED says, if the thermometer showed 5°C, I’d be reaching for something a bit warmer, but that might say more about me than about the Element Tights! I was, however, still impressed by how warm they were in cool temperatures and cold winds; the dense fabric did a pretty good job of reducing windchill and kept my legs well insulated against the winter weather, even without a membrane.

The fit on me was excellent, with my usual size large, snug but in no way restrictive and with plenty of leg length too. The articulation and panelling around the knees worked perfectly, and the silicone grips on the ankle ensured that the hems didn’t ride up either. The waist isn’t particularly high at the front or rear, making pee stops easier but reducing insulation over the stomach. However, the strap length is well judged - they are comfortable both on and off the bike.

I confess that I haven’t yet tested the supposed six-hour limit on the seat pad, but on my usual 2-4 hour rides, the chamois was plenty comfortable enough despite its relatively soft feel. The well-cut design kept the pad in the right place, whether I was in or out of the saddle, and the plush top layer didn’t cause me any irritation.

As for the pockets? Well, I did use the thigh pocket occasionally to stuff an empty wrapper into or to tuck away my phone between photos, but I tended to transfer any contents back to my jersey pockets when I had the chance. It is big enough to keep a phone in, but it is quite exposed on the thigh.

I didn’t use the rear pockets much; the only time I found them useful was to store ShotBloks in on cold rides, as my body temperature kept them soft and easy to eat. I guess if you were riding in a pocketless jersey or were carrying multiple gels, then they might be useful, but as they sit underneath the jersey pockets, using them doesn’t really reduce bulk much, and they are less accessible, too.

However, neither set of pockets affects the tights negatively at all, so there is no downside to their inclusion, and they might be useful for some riders.

After a number of rides and washes, the fabric in general looks very good still, but I did notice that there was some damage above the crotch where the zip of a gilet or jacket had picked away at the material. Whether you blame the tights or the top for this, I don’t know (and other tights have suffered the same fate, so the PEdALED fabric is not alone in this issue). It does make me think that gnarly off-road use and the inevitable interaction with trailside vegetation might not be a great idea.

Value and conclusion

Even without the pockets, the Element Tights are basic bibs done well.

The fabric, cut and construction are top-notch, and there is ample weather protection for cool winter days. Much like the Gobik Absolute 7.0 Bib Tights, the Element Tights would make a good one-tight solution to autumn, winter and spring rides without the restrictions of windproof fabrics.

At £190, the Element is a fair bit pricier than the Gobik option though. I think that it is a touch warmer, and of course benefits from the three pockets, but there are windproof choices available at that price level too, which would offer even more weather protection.

Ultimately, I think that the price is fair for the quality of the product, but that it is a higher price than is necessary to achieve this level of winter warmth. Whether the brand and/or quality justifies the price is pretty subjective.

American brand Velocio offers three bib tights, and the LUXE is their lightest, least warm option. Velocio suggests that they are aimed at cool ‘shoulder-season’ days rather than mid-winter expeditions where frostbite and hypothermia are real concerns.

They fulfill a similar role to a shorts and leg warmer pairing, with just enough fabric to brush off early morning freshness without becoming sauna-like when temperatures warm up.

Construction

The design of the Luxe Bib Tight from Velocio is fairly minimalist, with little in the way of panels, pockets or branding.

The main fabric, which is used throughout the tights, save for behind the knees, is a very lightweight, highly stretchy material. It is no heavier than that used in many shorts. Strangely, the panel behind the knee is made from a slightly thicker, stretchier fleece-like fabric.

Raw-cut hems add to the bib’s clean look, though a Lycra finishing strip binds the top edge. All the seams are beautifully finished with very neat, bound stitching, giving the bibs a real quality look and feel. There is no back panel as such; the bib straps run unfettered from the waist over to the front, but do cross mid-back.

Branding is limited to a couple of subtle reflective logos and a single small ‘Velocio on the right thigh, which I really like.

Velocio have used the same pad as is featured in their most popular shorts, the Luxe Bib Short. It has differing density layers of perforated foam for comfort where it's needed without unwanted bulk and a nice soft upper for a comfy bum.

Available in Black, Navy and Coffee with sizes XS to XXXXL for men and XXS to XXXL for women.

The ride

As these arrived mid-winter, I had to wait quite a while before I felt brave enough to wear them out in the wild - they offer very little insulation. Velocio suggests using them in temperatures between 7°C and 15°C, but I’d be tempted to nudge that lower figure up a few notches unless you are a lot hardier than me (which isn’t difficult, to be fair!).

Sizing is on the small side, but it's acceptable. My usual size large needed a tug or two to pull on, but felt fine once everything was in place - perfect for the muscle compression and support benefits that Velocio claims. Weirdly, the only part that wasn’t a close fit was the raw-cut ankles. I am on the skinny side, but I’ve not come across bibs with baggy hems before. Leg length was ok, though, and with the straps in place, the bibs were comfy without feeling restrictive.

When spring temperatures rose sufficiently, and I was able to get a few miles under my belt in the Luxe bibs, they were very comfortable. Their lightness translated to easy, unfettered pedalling, although the slightly loose ankles were a little irritating aesthetically.

On high-tempo group rides in the Peak with my Wahoo showing double-digit temperatures, the tights were perfect, with just enough coverage to stave off the spring air and plenty of breathability to prevent clamminess. However, any hint of a cold wind cut through the bibs rapidly and left me feeling a little bit exposed.

The thing is, though, by the time conditions suited the bibs, I would also have been fine in legwarmers, and in fact, I have leg warmers that are undoubtedly warmer than the Luxe fabric. I also saw plenty of riders in shorts on those days too, leaving the Velocio bibs with a very narrow-to-non-existent operating window.

In part, this is my fault as I asked for the Luxebibs rather than the Luxe Thermal BIB Tight, which is warmer and features windproof panels (and is strangely slightly cheaper than the Luxe).

Value and conclusion

The biggest problem with the Luxe Bib Tight is this question of when I’d feel the need to wear them rather than leg warmers, shorts or perhaps a slightly warmer set of bibs. Couple this with their challenging price point of £220 / $224, and I really struggle with the idea of them.

This is in stark contrast to the fantastically versatile Velocio Alpha Air Jacket, which can be worn in a wide variety of conditions and circumstances.

There is no doubt that the bibs are well-made and thoughtfully finished, though, and I guess that the nice Luxe fabric is not cheap either, but I can’t say that they scream ‘value’ to me.

Perhaps if you hate the look and idea of legwarmers, or prefer to cover your legs even in warmer weather then the Luxe bibs might be worth a look, but for most folk, there are better, more versatile and cheaper options, I reckon.

However, all that said, I don’t think that should stop me from giving the Luxe Bib Tights a reasonable rating because, other than the price and the skinniness of my ankles, they are a decent execution of the concept of a very lightweight tight. If you like the idea of them and don't mind the price, then I'm sure that they will serve you well.

The Sorpasso RoS W Bibtights rank highly in Castelli’s winter tights range. Second only to the Polare 2 - itself an Arctic-level piece of kit - they are intended for long rides in less-than-appealing conditions, with a suggested temperature range of -2°C/28°F to 10°C /50°F.

I’m an old-school cyclist: I like to build a base in winter, to put in long outdoor rides, and shelve intensity until there are signs of spring, which makes a pair of the best bib tights essential kit for me. Reading the specs of the Sorpasso RoS W Bibtights made me think I’d found the perfect armour for my winter training rides in the UK.

During the first two months of 2026, the weather gods made every effort to put me off outdoor riding. The Sorpasso RoS (Rain or Shine) tights were a gift from the anti-gods. Needless to say, there was no sunshine whatsoever.

Construction

Castelli has aimed to combine warmth, stretch and weather protection through careful panel selection. The front panels use the brand’s Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric, intended to provide wind resistance and water repellency where they are most needed. The rear panels use Nano Flex 3G, a superior fabric when it comes to breathability and freedom of movement.

All panels are joined with flatlock seams to minimise irritation, and are joined in such a way that the tights could be mistaken for shorts and leg warmers.

The lower leg is particularly well designed; ankle zips sit at the rear of the tight, while reflective detailing sits high enough up the leg that it is not hidden by a pair of the best cycling overshoes.

For the upper body, an open-weave mesh panel at the rear holds the bib straps firmly in place. The entire upper feels and looks very robust; the joining seams are well-stitched and as wide as the design will permit to help spread the load.

The tights are finished with Castelli’s Progetto X2 Air seat pad, a long-distance favourite designed to provide support without bulk.

I’ve been testing a size medium - my go-to size for most cycle gear - and it’s a great fit. I’d say stay true to size with this piece of kit. The tights are available in sizes XS-XL.

The ride

Pull on the Sorpasso tights and you immediately feel ready for a winter training ride. The fleecy lining feels warm and comfortable against the skin. None of the fabrics are restrictive, they move naturally when riding and never pinch or squeeze. For me, the tights offered medium compression. Although the interior of the front and thigh panel, made from Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric, appears less fleecy than the rest of the tights, the difference is imperceptible against the skin.

The tights are easy to get on, thanks to the thoughtfully placed ankle zips - why have we waited so long for a manufacturer to place zips at the rear? I didn’t sense the zips when riding, with or without overshoes, which isn’t always the case with laterally positioned zips that can irritate the ankle.

I wore the tights across the full range of temperatures suggested by Castelli. For me, they were optimal between -2°C/28°F and 6°C /50°F. The fabrics keep the leg muscles toasty warm, enabling them to work as hard as you ask them to.

The fabric repels road spray brilliantly. It also handles very light showers. After six weeks of several rides a week in persistent rain, I needed to treat the fabric with a reviver - the original PFAS-free DWR treatment is not designed to handle the volume of water I was exposing them to. With a reputable reviver, the fabric is restored to its original efficacy, once again perfect for misty conditions and wet roads.

Above 6°C /43°F I found the tights a touch too warm for anything remotely intense. I could still use them for very easy rides up to about 8°C /46°F. Everyone has their own internal thermostat, however, for me the tights were overkill in 8°C /46°F and above, where I overheated while riding steadily. Even if I dialled down upper layers I was unpleasantly warm. The small section of doubled-up fabric at the abdomen, plus the mesh panel at the rear do an excellent job of retaining body heat - exactly what you want in freezing temperatures, but less welcome when the mercury is nearing double figures. In these milder conditions, my torso would begin to overheat if I increased the intensity.

Arguably, there’s no better way to test an endurance pad than with a 230km Audax. This dry outing was off the back of weeks of rainy rides. The chamois had already impressed. Cheaper pads and poorly finished seams (around the chamois edge) can have painful consequences in wet conditions; soaked skin is far more vulnerable to abrasions from rough fabrics and stitching. During six weeks of consistently wet rides, I never once felt discomfort with the Progetto X2 Air seat pad. Over the eight-plus hours of the Audax, I didn’t feel too hot, or uncomfortable at any point. It’s a very supportive chamois that, despite its thickness, flexes naturally and doesn’t feel bulky underneath you.

The Sorpasso’s only real drawback, if it matters to you, is the lack of an easy-pee design. In my experience, many of these systems can compromise durability and, if not carefully executed, can end up being more of a faff than a solution. With the Sorpasso’s bib construction, it feels like Castelli have prioritised long-term durability instead. As a result, there are no shortcuts when nature calls while wearing these, so they’re tights to avoid if quick roadside stops are high on your priority list.

Value and conclusion

At £220 (currently not available in the US), these are among the more expensive bibtights I have tested. Prices are undeniably creeping up - seeing tights with RRP’s inexcess of £200 is becoming a regular thing. Rapha’s Pro Team Winter Tights, for example, have an RRP of £275.

At full price, I’d argue the Sorpasso only represent good value if you regularly ride in cold to very cold conditions. Comparable-performing tights, such as Sportful’s Fiandre Women’s Bib Tights at around £150, could reasonably be considered better value for many riders.

That said, as someone who doesn’t shy away from riding outdoors when the temperatures drop, I place real value on the levels of protection the Sorpasso offer. The thoughtful design - particularly around the lower leg and bib area - also stands out. Even if the upper isn’t pee-stop friendly, it is durable. Add the exceptionally comfortable pad to the mix and, personally, I can justify the outlay. At the current discounted price of £132, they’d certainly be a purchase I’d snap up.

The Assos Equipe RS Johdah Ultraz Winter Bib Tights S11 are the brand’s top-of-the-range winter bib tight offering in Assos’ Equipe range of high paced race focussed garments. As with all things Assos, the naming convention takes a bit of getting used to. Equipe refers to the race line, and RS the top range of that outside of the RSR summer race kit. Johdah is the brand’s top end model within the Equipe winter range, while Ultraz refers to the deep winter capabilities of these tights. Meanwhile S11 is the model number, although the last model was S9 so S10 was skipped.

Construction

Star of the show are the DIAMOND fabrics. DIAMOND Ultra is used across the front of the bibs and the upper legs, while internally is the OSMOS Light brushed fleece material. These are arranged in twinDeck, meaning the two are not bonded and are separate layers. DIAMOND Ultra is a new Assos 2L (2 layer) membrane creation, it’s more elastic, lighter weight, and more water resistant and breathable. Above the chamois at the front though is a low friction and more breathable panel of material aimed to reduce overheating of sensitive areas and improve comfort along with reduced pressure.

At the rear is DIAMOND Medium, a 3 layer membrane which uses a diamond structured internal fleece and water resistant and insulating layer to protect against road spray. Then on the lower legs is yet another mix of proprietary materials. OSMO Heavy is used on the rear of the legs for insulation and breathability but reduced water resistance. At the front, Waterskin is used, the same material used in the brand's Aftersnow Booties. This is waterproof and resembles neoprene in feel.

The chamois is home to plenty of technology. It’s the RS 11 insert, which has been designed in conjunction with chamois experts Elastic Interface. Firstly, there is the catchily named Shock-Absorb Dampening System Mono 9. This is a 9mm foam designed to be lightweight and shock absorbing. This is then topped with a three-layer 3D Waffle which adds comfort, reduces friction, and enhances breathability with perforations across the waffle, known as the kraterCoolers. The main padding doesn’t extend too far along the pad so as to reduce pressure on soft tissue when in a more aggressive riding position.

All of this is wrapped up in the AEPD 11 racingFit. Using World Tour feedback Assos has designed the geometry of the kit to prioritise compression and maintain an aerodynamic racing position without being restrictive or uncomfortable.

For the straps, the X-Frame returns where the straps cross over at the back to help keep support and structure consistent across the body and shoulders. These are specifically lightweight to ensure breathability during higher intensity efforts.

Sizes start at XS and go up to 2XL, while just blackSeries colourway is available.

The Ride

The Assos Equipe RS Johdah Ultraz Tights S11, to give them their full name, have been designed to be a properly deep winter tight offering. Putting them on though, the first thing that is noticeable is just how supple and flexible the material is. Other deep winter tights I have tested, the PNS Mechanism Deep Winter, Rapha Pro Team Winter III, POC Thermal Cargo and Endura Pro SL, tend to be highly weather resistant and warm, but the material offers less stretch and is not as pliable.

The Johdah however buck this trend by being as flexible and easy to move around in as a pair of tights designed for spring/autumn. This is likely the combination of the DIAMOND and OSMO materials used which provide the weather proofing externally and the fleeced inner respectively. They are also not bonded, so are separate layers, leading to a small amount of air between them but also a degree of flexibility that means neither rubs against the skin and instead travel against each other, resulting in a zero friction fit. It also does wonders for the weather proofing; in showers, or while covered with plenty of oily and salty road spray, the tights kept the elements at bay.

There is a different arrangement of the DIAMOND material at the rear of the tights, featuring the same diamond insulation pattern as on the Johdah jacket. This promotes a degree of airflow to help with temperature regulation, while also being weather resistant against road spray from the rear wheel. Meanwhile at the front of the tights is a lighter weight and less bulky orange brushed material. This is designed to be low bulk and low friction against more sensitive areas and frankly does work very well. It does not come up that high but this hasn’t been a problem. Impressively, this mix of high insulation on exposed panels paired with breathability features means these tights are usable from around 0˚C / 32 ˚F all the way up to the mid-teens or mid 50s in ˚F.

The chamois is the same RS 11 insert found in the RSR bib shorts. Again it is lower volume at the front to allow for holding a more tucked over aerodynamic position without added pressure against sensitive areas. The large ventilation holes do a great job at stopping things getting too stuffy, while the foam padding is exceptionally good against road vibrations. These tights have been plenty comfortable for 5-hour plus rides. Although part of the Equipe line of racing gear, that does not prevent these tights from being exceptionally good for a more relaxed pace, yet still long day in the saddle.

Another reason for this comfort are the X-frame bib straps. Crossing over at the back keeps the position far better across the shoulders, preventing them from sliding slightly to the sides. I prefer this to the standard arrangement of bib straps, as seen on most Assos tights and also the Rapha Pro Team Ghost shorts.

One of the highlights of the tights are the lower legs. They are quite tricky to get on, with the dual-layer design being a bit more fiddly to pull up, but they feature the Waterskin material used on the deep winter overshoes from Assos. All too often, even with highly effective overshoes, water still makes its way into shoes. Often water ingresses into the fabric of the tights and drips down to the socks and into the shoes, bypassing the overshoes. With the Waterskin material, which are also slightly compressive, the water does not make its way down the shin, and instead ends up travelling externally. Paired with the overshoes worn underneath the Johdah tights and there is virtually no water ingress even when riding in fairly heavy rain. It’s a neat feature that some other brands have done similar version of, but not paired with quite as comfortable an overall package.

I do have to bemoan the lack of visibility features or colour options other than black. Yes traditionally tights and shorts are black, but I like a bit of colour. I'd class the reflective detailing on the tights as fine, but not exceptional.

Value and Conclusion

Being top of the range Assos gear does mean that the Johdah tights are on the more expensive end of the pricing spectrum. At £380 / $500, they are one of the most expensive bib tight offerings that I’ve tested. Considering the shift towards bib shorts that exceed £300 / $400, that does make these tights somewhat appear better value given the greater number of tech ologies used and fabrics.

However, given that the Rapha Pro Team III tights are £275, the PNS Mechanism Winter tights are £280 / $380, while MAAP’s Apex Deep winter are £295 / $390, even the other premium offerings are significantly cheaper. Only the Q36.5 Dottore Termico tights come close at £330 / $440.

Meanwhile there are of course far better value options such as the Sportful Fiandre for £150 / $210. These offer a great level of comfort, but lack the weatherproofing or deep winter insulation.

When you look at the Johdah even against other premium offerings though, they are exceptionally expensive. Not quite as bad as the Johdah jacket, but still. They are unquestionable very good, but that still doesn’t necessarily make them good value

The Assos Equipe RS Johdah Ultraz Tights S11 are a truly superb winter bib tight offering. A brilliant balance of insulation, breathability, and weather resistance makes these fantastic across pretty much all winter conditions you should expect to encounter. The chamois is another hit, while the Waterskin lower legs and X-frame straps boost practicality and comfort.

The one blotch on the impressive resume is the all black offering and limited visibility, plus that glaringly high price. Even in a climate where everything is going up in price, it still feels excessive, even if the performance is possibly the best in class. As with most halo items like this, it doesn’t really represent good value for money. But for those wanting the best and performance at all costs, these are well worth the consideration.

Van Rysel have been impressing us at Cycling Weekly for quite a while. Whether it is with their bikes, helmets or clothing, they can usually be relied on to offer performance and value.

The rather clumsily titled ‘Van Rysel Men's Water-repellent Winter Road Cycling Bib Tights, RCR Extreme’ look to continue in this vein with an impressive-looking spec sheet and a low price that sees them undercutting many of the best winter bib tights.

Now that temperatures are well down into single digits, and there seems to be an ever-present cold, pernicious wind blasting across the Peak District, it is time to break out the big guns in terms of winter Lycra, and so the Van Rysel bibs have taken the brunt of some fairly grim weather so far.

Colour choice is limited to Smoked Black, in sizes S to 2XL, which Van Rysel says equates to 30” to 41”.

Construction

The bibs (as they will be called henceforth) combine warm fleece Roubaix fabric with strategically placed windproof panels to ward off bad weather without impeding movement.

There is a large panel across the front and sides of the thigh and one that wraps around the calf and shin. There is also a windproof section over the lower back to protect from spray, although there is a small non-windproof gap between it and the pad. At the ankle, there is a thinner, less absorbent material where spray from the front wheel might go, although this isn’t windproof.

The crotch also lacks any form of windproofing, although the area directly above the pad benefits from a double layer of the brushed Roubaix fabric. The thigh branding is reflective, but the ‘Van Rysel’ across the bum is embroidered, so it won’t do much to aid visibility, although there is a slim reflective tab beneath the writing.

The pad has been sourced from Elastic Interface, which supplies pads for lots of brands, and usually produces very comfortable products, although there is no information about the exact spec or version of the pad that Van Rysel has used. There doesn’t appear to be anything particularly fancy about the seat pad; no gel or multi-density materials as far as I could tell, just a thickish, softish foam encased in a skin-friendly fabric with a pressure-relieving channel.

Moving up, the bib straps and upper materials are lighter than the leg fabrics, with nothing unusual or noteworthy in terms of construction, except their striking royal blue colour.

The ride

The Van Rysel bibs arrived just in the nick of time, with the Sheffield and the Peak District very definitely in winter mode and every ride a dilemma in terms of clothing.

I never enjoy the trussed-up feeling of winter cycling clothing, where it feels like most of your watts are wasted moving the clothing rather than the bike, and anything that involves windproof fabrics always feels a little like trying to pedal in a wetsuit. However, the Van Rysel bibs did an excellent job of treading the line between warmth and flexibility.

First off, the fit was very good. My usual size large (for longs and shorts) was spot on, with plenty of leg length and a snug-but-not-restrictive fit around the legs and waist. As the windproof sections are connected by very stretchy Roubaix areas, the tights can be close-fitting without impeding leg movement.

This is particularly noticeable over the knee, where there is no windproofing at all, allowing a great range of movement. Of course, in keen winds or when the mercury was in the lower reaches of the thermometer, I could feel the lack of protection here (as I could in the unprotected upper thigh area), but it was more of an ‘Oh, that’s interesting’ rather than ‘Bloody hell, that's a bit fresh’.

The leg length also played a part in keeping the tights feeling warm; I’ve worn a few pairs of tights recently where the lack of a couple of centimetres around the ankles was very apparent - if the tights don’t even reach my winter boots, then it’s the socks that take the brunt of any road spray or cold wind, a task for which they are ill-equipped. Thankfully, the Van Rysel bibs tucked nicely into my boots.

Windproof clothing can also suffer from breathability issues, but with decent-sized areas of non-windproof materials, there were no such problems for me with these bibs. Even on full gas chaingangs, my legs remained free from sweat.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of my upper body. If there is one area where Van Rysel seems to have saved a bit of money, it is the blue material used for the bibs. After every ride, the straps and rear fabric held much more moisture than I would have expected, frequently leaving damp imprints on my base layer.

Despite the paucity of information and apparent lack of flashy tech, the seat pad, however, proved itself the equal of all the rides that I used the bibs for; no issues, no drama.

Value and conclusion

It’s always nice when products exceed expectations, and the Van Rysel winter bibs impressed me a lot. Sometimes, especially during the winter months, I do feel that I am taking one for the team and wearing a product that I know isn’t going to be as comfortable or warm as my own gear. However, I was always more than happy to head out the door wearing these bibs.

Indeed, I think in many circumstances, these would be my preferred option - the balance between warmth, flexibility and comfort is almost perfect. If it weren’t for the slightly below-par straps, then these would be a 5-star product for me at almost any price.

The fact that they cost just £80 is remarkable and makes them extraordinary value. At a price that many brands struggle to make decent shorts, Van Rysel has made not only some excellent longs, but some excellent windproof, deep winter longs.

Lusso has been making cycling clothing for over 40 years and has quietly built a reputation for quality gear well-suited to UK riding conditions. Based in Manchester, they might be on the wrong side of the Pennines from my Yorkshire perspective, but they are certainly in the right place for testing wet and cold weather clothing.

The clue is definitely in the name with their Paragon Deep Winter Bib Tights. Designed to protect against the very worst UK weather, they are for hardy commuters and committed riders who don’t let a weather warning or two get in the way of their riding.

The Lusso bibs and HardRain Jacket both arrived in packaging made from UK-sourced, 100% FSC certified spruce (paper), which is nice to see, and Lusso is clearly proud of their Manchester manufacturing base and local sourcing. Perhaps most importantly, Lusso offers repair services for its products to increase their lifespan and reduce consumption.

Construction

It might be quicker to tell you which parts of the Paragon bibs aren’t windproof, as the front of the thighs, knees, shins, hips and lower back are all protected by a 3-layer windproof and waterproof membrane fabric with a fleece backer. All other panels are made from a DWR-treated Roubaix-style stretch fleece (so the back of the thighs, back of the knees and calves) except for the ankles, which are constructed from a stretchy neoprene-esque material, which Lusso suggests should be worn over overshoes to prevent water ingress and can be trimmed to length if necessary.

For complete accuracy, there is a strip above the pad but below the windproof lower back section that is also made from the Roubaix fabric, which could be vulnerable to spray from the back wheel; however, if the weather is bad enough that you have deployed these bibs, then mudguards will also surely be fitted.

There are no bib straps; instead, there is what is effectively a light fleece gilet bolted to the lower half, with Polartec Power Grid fleece on the front and mesh back and sides. A full-length locking YKK zipper runs down the front, but it is not double-ended.

Lusso has paid similar attention to the pad. Made by Elastic Interface (which manufactures pads for lots of well-known brands) to Lusso’s specification, it is only stitched into the bibs at the front and rear. This design is similar to Assos’ GoldenGate pad, and allows the pad to move more closely with the body rather than the bum moving on the pad, thus reducing the chance of friction and chafing.

The chamois is also noticeably oversized in all dimensions. This provides more coverage at the front for insulation against windchill and more at the rear to accommodate less aggressive seating positions, such as you might use on an endurance or gravel bike.

There are five different densities of thermo-moulded foam used, giving the pad a curved, anatomical shape and a central channel to aid fit and reduce pressure on your undercarriage. Atop it all is an antibacterial skin comfort layer infused with carbon threads for hygiene.

Large, reflective LUSSO branding on the thigh provides added visibility from the side, and a little text paragraph on the right calf nicely underlines Lusso’s UK heritage.

Available in black only, Small to XXL, no women’s specific model though

The ride

I was advised by Lusso to choose size medium rather than my usual size large (Castelli, Assos, Santini, etc., even XL in some Castelli) in bottom half wear, and this proved to be spot on for me at 73kg and 186cm. Thankfully, the leg length was good too, with length enough to reach my winter boots without a chilly sock gap - the same can’t be said for all bib tights.

Once on, the bibs felt substantial, but not restrictive, with perhaps greater freedom of movement than was afforded by Castelli’s similarly warm Sorpoasso RoS Wind Tights.

Lusso suggests a temperature range of -5°C to +10°C, which might be the lowest recommended temperature rating I’ve seen on a pair of bibs, but ‘luckily’, the recent weather has offered ample opportunity to test this claim, with ride temperatures as low as -6°C.

I spent December and January switching between these and Van Rysel’s excellent winter bibs, with these being the winner in terms of warmth and performance, although at a significant cost difference to the bargain Van Rysels.

Whether on road or gravel, rain or snow, the Paragon Deep Winter Bib Tights performed superbly and have become my go-to tights in the very coldest weather.

The extended pad did a great job of protecting the more delicate, exposed bits of my anatomy from freezing winds and the stretchy windproof panels and their fleece backing felt great in cold conditions, keeping my leg muscles warm and working. The pad shape and material worked well for me too, and whilst I didn’t undertake any epic, all-day outings in them, four-hour rides were no issue at all - as with all the best seat pads, it was something I simply didn’t think about once on the bike.

When stiffer, less stretchy materials with membranes are used in bibs, one thing that often suffers is the fit around the crotch. The 3-layer materials simply cannot conform and stretch as well as normal Lycra, which can lead to a poorer fit and less support, particularly when switching between standing up and sitting down. However, the Paragon bibs suffered less from this than any other similar product that I have used.

The extra insulation up top did not go unnoticed either; it adds some very effective core insulation without adding extra bulk, and the fabric wicked and dried well too, so my upper body didn’t get damp and chilled.

As for negatives, I am struggling a little bit, but I am not a fan of zips and pee stops, especially in cold weather…so perhaps the zip could go a bit lower at the front or be double-ended? And if medium is a good fit for me at over 6 foot tall, that only leaves size small for everyone smaller than me.

Value and conclusion

"Paragon /ˈparəɡ(ə)n/ noun: a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality. "

Quite a claim, but by and large, I would say that it is a fair assessment of the Paragon Deep Winter Bib Tights. They are very warm, insulating the body as well as the legs, with a pad that proved itself comfortable over many winter miles and a cut that certainly suited my body size and shape. Not a lot more could be asked of cold-weather tights.

The retail price is £225, so there are certainly much cheaper bib tights available, as well as considerably more expensive ones too. I’ve mentioned the Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind, which is £240, and Van Rysel’s £80 Winter bibs, both of which have windproof protection and work very well. However, I think that the Lusso bibs are warmer and fit me better than either of these two, making the asking price decent value for the performance. However, if you don’t regularly commute, ride or train in sub-zero temperatures, then other, less warm options might offer better value for you.

The MAAP Team Bib Evo Thermal Cargo tights builds on the well-established MAAP Team Bib Evo, the staple of the brand's bib shorts offering.

Construction

The tights use the same wide strapped seamless bib and brace system as the shorts, designed to distribute pressure over the shoulders evenly and keep everything nicely in place. A high airflow rear mech is used for better breathability.

To boost thermal properties, the inside of the legs sections use a brushed fleece fabric, giving these tights a recommended temperature range of 6-16˚C. The hem of the legs is elasticated with silicone grippers, rather than relying on a zip for closure around the ankle. There are also reflective details placed around the legs for greater visibility in winter riding conditions. A DWR finish adds some water resistance to the tights against road spray and light showers.

The 3D Thermo Moulded Chamois features a specific male anatomy design for better pressure distribution around the soft tissue. This includes a breathable perforated foam base layer to the pad, high density inserts for additional vibration dampening, and an Eco X-Tract recycled bacteriostatic upper layer.

Of course the key feature is in the name, with two elasticated side pockets are present on the outer thigh of each leg. These are large enough to accommodate a range of different items such as spares, food, and additional layers.

At present two colours are available, with sizes from XS-XXL.

The Ride

The tights are an impressively comfortable set of bibs. The internal brushed fleece fabric is wonderfully comfortable with no 'out of place' seams to apply pressure. Paired with the bib straps, which are both wide and well elasticated to disperse pressure evenly, it creates a secure, race fit that does not constrict or pull in any way, leading to all day comfort.

As I have found with MAAP shorts and tights, the chamois is fantastic. I’ve got on very well with this across a range of items, and the male-specific cut means that there is no pressure where soft-tissue is present. I’ve also found the intentional channels prevent things getting stagnant over longer ride times. Pressure relief and vibration dampening is also superb for pothole riddled UK roads and venturing off-road onto gravel trails.

Of course these are thermal, so their main focus is on cooler temperatures. The front end doesn’t extend massively high, but I like this as whatever top layer I’m wearing provides enough protection on the middle, and excessively high waists can make nature breaks difficult. I’ve personally found these tights comfortable from about 5-17˚C in rain or shine. Heavier rain will warrant something heavier weight, such as the MAAP Apex Deep Winter tights. But personally these work well up until the turning point where shorts become an option.

The use of a DWR coating on the outer is another great addition. It’s not as heavy as what you find on more deep winter offerings, and keeps the tights supple and flexible while shedding the worst of any road spray or light showers.

My favourite feature about these though are the name-sake pockets. Located on the thigh, these pockets sit deep, but have a tapered design. The top is wider than the base, but plenty large enough for several bars, gloves, jackets, or a large smartphone. What I love about them though is that they lie flat to create an invisible fit look. The upper is also well elasticated so that items are not at risk of being ejected.

Especially in deep winter when wearing multiple upper layers and thick gloves, accessing rear cargo pockets can become more difficult. This is when leg pockets become one of my favourite additions; stashing gloves, gilets, or accessing food and storing the associated wrappers are all wonderfully easy with cargo pockets. Some additional pockets at the rear might add a little more practicality, but personally I find I rarely use these unless they offer something particularly unique. The MAAP Alt_Road 2.0 Cargo bibs for example with zip storage pockets at the rear are great for storing additional extra tools and spares that aren’t often needed in a massive hurry.

My only small annoyances with these tights are the relative lack of reflective detailing on this version, and the tight leg cuffs. They take a good amount of manual input to get the cuffs of the legs over your feet, but this does at least make them fit very securely.

But longer term testing has unveiled one definite issue that could impact longevity. Across the outer fabric on the seating area, there have been issues of fabric pilling. Going over this with a razor gets rid of these strands of fabric, but over time if this carries on it could lead to some serious longevity issues. So far it has only happened on one ride, but using the same saddle setup I have all through testing. I've had it to a degree on other tights with a similar outer material, but not to the same extent.

Value and Conclusion

At £265 / $320, these are frankly on the more expensive side of the cycling bib tights market. Of course there are similarly prices options from other designer brands. PNS for example have the Mechanism deep winter tights for £280 / $380, while the Rapha Pro Team III tights retail for £275 / $380. These are both more heavy duty deep winter offerings though.

Rapha Core tights (£150 / $200), Castelli Espresso (£170 / $200), Assos Mille GT (£185 / $270) all arguably offer better overall value while still being impressively comfortable. However they all lack the additional cargo pockets and aren’t quite the same comfort levels.

The Rapha Cargo Winter bibs come close to functionality at £275 / $220, but they also feature rear pockets and zipped options, as well as arguably better reflective detailing. Meanwhile the Santini Cargo 2.0 are far cheaper at £170 and feature more pockets, but don’t have the same levels of comfort or refinement of design.

It does then look like although the MAAP Team Bib Evo Cargo Thermal bib tights are a great performer, they potentially are not the best value offering available. And the pilling potentially limiting the lifespan does impact this further

The MAAP Team Bib Evo Cargo Thermal bib tights are perhaps not the best value offering available, but they are a truly outstanding performer nonetheless. The straps are as supportive and comfortable, while the chamois excels. Brushed fleece interior with open mesh rear strap panel gives a great usable temperature range, while the cargo pockets are smartly integrated into the design and highly effective. Some more reflective detailing would be nice, and the cuffs on the legs are tight, but the fabric pilling on the seating area is the stand out negative.

It’s certainly turned a bit wintry up here in Yorkshire, with early morning starts feeling particularly fresh, so it's out with the leg warmers and in with the bib tights. Gobik’s Absolute 7.0 bib tights are a new addition to their range, and with sponsorship of two WorldTour teams on their palmares, I had high hopes for them.

Refined over a number of iterations, this version (number 7, I assume?) has a redesigned upper with wider straps and a more refined cut for a better shape and fit. The Absolutes are Gobik’s warmest offering, claiming to provide insulation and protection against wind and rain and are given a suggested temperature rating of 0°C to 15°C by the manufacturer.

Dressing for cold winter rides is always about compromise, and the choice between protective, restrictive, potentially sweaty, but warm clothing and gear that is nicer to ride in but could end up leaving you cold (especially in the event of a shower or roadside mechanical) is a never-ending source of minor trauma for me before every ride. Unlike the upper body, legs don’t usually have the luxury of layers either, so whatever pre-ride decision you make, you have to live with it all ride long - so choose wisely!

The Absolute 7.0 bib tights are available in Black, Ultrablue, Havana kind of dark grey/brown), Sunken (emerald green) and Tapioca (pale grey) with sizes from 2XS to 2XL. Options for women are identical.

Construction

The Absolute 7.0 does not use a membrane to block wind or rain. Instead, the fleece fabric has a RAINLAB treatment that should ward off light rain and road spray (according to Gobik), along with a reasonably dense feeling construction that will afford a modicum of protection against wind chill.

Around each calf, there is a large reflective band, below which is a short elastic double-knit panel where the brunt of any water from the front wheel will fall. Darts behind the knees give the legs a better fit and increased articulation, whilst slightly textured material around the thigh and over the backside adds a bit of visual interest but feels similarly warm to the main fabric.

The waistband is pretty high, providing extra insulation over the stomach, and the shoulder straps are nice and wide at 45mm for support without pressure. The women’s version uses shoulder straps attached in such a way as to allow easier toilet breaks. The Lycra finishing around the waistband looks and feels a little bit cheap and old-fashioned, though.

Elastic Interface provide what Gobik says is an exclusive pad designed for long-distance comfort, incorporating different densities of foam and ‘elastic memory’. A graphene thread element in the pad reduces bacteria and helps manage moisture.

The ride

Yes, the review pair of tights in Tapioca was very pale, and yes, I did feel rather self-conscious in them, and no, they really aren’t very suitable for grimy, mucky Peak District roads that frequently include a dash of cow muck on them - dry roads only, I feel, for this colour. Fortunately, every other available colour is far better suited to dank, wintry conditions.

Having been a bit disappointed with the length of the otherwise impressive Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind tights, I was very pleased that the Absolute 7.0s were a good length, both top and bottom. At 186cm tall, the size large tights tucked nicely into my winter boots, and the waistband sat about 10cm above my naval for great coverage. Happily, the material was stretchy enough to still facilitate trips to the toilet or nearest bush, despite the height of the waist.

Fit in general was excellent - close fitting and supportive without being restrictive and the shoulder straps were the right length too, holding the tights in place when on the bike without being uncomfortable and constricting when stood upright. Having recently ridden in a pair of bib tights where the straps got noticeably damp (and remained so), it is worth mentioning that the straps on the Gobik’s were much better at moisture management.

I had precisely zero issues with the pad. It was comfortable from the outset, soft against the skin and it didn’t cause any irritation at any point. Of course, the seat pad in a winter tight might not be subject to quite the same levels of sweat as are generated toiling up a col in 35° sun, but they can get damp nonetheless, and the Absolute 7.0 pad worked very well for me.

Temperature regulation is a very personal thing, and particularly so when riding in winter - too many clothes are sweaty and restrictive, too few and freezing extremities or cold muscles can be a real issue.

Gobik suggests an operating window of 0° to 15°C for the Absolute 7.0, but for me that feels a touch optimistic. I wore them down to about 5° when working hard, but below that, I would look for a fabric with a membrane for a bit more protection against the biting wind, I think.

Equally, even for a wimp like me, I think they would be a bit too toasty at the upper end of that range, although I can well imagine that, as a Spanish brand, Gobik might have a different opinion. I’d suggest that maybe 5° to 12°C might be a bit more realistic.

Value and conclusion

Colour aside, the Gobik Absolute 7.0s were one of those products where, a few minutes after putting them on, I never really thought about them again, which is probably the highest praise possible. I didn’t have to keep adjusting the straps or the pad, and I never felt restricted when pedalling the bike or waddling to the cafe counter.

They were warm, comfortable and fitted well; you can’t ask much more from a pair of bib tights and €150 (about £130) seems very reasonable.

I’d say that they are slightly warmer and a bit cheaper than the Castelli Espresso bibs, which I really liked. They work very well as general-purpose, cool-weather protection. If you only want one pair of bib tights to wear in a variety of conditions over the winter, then the Gobik Absolute 7.0s are well worth considering. Just maybe choose one of the darker colours…

For many people in the northern hemisphere, the end of August marks the end of summer. For others, it's Meteorological autumn, which begins on September 1st, or you could choose the astronomical autumn, starting on September 22nd.

This level of ambiguity is even more apparent when applied to temperature. Cold in summer is very different from cold in winter, and it's often debated when it is cold enough to turn the heating on.

That is why it must be challenging to design and manufacture 'cold weather' clothing, such as the very best bib tights or winter cycling jackets. But I don't recall another piece of bike gear being as subjective on this matter as this pair of Universal Colours Women's Mono bib tights.

Construction

Designed for cold-weather cycling, the Universal Colours Women's Mono bib tights are made from recycled nylon. To support its cold-weather claims, the tights have a soft brushed-back inner, whose lofty fibres will trap tiny pockets of air to provide natural insulation and warmth.

On the outside, in response to a global push against harsh chemical treatments, the Mono tights feature a PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Resistant) coating, which Universal Colours states will repel light rain and road spray.

I've been testing and wearing winter bibtights for over a couple of decades now, and the one thing almost every current pair has is a list of functions and features that will deflect winter's charm. A noticeable absence on the Mono tights, therefore, is a reference to layering systems, insulation properties or even water egress prevention.

The tights utilise the same Italian Elastic Interface recycled material, multi-density pad, which is featured across the brand's women's specific ranges. This pad is designed to offer sufficient vibration damping for comfort on less smooth terrain.

A notable feature across the range is the ‘Nature Calls’ pee-break friendly design, which includes extra stretchy elasticated bib-straps and a short zipper at the back of the tights for easy stops without needing to remove outer layers.

Additionally, small reflective logos are placed on the tights for improved low-light visibility. The Mono tights are available in four colours to match various jersey options, and the fit range is extensive with seven sizes on offer. They are manufactured in Lithuania by a BlueSign-accredited factory, ensuring textiles are produced following standards for consumer safety, worker protection, and environmental impact. However, I am unable to verify these statements at present, and there are no impact reports available for the public to access.

The Ride

From the outset, it's clear that the Universal Colours Women's Mono bib tights are very lightweight. In fact, they tipped the kitchen scales at 239g for a size small. To put that in perspective, the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights weigh just 15g less at 224g. It's a reasonably low mass for a pair of tights, but you do get technical fabrics and lumbar support with the Q36.5. With the Mono tights however, the fabric for the main tights was actually so lightweight that I was aprehensive that my backside was on full display if the light landed on the tights at a certain angle.

Concern for my backside seemed to be a bit of a theme with these tights as next up is the mini-zip at the rear. Rachel Sokal and I have far too many discussions about the need for easy-to-pee shorts and tights in cycling; we generally conclude that it's a solution looking for a problem. Highlighted this time, by the feature of an open zip being scraped down the outside of my buttocks. Hardly pleasant in any weather condition, but in cold weather, I'd rather just remove my jersey, thanks.

The big discussion point when riding the Mono tights, however, is their temperature range. Peer referencing once more to the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights, and my 'body temperature stability guarantee' was down to 12°C / +54°f.

With zero wind blocking or double-layering, I argue that the Mono tights would struggle to make it any further down the thermometer. Even on a breathless day at around that aforementioned 12°C / +54°F, I'm only just warm enough in them, and certainly dressing for the second, if not third or fourth mile wearing them.

Let's remember we're still technically in Autumn and haven't really entered what I would truly define as cold-weather riding. Living in the Peak District area of North England, it would be described as 'nippy' rather than cold, and it does depend on how nesh you are, but as a Southerner in the North, I feel it, and I'm already seeking warmer layers - and these just aren't warm enough.

I'm already only choosing to wear the Mono tights to pair with overshorts for riding on rough terrain, mainly to protect from rear wheel spray, but these also provide enough wind and rain deflection that the tights feel warm enough. With this extra layer, finishing just below the knees, they become a good option.

Value and conclusion

The cost of cycling kit is pretty bonkers at the moment. Once more referring to the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights, these will currently set you back £210/$280, which is a heck of a wedge of cash for tights that don't even get you past the shoulder season.

Priced at £150/$210, the Universal Colours Mono bib tights are significantly cheaper, but I don't feel like you get nearly as much R&D in the fabrics, design, or construction. There is a water-repellent coating, but this is topical and will need to be refreshed after just a couple of washes.

The pad is reasonably comfortable and has the all-important Elastic Interface hallmark. While I'll always stick to black or navy tights, it is refreshing to see a couple of other colourway options. It's also great to see seven sizes on offer.

But these still feel like a lot of money for a pair of tights that just give you a protective layer against cool temperatures. While we may all interpret what exactly cold weather is differently, I would be pretty disappointed if I had shelled out for these and realised that Universal Colours' definition of cold is in fact what us Brits would call merely being a bit Fresh out.

A pair of hardy bib tights is an essential item to get you through the colder months. In days past these were just a Roubaix fleece layer, often without a pad, that could be pulled over a pair of shorts. Now the best winter bib tights are typically loaded with features to help protect you against the wind and the rain. Just like the Pro Team III offering from Rapha. Let's see how they fair...

Construction

The Rapha Pro Team Winter Tights III have been beefed up in terms of their cold weather performance and weather resistance compared to the outgoing model. Whereas previously the tights used a brushed fleece fabric inside, this has now been replaced on the front facing panels to a grid fleece structure. This helps to trap air but also aids a level of breathability and airflow. Meanwhile on the rear facing panel behind the knee, a lighter weight brushed fleece interior has been used to allow better articulation of the joint when pedalling.

There is also a lighter grid fleece structure on the rear panel of the straps designed to insulatate but not get excessively warm during higher intensity efforts, a feature of the Pro Team range. The straps themselves are very similar to the Pro Team III Bib shorts being wide and elasticated so as to provide a secure fit across a range of body positions.

The outer material of the tights uses a windproof exterior as well as featuring a PFAS free DWR coating both on the front and the rear so as to reduce the effect of wheel spray. Although seams are not taped internally or externally, they do use a flatlock construction. There are also reflective details on the side and rear of each leg, with an elastic cuff so as to reduce any water ingress that can come from using a zip section.

The chamois is another area that's been updated. It's now the same single density higher density foam used in the Pro Team III bib shorts, designed to reduce bulk while also providing ample support and vibration dampening.

Four colour options are available at time of writing, with sizes from XS to XXL. Meanwhile Rapha recommends a temperature range for these tights between 1-8˚C.

The ride

I am generally not a big fan of proper heavy duty winter bib tights. More often than not I find that the material lacks a great deal of suppleness due to the weatherproofing treatments and thicker materials. Given the legs are the part of your body that move the most when cycling, good fit and supple materials tends to have a great impact on comfort.

What impressed me, however, with the third generation Rapha Pro Team Tights, was that even with a more rigid construction than say the brand’s own Lightweight Tights, there was no real impact on movement or comfort, even on 5+ hour ride days. Don’t get me wrong, I prefer a more flexible material generally, but in this case the trade-off is well worth it.

The tights have an exceptionally effective weather proofing treatment. Water beads off the legs with ease, even at speed where water pressure at the point of impact increases, so ingress is more likely. Seams still provide a weak point in heavy rain, as they do for pretty much every kit item, but the insulation properties mean that even when water makes its way in, there is no windchill and no cooling.

These tights are actually very similar in construction and design to the PNS Mechanism Deep Winter Tights, with a similar grid structured fleece internally, but then brushed fleece in areas where rubbing can potentially occur. In testing, these tights have been comfortable in low single figure temps with north winds and rain, and manageable up to around 14˚C.

Sometimes Rapha items in the Pro Team range can pull you over into a more hunched position. However, here the fit is well balanced, in that they are comfortable for more prolonged upright positions, and don’t pull or tug when you tuck in and up the pace. This is all the more impressive given the relative lack of material pliability compared to non-weatherproofed lycra. The straps also help here, providing good, even support across the shoulders and back. Although the bib front is high, they are easy enough to pull down for nature breaks as well.

Another star of the show is the new Pro Team Chamois. This is the same as featured in the Pro Team III and Pro Team Ghost bib shorts. It’s denser, lower volume, just as supportive, and I’ve already waxed lyrical in those reviews about how it provides a great balance of support, vibration dampening, and doesn’t get in the way at all. That is still the case here, with the fit of the tights keeping the pad nicely in place so as to maximise comfort.

My only small gripe is that the hems are a little difficult to get over my feet. Forgoing a zipper on the legs is the right call, as this can be a weak point for weatherproofing, but it does make the legs a touch harder to get on. The less supple material needs a bit more give around here, with even an elasticated hem not quite providing enough give. But that’s it for potential negatives. I do like that reflective details have been more heavily featured, as the Classic Winter Tights used to feature just one reflective leg, on the leg. Fine for riding in Europe, not as fine for UK riding on the left side of the road. Now there are large reflective details on the back of both legs, and the sides, ideal for winter and foul weather riding.

Value

When you look at how functional the Rapha Pro Team Winter Tights III are, they compare favourably to their competitors, even with a £275 / $380 price tag. The most similar competitor from my testing are the Pas Normal Studios Deep Winter Tights, while retail for £280 / $380. Both of these feature quite a similar construction, but the Rapha Pro Team just about edges out on water resistance and fit.

Some other real heavy duty deep winter competitors are the likes of the Endura Pro SL II (£189.99 / $290) and POC Cargo Thermal Tights (£270 / $330). The issue with both of these is that although the insulation and weatherproofing is equally as good, the materials are far less supple and do restrict movement somewhat. Both also fall short when it comes to the performance of the chamois compared to the Rapha tights.

The only tights that are slightly more supple are the Q36.5 Dottore Termico Bib Tights, but these come in at a staggering £330 / $440, and the Assos Equipe RS Johdah Ultraz Bib Tights S11 which are a whopping £380 / $485. While being more supple in the case of the Dottore, or a bit more water resistant on the lower leg with the Equipe, you pay a large premium for these features. The Rapha Pro Team III tights are potentially a better balance overall of performance, comfort, weatherproofing, and value.

The Rapha Pro Team Winter Bib Tights III are an impressive pair of bib tights for when the temperature drops and the weather gets foul. The repellent DWR treatment works a treat in rain and against road spray, but heavy rain does ingress through the seams. However, the insulation is so effective that this won’t negatively impact your temperature. Their usable range is also larger than advertised, comfortable up to the low teens, while the chamois is superb. Costly, but not the highest priced out there, and the balance with performance is great.

Gorewear’s Distance Winter Bib Tights are the brand’s warmest, developed to keep you comfortable on epic rides during the ‘coldest days of the year’. Cockle-warming stuff but making good on Gorewear’s promise usually requires plenty of insulation, which, in turn, means bulk.

Unfortunately, bulky tights are rarely comfy tights, as they tend to ruck up in the most inconvenient of places, restricting movement and greatly lessening your chances of looking dapper on the bike.

I wanted to discover whether Gorewear had cracked it. Can its Distance Winter Bib Tights offer warmth in the worst conditions as well as unfettered movement? Are they worthy of joining our pick of the best bib tights?

Construction

A lot of thought has gone into the design of these winter tights, which are a development of Gorewear’s Distance Bibshorts 2.0. At least four different fabrics are strategically placed to provide varying degrees of warmth, breathability, wind blocking and protection.

The main fabric, which envelopes each leg from the hips to just below the knees, is a thick (for tights), wind-resistant, smooth outer-faced fleece that’s been treated with a durable waterproof repellent (DWR) to fend off rain and road spray. It’s very supple, and the inner face is beautifully soft.

A large, water-resistant panel protects the seat area and lower back from the road spray and muck that’s likely to be thrown up by your rear wheel. This also has a smooth outer face, but a light grid fleece inner for maximum breathability. It’s unclear whether this panel features a membrane but it’s lighter and more weather-resistant than the main material. It should dissipate heat build-up and sweat vapour efficiently.

Round the front is another sizeable panel, this time made from a double layer of silky material that incorporates Gore Windstopper. The lack of bulk promotes good freedom of movement and guards this area from overheating.

The shins are protected by the same material found on the back panel, whereas the calves are covered by panels of relatively fine, lightweight fleece, again with a smooth-faced outer.

All the fabrics have a high degree of stretch due to their elastane content, which, in some cases, is as high as 16 percent.

The chamois is Gorewear’s Expert Distance Seat Pad 2.0 with ‘Gorewear Cup’. This is a male-specific multi-density, multi-layer pad, with a channel developed to reduce pressure on the sensitive parts peculiar to men. The ‘cup’ is the aforementioned Windstopper front panel, there to protect the nether regions from wind chill. Ouch.

Finally, 50mm wide, woven mesh straps hold the bibs in place. There are no pockets concealed anywhere, and no zips at the ankles.

The ride

The use of high-stretch fabrics throughout, especially at the ankle cuffs, make the Distance Winter Bib Tights a breeze to slip into. There are no zips to faff about with, just poke your feet through the legs, pull them up, adjusting and gathering as you go, and you’re ready to roll. They are heavy - my XL pair weigh in at 360g (12.7oz) - but not unwieldy.

I was wary of the woven straps at first. I’ve had too many bad experiences of coarse mesh braces curling into cheese wire-like cord that’s cut into my shoulders during long rides. Fortunately, these are soft, have a good amount of stretch to them and distribute pressure evenly.

Sizing appears to be true. I’m 191cm (6’ 3”) and weigh 90kg (198lbs) and they appear to fit well, though I could probably go down a size if I chose to. However, I’d rather suffer a marginally loose fit than shortness in the leg - I can’t stand getting cold ankles due to a widening gap steadily appearing between tights and winter boots. These bibs have a generous length, which I like.

They are, however, quite short in the torso, relying on your winter base layers and tops to keep you warm above the waist.

My first ride in the Distance Bibs was taken on a clear but bitterly cold December day when the mercury couldn’t be persuaded to rise above 3°C (37°F). The first thing I noticed, on shuffling outside, was how warm my legs felt, but a nano-second later I registered a sharp chill to my ‘crown jewels’. It’s immediately noticeable how some of the panels feature very different levels of insulation.

Which turned out to be a good thing. A few minutes into the ride I’d warmed up nicely, relieved that my ‘meat and two veg’ weren’t sweltering in a bundle of thick fleece. Instead, the thinner Windstopper fabric kept the chill at bay while preserving my sensitive areas at a fine working temperature. The silky, flexible fabric didn’t trouble my pedalling action either.

An hour in, despite having numb hands and losing all movement in my face (I’d forgotten my Buff and worn the wrong gloves) my bottom half was very comfy indeed. A real Goldilocks moment, not too hot and not too cold - if I could have smiled, I would have done.

Since that first outing, I’ve spent much of my winter riding time wearing these bibs in temperatures between 3°C (37°F) and 7°C (44.6°F). At these temperatures, they keep your legs lovely and cosy without impeding or overheating the lower torso, upper thigh and groin areas. However, I suspect that they’ll be too warm once temperatures edge towards 10°C (44.6°F).

As for rucking up, the Distance Bibs do a great job of staying where they should. There is some excess fabric around the hip creases, but not so much that it hinders progress or comfort. I suspect sizing down may help here.

The knee area is usually where rolls of material start to build, opening a chilly gap above the sock hem as they work their way up the calves with every pedal stroke. Fortunately, this has never been an issue with the Distance Bibs; whether that’s due to the amount of stretch in the fabric or the anatomically pre-shaped seamless knee construction I don’t know, but my ankles are grateful.

While I haven’t ridden much with them in proper downpours, I have negotiated plenty of wet roads where they have successfully kept me from getting a proper soaking around the lower legs and seat area.

They’ve been washed at 30°C (86°F) after every ride and, so far, the DWR finish is still beading water. The bibs remain looking as good as new too, especially the internal fleece panels, which show no sign of piling or clumping.

Value & conclusion

In my experience, these Distance Winter Bib Tights can be relied on to keep your legs warm on the coldest of rides without restricting your pedalling motion or letting other, more sensitive areas, overheat or suffer windchill. Gorewear has done an admirable job with the cut, as well as the judicious placement of fabric panels to regulate temperature and add protection where it is most needed.

At £179.99 these tights are Gorewear’s premium offering, but they compare favourably in price to winter bibs from other top-tier brands, such as Assos’ £210/$270 Mille GT Winter Bib Tights C2 and Rapha’s £250/$325 Classic Winter Tights with Pad.

One of the most peculiar pieces of cycling apparel has to be leg warmers. I don't deny their usefulness when it comes to the in-between seasons, or for warmer winter days, but I've never found the suspender-like legwear particularly comfortable.

Yet to go directly from a pair of the best cycling shorts to even the best cycling bib tights will often feel too extreme a swing in clothing choice. So when the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights promised to be that sweet spot between shorts and full winter tights, I was keen to find out how they would stack up.

Construction

The big deal with all Q36.5 clothing is the brand's aim to ensure core temperature remains as close as normal, around 36.5°C (97.7°F).

With that in mind, the preparatory fabric used in the construction of the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights is designed to not only act as a thermal wind block, but to also offer a high degree of breathability, as well as UV protection and sun deflection.

Reminiscent of Schoeller's ColdBlack, mostly found on some of the best cycling jerseys in the summer months, Q36.5 says that its version will assist in the reduction of heat build-up by up to 1.5°C compared to similar, regular black fabric. I'm wondering if this will mean, as someone who often gets chilly on a bike, I'll see any thermal benefit from the bib tights at all? Especially as I'm promised a 'body temperature stability guarantee' down to 12°C / +54°F.

The Q36.5 also promises to be made of 100% polyamide and elastane yarns from recycled sources, although I'm as yet unable to verify this with its own or any independent sources.

With body temperature control fabrics taking the main stage with all Q36.5 clothing, the brand is keen to reiterate that the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights are more than a one-trick pony.

At the rear, a lumbar support panel augmented with silver thread claims to actively help improve stability and body alignment when in the saddle.

The X-shaped panel is made from another proprietary fabric that, according to Q35.5, has a greater woven density (Modulus Force warp 510, weft 620) than the rest of the bib tights, which, in its compression creates a zone of support for the lumbar and gluteus musculature.

The brand believes this helps to 'provide the rider with improved stability, orientation, balance and proprioceptivity [awareness of what your muscles are doing]'.

However, we can't let these claims distract us from the importance of the tight's chamois, and its importance to rider comfort.

At this stage, it's worth noting that I was testing the women's Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights. This version uses an Elastic Interface seat pad, I'm still awaiting confirmation as to the exact version.

The men's pair comes with an Elastic Interface Super Moulded (SM) chamois, which uses variable densities and thicknesses of padding. Q36.5 says the construction process is a unique moulding technique to create smooth variations in the thickness of padding, improving the contact with the rider’s skin.

Holding all this together is the bib element of the tights. Q36.5 has opted for a lightweight elastane double cross-over design. The front keeps the fabric flat to the stomach, while the back cross sits much higher to prevent the bibs from slipping off the shoulders.

Elsewhere raw-cut hems and no ankle zips reduce bulk and the chances of sock/ overshoe seam irritation, while reflective panels are sewn into the calf panels.

The ride

The mixed and muddled temperatures of the cooler seasons can be tricky to dress for. Here in the UK, we're well past the shorts stage, but daily temperatures can still fluctuate greatly. Much of my riding in the tights was around the magic 12°C/ +54°F mark that the brand mentioned in its temperature guarantee.

Stepping into the tights Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights it was obvious from the outset that they are made from a lightweight fabric especially when compared to the thickness of a traditional pair, such as the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights.

Extremely pliable, the tights were a snug fit, without any over-compression. Like a pair of gym leggings, I felt supported and held together yet without restriction my movement.

The upper bib element held the tights secure, and I was able to instantly forget about the shoulder straps as soon as I had them on. The fit at the upper rear isn't ideal for me, with a gap at my lower back created due to the cross-over design. That said, it didn't detract from the tights' overall comfort, even when wearing a backpack.

There are no complaints about the seat pad from me. It's a simpler design when compared to some, but this keeps it malleable and provides just enough seat protection to be comfortable without being overly bulky.

While they are noticeably cooler than any other pair of bib tights I've worn, the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights do just enough to knock the cold out of the wind off my skin, and on my knees especially.

I've found them perfect to team with a pair of gravel over-shorts, when I need a little extra warmth but don't want a thick double layer on covering my thighs and glutes.

I've always had a mental block of racing in tights, as I know many riders do, but the distraction of leg warmers falling down mid-race is frustrating. Curious to know if the temperature-controlling and maulable attributes of these would be up for race pace, I gave the Gregarius tights a whirl on a very hilly off-road bike race. I can confirm that these had me pretty close to forgetting I even had them on.

My only small want for the tights is increased reflective detailing, especially if riding on the road with shorter daylight hours. The small panels on the calves are mostly covered by my choice of long socks.

Value and conclusion

This freedom of movement is something that often draws me to bib shorts and leg warmers until I'm truly defeated by the cold. Having this range of motion in a pair of tights feels revolutionary.

As someone who struggles to find leg warmers that either stay put, don't over-constrict on the thigh, or rub - I found these an ideal option. I was just able to ride and not be distracted by my cycling wardrobe choices.

The other perk of the Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights is the distinct lack of seams. Leg warmers will inevitably rub behind my knees on longer rides, or when I get sweaty, but these prevent any friction rubbing.

At the time of writing this, the Q36.5 Gregarius Hybrid Light bib tights are priced at £200/ $277, which seems to be at the upper price point compared to other lightweight bibs on the market.

However, Q36.5 sustainability claims of 'hyper-local production within 350km of its headquarters Bolzano, in the heart of the Dolomites, and made of up to 100% recycled yarns' it's easy to see why the brand believes you should pay a premium.

If you do decide to splash out, you won't be disappointed.

Specifications

• Fabric: 63 % Polyamide 6.636 % Elastane, recycled, UV protection and sun deflection
• Seat Pad: Elastic Interface
• Gender: Female, Male
• Size: Womens: XS - L Mens: XS - XXXL

Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple, and that is exactly what Castelli’s Espresso Bib Tight does. They don’t offer any fancy panelling, exotic materials or a stratospheric price tag, but what they do provide is warmth, comfort and great freedom of movement on all but the coldest of days.

The Espresso range is billed as being "the first kit you reach for any time you go to ride and are not pinning on a number," according to Steve Chapin, Director of Brand Strategy at Castelli, with a more minimalist aesthetic and smaller branding than some of their other kit. I've already been impressed with a couple of pieces from the range, and love the look and colour palette - so it was with the Espresso Bib Tight too.

Weight-wise, they are more in the realm of a Roubaix shorts/legwarmer combo replacement than for tackling full-on Arctic conditions, making them ideal for year-round use so long as the temperatures don’t get too frosty. Castelli’s 4°C to 15°C rating seems nicely judged, although you'd have to be putting in some hard work to feel warm in them at 4°C I reckon.

There are seven sizes and seven colours available for men - black, blue, grey, red wine, natural grey, dark steel green - while the women’s equivalent comes in XS to XL in black and blue.

Construction

Castelli has kept things simple with the Espresso Bib Tight. There are no ankle zips, fewer seams than normal, and just a single fabric used throughout the garment. Fortunately, that fabric is their very cosy and stretchy Thermoflex, which they use to good effect in their leg and arm warmers. The shoulder straps are broad and airy, with a full-height yoke up the back between them, and classy Castelli branding imprinted vertically on the front.

The bottom of the legs are raw cut, which adds to the minimalist aesthetic and helps them sit neatly under overshoes whilst the tonal Castelli badging on the left calf is nicely subtle. Tiny reflective tabs along the seam on the back of the thigh might help catch a driver’s eye, but I wouldn’t rely on them for my safety.

The chamois is the multi-layer Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad from the top of their range. This features a stretchy, seamless, bacteriostatic layer that sits against the skin, a variable thickness ‘Integrated Cushioning’ layer for padding and additional ‘Viscous Comfort Inserts’ strategically positioned under the ischial and perineum. This is the same pad used in their £250 Premio Black Bibshort.

The Ride

Sometimes you put a piece of clothing on and it just feels right; you know you are going to enjoying riding in it and this is how it was with the Espresso Bib Tight. Without as many of the seams and panels as often found on bib tights, the Espressos were noticeably less restrictive. Equally, it was nice not to have the double constrictions of short hems and leg warmer grippers, and of course, no potential for unsightly sausage leg. The size Large, same as I take in Castelli shorts, fitted me (186cm/73kg) perfectly so there was no need to size up as I have found with some bib tights. Furthermore, it was nice to have a choice of non-black colours, so I really pushed the sartorial boat out and chose, er, grey.

Of course, the Thermoflex fabric provided less wind resistance and a lower level of insulation than some bib tights, but their operating window was still quite large - I wore them at 6°C quite happily, although it was a tempo effort rather than a pootle, and at 15°C too. They don’t purport to provide any water resistance, so rain or road spray can penetrate quite easily, but in cool, dry conditions they were excellent, providing a very free and easy pedal stroke and sufficient protection against any chill.

The Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad is a perennial (perineal?) favourite, and features in all Castelli’s top-end shorts. It is comfortable and noticeably good at moisture management in my experience, whilst the super-stretchy Thermoflex fabric allowed the pad to hold things in place better than some thicker materials.

Being on the tall and slim side, I have often found bib tights straps a bit restrictive when not bent over the handlebars, but the Espresso straps were great with plenty of length and stretch. The mesh straps are also quite wide so any pressure is well-distributed. The women’s version gets a slightly different strap configuration that allows the seat to be dropped for toilet breaks without needing to take them down.

Conclusion and value

As you can probably tell, I was immensely impressed with the Espresso Bib Tight. On days when you don’t want to commit to full winter bibs, but worry that leg warmers won’t quite cut it, they are a no-brainer. They are warm, comfortable and a pleasure to wear.

Equally, they are very good value as you are likely to wear them on many days throughout the year thanks to their broad temperature window and restriction-free fit. I think that there are a lot of occasions I will reach for these rather than leg warmers for a little more warmth and less hassle.

The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Deep Winter Tights are made from a three-layer fabric that features a Windtex Pro membrane. Internally, there’s brushed fleece with a grid structure to provide warmth against the skin. Externally the tights feature a DWR treatment, which in conjunction with the membrane aims to make these highly weatherproof. The internal fleece grid structure is designed to improve both insulation and breathability by enabling a level of internal airflow. Legs are ergonomically shaped to better fit around the knee with a slight articulation, while the front of the tights is raised to provide additional warmth around the trunk and stomach area. The straps are elastic and soft, with a mesh rear to aid breathability.

These tights, with their high front, interface perfectly with the PNS Mechanism Thermal Jacket that is cut with a short, race-fit front. PNS uses its own four-layer ultralight foam chamois, which is made from quick-drying materials and has an antimicrobial membrane to provide long-term comfort and reduced friction. This padding varies in density across the seating area to provide tailored support across sit bones and soft tissue. Size-wise the tights come in XXS to XXL, with five colours available. The recommended operating temperature is around 0˚C.

The ride

Using the PNS Mechanism Deep Winter Bib Tights, it is obvious straight away that they are designed for riding comfortably in the coldest conditions. In the range of testing temperatures I experienced, at no point did they feel cold, even in 0˚C early mornings. Indeed, at 10˚C my legs felt too warm. The internal fleece grid structure is nicely soft against the skin and does a great job of creating an insulating air barrier. The pairing of Windtex Pro material with DWR treatment makes these bibs nicely weatherproof. Water beads off the material with ease, even in heavier rain, while windchill is not a factor. The only issue is that the seams are not internally taped, and do allow some moisture in, making these seam lines a little colder when it’s wet.

The fit of these tights is interesting. Being part of the Mechanism line, race fit is the aim and the Deep Winter tights are a prime example of this. The bib straps are ever so slightly short on me when standing upright. However, when tucked down into a more aggressive position the pressure is relieved and the slightly longer rear panels of the tights make sense. The legs are also ergonomically shaped so that when pedalling there is limited bunching of fabric behind the knees. As with other PNS garments I’ve used, the fit does appear to cater for a shorter upper body, while being fine length-wise in the legs.

At the front of the tights, the fabric is cut high so as to provide more warmth around vital organs. This works brilliantly for cold weather but does make nature breaks very difficult. The straps are very comfortable, but with a white base layer worn underneath on the first two rides, there was some dye leakage.

The chamois pad is one of the stars of the show. PNS’s four-layer ultralight foam pad performs brilliantly at distributing pressure nicely across the seat area in both aggressive positions and relaxed ones. Over rougher road surfaces the vibration dampening was highly effective, so these are a pair of tights I can wear for very long rides over awful surfaces. I have another pair of PNS shorts with the same pad, and after about a year of use, I can confirm that the antimicrobial membrane appears to hold up well, resisting any long-term odour. My only issue with the pad is it needs to be in the right place to be comfortable. I found I had to pull the legs up quite a lot to get the pad sitting correctly without movement. This was because the legs were a bit tight but not constricting, and I have to concede that the material is not as supple as plain fleece-lined fabric with lesser weatherproofing.

Value and conclusion

PNS is a premium brand, which is reflected in the £280/$350 price. However, compared to the Rapha Pro Team II (£260/$335) and MAAP Team Evo (£245/$355) the Mechanism doesn't fare badly. The Castelli Espresso or Sportful Fiandre (£170/$189 and £150/$199 respectively) offer arguably better value but potentially less weatherproofing. There are also tights such as the Assos Mille GTO (£420/$570) which make the PNS look good value by comparison.

To conclude, the PNS Mechanism Deep Winter Tights offer a pair of bib tights that are exceptionally warm in colder weather, including sub-zero conditions. The weatherproofing is superb bar the seams letting in limited amounts of water, but even that does very little to detract from the warmth. For fast-paced long winter rides in even the coldest conditions, these tights are brilliant. While the price is premium, I do not judge it excessively high for what they offer.

The Sorpasso RoS Wind Bibtight sits right at the top of Castelli’s long-legged offerings, both in terms of cost and claimed warmth. These aren’t ‘Shall I wear leg warmers or tights today?’ kind of bibs, but more the ‘Can I get to the bike shed through the snow drifts?’ kind of bibs. The RoS in the name stands for ‘Rain or Shine’, but I definitely would not want too much of the ‘Shine’ when wearing these unless it was of the freezing alpine sort as they are rather warm.

They are designed for riders who go out whatever the weather, be they committed commuters, dedicated trainers or just hardcore cyclists who prefer to avoid the turbo trainer at all costs. Castelli rates them for use down to -5°C, although I imagine they would still work in temperatures below that. The upper suggestion is for +8°C, and that seems fair, although at that temperature you wouldn’t need to be working very hard to be pretty warm indeed. Currently only available as part of the men's range in black, sizes S to 3XL.

If these don't sound quite what you're looking for, then have a look at our buyer's guide to bib tights for some other options.

Construction

The Sorpasso RoS Wind Bibtight employs several fabrics and materials across a multiple-panel design to combine protection, flexibility and warmth in the worst weather. Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper with a fleece backing keeps the front of thighs, knees and crotch toasty with Castrelli’s own Nano Flex 3G on the rear thighs, backside, lower back and lower legs. Nano Flex has a brushed back and water-repellent treatment but does not have a membrane; this enables it to be highly flexible and provides good freedom of movement whereas the Infinium Windstopper is much less stretchy due to its multi-layer construction.

The seat pad is a Progetto X2 Air Seamless, Castelli’s premium chamois for maximum in-saddle comfort. This has three parts to it; a breathable skin care layer, a variable thickness, multi-density foam layer that puts more padding where it’s most needed and less where it isn’t, and there is also additional ‘viscous padding’ under the delicate ishial and perineum areas. Long 18cm zips at the ankles help when putting them on and a similarly sized strip of reflective material by the zips aids low-light visibility.

The Ride

Putting the Sorpasso RoS Wind Bibtight on feels a little like donning a suit of armour, there is a distinctly burly, impregnable feel to them that dares the weather gods to do their worst. I’m usually a size large in Castelli shorts, but the less forgiving nature of the Infinium Windstopper panels necessitated an ego-crushing size XL to feel comfortable. However, the panelled design and articulated knees allowed a reasonable range of motion. Paired with a good pair of winter boots and a warm jacket, you could take on just about any cold weather.

At 186cm tall, even the XL size left the bib tights slightly short of my ankle bone - not too much of an issue if you wear them with long overshoes, but they didn’t quite meet the top of my NorthWave winter boots, leaving a gap for cold air or even colder water to penetrate. I’ve not had this issue before with Castelli bib tights, but I think that with the less flexible Windstopper thigh panels, I felt the need to pull them up a bit more to reduce drag on my knees through the pedal stroke, hence leaving them a bit short at the bottom.

I have used Castelli's Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad in a number of shorts and tights and have never had an issue with it - a bit like saddles, pads can be a personal thing, but the Progetto is a very good option for most riders. The only negative is that the burly fabric of the tights doesn't allow the pad to, erm, cup things quite as well as stretchy Lycra does, so there was a little bit of on-the-go rearranging necessary occasionally, especially after a spell out of the saddle. Possibly less of an issue in the frigid temperatures that these tights were designed for...

As you’d imagine, out on the road the Sorpassos were very cosy, with a ‘battened down’ feel and a sense that you no longer needed to trouble yourself with the latest weather forecast - whatever it said, you were well prepared.

There was a slight but perceptible amount of drag around the knee when pedalling; although the articulation helped, it couldn’t entirely mask the lack of stretch in the Infinium fabric, but this is not a piece of clothing for racing or high-intensity efforts, rather for base miles and unavoidable rides in cold and/or wet conditions. As such, I think that the trade-off between protection and flexibility is very fair.

The decision to use Nano Flex on the shin area rather than a more water-resistant material is an interesting one. This is one of the most vulnerable areas when riding in inclement weather - road spray can very quickly soak the feet and lower leg, even when it’s not raining, and despite Nano Flex’s many excellent properties, it is not waterproof. I imagine that the designers couldn’t use Infinium all the way down the leg due to its lack of stretch, and so chose to use it to protect the big muscles of the thigh and the exposed knee instead. Personally, I think that maybe Infinium on the shin and thigh with Nano Flex (or even a double layer of Nano Flex) around the knee might have been a better solution for the damp roads of the UK.

Value and conclusion

If you want one of the warmest, most protective bib tights available, then look no further than the Castelli Sorpasso Wind Bibtight. Very few other tights provide the same level of weather protection and although £240 is a fair chunk of cash for bib tights, it is commensurate with (or less than) the price of its competitors. The combination of warmth, windproofing and Castelli’s premium seat pad makes these an ideal choice for epic rides in winter conditions, just check that the sizing and fit works for you.

I'm not alone when I say that I despise wearing knee or leg warmers. They create the dreaded 'sausage leg' look or fall down during the ride. Instead, I tend to opt for the hassle-free, full-coverage protection of bib tights. However, most bibtights on the market today have some sort of insulation or weather protection – great for freezing temps but prone to overheating as the mercury rises. For spring and fall riding, when the weather is mild, all I really want is full-length lycra – just some thin fabric to ward off the air's chill, a good chamois, comfortable bib straps, and little else.  

In my experience, the availability of such tights is far too limited. I've completely worn out two Castelli knickers after several shoulder seasons of riding, and Velocio's Signature Bib Knickers, which have been around for quite some time, also feature heavily in my rotation. But these are all shin-length.

I was, therefore, thrilled when Ornot unveiled its all-new women's Lightweight Droptail Tight earlier this spring. These full-length tights claim to offer year-round comfort, UPF 50+ sun-protection, a chamois made for endurance riding, and "life-changing, drop-tail functionality" that allows for bathroom breaks without having to take off your jersey.

Of course, I was keen to put these to the test. And not to give away the conclusion, but suffice it to say, tights like these are why I've bid farewell to the hassles of knee- and leg warmers for good.

Ornot's Women's Lightweight Droptail Tight

Ornot is a San Francisco, California - based cycling apparel company known for its minimally branded, understated on- and off-the-bike apparel. The brand also prioritizes local manufacturing and sustainable practices in their production processes, which led to the brand earning a Climate Neutral certification in 2019. 

For these tights as with all its products, Ornot sourced as much recycled content as possible. The fabric consists of 78% recycled polyamide and 22% elastane. The endurance chamois is made of recycled content as well and carries a Oeko-Tex-certification, meaning it has been tested and certified to be free from harmful substances.

The tight's features at a glance:

• Lightweight, full-length coverage
• Fabric features a textured pattern
• Pull-down droptail functionality for easy bathroom breaks
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Stretchy and soft bib straps
• Reflective detailing on the lower legs.
• Suggested temperature range: 50-75°F / 10-24°C
• Made in Italy.
• Sizes: XXS - XL
• Cost: $194

The Riding Experience

In the marketing copy for these tights, Ornot warns that you might find yourself rushing to do an emergency load of laundry just to ensure these lightweight tights are ready for the long weekend rides ahead. And indeed, I've practically been living in these tights ever since I laid my hands on them, and consequently racking up our water bill, while Portland's weather stubbornly hovers between 43 and 58 degrees. 

True to its name, the fabric of these tights is quite thin indeed, and has  just the right amount of stretch to it: it slips on easily while there's also some resiliency to prevent the fabric from overstretching and remain form-fitting. Despite the lack of any grippers at the ankle, the tights stay in place and simply disappear from notice. 

These tights offer no compression, however, and since I was between two sizes, I probably could have opted for the smaller size for a tighter fit.

Unlike your typical black bibtights, these 'obsidian' bibs actually sport a fine textured pattern throughout, which stands out and I often get asked about the tights when wearing them. There are minimal seams for comfort and the wide bib straps are noticeably soft. The endurance chamois on the denser side and serves me well. 

The droptail functionality is pretty much a must-have these days. Gone are the days of wrestling with or removing top layers just to reach your bib straps. Ornot's droptail design is a clip- and magnet-free operation. Just pull the tights down when squatting and slide it back up when you're done.

Overall, these big tights boast a no-frills, sleek design, thoughtful construction, and supreme comfort – great for the mild and dry spring or fall days. On the flipside, these tights do not offer any insulation, wind blocking or water resistance. As such, they soak through quickly in the rain and won't offer you any warmth when that happens. I also cannot yet speak to the tight's performance in the sunnier 60-75 degree range. Personally, I overheat pretty quickly and prefer to wear shorts anytime the temperatures top 70 degrees. Yet, for endurance rides under the blazing sun, the UPF 50+ sun protection serves as a welcomed alternative to the constant reapplying of sunscreen.

Value and Verdict

Ornot's Women's Lightweight Droptail Tight is a game-changer for those who, like me, find knee or leg warmers more trouble than they're worth. They have become my go-to bottoms for spring cycling, and they'll likely remain a staple as fall rolls around.

They're a well-designed, no-frills and comfortable option for lightweight, full-length coverage for a rather wide range of riding conditions. From morning summer commutes to endurance rides during the shoulder seasons, these tights are quite versatile and will likely see a lot of use.

At $194, they're by no means cheap but certainly in line with, if not cheaper then,  bib tight offerings from competing brands.For comparison, the aforementioned Velocio Signature Bib Knickers retail for $239, Rapha's Pro Team Lightweight Tights retail are $250 and Castelli's range of bib tights range between $174 and $230.

For riders seeking a versatile knee-warmer-free solution for milder weather conditions, these tights are a worthy investment that won't disappoint.

The Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Shorts have become the latest piece in my cycling arsenal and I can no longer claim foul weather for keeping me off the bike.

Ever since I started to ride more gravel and off-road I've taken to donning a pair of baggies over my roadie Lycra, but that's more to try and disguise my heritage more than anything. I've never owned any of the best women's gravel bike kit, so haven't really felt much of a benefit. Until now.   

Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts: Construction

The Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts have been designed with the demands of all-weather riding at the core. The perk of being a mountain wear brand is that it truly does understand the concept of all-weather. 

With that in mind, the Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts are constructed out of proprietary Proflex fabric - a fabric which was originally developed for the demands of mountaineering. 

The brand says as well as being highly breathable and protective, it's also stretchy. Designed with all-day wear in mind, the Proflex fabric has been specifically constructed using soft and comfortable softshell which is then teamed with a flexible membrane claiming a waterproof rating of 10,000mm and a breathability level in excess of 35,000cc/m²/24hrs.

To put that in perspective most of the best waterproof cycling jackets will come with a similar waterproof rating and breathability of 10,000cc/m²/24hrs. So these Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts even give many of the top jackets a good run for their money in the performance stats stakes. 

The shorts come with a twin button and zip closure system, along with an elastic pull to refine the waist size once on the bike. 

A generously sized zip pocket is positioned on each upper thigh, with zip access points allowing access to your cargo short pockets underneath - should you have them. 

The cut of the Rab Cinder Kinetic shorts is longer than your average baggies, so that when on the bike - depending on the length of you femur - they finish at just above your knee.   

One of the things that most impresses me about Rab is its commitment to tackling greenwashing within the cycling industry and its commitment to true sustainability - being as transparent as possible along the way.

Not only are the shorts fluorocarbon free, but the full breakdown of the shorts fabric data is available on the Rab's website. 

Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts: The Ride

As a brand which has its headquarters on the other side of the Pennines from me, the design team clearly understand that the term 'all-weather', can in fact also refer to most winter rides in the Peak District - where it is possible to experience all four seasons in one day. 

Since the weather turned foul in late November last year, I've been wearing the Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts on every ride, and it really is helping me find my riding mojo to falling back in love with cycling as their performance is severely curtailing my excuses not to head out on the bike.  

The overall fit is perfect. I've especially appreciated the tailored back of the shorts, which are finished higher on the waist to provide protection for my lower back. The legs are also tailored for articulation which prevents any uncomfortable fabric gathering at the back of the knee. 

Same goes for the crotch area. Rab has managed to strike the balance of loose enough to get decent shorts / tights underneath without restriction - but not too loose so as to get caught on the saddle.    

Having the whole of my thighs protected in wind and waterproof fabric is a game changer. I've been donning these with a pair of Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights on the days that hover around zero degrees Celsius. Caught in a wintery squalls, the over-shorts have battled tremendously - my bib tights have been pretty much still dry once I've got home and de-robed.

The pockets are voluminous. Spacious enough for a large iPhone in a case, and still allow freedom of leg movement. However, as the opening is in a traditional civvy-wear trouser location, it is nigh on impossible to access when pedalling. 

There is a temptation to always want to use the side openings for access pockets instead, but without matching cargo undershorts they are defunct - and you only post your phone though the slot on to the floor once to remember that there is no useful inbuilt lower pocket.   

After a few months wear in grim conditions they aren't even showing slight wear. After my factory visit, I have become more cautious about washing after every ride, preferring to just dry them off between some rides. As such, they haven't lost any waterproofing capabilities two months in.  

Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts: Value and conclusion

The only real problem is with kit this good is that there are no more excuses not to ride. I'm significantly warmer and dryer with the Rab Cinder Kinetic waterproof shorts than I was previously riding gravel/ off road. 

They do add a weight gain of 208g (UK size 10) to your riding clobber, but when you factor in all the potential additional water weight they do a grand job of repelling, it really is a marginal penalty. 

For a pair of over-shorts the £160 (prices TBC for USA) may seem a little steep. However, with my only grip being the need slightly more accessible pockets these are more or less my perfect riding companion and that is worth every penny.   

Female-fit trousers for cycling do exist. It’s just to find them you tend to need to look away from the usual road, commuter and lifestyle cycling brands to the MTB world when riding pants have become increasingly popular in the last few years.

Troy Lee Designs was first made famous in the MTB world by the legend John Tomac in 1996. Most of the TLD range is focused on the enduro and downhill world of mountain biking with construction and colorways to match. But within the three men’s and two women’s styles there is also a good choice for those whose riding is a little more tarmac orientated. I’ve been wearing the Women’s Lilium pants to see how they shape up against the best bicycle commuter pants.

TLD Lilium: construction

The Lilum pants are made from a lightweight four-way stretch material which is certified by bluesign (an industry standard for sustainable textiles). The material provides sun protection (UPF 30+) but has no water-repellent properties or treatment. There are small perforations for ventilation high on the inside of the thighs and behind each of the knees.

The waist has a zip and press-stud fastening and two broad Velcro tabs for adjustment. There are three zipped pockets on the thighs, one on each leg at the front and another on the rear of the right.

As well as all black, the Lilium is also available in copper (deep orange) and orchid (lilac) colors.

Overall the Lilium pants have quite a slim fit, tapering to a narrow ankle. The trousers are panelled with darts at the knees which gives them quite a tailored look and a good shape on the bike without any obvious areas that are overly baggy or stretched.

As well as the neat style, the slim legs means there isn’t any material flapping around in the wind or into your bike. It does mean that you can’t get them on or off quickly and, as there’s no additional ankle fastening / zips, you can’t pull them over your feet without taking off your shoes.

There are five sizes which range from a 27.5” / 70cm to a 35.5” / 90cm waist. The size and fit detail that TLD provide is really useful; the measurement charts include waist, hip and thigh circumferences (as well as leg length and ankle circumference) and the pants fitted exactly as I expected from this. As well as the obvious size choice, these measurements will also help determine whether the fit of the trousers is going to be right for you, a refreshing antidote to the scourge of online clothes purchasing.

TLD Lilium: the ride

The most striking feature of the Lilium pants is how lightweight and slim-fitting they are, a long way off some of the other riding pants on offer. Despite the fit, the four-way stretch material and well-placed seams allow for plenty of movement and I didn’t notice any untoward restriction either when riding flexed over in the drops or more dynamically off-road. I've even gone as far as going to my yoga class wearing these. 

The combination of the lightweight material and ventilation perforations make the trousers a good option in warmer conditions when you want just a bit of coverage to keep the chill off or for a little more modesty.  On the flip side, they’re less suited to inclement weather as quickly-wet through in the rain and don’t offer that much insulation. They do dry quickly though if you do get splashed.

The pockets are a good size (plenty big enough to swallow a smartphone) and well-placed to access when you’re riding and off the bike too. As the pockets are on the thighs, larger items like gloves or bike spares can feel a bit bulky on your legs.  

Whilst the Lilium Pants aren’t designed to be worn in the office or pub, they’re subtle enough for you to do so. I’ve worn them a fair amount as a lightweight pair of outdoor trousers. The main limitation to this is the keen-eyed might be able to see your flesh through the small vent holes in inside thighs and back of knees if you’ve not got cycling shorts on underneath.

TLD Lilium: value and conclusion

The Troy Lee Designs Lilium pants are an excellent option for those who want a little more coverage for modesty or keep the chill off on the bike. They have a nicely tailored slim fit with a subtle stretch to the material which is really practical on the bike and presentable off it too. On the downside, they’re not that suited to cold and wet weather and not designed for putting on in a rush.

At $/£130 the TLD Lilium pants are quite an investment, comparable to trousers from cycling lifestyle brands such as Rapha Technical Trousers and Rapha Explore Pants that we’ve recently reviewed in a men’s fit. If you’re a woman and want a pair of trousers that’s actually designed to fit a body shape somewhere like yours, it might just be a price you’re willing to pay.

After reviewing Rapha’s Technical Trousers last year, our tester has rarely been spotted – on or off the bike – wearing anything else. Would the Rapha Explore Pant be enough to coax his legs out and how would they compare to the rest of our best waterproof cycling pants? We crept in under the cover of darkness to make the swap and waited to see how things turned out.

Rapha Men's Explore Pants: construction

Rather than cycling trousers that can be worn for other things, the Rapha Explore Pants are designed for those ‘other things’ and cycling too.

This means the trousers balance some bike fit features (like a one piece gusset with taped seams and elastic drawstrings on the ankles) with general outdoor-activity ones like zipped pockets and a belt.

The fabric is lightweight, has a nice stretch and is quick drying as well as being DWR treated for water repellence. There’s a definite nylon feel to the Adventure pants which is reminiscent of the early 1990s teenage shell suit. The lightweight material means they roll up quite small and – although I don’t think it’s been designed to do this – can be easily invert these into one of the pockets for a neat package.

Unlike on lots of other riding trousers none of the high-wear areas are reinforced so long term durability may not be great. The material is "abrasion resistant" though so should cope with brambles and scuffs. 

There are two zipped leg pockets and two small high-cut front pockets but no rear ones.  

Rapha Men's Explore Pants: Fit

The Explore Pants have quite a slim, casual fit with a low rise waist and short leg. They are available in six sizes (XS – XXL) and three colorways (brick and grey; two tone grey; all black). As with Rapha’s Technical Trousers, the Explores aren’t available in a women’s fit.

We found that the pants came up quite small around the crotch and thighs in comparison to the sizing chart and our tester’s similarly cut Rapha trail shorts, so we swapped the small for a medium.

The larger size gave a much better fit which was enhanced by the stretch of the material. The seamless-crotch design doesn't sit neatly though, causing the material to bunch under the fly and pull around the bum in a rather unflattering way.

The belt is simple and functional and its enclosed loops neat and comfortable, a good match for the trousers. The front press stud was quite small, awkward and a bit plastic; not up to the usual standard on other Rapha trousers and shorts we’ve worn.

Rapha Men's Explore Pants: The ride

The Explore pants function well and suit a range of outdoor adventures be it a hike, a bikepacking layer or den building in the woods. The material is cool and comfortable with the stretch allowing plenty of movement. The DWR coating easily beads water from light showers and the short leg's ankle elastic means you can keep them out your chain and off your muddy walking boots.

The pockets are generally pretty useful. The leg pockets are well positioned and the material is stretchy enough to hold a phone comfortably when riding. Their zip tabs are subtle but tactile enough that you can still get in them with summer gloved fingers. The front pockets don’t have a closure but they’re high and deep enough to keep hold of their contents.

On the downside, the flexible "outdoor activity" design means the Explores are less suited to riding. The low waist means that the back gapes and you can’t really use the front two pockets as any contents tend to restrict pedalling or dig into your leg. 

Rapha Men's Explore Pants: Value and conclusion

At $180 / £140 the Rapha Explore Pants are most expensive pair of trousers that we’ve reviewed, even Rapha’s own Technical Trousers are (a little) less at $160.00 / £120.00. The most similar trousers that we’ve come across in terms of design and features (such as softshell appearance, versatility and DWR coating) are the Altura Grid Softshell Pants which are significantly less at $86 / £70.

All in, we’re left with mixed feelings about the Rapha Explore pants. They are really comfy, function well and achieve the aim of versatile outdoor adventure trousers. But they're not quite what we're after when riding, in particular the low back cut and lack of reinforcement. There are also some aspects like the cut, material feel and fastening that fall short of Rapha’s usual standard and what we’d expect at this price.

Rapha Men's Explore Pants: Specs

• Size: XS - XXL
• Colors: Brick/light grey; dark grey; black
• Material: 88% nylon/12% elastane (main panels); 85% nylon/15% elastane (contrast)

The Hors Catégorie tights are Le Col's top of the range bibs and are available in men's and women's versions. They are designed to allow you to ride into the depths of winter and stay comfortable thanks to a thermally lined body and water repellent legs. 

The lower legs feature zippered ankles and reflective details, while the chamois (seat pad) is a premium Dolomiti item – all similar features to many of the best bib tights we've reviewed.

The tights are available in sizes XS to 3XL (Mens) and XS to XL (Womens). They are also available in 3 subtly different finishes; black/black (on test), black/gold and plain black! The ladies only have the black/black option.

Le Col Hors Catégorie Bib Tights: construction

The Hors Catégorie Bib Tights are well made from a highly breathable material which is also able to wick moisture away. This hydrophobic Aqua Zero material, which is used on the legs, is able to bead water off the fabric rather than absorbing it. 

It's soft to the touch, too. There is an additional splash panel over the kidney area to help with back wheel spray and the body section is lined in a very soft grey fleece, which adds extra warmth to the torso.

The ankle zips allow easy access and a close fit, whilst reflective detailing is featured around the base of the ankle seam and on the side of the calf.

I weighed the large size at 310 grams, which seems to similar to other bibs out there.

Le Col Hors Catégorie Bib Tights: the ride

One of the hazards of testing deep winter clothing is the chance of unseasonably warm weather – a high of  21°C / 70°F this November was the latest that temperature has ever been recorded in the UK in a calendar year.

Still, there have at least been some cooler spells for testing these tights in, although it has been hard work to catch them. 

Anyway, onto the Hors Catégorie Bib Tights. Their fit is notably good and really comfortable. The straps feel a fraction tight walking about, until I started riding whereupon they fitted me perfectly. I especially liked the fleece waffle-like grey insulation finish to the body section. 

They came up quite high and provided good warmth. However, bearing in mind the temperatures that I'm riding in at the moment, it did quite easily get a little too warm – although that bodes very well for when the mercury plummets. 

This is a garment for when the temperatures are well below 10°C / 50°F – and much lower. More of a hardcore single season set of tights than a more general two season pair, I'd say.

I used Le Cols' sizing guide which set me as a Large, which is my usual size for bibs and leggings. The large felt about right to me, although I did have one niggle with the leg length. They did seem a bit short, certainly compared to my usual (large) Gore bibs. I needed to use a longer sock, otherwise I had a noticeable cold gap even though no skin actually showed. 

When wearing overshoes, there was about 30mm or so of overlap and it wasn't a problem. My thought is that, in the temperatures that you'd normally be wearing these tights in, you would also be wearing overshoes too. This does then create less bulk around the ankle, which would be good thing.

The hydrophobic Aqua Zero material that is used on the legs is fascinating to watch as the water beads up and runs off the fabric. Your legs do get damp as it isn't waterproof, but when you wring the legs out not much water has been held in the fabric. They are very breathable too. You can feel the wind through the fabric a little, unlike the windproof Castelli Entrata Wind bib tights, but that was never so much as to bother me.

The splash panel on the lower back was a nice touch and should be useful to those who don't use mudguards or fenders.

The Dolomiti chamois/seat pad is excellent. It is probably the best one that I have ever ridden with. Being one piece, with no seams, and attached with flat locked seams around the edges, it gives no opportunity for chaffing. The sit bone padding area is really good with enough flex to be comfortable but enough support not feel any jarring. 

Le Col Hors Catégorie Bib Tights: value and conclusion

At $305.00 / £250.00 these are Le Col's top of the range offering, and feature some really great design choices. The Dolomiti chamois/seat pad is fantastically comfortable, the hydrophobic material used on the legs works well at not hanging onto excess water and is really soft and warm to boot. The body section is very warm with its thermal lining.

I did find the legs a little short initially and needed to alter the sock length that I normally ride with. That said, there was ample overlap when wearing overshoes. These are really warm bib tights (think circa 10°C / 50°F as a maximum to ride in) and so once you're riding in single digit Celsius temperatures you're probably wearing overshoes anyway, maybe the leg length is a non issue...

The only other 'issue' is value. Whilst there is much to really love about the Hors Catégorie bib tights if you compare them to the Castelli Entrata Wind bib tights which are $199.99/£160.00 there isn't much between them.

The Hors Catégorie are very warm, with hydrophobic legs and a fantastic chamois, whilst the Entrata have windproof/hydrophobic legs and a great chamois and are more of a two season set of bibs. 

They are both great bib tights and the differences between them are fairly small, but it is quite a difference in price. We all have features that we favour or are looking for in products, so now that choice is down to you...

The Entrata Wind are Castelli's entry level wind bib tights priced at $199.99/£160 RRP. Now, it is fair to say that as entry level bib tights go, that is rather on the steep side. As we'll get on to later, it's possible to pick up a good set of tights for about 20 per cent less.

Probably the best way of understanding the the Entrata Wind is as a mid-range pair of tights – it's just this is where Castelli's range happens to start. Sure enough, throughout the construction, there are plenty of elements shared by even the best bib tights on the market.

The construction: Castelli Entrata Wind Bib Tights

The Entrata feature an Italian made polyester wind membrane on the front of the legs, and use a Nano Flex 3G water-repellent fabric on the backs. The chamois (seat pad) is a Kiss Air2 which is a seamless pad with variable thickness, whilst the ankle zips use YKK Camlock to create a close fit and the lower legs have reflective strips in addition to the reflective left thigh logo. 

Overall, the garment has a quality feel to it using flat-locked seams in the most beneficial areas – namely the legs – while the body section tends to use over-locked seams, as it is less critical to comfort in that area. 

The back of the bib straps uses a mesh panel to allow efficient wicking in a high sweat zone. The ankle grippers use a 'Castelli' logo which is rubberised to keep it in place. Although you don't see it in use, it's a nice touch.

I weighed the Large as 309 grams, although Castelli states 390 grams with size unspecified.

Castelli Entrata Wind Bibtights: the ride

My first challenge was working out which size to choose! My longterm Gore bibs are a large, yet Castelli's sizing chart had me as an XS. I'm 5'11" (180cm), 66kg and wear 30W32L jeans. I queried this with Castelli and ended up trying the medium and large sizes. 

Whilst the medium was the recommended size, I felt more comfortable in the large. The medium size was recommended as it is a closer fit and Castelli's goal is 'marginal gains' with their clothing range and a racier fit. The fit is apparently the same across the whole of their range, which is worth knowing if you're new to Castelli.

While still talking about fit, I found that the ankle seams sat about an inch (25mm) above my ankle bone and that I needed to use longer socks than I usually do to stop a cold gap. With overshoes on, the overlap between them and the bibs was perfect. The windproof fabric is less stretchy than normal fleece material and I had a small amount of bagging at the back of the knee. Not a problem for me, but something to bear in mind regarding the medium vs large sizing discussed earlier. 

Now onto riding! The shoulder straps were a snug fit when standing, but as soon as you start riding and change your position they are comfortable. The first big impression that I had was how warm the front of my thighs were. The windproof fabric is really good and even with some serious rain you remain feeling pretty dry and warm. 

The Nano Flex water repellent fabric on the rear of the legs is good too. I put it under a running tap and water just ran straight off it! Very strange to observe. On the bike I did find that the calves became a bit saturated on long wet rides yet I was still comfortable.

The chamois or seat pad was really comfortable and I had no issues with it. My Genesis branded saddle is a bit unforgiving with a poor chamois, so it is significant that I felt nothing untoward with the Kiss Air2 pad. Very nice.

The reflective ankle stripes work well and showed up nicely. They are quite slim in width but show up with lights from behind. Also the Camlock zips stayed in place and weren't able to be moved unless the zip tab was used to adjust.

Castelli Entrata Wind Bibtights: value and conclusion

I think that these are a really good set of bib tights, well made with quality materials and are a reasonable price considering that quality. I especially liked the windproof leg front material, and felt it worked very well. 

You can pick up Rapha's Core Winter Tights for $175.00 / £120.00, which are themselves an excellent, more affordable option, but which doesn't compromise on quality. The fabrics used by the Castelli tight are more technical, though, so you are getting more for your spend. 

In that light, it's better to view the Entrata as a cheaper version of high-end tights, rather than anything pertaining to 'budget'. It's what the price and the functionality all point towards.

If you are used to the Castelli fit (and you are my size) and you want every last 'marginal gain' then you'll probably choose the medium. For me, coming from the Gore fit (which I like), there has been a little adjustment to make with regards to the fit but I have now and really like what these bibs offer. 

Have the kings of bike fashion bucked the trend and made a pair of trousers that can be worn both on and off the bike? We pull on a pair of Rapha Technical Trousers in an attempt to find out and see how they compare to the best bicycle commuter trousers. 

Rapha Technical Trousers: Design and construction

Made from Nylon with a little Spandex for stretch, the fabric of Rapha's Technical Trousers appears similar to that of walking trousers.

Unlike many riding trousers, they are a single front leg panel without darts or extra material to accommodate flexed knees whilst on the bike, a great advantage for looking normal off the bike.

They’re cut to be slim legged (albeit designated by Rapha as “slightly loose”) with a high back to prevent a chilly back when riding.

Aside from the material and cut, there are a few features that warrant the ‘technical’ classification: zipped and button fastened pockets, high visibility pocket closing, and reflective logos and high visibility seams on the inside leg which you can see when you roll the trouser leg up.

There’s a nice range of colours, some more formal than others. If your chosen hue is appropriate, then they’re certainly a smart enough cut to be able to wear in a smart casual office.

Rapha Technical Trousers: Fit

The Technical Trouser is sized like a normal pair of trousers or jeans in two inch waist increments and with two to three leg lengths per size. Our tester wore the same waist and leg size as his Levi’s jeans and they came up true to expected size. The trousers are a nice narrow fit around ankle and keep well away from the chain riding when riding. Disappointingly for the females amongst us – this writer included – the Technical Trousers are only available in a men’s fit.

Although Rapha describes these trousers as “high backed”, we found them to sit reasonably low on the waist compared to other riding kit and even our tester’s aforementioned Levi’s. The fit was improved by making use of the belt loops which helped prevent the rear gaping on the bike.

Rapha Technical Trousers: On (and off) the bike

The Rapha Technical Trousers are really comfy for day-to-day wearing and riding. The stretch of the material allows good unrestricted movement around hips and knees without it feeling pulled or tight. 

The fit has worked well on the bike; there’s been no need to roll up the right leg to keep it away from the chain and sadly no chance to show off the reflective Rapha graphics.

As Rapha’s trousers don’t have shaped knees, there’s a risk of developing overstretched and thin patches - but so far the Rapha Technical Trousers don’t show any of this. This is despite a fair amount of riding and – the ultimate test of trouser knees – scrabbling around on carpets whilst playing with a toddler.

The material isn’t water repellent and it immediately wets out in the rain leaving the trousers feeling cold and clammy on the skin. Although they’re synthetic, we didn’t find they dried particularly quickly and we certainly wouldn’t want to rely on them on a cold, wet day.

We’ve had no problems with washing and they’ve been happy in amongst the other synthetics on a 30°C wash.

The front zipped pockets are plenty big enough for front pocket bits and pieces and even a phone. The double-button closure on the rear left pocket is a bit fiddly so we haven’t made much use of it practically but the coloured detail is nice. 

Disappointingly the rear zipped pocket isn’t big enough to take a phone* securely. This feels like a bit of an oversight from Rapha, as riding with a phone in your front pocket is pretty uncomfortable and storing it in an unsecured rear pocket is a recipe for a lost phone (I know, I’ve done it).  

*A 6” phone like the iPhone 11 is too big. A smaller 4.7” iPhone 7 does fit – but what self-respecting Rapha wearer would have a phone as old as mine?

Rapha Technical Trousers: Value and conclusion

As you’d expect from Rapha, the Technical Trousers are priced at the higher end of the market. $160 / £120 is a good chunk of money to spend on a set of riding trousers.  Other non-waterproof trousers like the Endura Hummvee II are available for about half the price, but don’t benefit from the styling of Rapha’s offering.   

The Rapha Technical Trousers aren’t the most dedicated pair of riding trousers out there but they are a really nice styled pair of trousers you can as happily wear off the bike as on it. As long as you have the money for them.

Rapha Technical Trousers: Specification

• Colours: black, grey, pale brown,, navy, wine
• Sizes: waist 28-36"
• Material: 94% nylon, 6% spandex

The Rapha Classic Winter Tights are comfy and deliver plenty of warmth when it the temperature dips below 10°C / 50°F down to single figures. With a price tag that's comparable to other premium options, these are to be seriously considered amongst the best bib tights for cycling.

Rapha Classic Winter Tights with pad: construction

The Rapha Classic Winter Tights are made up of a high-stretch Thermoroubaix fabric which - although it feels quite thin - does offer a lot of warmth. The front and the back of the tights also come up nice and high, helping to keep your midriff toasty. 

The straps of these bib tights are mesh which is nice as it offers some ventilation and its ability to shift some heat once you open up your jersey/jacket – if, say, the weather gets a little better and you’re on a long, steep climb. The straps are also very comfortable, as they are a reasonable length and don’t pull on the shoulders.

The legs use an elasticated gripper rather than zips and have a reflective panel running up along the back of the left side and a bright white panel on the right side. The legs themselves also don’t have any seams around the knee, so there's no chance of rubbing and discomfort from this when flexing and extending the leg.

The pad feels quite bulky when not on the bike, and I was worried I had gone a size too large. However, when sitting on the bike, the chamois does become unnoticeable and offers a great amount of padding without any rubbing.

The tights are available in both black and dark navy, and I’m a big fan of the latter. I do like seeing more colour options available in bibs, and it would be nice to see other colours available in Rapha’s range such as the dark burgundy, grey, and dark green. 

Hi vis or reflective detail placement on the side or front of the bibs would be preferred too, for forward and side visibility at junctions.

Rapha Classic Winter Tights with pad: the ride

Straight away when putting these on it is noticeable that they have a very premium feeling and the fleece lining on the inside is very comfortable. I quite like that the legs don’t use zippers at the bottom as that means I don’t catch my leg hair in them (which is an occasional winter hazard). 

The front of the tights come up higher than most, which is very welcome for low temperatures when I find I often get quite a cold stomach. However, the tights are noticeably warm in anything above 10°C / 50°F. That said, the first ride I did in these was about 14°C and it was probably a bit too warm for them, however it never got uncomfortable. 

And, although the front does come up as high as it does, it is at least still flexible enough that you can have 'nature breaks' during longer rides.

The reflective detailing was also very much appreciated as with the combination of early night and long endurance rides, kit which helps with visibility is often needed. 

The chamois itself feels quite thick and a bit intrusive when you are standing up off the bike, but when you sit down it feels very comfortable and one of the best that I have used. The lack of any seams around the knee is noticeable and makes these tights incredibly comfortable with no fabric pinching at all.

Riding over a wide range of terrain and in through swings in the weather, the bibs held up brilliantly comfort-wise. In the rain they never felt like they absorbed too much water or got uncomfortable. Sometimes wet bib tights can lead to unpleasant rubbing but with these that wasn’t an issue. 

The Rapha Classic Winter Tights also keep the wind chill out nicely, so even when the tights do get wet, you don’t get such a bad wind chill effect. For longer rides the pad continues to perform brilliantly and remains as comfortable at the end of the ride it did at the start.

One gripe I do have is that the reflective panel on the leg is on the wrong side for UK roads. Admittedly, some UK cyclists do love a bit of Euro style, but in this instance the reflective leg should either be on the right side for UK buyers or, preferably, on both sides. 

Rapha Classic Winter Tights with pad: value and conclusion

The Assos Mille GT Ultraz Winter Bib Tights ($299.00 / £240.00), Castelli Sorpasso Ros Wind Bib Tights ($259.99 / £225.00), Le Col Hors Categorie Bib Tights ($290.00 / £250.00) are probably the closest comparisons when it comes to premium bib tights, with the Rapha Classics coming in at a similar price to the competition at $295.00 / £220.00. The Assos Mille GTO Winter Bib Tights C2 are a level above at $550.00 / £395.00!  

I can’t compare these to the Assos or Le Col bib tights, but being a long time user of the Castelli Sorpasso tights, I can confirm that the Rapha are very similar comfort wise, with possibly an even better chamois. I also prefer the lack of zip on the legs, with the choice for an elastic cuff instead. The high front of the tights also makes these a better option for when temperatures drop below 10° Celsius.

There’s no doubt that there are cheaper options available, but the comfort, fit, and weather resistance of cheaper alternatives will likely not be as good. I’ve personally found that premium bib tights such as these will last well over several winters of extensive outdoor riding. 

The Rapha Classic Winter Tights with pad are a great pair of winter tights best suited for the colder days on the bike. The extended front and rear covering is ideal for when it drops below 10°C / 50°F. The chamois itself remains comfortable for hours and hours in varying weather conditions.

Elasticated cuffs are, again, a nice choice over zips, but the rear reflective panel on the leg would be better suited being on the right for UK riders or doubling up and having them on both legs. 

Value wise these come in at the price expected for high end winter bib tights, but still present quite an investment. However, given the quality of Rapha bibs these should last a fair few seasons. 

Summer and winter are pretty easy to dress for – it's fall and spring that cause the worst headaches when it comes our kit choices. 

The large temperature differentials on either side of the 10°C / 50°F turning point makes choosing between the a set of the best bib tights or a going for a combination of the best bib shorts with the best cycling leg and knee warmers an especially difficult decision to make. 

There appears, however, to now be a third option in the from of the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights.

Q36.5 Light Bib Tight - the brand

Before diving in to the tights themselves, it's worth taking some time to get to know the brand. 

Q36.5 was launched in summer 2013 by Luigi Bergamo and Sabrina Bergamo Emmasi. 

Prior to this Bergamo had been head of Assos Reasearch and Development for 20 years, and cites his biggest achievement there being responsible for the 'Assos shorts' that we all know and loved so much. 

Founding partner Bergamo Emmasi was a professional cyclists, having raced the Pro Tour for Safi - Pasta Zara - Manhattan (UCI) and Team Bigla (UCI). 

According to the brand, Q36.5 – which stands for Quaerere, Latin for seek, ask, inquire, with 36.5 being roughly the normal body temperature in Celsius – was born from a desire to innovate fabrics and designs. 

Bergamo says it was his need for spending more time in the laboratory over a shop floor that was the catalyst for him to leave Assos and go it alone – with his wife as business partner.  

Today, the pair still owns 70 percent of the business, which allows them to have significant control of the direction of the brand and the range of apparel. It also, according to the brand, allows it to have serious consideration to sustainability. 

For Q36.5 this means creating propriety fabrics that contain 100% recycled yarn, producing timeless designs which are durable, and keeping 95% of production within a 350km distance of the brand's headquarters in Bolzano (a region in northern Italy at the base of the Dolomites, which boarders Switzerland and Liechtenstein) with all fabric and materials entirely made in Italy.    

Q36.5 Light Bib Tight - Construction

The Q36.5 Light Bib Tight has been designed to plug the gap in your cycling apparel specifically when the temperature is still around the double digits (in Celsius). 

The brand has used its own high-density polyamide and elastane yarn, called UV Knit 44 (due to its 44 stiches per cm² ), which Q36.5 says are 100 percent recycled. I've asked for more clarification on this, so hope to provide an update on the fabric soon.

The UV obviously refers to its claimed sun protection and deflection, which it says helps reduce heat build-up by up to 1.5°C over regular Lycra based fabrics. 

This fabric is paired with a visibly ribbed, more thickly woven (Modulus Force warp 510, weft 620), material – which Q36.5 call a Lumber Support Panel.

The aim of which is to provide extreme compression zone of support for the lower back and glute muscles, which in turn should proved more stability and support when on the bike, with the aim of reducing rider fatigue.

But that's not all, the lumber support on the Q35.6 Light Bib Tights also includes silver thread, which is commonly seen in fabrics and medical applications due to it's proven antibacterial properties. However, its inclusion in this area is down to its possible electromagnetic shielding abilities. 

Q36.5 itself says that "the protection offered by the silver thread from these waves allow the active muscles to operate with less “distractions”, further refining the ergogenic function of Q36.5’s high density woven fabrics".

It's a bold claim, and one I'm not sure we'll ever really be able to fact check.   

All research papers I've read on the subject suggest that the benefits of this are still inconclusive. That said, it is generally agreed that that electromagnetic fields increase stress on our bodies, and there is some data out there that supports the concept that fabric with silver thread may provide some protection against this. 

Although previously we've found the truth about recovery aids for cycling  to be somewhere in the middle. 

The legs of the bib tights have a pre-shaped ride cut which has helped keep panels – and therefore seams – to a minimum. By my reckoning is around five for each leg, with the final panel a reflective fabric insert located at the lower leg. This, indecently, is finished with a raw cut edge – again to reduce hems and possible friction irritation. 

On the inside of the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights is a gender specific pad, in the case of my test pair, a women's seamless moulded chamois, which the brand say adapts to the shape of the rider's saddle.  

Up top sits a pair of lightweight over-arm bib straps, which combine a raw cut finish, with a doubled over mesh fabric to keep them as breathable and lightweight as possible. 

The combination of all these construction techniques and fabric choices assists in the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights to come in at a low weight of 223g, which is not far off a 100 grams lighter than the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights, both in a size small.

Q36.5 Light Bib Tight - The ride

One of the most hotly debated areas in cycling apparel between riders is at what point in the season do you accept that shorts are an unacceptable option. This highly depends on your location / nationality (or the adoption of). But for a British Southerner now living in The North, the correct answer is – unquestionably – 17.5 degrees Celsius.

If I were a Spanish pro, it'd probably more like mid 20s degrees Celsius, yet alas, I'm not. I'm firmly a Brit on British soil – and already firmly riding around in that awkward part of the cycling season when I'm feeling too hot and also too cold both at the same time when out on the bike.

The problem is that this midpoint temperatures are tricky to dress for, though generally bridged with the help of knee or leg warmers.

Even so, these can be quite hard to get right and finding a pair that will stay put, won't over constrict or cause friction/ pinch points on the upper thigh or behind the knee is akin to finding the right saddle.

Which is where the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights come in to bridge the gap.

When stepping outside the first time, it is hard to tell you have them on, as the any breeze will penetrate the fabric instantly. This does mean that they aren't by any means a thermal or waterproof option, but they are highly breathable. 

This also means that you can up the temperature limit to much warmer conditions, as they really are that lightweight. I understand now why the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights have a decent UV protection rating – they would be a perfect choice for anyone who it looking for leg cover even in warm weather. 

The other perk of the lightweight fabric is that its super soft and malleable. Coupled with the skin tight fit, minimal seams, and raw cut bibs means that they provide a lot of body freedom. 

Chamois fit is a personal preference, and while I felt that the pad in the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights was a little large at first. It is about the same width as the aforementioned Rapha bib tights, but 50 about 50mm longer at 300mm. But nevertheless, it felt compliant and did seem, as promised, to sit well when in the saddle.

Out the saddle, a chamois staying put is more of a testament to the work of the bib part of the tights, and the Q36.5 Light performed this dutifully. It's worth revisiting here that I was testing the women's version of the Q36.5, so can't vouch for the fit of the men's version. 

I really liked the simplicity of the up and over design, doing away with the current trend for clips and clasps, as found on those Rapha tights, and, ironically, many Assos bottoms, that intend to make comfort brakes for women easier. From experience they tend to do the opposite.

These tights provide so much freedom that I would certainly consider racing in them. This could be a game changer for some riders, who, if like me feel too constricted (mentally and physically) by wearing bib tights on a start line, but then get too distracted by a rogue knee warmer coming adrift from my bib shorts.

All of this does mean that if you are a little nesh, like me, you'll probably want to move your season in the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights forward (or back, if looking for post winter use) a bit if you are intending to wear for your regular rides. 

If you run hot, have hard training or racing to complete, then the Q36.5 Light Bib Bights are ideal, as they are so un-noticeable when on, you'll be ditching all form of lower limb warmers in favour of these in no time. 

However, another non-noticeable is the highly scientific aspects of the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights, specifically the impact of silver thread in the lumber support. 

Q36.5 says that silver thread does provide protection from the "so-called 'electrosmog' pollution of electromagnetic radiation resulting from wireless technology and mains electricity". 

Without lab-based conditions for testing, it's impossible to say whether or not protection from electrostatic and magnetic interference actually works. To be honest it's a can of worms I'm not qualified enough to properly open up, so probably best to pause there on the subject. 

Q36.5 Light Bib Tight - Value

Without proof of the benefits from the high tech wizardry, it could be temping to think that the RRP of €200 is a little bit far fetched, especially when we can't vouch for the science behind one of the key features of the tights. 

However, looking across bib tight peers they're really rather competitively priced. Over ten percent cheaper than the full priced Rapha Pro Women's bib tights, Castelli Sorpasso RoS, although arguably they are for a different climate. 

Either way, I feel like the the Q36.5 Light Bib Tights are a great find, and would rather slip these on than a pair of warmers any day – as long as the conditions are just about warm enough. 

You could buy a decent set of wheels for the same price as Assos’s winter tights, enough of a comparison to limit just who can really afford these, but with high cost comes premium quality that delivers on pretty much everything it sets out to do.

The level of warmth provided by the tights is exceptional, while a thick, specially-created chamois is near enough the perfect buffer on the coldest of winter rides.

Like other bib tights in the same market, it repels water well without being totally waterproof, and Assos has set aside a large proportion of the lower legs to a sealskin-like fabric that is also reflective.

Assos Mille GTO Winter Bib Tights C2: the construction

These tights are mostly made out of Assos’ OSMOS Heavy material that provides a high degree of insulation - the natural choice for a pair of winter tights. On top of this is the company’s Sphere Ultra Hole, which is a series of micro holes in the stretchy membrane-backed softshell that it claims will wick away excess heat.

The bibs are sturdy and stretchy and they stay in place throughout the ride, while at the opposite end of the product is a stretchy 'geoprene' layer that expertly repels water and fits snuggly around the lower leg without letting any water sneak inside. 

A few more nice features include a rougher fabric on both upper thighs that reduces abrasion, and removable, flexible hip pads that aid breathability, and Assos claims protects the hips from impacts and abrasion in the event of a crash. Thankfully, the latter I never got to put to the test.

The sky-blue chamois is a six-layer product that offers very thick protection where the backside meets the saddle, the foam material being backed up by a micro-shock layer. 

Assos Mille GTO Winter Bib Tights C2: the ride

There wasn’t any moment while putting these tights on test through a cold Pyrenean autumn that I felt like I wasn’t well insulated: for the price, they ought to have kept me warm, but they exceeded expectations. Even on one particularly bitter mountain descent, the tights kept the cool wind from my legs.

Let’s be clear at this point: these are tights for the coldest winter rides; one ride was a balmy 11 degrees and though they didn’t become uncomfortable, they were clearly too well insulated to be the appropriate choice for that weather.

While certainly stretchy and breathable, I wouldn’t take Assos’s word for it when they claim that the GTO C2 tights have a strong freedom of movement. They felt quite tight around the knee area and there were times when I had to do the readjusting, with the tights not conforming to my shape perfectly. That said, these were very minor and infrequent occurrences. Meanwhile, the straps are flexible without being loose, staying in position well.

A drier than average autumn meant that I never properly got to test the tights’ water repellence as hoped, but the neoprene water barrier on both lower legs is a terrific design that perfectly brushes off road spray. It may feel a bit like stepping into a wetsuit, but that’s something I was prepared to accept for the reassurance it provides. 

A very thick chamois seemed like an overexaggeration when I first unboxed the tights, but I have since noticed the difference between Assos’s chosen chamois and others. I’ve never quite sat on a chamois that provided so much comfort, warmth and absorption of little bumps in the road.

It says a lot about how good these tights are that the only thing I didn’t like - apart from the price, of course - was a rounded plastic Assos logo measuring about 1.5cm that sat on the left thigh. It’s a strange addition that the eye’s periphery constantly thinks is a large insect. It doesn’t affect the quality of the tights nor impact on the ride, but it’s aesthetically horrible.

Value and conclusion

The little annoyances I had with the tights should not put anyone off choosing them, for it is a terrific product that will keep you warm in the harshest of conditions and leave you dry in showery rain.

There's not much value in comparing the price of the Assos Mille GTO Winter Bib Tights C2 with other tights, because they're a money-no-object product designed to be at the top of anybody's range. If you can afford them, go buy them.

However, if you're looking for a pair of tights that are lower priced, check out our guide to the best bib tights for cycling.

Specifications

Sizes: XS - XXL
Colour: Black
Price: £395/$550
Website: assos.com

Let’s get the good stuff rolling: the Pearl Izumi Men's Cycling Thermal Bib Tights certainly keep you warm whatever temperature the thermometer is reporting. For a pair of winter tights, that’s a prerequisite that the Japanese brand passes with top marks.

When rain's coming down or splashback from a puddle ends up on the tights, the water never penetrates the fabric, while as an added plus the tights are made from recycled material.

However, as warm and environmentally friendly as Pearl Izumi’s tights are, they lack in other areas, not least in the sizing department.

An inaccurate sizing guide could be compensated for good breathability and stretchiness, but sadly a high rating cannot be scored in these areas, either. Only devoting a small area for a strip of dotted reflectors was also a disappointment.

For the price, they are a sound purchase, but there are better options on the market that won’t set you back much more.

Pearl Izumi Men's Cycling Thermal Bib Tights: construction

Pear Izumi has opted for strong fabrics to form the base of these bib tights, nylon accounting for 56% of the material and polyester 30%, leaving Lycra to take up the remaining 14%. What this essentially means is that you’re getting a set of tights that will be very hard to rip or pierce.

The entirety of the leg is backed by a thermal fleece that definitely warms the rider and keeps them at a comfortable temperature. The PI Dry water repellent technology, meanwhile, bounces light rain back off.

Towards the ankles, the fabric gets noticeably less stretchy, with the tights doing away with the need for zippers. That at least adds comfort for there’s no zip awkwardly protruding into the skin, but the lack of manoeuvrability in this area was a stress whenever pulling the tights on.

An Elite Escape 1:1 chamois with, what Pearl Izumi describes as, a “floating top-sheet design that reduces friction”, provides the comfort between body and the bike, and it is a good level of thickness that prevents any chills appearing from the saddle. 

The bib mesh is made from 80% polyester and 20% elastane that provides a good degree of stretchability. 

Pearl Izumi Men's Thermal Bib Tights: the ride

At 63kg and 174cm, a size small is what Pearl Izumi's website recommended me to opt for. But from day one these tights felt far too small, and even as I hoped they would stretch over time, they never did. From reading other reviews, this issue is not limited to just me.

Put simply, I never felt comfortable. I had to constantly pull the tights up as high as they would go for the chamois never quite sat in its intended positioning, and the weak straps had me fearing that they would snap as I forcibly lugged them over my shoulders.

It was possible to ride for a bit with poorly fitted bib tights, but after a while it became an uncomfortable inconvenience with bits of the tights digging into me in awkward positions, resulting in me forever shifting my position. As a consequence of this, I often felt trapped by the lack of breathability. 

Aside from being a tad too wide, the chamois is solid, doing its job as can be expected, and the same can be said for the water repellence and the thermal fabric inside the tights. I am convinced these tights would keep the cold at bay if I ever had to be out riding below zero.

But the really poor sizing and heavy feel of the ankle straps meant that too long of my ride was spent moving around to get a better fit. And for me that ultimately limits what would otherwise be a reasonably-priced and well-constructed winter tights.

Value and conclusion

Ok, so the sizing problems really made my experience with these tights less than a totally positive one, but get the sizing right - go a size higher, would be my best advice - and you’ll have a good pair of tights that will do the job for most riders.

They’ll keep you warm in a British winter and they are within budget for riders who will be riding all winter. Just remember: size up. 

Specifications

Sizes: S - XXL
Colour: Black
Price: £139.99
Website: pearlizumi.co.uk

The Velocio Zero may well be the finest winter bib tights around right now, providing almost everything a cyclist wants when they’re riding in the darkest and coldest months of the year.

Breathability? Tick. Stretchiness? Plentiful. Windproof? They repel gusts with ease. Warm? As long as if the mercury isn’t too close to zero, one’s legs won’t feel a single chill.

The only criticism that can really be levelled against the Velocio Zero bib tights is that they're not waterproof - but then they’ve never claimed such a feature in the first place. While testing these tights, I was subject to the odd drop of rain that never penetrated the fabric, but I would imagine that a torrential downpour would seep through the material. But don’t let that take away from a pair winter bib tights that excel in everything they promise.

Velocio Zero Men's Bib Tights: construction

The front of the black tights is made with 85% polyamide and 15% elastane and membrane, while the back of the tights counts 54% polyamide, 32% polyester and 14% elastane. The abundance of polyamide is a smart move as it increases the tights’ durability, essential in these times when we’re all trying to move on from a throwaway clothing culture.

Warmth is ensured in the tights through what Velocio terms the ThermoRoubaix Power that forms the rear panels, while the seat pad is fleece-backed and water-repellent.

The elastane in the Velocio tights permits the huge breathability that enables the tights to form to the rider’s position with ease, while the windproof and water resistant panels are married together with a microfibre fleece that adds additional warmth and protects against the colder temperatures.

Any good tights - winter or summer - ultimately rely on their chamois, and Velocio has developed its grey chamois with Cytech. Not as bulky as other tights, it sits in place throughout the ride and the company claims that it has fewer chafe points.

Winter invariably means riding in the dark, and there are large reflective rear panels towards the lower legs and ankles, giving off a good amount of visibility when a light shines upon the rider. 

Seamless microfibres form the stretchy but solid bib straps that always sit over your shoulders where you want them to. Confidence in straps has been a major issue for me down the years, but Velocio’s design is a convincing one.

Velocio Zero Men's Bib Tights: the ride

The American brand claims that these tights have been tested through the challenges of a New England winter, and I can confirm that they dealt with the task on offer in a cold Pyrenean autumn and a brief stint in the north of England.

What’s impressive with these tights is that unlike others on test, they are much lighter, easier to stretch, yet don’t lose their ability to warm the rider; never during a ride did I get colder.

Some winter tights can feel restrictive, but with the Velocio Zero I had never had that problem: I always felt like the tights adapted to my position on the bike and there were never any digging points where the fabric caused an uncomfortable ache. 

Being on test, I was hyper-aware to any potentially irritation and chafing, but within 20 minutes of every ride those thoughts exited my mind such was the total belief that it wouldn’t be an issue. 

I had one morning ride in the mountains where the temperature was just 2 degrees, and though my legs weren’t cold, there was a noticeable difference between these tights and others I had on test when descending; it wasn’t that my legs got the shivers, but neither did they feel as snug as they did when the temperature was five degrees and up.

Value and conclusion

It’s true that at £233/$299 these are not cheap winter tights, but neither are they as expensive as some others in the same market. Buy cheap, buy twice, so says the maxim; with these tights you’ll be buying once and not again for a very long time.

Overall, there aren’t many better men’s winter bib tights than these, and though the price will be offputting to some, you can be assured that you’d be purchasing a set of tights that will stand the test of time and deal with almost all of winter’s harsh realities.

Specifications

Sizes: XS - XXXXL
Colour: Black
Price: £233
Website: eu.velocio.cc

Pinnacle, the in-house brand at Evans Cycles, offers these Thermal Cycling Ladies Tights with an extremely reasonable price tag.

We did find them to be very warm in cold conditions, and the style will perhaps be ideal if Lycra is not your go-to. However, performance-seeking roadies might be looking for a closer fit in the best bib tights for winter cycling.

Construction and fit

These tights are 'bib free', which does make comfort breaks easy, but means they're best with a cycling base layer tucked in to avoid a cold back when in the riding position. 

They are also padless, so for longer road rides you'll want to pair them with a pair of the best cycling bib shorts for women to provide a chamois and coverage of your back, or padded cycling knickers - a great solution for commutes. 

Following Evans' size chart, I opted to test a size 12. My go-to size is a 10, and indeed, the 12 was pretty generous. There was plenty of length in the leg, a plus for those with longer limbs. The waist and lower calf/ankle both offered more ‘room’ than I would expect from a pair of cycling tights. I’d say size down if you want a snug fit. 

The fabric is very soft and stretchy. It's a 'clingy' fabric rather than a compressive one - I personally didn't find this flattering; I prefer something that offers at least a little compression. If you like a loose fit, this may suit you more. 

The waist reaches higher than most, particularly at the front. Normally something so high would cause discomfort but the fabric here has loads of give. In fact, there’s very little in the way of elasticity to it. It makes for a comfortable tight on the bike, but it’s not ideal for holding the tights firmly around the hip.

The fabric at the ankles is very similar. Pinnacle has used a long zip at the ankle but I didn’t actually need it to get the tights on, or off. If I wanted to get them over a pair of cycling shoes, the zip came into its own.  

The seam at the knee is not so well-considered. I was permanently conscious of it when riding, more at the front of the knee than the rear. Since the tights are already pretty loose, I’d say it does very little to improve the fit and detracts from the comfort.

The Ride

For such a thin fabric, the protection these tights offer in cold, dry weather is remarkable. We’ve been plunged into some icy conditions recently and I have been impressed with the protection these tights offer. They really do keep off the cold air and are breathable too. 

I’ve teamed the tights with cycling shorts for road rides and normal underwear for commutes and ‘errand’ rides. The height at the waist is good for shorter than average jerseys but this is made redundant by the fact that the waistband fabric lacks elasticity and is super smooth - it tends to just slip and gather in wrinkles.

A pair of tights like these are ideal for commuting and general 'on-the-bike' errands. They offer the protection of cycling specific clothing, without screaming ‘cyclist’. I’ve actually used them for running and gym sessions too. My personal preference, and recommendation, is to use the tights for this kind of functional riding. 

For sport-focused road cyclists, even if you like to spend winters riding in bib shorts with padless tights, I am not convinced that these offer the fit that most people hope for in a 'pure' cycling tight.

Value and conclusions

As a pair of performance tights, these aren’t a great investment, in my opinion. They lack the cut and fit for this. Altura’s £65 Progel Thermal Tights are a relatively good comparison if you want a cycling specific waist tight, they have an integrated pad though. Fewer and fewer cycle-specific companies offer tights without a chamois. Perhaps comparing to something like Ron Hill’s £36 Core Running Tight  is not unreasonable. 

For me, Pinnacle’s Thermal Cycling Tight isn't really a cycling specific garment. The fit and cut is very relaxed and some of the seams have not been well considered. I’d say the tights are very well suited to ‘casual’ riding, commuting or off-the-bike use. Utilised in this way, the fabric performs well in cold, dry weather; it keeps the legs toasty warm and is breathable too.

Specifications

• Sizes: XS-XL
• Fabrics: Leg 87% Polyester, 13% Elastane. Waist and cuff 65% Polyamide, 35% Elastane
• Colour: Black
• Made in China
• Weight: 230g (12/M)

Van Rysel Women's Winter Cycling Bib Tights aim to provide warmth, value for money, and a helpful comfort break soloution. 

Whilst the first two objectives have been ticked off, our tester found the Quick Zip a detraction from performance. 

Construction and fit

Van Rysel has used the same upper body design in these winter tights as in the Quick-Zip Shorts. which I tested during the summer. I didn’t get on with the shorts so well. I've found the winter tights much better, but still have reservations about the Quick-Zip system.

The tights have a substantial, high reaching ‘bib’. It’s necessary to support the two-way zip that reaches from the top of one hip, round the torso, to the other. There’s a central zip at the front too, to help create more of an opening for getting the tights on.

The fabrics are all very substantial. There's light compression around the legs and a very snug fit up top. The latter will be body shape dependant; anyone with a larger bust may struggle to find the right size. I’d say sizing up is a good idea; this will help with the fit up top. I tested a small and they have been just right. That said, they are not the easiest to actually get on; the zip makes prising them over your hips quite a challenge.

The chamois is described as an 'ergonomic pad with gel insert', it features channels for comformity and ventilation, with more padding at the rear, which implies it will offer more support in an upright position. The more delicate parts don’t get completely neglected, but the pad just isn’t quite as dense here and the channel positioning might not suit everyone.

Given the price point, the finishing is good. There are one or two loose threads, but nothing that would lead to rapid deterioration.

There's some reflective detailing on the tights. It’s not the most effective but is certainly better than nothing at all. Part of the detail is a continuous length tape that winds around the calf. I don't have the widest of lower legs so it didn't bother me. However, if you had a bit more muscle than average, I'd say it has the potential to be leaving its mark on your legs. 

The ride

Once you’ve prised these on, everything feels very secure, particularly up-top; for me, the bib provided support equivalent to a good sports bra. The bib felt comfortable enough on the bike and it also provides another layer of protection from the elements. This is great in very cold weather, but a bit overbearing in milder conditions, even with strategically placed mesh at the rear. Trying to combine it with a lighter, short-sleeve, or no base layer risked leaving my arms feeling chilly. 

Lower down, the fleece-lined fabric is substantial, ideal for keeping the legs toasty warm on winter rides. I personally found these tights way too much for anything over 8 degrees. They aren’t water repellent, and while the fabric dries out relatively quickly, they aren’t as light (or quick drying), for example, Velocio’s much more expensive Foundation Bibs.

So far, so relitively good, but the Quick-Zip was not a winner. for me. There's no guard behind zip, so  without a good base layer, it sits directly against the skin (even with a long base layer, some section is bound to be in contact). Trying to get zipped-up after a comfort break - with a base layer positioned to protect the skin from the zip and ‘drafts’ - is an art and fabric can easily get caught in the zip. 

The zip (obviously) has no 'give', it can cut into the body creating a bulge (not dissimilar to the effect of over-tight leg grippers). I didn’t find the Quick-Zip as irritating as the one on the shorts; the tights' fabric has less give than the short Lycra, so everything is held much more securely in place.

On top of the more robust fabric around the zip, I invariably combined the tights with a baselayer so my skin was protected from the Quick-Zip. However, overall, I still sensed the rigidity of it around my hips and, for me, it’s something I’d rather not ride with when other options are available. Your level of awareness will be heavily dependent on your body shape. In my opinion, these tights most definitely fall into the ‘try-before-you-buy-category’.

My other major concern with the system is the reliability of the zip. Thankfully, I've not experienced any failure to date, but I really wouldn't want to be caught out mid-ride with a broken zip. 

The chamois is what you’d expect from something at this price point; I found it comfortable for rides up to 2.5 hours, but if you're often out for longer, you may wish for something more substantial. 

Value and conclusion

At £59.99, these are certainly not over-priced. Indeed, if they fit and the pad is to your liking, they are a bargain. Most tights with a bio-stop system will set you back at least £100. Gore’s Ability Thermo Bibs are £100 more than Van Rysel’s, they feature a similar zip set-up, though its positioning is quite different. Velocio’s Foundation Bibs, that I have been testing alongside Van Rysel’s, are also over £100 more. For me, they offered a superior fit and less ‘intrusive’, more efficient bio-stop system.

The fit and comfort of Van Rysel’s Quick-Zip Winter Tights certainly won’t be for everyone. Trying before you buy should help avoid disappointment. If you are lucky enough to find a size that fits, and you get on with the design, you’ll be getting a great deal; these are some of the cheapest winter tights out there and they genuinely keep you warm, as well as making comfort breaks a quick affair.

If you have reservations, we suggest spending just a little bit more - we've had great success with some of dhb's reasonably priced women's bib tights, closer to £85.

Specifications

• Sizes: XXS-XL
• Colour: Black
• Materials: Main fabric - Bottom 85% Polyamide, 15% Elasthane Main fabric - Top 77% Polyamide, 23% Elasthane Yoke 85% Polyamide, 15% Elasthane Padding - Outer fabric 77% Polyester, 23% Elasthane Padding - Inner fabric 100% Polyamide
• Weight: 315g (SMALL)

Velocio’s Foundation Range is intended for those wanting to kit themselves without breaking the bank, while not compromising on quality or performance. The Foundation Winter Bib certainly performs as well as some of the very best cycling bib tights, and I can’t fault the quality. Whether £163/$169 is ‘affordable’ might be debatable. On the plus side, in line with Velocio’s philosophy, the tights are made from 100% recycled fabrics.

Sizing and Construction

Velocio’s size chart is more helpful than many. I used it to select the medium that I’ve been testing. The fit is great; leg length is spot on and, up top, the straps sit snugly in place without pulling on on the shoulders. The range of sizes on offer is refreshing- XXS to XXXL. It’s great to see a company catering for all shapes and sizes.

Since the material is quite giving, the tights are accommodating of lumps and bumps. The 100% recycled, fleece-backed fabric feels luxurious against the skin, though don’t expect lots of compression. It flows with your movements on the bike. There was minimal gathering behind my knee which I didn’t really notice; there are no seams here and the fabric’s softness means no pinching.

The straps form part of Velocio’s Fly Free system. They are wide, seam-free, micro-fibre bands that don’t dig-in or irritate. They have plenty of give for those with longer torsos. As with so many quick-pee systems, there’s a knack to doing it efficiently, and without causing stress to the fabrics. Partially unzipping your jersey to pull the straps up at the front helps create slack at the rear. Squatting and pulling the tights down and under with your thumbs is then a breeze. It really does take the hassle out of pee-stops. Velocio has done well to come up with a system that doesn’t use a zip, magnet or clasp, all of which add weight, cost and potential irritation. The coverage at the front is also not excessive- some systems, such as Van Rysel’s or Gore’s require ‘supporting’ panels that fully cover the chest, these can become overbearingly warm.

The Proprietary Foundation HD Chamois, developed with Cytech [EIT] is, in my opinion, the only ‘inferior’ element of the tights. I’m not saying it’s bad, it’s just not what I would consider a performance one. You’ll need to fork out significantly more to get one of Velocio’s better pads; their Thermal Bib features the Signature Chamois, it costs £212/$269. 

The Ride

The HD Foundation pad is not so breathable. It doesn’t have any channels or perforations, which is likely not helping. If you enjoy steady rides and don’t exert yourself, you'll probably be happy with it; it’s otherwise very comfy- no rough edges and a smooth surface. I found it perfectly supportive for 2-3 hours in the saddle, anything over this and I was beginning to want a little more cushioning.

I’d say that the tights are perfect for riding in temperatures ranging from 5 to 12 degrees. In these conditions, I felt warm enough without overheating. The main fabric is breathable enough for tempo efforts, though the chamois can get a bit sweaty if you are really pressing on. The fabric is in no way water resistant, but it isn’t too weighty if it does happen to get wet, and it does dry out very quickly too.

Value and Conclusion

Velocio's Foundation Bib Tights cost £163/$169 Most winter bibs offering some kind of quick-pee system are going to set you back a minimum of £100/$146, though Van Rysel break the mould here with theirs. I'd prefer to compare Velocio's with something of a similar quality though, for example Gore's Ability Thermo Bibs are £159.99 (not available in the US) and Assos's similarly specced, most basic Winter Bibs, are £165/$219. Velocio is putting themselves right up there with some of the most expensive brands, but they certainly ensure that you get what you pay for. 

The quality of construction and finishing of the Foundation Bibs is impressive; I’d put it up there with a premium pair of tights. Anyone who appreciates comfort, quality and style will most definitely be happy with these tights. My only reservation is with the chamois, but this is clearly what helps to keep the price lower than Velocio’s other bibs; they are designed for a specific market and will work for that target market. On top of the quality, full-sizing range and comfort is the fact that they are 100% recycled, all of this justifies the price in my opinion and I’d have no reservations in recommending them. Indeed, more manufacturers should be looking at the sustainable quality and full range of sizes that Velocio is offering.

Specs

• Sizes: XXS-XXXL
• Fabric: 83% Recycled Polyamide / 17% Recycled Elastane
• Made in Albania
• Weight: 230g (MEDIUM)
  

Giro's halterneck bib design has long been a favourite for me when it comes to shorts. This solution provides an in-built baselayer, and makes comfort breaks extremely easy. The promise of a bib tight version of this was music to my ears - after all, stripping off all of your upper layers to go to the toilet is a much more involved and unwelcome process in winter than it is in the summer months. No one wants to remove a sopping wet jacket, in a public toilet or nestled under the cover of a large bush.

However, the reality of the halterneck bib tights from Giro didn't quite live up to my expectation, with the system, unfortunately, affecting the experience on the bike in this case. This said, they do provide a nice mid-weight option for rides in spring and autumn.

Giro Women's Chrono Expert Thermal Halter bib tights: construction

Giro's party trick here is the use of its halter bib design. This has a mesh upper, with a halterneck that stretches to allow the back of the tights to be pulled down.

The legs use the brand's Italian thermal material, with a windblock insert of the centre panel. The fabric features a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to keep the worst of the rain off. The fabric also boasts a UPF 50+ rating, which might be useful for riders elsewhere in Europe who tend to wear tights even when the sun is out, but won't feature much on the requirement list for those in the UK.

Inside the tights is Giro's Chrono Expert Cyctech chamois, which the brand claims can offer protection for rides up to five hours.

The ankles feature zips with reflective accents.

In a rather nice touch, the mesh upper features three pockets at the rear for extra storage. You wouldn't want to load them up with anything really bulky, but on long winter rides, any extra pocket space can be a bonus.

Giro Women's Chrono Expert Thermal Halter bib tights: the ride

Pulling these tights on, I was immediately impressed with the stretch of the fabric - which offers 17-18 per cent elastane at the main body and windblock panels with 28 per cent spandex across the mesh upper.

The fabric is light enough, and breathes well enough to be worn on slightly warmer days - up to 15ºC in my book. This makes them a good choice for the spring and autumn, when truly heavyweight tights can become a bit of an overkill, though with a warm enough jacket and accessories I can see them managing fine in deep winter.

The zips at the ankles are accompanied by reflective details. I didn't really use the zips to get the tights on and off, and I'm not really a fan of their inclusion - but they didn't chafe or rub.

The chamois itself offers plenty of padding, and when in place it did the job just fine. My problem was that it didn't tend to stay in place.

The struggle with making effective halterneck systems work for tights is that the lower body fabric is heavy, if the upper is too stretchy, the chamois won't be firmly held in place - and that was my experience in this case. Whilst the back did pull down easily offering the promised quick stops, it also didn't stay in place on the bike.

I have worn halter bibs that achieved the goal more successfully, such as dhb's version which sadly appears to be discontinued.

Giro Women's Chrono Expert Thermal Halter bib tights: value

At £129.99, these tights come in at a much more reasonable price when compared with premium tights we've had on test over winter, Rapha's drop tail option costs £210, for example. Whilst they're not the cheapest - dhb offers women's thermal bib tights from £60 - the value is good when considered alongside Giro's usual high level of quality.

The Spoke Bulletproofs are a tailored pair of smart denim jeans with some cycling features thrown in for those who might commute by bike to the office or ride to the pub. (Remember those things?) First off, these are a nicely tailored, well fitting pair of trousers.

When ordering them online you go through a set of questions to get the right fit.  It takes less than a minute and is really easy to do. First you enter your height, weight, age (split into decades), the most common waist size in your wardrobe, a couple of questions on whether or not you ever size up and how you view slim-fit clothing, what build you are and then a couple of questions for upper body fit. In amongst the data gleaned from all those questions is enough info for over 200 variations in fit.

>>> Best commuter bikes

The result for me was a set of 30-inch-waist jeans, in build A. These turned out to be my ideal fit. They are meant to be a slim fit, which is my preference, but it's always nice to pull on a pair of jeans and feel like the fit is spot on.

Everything about the Spoke Bulletproofs looks fairly standard from the outset. A smart pair of navy blue – or are they black, I still can't decide – trousers with a zip fly and the standard pockets front and rear. But look closely and you spot a few details that come in handy when riding.

There's a 'hidden' zipped pocket on the front right with a shielded fastening to keep water out. It's a deep pocket too, plenty of room for a slim wallet. On the rear right pocket is a reflective flap and both rear pockets are buttoned lessening the chance of anything falling out.

Reflective seam runs up the inside of the leg. Turn them up for a bit more reflectivity

There's more reflective material running up the inside of the legs, inside of the two outer seams. Turn up the ankles and it's exposed, ready to bounce light back to drivers. These run all the way up the seams to the waist.

The inside of the waist features a run of blue silicone chevrons to help with grip, helping hold them up and keeping tops tucked in.

Small silicone grippers run around the waist

The top claim from Spoke is the water resistant nature of the trousers, ideal for commutes when you can't pick and chose your time between showers. Spoke have used Schoeller's 3XDRY treatment – a fluorochemical that is said to meet future environmental requirements with impurities at just 25 parts per billion. This treatment puts a water repellent finish on the outside of the fabric. It also puts a hydrophilic (water loving) coating on the inside to help wick moisture away from the skin.

Run it under the tap and water immediately beads on the surface, but leave it on there or rub the fabric together and it will work through quite quickly. That gives you a good idea of how well the coating works. As anyone will know, there are many different types of rain; how heavy it is, how hard it's falling and with wind, what speed it hits the fabric. Oh, and how long it rains for. All will affect how quickly water gets through the material.

The treatment will keep the worst off in light rain, but heavy rain will get through, and probably fairly quickly if you're unlucky enough to be caught out in it. But they're much better than a standard pair of jeans and I often chose to change into these when walking to the shops in the rain. And they're not claiming to be waterproof like Gore-Tex, so it's important to be realistic with your expectations.

Water immediately beads on the surface, but will work through eventually

With coatings like 3XDRY it's important to follow washing and general care guidelines to maintain their performance, but even then they don't last forever. The coating can be spoiled if not treated with care. Spoke advises a 30°C wash (inside out), a mid iron and no tumble dry. Schoeller on the other hand does recommend putting them in the dryer. saying heat treatment reactivates the function. Although they don't confirm, it's worth only putting them in the dryer for a short time rather than blasting them until they're bone dry.

Both say not to use fabric conditioner. Common advice for any waterproof fabric. If you follow the advice Schoeller says the 3XDRY treatment will withstand 50 washes before fading.

For riding, the Spoke Bulletproofs are better than a normal pair of jeans, although styles vary so wildly that any comparison of mine might not be work for you. The water resisting treatment kept me dry in light rain and the slim fit meant that the ankle rarely caught the chain ring, but no different to any other slim fitting pair of jeans.

The waist at the rear was just about high enough not to expose my lower back when pottering around on my race bike. But these aren't meant for riding on a race bike. A more sensible commuting bike would likely give a more upright position and mean there is definitely no issue around the waist.

The Lusso Classic Thermal Bib Tights prove that you don’t need to spend over £200 – or even over £100 – to get a great pair of winter tights. Lusso uses good-quality Italian SuperRoubaix fabric throughout, specs a very comfortable chamois and the fit is up there with the best. They’re made in the UK, too. For under £100 you really can’t go wrong.

Lusso Classic Thermal Bib Tights: construction

Lusso uses the same SuperRoubaix fleece-backed fabric from Italian brand MITI for the whole of the tights, including the bib. Since it’s breathable and very stretchy, there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be done – and it can add a useful bit of extra warmth when it’s really chilly out.

SuperRoubaix is not waterproof or windproof, but it traps body heat very effectively. Lusso doesn’t claim any waterproofing or windproofing for these tights but the fabric, which is basically heavier, fleece-backed Lycra, doesn’t hold onto water, dries out very quickly, and is warm down to 0°C thanks to the heat-trapping fleece.

>>> Buyer's guide: best bib tights

One of the big benefits of using the same fabric throughout is that when you're pedalling, the fabric stretches evenly with the body’s movement whereas windproof panels, since they’re less elastic, don’t always conform perfectly to the flexing of knees and can end up pulling the chamois forwards. I found the Lusso Classic Thermal Bib Tights incredibly unrestrictive with the chamois in exactly the right place, where it stayed. For smooth pedalling and perfect chamois placement, these are the best tights I’ve ridden this year.

There are no zips at the cuffs. I prefer that, since it avoids zip clashes and misalignments with overshoes. However, the elastic cuffs were slightly too big for my ankles – it's the only part of the fit that isn’t quite perfect. My ankles are thinner than some people’s so I can't complain too hard about this. In any case, there won't be any Nora Batty shaming because if I'm wearing tights I'm also wearing overshoes. If it’s helpful, I’m testing the size medium and the cuff measures 23cm unstretched; the diameter of my ankle at the thinnest point is 21cm.

Other than that, the sizing is spot on. I’m 178cm and 68kg and the M is exactly right, corresponding with Lusso's size guide.

The big Lusso logos up the sides of the legs are reflective (and aren't peeling after washing), and there are also tabs on the calves that are well clear of the tops of overshoes.

The ride

Finding a pair of tights that allows easy pedalling with a chamois that doesn’t move is more than half the battle as far as I’m concerned, and these Lussos are definitely winning.

The Italian Teosport chamois is not only in the right place but it also has the right level of padding. It’s supportive without that sinking feeling, and although I haven't tested the eight hour-plus claim for it, for slower winter rides where there’s more pressure on the sitbones than the pedals it just works.

Any experienced rider will know what SuperRoubaix can and can’t do. Since it's breathable it's very versatile, but I would say Lusso’s stated temperature range of -2°C to 16 degrees is more ambitious at the top end than the bottom. These are warm tights and at 16°C most people will be wearing shorts, or shorts and legwarmers, anyway. However, from 0°C into the low double figures they're in their element, so to speak.

Personally I don’t miss windproofing or waterproofing for tights and would prioritise the comfort of SuperRoubaix. With the Classic Thermal Bib Tights, Lusso has focused on average British winter riding conditions rather than the most extreme ones, and it has them nicely covered.

Competitors at this price? The Morvelo Stealth Thermoactive tights that we reviewed earlier this year at £90 (also made from SuperRoubaix) are now £120.

The Endura Xtract tights are cheaper at £69.99 but are lighter-weight, made from standard Roubaix, and we concluded they were more aimed at autumn and spring rather than winter.

The dhb Aeron FLT Roubaix tights (women's halterneck version reviewed here) are also cheaper at £90 and are made from the lighter Roubaix.

The La Passione Prestige Deep Winter Tights are exceptionally warm, weatherproof and well fitting. Even though £170 is hardly cheap, their performance matches winter tights that break the £200 barrier from the premium brands – and they’re made in Italy.

La Passione says the Prestige tights are “designed to help you enjoy the harshest winter conditions” and although something might have been lost in translation here, their protection against the elements is so good that winter actually can be enjoyed rather than endured.

La Passione Prestige Deep Winter Tights: Construction

La Passione says the Prestige tights are made from a membrane fabric with high breathability. A thicker, three-layer, DWR-coated fabric extends from the sides of the hips down to below the knees. There's a fleecy lining throughout.

The lower legs taper perfectly into the elastic cuffs – personally, I prefer zip-free cuffs like these for a neater interface with overshoes – and there’s no bagginess even around skinny ankles.

Unlike the Shimano Evolve Wind tights, which have a similar thicker wind/waterproof front, the fit of the La Passiones was good around the knees, with just the smallest bit of creasing – something that is difficult to avoid with thicker, less elastic fabric. The knees are semi-shaped, with an extra seam on the inside taking them in slightly to keep creasing to a minimum. When the knees are bent, the creases all but disappear.

The bib section extends high up the front and takes no chances with gaps, and the back is nice and high too, finishing with mesh that divides into the wide shoulder straps. The creases to the side of the chamois in the photo below are flattened out in in the riding position.

It’s good to see such prominent, well placed reflectives on the backs of the legs – and done with style, looking like two sections of road (actually La Passione’s ‘hold the line’ logo). The La Passione lettering on the sides of the legs is also reflective.

The Elastic Interface chamois is thick and supportive and ideal for longer, slower winter rides. I was also pleased to see that it was smooth with just with a central groove – and also black rather than celeste, fluro orange or sky blue!

La Passione’s size guide is accurate – I found the fit of the medium exactly right (I am 178cm and 68kg). They come in seven sizes.

The ride

These are some of the warmest tights I’ve ridden in. Deep Winter is correct. Their stated temperature range is -1°C to 8°C, which I would say is right. For winter road cycling, which can’t safely take place in temperatures much lower than that anyway, they’re all you need. And in some of the worst conditions this year, these tights have been the only garment I've been wearing that has kept the warmth in and the weather out.

On the bike, the stiffer fabric of the front panels did seem to pull the chamois into a position slightly further forward of where I thought it should be, but my sit bones were still fully supported. Without looking down at it, I wouldn’t have known, since comfort was unchanged.

I was satisfied with their breathability, though it has to be said these tights are for the coldest days when all available body heat needs to retained. At 8°C, their stated upper limit, I would probably choose a lighter pair, for dry riding at least.

As for the Prestige tights' durability, they've been through a few wash cycles and the front panels are as waterproof as on day one, but the DWR coating will need reapplying eventually. I’m pleased to see the reflectives aren’t peeling at all. I would say these tights will last a few winters.

Value

La Passione says its direct-sales model helps it keep its prices low compared to “the other guys," that the cost to produce a pair of high-end winter tights such as these is the same but it cuts out distributors, agents, marketing, sponsoring and retail mark-up and passes on the savings. It estimates that with all of these extras, the Prestige Deep Winter Tights would cost £255, which is more expensive than the Assos Mille GT Ultraz (£240), the Santini Adapt (£215) and the Rapha Pro Team (£210). Obviously, it’s impossible for us to verify this, but at their actual price of £170 it’s fair to say they do offer good value, because their performance is on a par with those £200-plus tights, the fabrics are high quality and durable, construction is very neat and they have a premium look and feel.

Three-quarter length bib tights are a thing of the past and lighter weight tights are the future. Fabrics for cycle clothing have come a long way in recent years, to the point that Castelli believe you can now experience all the benefits of a three-quarter length—and none of the negatives—in a full length tight.

The LW moniker stands for Light Winter; these tights are designed for high intensity riding in cool spring and autumn weather, or warmer winter days. The kind of rides where you would overheat in a full-on winter tight but need more protection than just a set of leg warmers—essentially, the kind of riding that we experience most often in the UK.

Construction

From the knees up, the tights are made from a fleecy Thermoflex fabric, apparently built to the specification of Team Ineos Grenadiers. The lower part of the tights, covering the calves, is constructed from a 'Nano Flex Light' fabric which—although not fleecy—is designed to be a water repellent barrier against any cold water being flicked up at you.

>>> The best road cycling winter tights for 2020

By utilising two distinct fabrics, these tights manage to be breathable enough that you won’t swelter when putting in a hard effort, while still offering enough protection to stave off any spray induced chills.

Zips have been eschewed on the ankles in the name of weight reduction, but thanks to the very stretchy fabric, the cuff still fits perfectly and leaves no gaps. In fact, it is almost alarming how much the fabric can stretch when taking the tights on and off, but so far the tights have retained their elasticity and ping back to original shape immediately—which is encouraging for the long term.

The bib straps come up a little on the short side, you can feel them pulling down into your shoulders when stood up straight, although this is unnoticeable when in a riding position. As a garment for gloomier times, it would have been nice for some reflective highlights to have been included on these tights.

The Ride

Taking these out for hard interval sessions, the tights performed exactly as intended. The fleecy uppers kept me warm between sets and were reasonably good at blocking out the wind. Then, when putting in the efforts, although I got quite hot, I didn’t feel clammy at all—the balance between breathability and warmth was exactly spot on.

But it was the lowers that really stood out. Being so light and thin it almost felt as though they weren’t there, it was only the absence of intermittent icy waves from errant puddles that alerted me to their presence. The design of these tights genuinely does provide the benefits of a three-quarter length bib tight and none of the negatives.

I found the fit of the tights to be perfect, no excess material in any place but also not feeling in any way restrictive. The stretchy and supple fabric didn’t impede my pedal stroke in the slightest.

The chamois had a bit more padding under the perineum than I would have liked, but then my preference is for as little pressure there as possible, running a saddle with a large central cut-out to that effect. Depending on your saddle/seating preferences, this may not be an issue for you - but since it's expected that riders will complete hard on-the-rivet efforts in these, I doubt I'd be in the minority.

The fleecy tops of these tights don’t offer much in the way of protection from the rain. I found this okay when doing harder efforts, but endurance rides in the cold and wet are beyond the remit of these tights and a full winter option would be more appropriate.

Value

At £130, the Castelli LW 2 bib tights offer pretty good value for money. Although there are tights which can do a similar job for a lower price, such as the Endura Xtract bibtights at £70, Castelli’s use of more technical fabrics does make the performance better.

On the other end of the scale, these are a veritable bargain compared to the lovely—but expensive—Assos HabutightsMille S7 at £170, offering similar levels of fit and performance. A more direct competitor is Santini with the Fashion Vega Bibtights which cost £140, so the Castelli tights compare favourably here too.

The Santini Adapt Thermal Polartec C3 bib tights are designed for temperatures between 7°C and 15°C, according to Santini, but I would say they're warm enough for a few degrees below that. At the upper end of their range, since they’re so comfortable and lightweight, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear them as soon as shorts season is over, skipping leg-warmer season altogether. They're very versatile, as the name suggests.

Additionally, even though they’re not water resistant, they don’t hold onto water (despite the wool ingredient) and dry very quickly in-ride.

The C3 Endurance chamois is nicely shaped and sufficiently padded for long rides – again, the clue is in the name.

However, to break the £200 barrier they do need to be good.

Santini Adapt Thermal Polartec C3 bib tights: construction

Polartec Power Wool gives these tights a softer, stretchier feel than the type made with 100 per cent synthetic fabrics. The largest proportion of the tights – the legs/hips – is made with 21 per cent merino, so it’s more than just a token twill.

Around the waist is a fleece-backed polyamide-elastane mix, while the back is made from a panel of grey polyester/wool and seems aimed more at keeping heat in rather than letting it out, an approach that seems sensible since the bib section could double up as a base layer if you’re wearing the Santini tights in their upper temperature range.

The straps are raw cut – normal for tights – but they are stretchier than most. I was worried initially that they might not be up to the job of holding up the tights as they didn't feel seem taut enough (as you can see in the photo above), but once in the bike position they were perfectly tensioned and contributed to the overall ‘disappearing’ feeling of these tights. Once on the bike and pedalling, I was simply unaware that they were there – a sure sign they were doing their job properly and letting me concentrate on the cycling.

The C3 Endurance pad contributed to that feeling. It was completely unobtrusive – neither too mattressy nor too thin, and in the right place.

The rainbow reflectives at the bottoms of the legs are a big feature of these tights and are less subtle. Even if they're not to everyone's taste, they bounce light back incredibly effectively. Santini has positioned them more at the sides of the calves than the rear, presumably to bolster side visibility when passing a junction at night, which seems like a good idea as long as you're using them in conjunction with a rear light.

The overall fit of the medium was perfect for me (178cm, 69kg). The only part I would change is where the fabric meets the elastic cuff. I got a few wrinkles here, and would like the diameter of the ankle section to taper more before it hits the elastic cuff. To be fair though, someone with thicker ankles might not get the same wrinkling.

Santini Adapt Thermal Polartec C3 tights: the ride

As I’ve already said, the Santini Adapt tights simply get on with the job and you don’t know they’re there – not an easy task, since tights are in contact with your body from ankles to shoulders.

I put this down to the light weight and high elasticity of the fabric, but the separate elements – the legs, the waist, the bibs and the chamois – all complement each other and seem to be working in harmony. I got lucky with the fit as well, something which can’t be overlooked – apart from the wrinkly ankles, which obviously don’t affect performance.

As I also mentioned, the Polartec Power Wool is not windproof or waterproof, but I’ve ridden these tights in rain and found that they don’t get waterlogged and dry very quickly if they get wet. I was really impressed.

Durability also seems good. There are no particular care instructions for Polartec Power Wool despite the merino component, and they look as good as new after washing at 40° with other cycling kit, with no shrinking.

As for their value, £215 is right up at the top end of tights pricing. They’re just £25 less than the Assos Mille GT Ultraz, which might be the most expensive tights we've ever reviewed and £75 more than the Santini Fashion Vega that we liked a lot (the updated version is £179). Since they’re so versatile you ought to get plenty of wear out of them before having to don deep-winter tights, but it's a big outlay nevertheless.

Having said that, the quality of construction and materials are up there with the best – and they’re made in Italy too.

The Shimano Evolve Wind bib tights are seriously heavy duty. In fact, it needs to be really wintry or they can be a bit too warm if you’re riding hard. But as soon as the north wind starts to blow in earnest and the sleet sweeps in, these tights, with their multi-fabric, multi-layer, fleece-backed construction, are the perfect defence. With the excellent Evolve pad, which is thicker than many and perfect for longer rides, they're a formidable winter weapon.

The two-way zip isn't quite in the right place for me, and they're not quite right in the looks department due to a bit of unsightly wrinkling, but for really cold weather they're great.

Shimano Evolve Wind bib tights: construction

On the front of the thighs is a dual-layer water and wind-resistant fabric with a slightly shiny surface that really does keep out the weather. This large panel extends from the hip, covers the outside of the thighs and wraps around to protect the front of the knee. Shimano says it’s a durable water repellent fabric (rather than treatment) that retains its efficiency after multiple washes. Having worn these tights through the worst of last winter, I would agree with that.

>>> Best winter bib tights

To the rear of these two panels and below the knees is a softer, stretchier fabric that’s less windproof and waterproof – fine for the areas that are either out of the wind or benefiting from an under layer of socks.

The entire tights section is fleece-backed and feels very snug next to the skin.

The bib has a high front, which is great for extra insulation, but I wasn’t so sure about the two-way zip with its lower puller that forms a small lump just above a sensitive zone. I did experience some rubbing from it one time when it joined forces with the hem of a base layer, but just like the fit of a garment, these things can be individual and down to the wearer’s morphology.

The raw-cut straps are comfortable, sitting nice and flat on the shoulders, while a mesh back is designed to wick away moisture, which it does well.

The cuffs are zipless, and the seams above them are able to withstand considerable stretching. Personally I prefer a zipless elastic cuff for the cleaner interface with overshoes and these fitted well and were comfortable. Unfortunately, however, I did manage to tear a small section of the stitching in the rear seam by pulling them on too vigorously, which is always the danger with zipless cuffs and something I wouldn’t say was a fault with the Shimano tights.

The fit of the medium was as expected for 178cm and 69kg. Due to the thickness of the windproof panels, there was a small amount of wrinkling at the sides of the knee and just under the kneecap.

Reflective detailing is discreet but works fine.

Shimano Evolve Wind bib tights: the ride

As I’ve mentioned, these are very warm tights, probably too warm if the temperature is above about 8°C and you’re riding reasonably hard. Shimano doesn't supply a recommended temperature range, but for genuine winter endurance riding and slower-paced non-drop group rides, they are superb down to zero.

I found the Evolve pad very comfortable, and crucially it stayed in the right place. For winter riding, which is traditionally longer and slower, a thick chamois is good. After multiple wash cycles and long rides it has stayed thick, too.

Yes, £179.99 is a lot of money to pay for tights, but it’s a whole £60 less than the Assos Mille GT Ultraz and £50 less than the Santini Adapt (review to come).

With these tights now into their second winter, I can attest to the durability of the Shimano Evolve bib tights: apart from my sticking a thumb though one of the seams and the flatlocked seams looking slightly frayed, they’re prettty good, the fabric on the fronts of the legs is still water resistant despite multiple washes and the chamois is as thick as ever, making them reasonably good value.

The Castelli Sorpasso RoS women's bib tights were selected for an Editor's Choice award in 2020. This year's list contains 78 items which scored a 9 or 10/10 with our tech team - this gear is the best of the best, and has received the Cycling Weekly stamp of approval. 

Protection from mother nature's winter wrath, breathability, the power to eliminate sweat, flexible fabric which doesn't restrict movement... cyclists ask a lot of winter tights. Castelli has met all of these needs with its Castelli Sorpasso RoS women's bib tights, without a price tag that has you expecting the ability to auto-adjust like a weather-responsive chameleon.

>>> Best winter bib tights

The only thing that's missing in this women's model is a comfort break feature. However, despite the fact it's much more necessary in the winter (when stripping off in a bush is infinitely less desirable), Castelli is far from alone in this omission. It is arguably more difficult to build in such a feature without affecting ride quality, taking into account the weight of winter fabric.

Castelli Sorpasso RoS women's bib tights: construction

The Sorpasso RoS women's tights sit below the top-end Nano Flex Pro 2 model in the range, but I'd wager they provide more than adequate protection for most riders.

The key fabric is Castelli's legendary Nano Flex 3G material. This has been applauded countless times for its warmth, water repellency and high stretch properties – creating adequate weatherproofing without any pulling, bunching or tightening around the knees. At the front, and around the thighs, there are panels of Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric, which provides extra cosiness in these areas which tend to stay stationary and thus are often wanting more cosseting.

At the waist, an extra-stretchy elasticated section sits between the bib straps, ensuring that there's no digging in when leaning over the bars. The straps themselves are constructed from a high-stretch fabric and lie flat, around the chest in my case.

At the ankles, Castelli has provided zips. I've never been a huge fan of this approach, but they never particularly irritated me, and the reflective inserts at the calves are an excellent addition which I will always appreciate in kit designed for the lower visibility months.

The pad is Castelli's Progetto X2 Air seamless seat pad, which is generous in its provision and will suit long winter base miles.

I tested the size Medium. At 166cm/57kg I'd usually wear a Small in Castelli's winter kit - this is just the size we had sent; the tights didn't bunch up and the chamois stayed put but I could have done with sizing down - so expect sizes to be true to expectation (NB Castelli's women's winter kit seems to come up a little more generous than its summer kit).

Castelli Sorpasso RoS women's bib tights: the ride

I received these tights as winter conditions began to make themselves known, and I've worn them on mild but fairly sunny days as well as during proper winter drench-fests. They've performed excellently on all occasions. Of course, they won't keep you dry in a thunderstorm, but they do shield the worst of light drizzle and road spray from ruining your ride.

When working hard on the hills I've yet to overheat, and the chamois pad has provided ample comfort whilst staying in place throughout four hour excursions.

The advertised weather range is 0 to 12ºc, and my experiences so far have proven this correct.  The heavier fabric of the top-end Nano Flex Pro 2 model means these extend from -2 - 10ºc. I reckon most riders will get more use from the Sorpasso RoS's greater breathability and more flexible material (particularly at the ankles).

The lack of comfort break feature is a shame. However, a lot of brands who do offer this within their summer ranges cease to do so when it comes to winter kit. Though I'd like to see this status quo challenged in the future (and some brands have done so, successfully), for now the excellent fit and winter protection on offer here has meant these have been my first choice for every winter ride since they arrived within my collection.

Professional level winter kit has a hard brief to fill: it has to keep riders warm, without overheating and stop the rain getting in, while letting water vapour out. It's a dichotomy of needs, but have the Sportful Pro bib tights nailed it?

Pro rider winter kit

As expected of a 'Pro level' piece of apparel, the Sportful Pro bib tights come with a race fit.

>>> Best bib tights for cycling reviewed 

On the thigh, which receives the most element buffeting, is a heavyweight fleece with enhanced water and wind protection.

This fabric extends down below the knee as a sort of apron, which is not unlike the rear flap of the Sportful Fiandre NoRain bibtights. However, this time a mesh panel has been inserted underneath to hold the tights together.

On the shins is the brand's own NoRain DWR fabric, while elsewhere a thermal fleecy Roubaix like fabric has been used.

With male and female versions of the Sportful Pro bib tights available, the fit is gender specific and so is the seat pad.

Both male and female versions of these tights use the brand's gender specific Total Comfort pads. I've tested the women's version several times before and I still find it to be a well balanced option.

Sportful Pro bib tights: the ride

The overall fit on these tights is great. The small felt, in the main, like a second skin. I really liked the attention to detail around the ankle closure, an area where the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter Tights were lacking. The reflective decal position is, however, too low as it will be instantly covered up with overshoes, a wearable given when winter riding.

I'd say in terms of hitting the goals, Sportful has managed to deliver the tricky task of keeping me warm while preventing overheating. Drizzle beads off nicely, but be aware that after a few washes you will need to reapply DWR protection.

I've never suffered with overly warm knees, so I can't say that the temperature regulation function of the patella apron didn't work, but I don't feel it added to the performance, either.

Form however is a different matter. There's so much to like about the Sportful Pro bib tights, so I'm gutted about the looks from knees down, which would stop me wanting to naturally reach for these. My knees have never really vied for my attention visually, but dressed in this get-up they were practically screaming "look at me" all ride.

I just couldn't mentally move on from the spats-esque baggy appearance. It took a lot of will power not to constantly try to pull them up. Other than a talking point, I'm not convinced by the inclusion of this knee ventilation feature.

Value

Overall you do get a lot for the £150 Sportful Pro bib tights, which sit at the upper-middle price point, offering and delivering many of the features that much more expensive pairs provide.

But the knee things feel like a gimmick and I'd rather save the money from the extra manufacturing process and get a cheaper, but better brilliant pair.

The big story with the female specific Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights is the drop tail for easy comfort breaks.

While the practicalities of stripping down to just a base layer in warmer months is mostly just a challenging pocket contents juggle, in winter weather it becomes more of a health hazard, as you weigh up the hypothermia vs toilet break avoidance kidney infection odds.

With the magnetic clasp (also found on the Rapha Women's Souplesse Detachable race bibshorts) at the rear of the tights, the requirement to remove anything other than perhaps a glove for a comfort break will be most welcomed.

Cycling tights designed just for women

>>>  Best bib tights for cycling reviewed

The Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights are are similar in design to the above mentioned Rapha bib shorts, meaning that they have been cut and crafted just for females.

The front of the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights uses a high Polyester mix fabric that provides water and wind resistance, as well as thermal insulation. The robust DWR (durable water repellent) coated fabric extends under the chamois and lower back, helping to protect you from road spray.

Keeping the rest of the body warm is a stretchy breathable Thermoroubaix fleece behind the knees and on the calves, with a stretchy thermal high wasted bib.

The Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights are finished off with a women's specific chamios pad, which Rapha say ranges between 8mm and 11mm thickness depending on the tights size.

The ride

My concerns that the stiffer wind blocking front fabric used at the front of the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights would restrict free knee movement was alleviated on the first ride. There is some tightness over a standard Roubaix fleece fabric pair of tights, such as the Endura Women's Xtract bibtights, but nothing that would create biomechanical issues.

The overall fit is athletic, although, I feel like the ankle cuffs have been a bit of an after thought, with not enough tailoring or gripping.

In wind and drizzly conditions the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights are spot on. A complete downpour breached the fabric, but only after some time, so by the time rain made skin contact it was warm, and thanks to the effective wind block, I was never cold as a result. The DWR aspect will reduce over time with washing and wear though, but you can pick up a decent spray replacement for less than a fiver.

>>> How to re-waterproof your cycling jacket

The fleecy inners help with both warmth and sweat wicking, and overall, the tights are breathable. It's worth noting however that they perform best below 10º for optimal temperature regulating comfort.

Talking of comfort, the dropped tail on the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights functions well. The clasp is realistically a two handed job, and it was nearly a two person job when the upper contracted itself too high up my back easily reattach. A comedy Rod Hull and Emu (google it kids) sketch ensued - something to remember when towards the end of a long ride and mobility is not at its peak.

Value

There's no denying that spending £210 on one piece of cycling apparel is a lot. However, if you're struggling to get out on the bike once the temperature gets to single digits, then Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights will become your go too tights, making cost per-wear pretty reasonable.

These are the warmer version of the Assos Mille GT Winter Bibtights we’ve previously reviewed, intended to fend off the harshest of winter conditions. Although perhaps a little warm for the majority of UK riding conditions, for those who run cold, or want to be able to get out no matter the weather, these represent a compelling option.

>>> The best road cycling winter tights for 2020

Construction

RX Heavy is the name Assos gives the highly insulating—and wonderfully soft—fabric which makes up the majority of these bib tights. It’s incredibly stretchy, which negates any need for ankle zips and allows it to conform exactly to the body—without feeling in any way restrictive.

On top of this fabric, Assos has sewn its water-resistant and windproof membrane to cover the front of the thighs and shins. This provides protection from the elements where it’s most needed and maximises breathability where it isn’t. Thick reflective strips cover your calves, helping to increase visibility.

The brushed chamois is perhaps the standout feature of these tights. The material feels smooth and warm against the skin and provides excellent cushioning against the saddle. There are intentional gaps in the stitching connecting the chamois to the rest of the tights, allowing the chamois to move independently (to some degree). This prevents any friction occurring between your undercarriage and the chamois and adds to the flawless fit.

The elastic of the bibs feels sturdy and—if previous experiences of Assos kit is anything to go by—will last for many seasons to come.

The Ride

Taking the tights out for some longer rides, the chamois continued to impress. It deadened the road buzz and remained comfortable—even with long stints down low on the drops. And it is in aggressive and aerodynamic positions that these tights really shine. The cut on the front is significantly lower than on other winter bib tights, which makes it significantly easier to get low on the bike.

I didn’t even find that this absence of material left me feeling colder than with other bib tights. The RX Heavy fabric is so warm and, combined with that NEOS membrane, my legs felt as if they were in their own microclimate as I cycled past frosted fields. With my legs so toasty, I really didn’t feel the need for any additional material around my midriff.

The high degree of stretch not only allows for a figure-hugging fit, but it also meant that my pedal stroke felt fluid, without any of the tightness that other winterised bib tights can sometimes induce. I certainly didn’t feel held back in any way when putting in some harder efforts and sprinting out of the saddle.

Value

At £240, the Mille GT Ultraz Winter Bibtights are some of the most expensive bib tights going but—although they do back that up with superb functionality—there are cheaper options on the market which do perform similarly.

If these are outside of your budget, then fear not: the Rapha Souplesse winter tights come in at £210 and their excellent performance earned them a full 10/10 in our review. The Endura Pro SL Bibtights II do a similar job for significantly less money, though, costing £169.99 and getting a 9/10 review.

Staying warm on the bike is key to enjoying cycling, but if the cost of cold weather kit feels as expensive as buying the bike all over again, then the Endura Xtract bib tights could be the answer to your winter riding woes.

>>> Best bib tights for cycling reviewed

With high end brand Assos launching it's latest wallet wincing winter collection, which includes the £575 johDah jacket and £335 RS S9 bib tights, the Endura Xtract bib tights at just £69.99 seem to be a much more palatable option.

Assos Vs Endura

Clearly you can't pitch a pair of  sub £70 Endura Xtract bib tights against a pair of £335 Assos RS S9 ones, or even it's "entry level" £165 Mille GT ones.

The biggest cost in cycling clothing is fabric, with the longer the list of technical attributes, the higher the price tag. So in order to deliver the Endura Xtract bib tights for a significantly more accessible price point, the Scottish brand have chosen to keep things simple with a standard Roubaix fleece fabric throughout.

The lack of waterproofing, compression or other highly sophisticated material of the Endura Xtract bib tights will limit the bib tight's weather window, but in terms of basic warmth, the Roubaix fleece will be more than adequate.

>>> How to winterise your bike 

Both the male and female versions feature ankle grippers, and insulating up and over bib straps, gender specific 400 Series antibacterial multi-density gel pads and elements of reflective detailing.

The ride

I used the Endura sizing chart to get the right fit, finding that the women's small fitted really well.

I'd put the 400 Series Chamios on a par with the C3W pad that's found in the Santini Legend bib shorts.  Measuring around 12cm across at it's narrowest and up to 1.5cm of gel insert.

If you are looking for bulk/ enjoy a Santini gel pad, then you'll get on well, but for me personally I found it too wide and bulky at the sides to be an A1 fit.

A non-negotiable for all bottom halves is stay put padding, especially when the lack of wind-cheating or water resist fabric in this area can be especially uncomfortable if the undercarriage sags. So, although nappy-ish, thankfully  the padding of the Endura Xtract bib tights did stayed in place while riding, and therefore as comfortable as possible.

On a grey autumnal day in the hills, the tights were great at keeping me warm without over heating, nicely bridging the seasonal gap, and while not offering an awful lot more protection between a thermal pair of shorts and leg warmers, they were a lot more comfortable.

I'd actually go as far as saying that with their softness they felt so sumptuous, making me reluctant to get changed once off the bike, wanting their cosy hug to continue well after the ride.

Value

With a sub £70 price tag, the Endura Xtract bib tights are a great purchase. On the whole I found them great for keeping me warm on the bike, as long as the elements weren't totally against me.

If the padding was less cumbersome, they would have become my perfect pair of no frill bib tights, if fact, without the padding they would have struggled to take the thermal tights off full stop.

Jeans may not be a first choice for many when it comes to cycling but Vulpine’s offering are a worthy contender. It took a while for me to be able to test them given the hot weather we had during April and May, followed by plenty of rain, but eventually, the heatwave and following rain calmed down allowing more sensible testing conditions.

These jeans are flattering and offer plenty of stretch, I’ve worn them on and off the bike without issue. Designed primarily for commuters, I actually did a 31-mile ride with them on (coupled with Vulpine’s padded boy shorts) on a relatively hot day and wasn’t uncomfortable in the slightest. They breathe and move very well, and I didn’t find they made me overheat.

In terms of features, the jeans come with a diamond gusset, Vulpine say this prevents seams that chafe and increase pressure. They have a reflective print on the driveside turn-up as well as a raised rear waistband and knee darts to allow for ease of movement.

The major sticking point for me was the fit. The jeans are available in small to large. I’m typically a 10-12 in jeans so I opted for the large, at 5’9 it’s often difficult to get jeans that are a good length, all sizes of these jeans come in at 77cm (30inches). Happily, these jeans were a good length but gaped a bit around the waist meaning I had to wear a belt to keep them in place.

They are a fairly standard fit but more on the skinny jean side of things with a regular waist, something to consider if you prefer things on the baggy side. Having said that, having nothing gaping around the leg is of course, better for cycling, you wouldn’t want anything getting stuck.

These retail at £100 and given the price point of women’s jeans this isn’t an unreasonable price. They’d be great for commuting or heading out to meet friends for a drink or lunch if your usual cycling attire isn’t an option.

Overall these feel well made and robust. Comfort is so important, and they certainly are extremely comfortable. I am a little disappointed about the fit but I’m unsure if going down a size would have solved the issue, they may have been too tight or small if I’d chosen medium. They are also available in blue denim if black isn’t your thing. After wearing them a few times (where weather allowed) and after a few washes they have held up well. For me it’s more about the situation rather than choice, it depends where I’m cycling and for what reason that dictates what I wear. I wouldn’t’ hesitate to recommend them, they’re a nice addition to the wardrobe both on and off the bike.

Santini is not a brand we see cropping up in the UK regularly and riders often seem to bypass this Italian stalwart in favour of more in-vogue brands. But once you slide yourself into something like these Fashion Vega bib tights you can see that Santini knows a thing or two about getting kit right.

The Santini Fashion Vega bib tight has got all the basics covered plus a little more heaped on the side. Let's talk about the most important things first; fit and comfort. The tight features the usual multi-panel construction but where it works really well is at the knee where a simple but well shaped panel aids knee movement. Often tights with a shaped knee can end up being a little too tight or loose on some riders but the Fashion Vega had a spot on fit with no issues even on long wet rides.

The leg length suited me exceptionally well (I have long legs) and the fit around the waist and backside again was excellent without needing to size up or down as can be the case with some Italian clothing brands. In an on-bike position everything sat where it should be and hard pedalling failed to highlight any issues.

The best winter bib tights for road cycling

The upper bib section really impressed as well thanks to a narrow mesh back section and super comfy straps. The straps are some of the best I have ridden in being both wide and soft. They resisted the typical rolling that bib straps can suffer from and have a section of silicon on the inside face to hold them in place when riding.

The material used isn't the thickest fleece backed fabric I've encountered in a bib tight and I probably wouldn't opt for these in really cold conditions but it is very breathable and has a decent level of thermal protection so I would say the tight will work effectively for spring and autumn use as well. Santini has treated the fabric with its Acquazero water repellent coating so it does shrug off road spray and light rain but don't expect it to protect you from continuous rainfall. True to Santini's word, this treatment is still as good after several washes.

Adding to the comfort is the GITevo chamois pad. This apparently has a gel core for added shock absorption and I can certainly attest to it being very comfortable even on long distance rides. It stayed in place well and didn't feel too bulky when sat down or even when walking around.

As the name suggests, the Santini Fashion Vega has an eye on styling and to this end each calf panel features a perforated cover through which a contrast colour shines through. Santini offer three colours, blue, dark red and orange so you can match your kit nicely. A couple of reflective tabs also add a little safety to the final product.

Buy now: Santini Fashion Vega bib tights from Santini UK for £75.99

One thing I would probably change to make the Fashion Vega even better would be the ankle cuff. This is just a double layer of the main material so does have a tendency to ride up slightly if you have particularly slippery socks. Adding a little section of gripper material to the inside would, in my opinion, improve this feature.

The Assos Mille GT Winter bibtights were selected for an Editor's Choice award in 2020. This year's list contains 78 items which scored a 9 or 10/10 with our tech team - this gear is the best of the best, and has received the Cycling Weekly stamp of approval. 

Assos has very specific notions as to which kit a rider should be wearing based on the weather conditions and the brand labels all its gear accordingly. Take the Mille GT winter bibtights as an example - they fall into Assos' Clima Code as a 3/3 which covers the entire winter range.

As to where the bibtights fit within the range, these sit somewhere in the middle with regards to weather protection and insulation. They're also at the entry rung of Assos' winter bibtight ladder - albeit at a price at which many rival's ranges top out. Assos justifies its prices by the years of research and technology that goes into each of its garments, plus their well documented longevity.

This experience is apparent as soon as you handle the Assos Mille GT Winter bibtights and is completely confirmed when you put them on. From a fit point of view the Mille GT bibtights are quite simply perfect. Each panel has been cut in such a way as to almost make the tights disappear when in the riding position and to offer no restriction of movement whilst in the saddle.

You will also notice that unlike lots of the competition, Assos relies on a much more simplistic construction with only two main panels and two smaller panels behind the knee and lower leg. This limits seams to a minimum ensuring an almost luxurious against-skin feel from the brushed Rx Heavy and Rx Light materials.

The two fabrics have differing jobs. The thick and well insulating Rx Heavy features throughout the pelvic and leg area of the tight whilst the thinner and more highly stretchable Rx Light fabric is used in what Assos class as high movement areas, namely the back of the knee and rear portion of the lower leg. Assos also claim that the materials feature an eco-friendly water resistant coating.

The best road cycling winter tights for 2020

The bib consists of a much lighter mesh panel at the rear and wide and flat layer cut straps at the front. These are particularly noteworthy for the fact that they resist the classic rolling and folding of typical bib straps plus they do a great job of staying steadfastly in place. Reflective slash panels are also found at the rear of each calf providing additional night time visibility.

The one area that is different to the higher end tights Assos produce is the pad. The Mille GT has the S7 Evo pad, this being a slightly thinner and less complex construction than Assos' other seat pads. It still has a maximum thickness of 8mm and has multi-layer density to provide support as well as easy movement. To aid this comfort Assos only attach the pad at the front and rear, leaving it to effectively hammock in the tight and enabling it to move a little easier with the body rather than being restricted by the tight itself.

The chamois used here is one of the most comfortable pads you can find in any brand of tight and it's only really surpassed - for me - by Assos' higher level pads (with their additional price tag) or Castelli's superb Progetto X2 pad.

Riding in these bibtights was a pleasure, with the thickness of the fabrics treading the line between efficient thermal insulation and being a bit overly hot when riding hard. Where they do fall down is in the level of wet weather protection: the apparent water repellent coating was overwhelmed far quicker than I have found with equivalent weight tights. This was especially noticeable on the lower leg when on a long ride a couple of weeks ago - the road spray penetrated quickly and kept my shins and calves feeling frigid for the entire ride. You can of course add additional water repellency yourself using one of several proofers on the market, so it certainly isn't a deal breaker.

Buy now: Assos Mille GT Winter tight from Assos for £165.00

The only other issue to address is the price, as it is pretty high for what many will see as a 'basic' pair of bibtights. However as I along with countless other cyclists have found with any Assos product, once you get out and riding the instant comfort and the knowledge that with care these will last several years is enough to forget the expenditure.

With its Aeron LAB range, dhb has aimed to enter the top end market, using performance fabrics targeted at riders looking to train and race at a high level.

The Aeron LAB Women's All Winter bibtights place their focus on weather proofing, utilising Windbloc material produced by Polartec - the same experts who create the Alpha Direct fabric featured in the Aeron gilet and Aeron Lab jacket I recently enjoyed testing.

The goal is protection in cold temperatures, down to 0 degrees, with water resistance and wind blocking technology added into the mix, to cater for the very worst conditions.

Pulling the tights on, the heavy duty nature is immediately apparent. The panels on the outside of the quads, down to the shin, are constructed from the Windbloc fabric, which reportedly keeps out 100% of wind, using a micro-porous laminate wedged between two layers: lofted inner fibres and a durable outer.

The Windbloc material is designed to be flexible and breathable.

Riding on a truly abysmal day - with the kind of 50mph wind and face slapping rain that has you questioning your life choices - I was thankful for the added protection. Of course, I still ended my ride soaked to the skin, but the windchill was manageable. I also never found I was overheating in these whilst riding in the relatively mild winter we've had so far this year.

However, I did find the fit at the knees exceptionally tight. The fabric seems to stretch vertically, but with reduced movement horizontally, which was uncomfortable when pedalling. I initially tried the tights in a size 10 - one size up from the eight I'd usually wear in dhb. Clocking the knee issue, I requested a size 12 to try, and still felt restricted at the knee. The fabric on the quads wrinkled a little, rather than snapping to fit the skin, another sign that it's not as supple as a standard bib.

At the shin, hamstrings and around the chamois, the brand has used a much more flexible Italian thermal fleece fabric from MITI. This targets breathability, and offers significantly more stretch. The leg cuffs use an even higher elastic content

The heart of any pair of tights is the chamois - dhb has employed the experts at Elastic Interface here, with a dual density Road Performance pad designed to handle up to seven hours of riding, and I had no issues with saddle comfort.

At the top, dhb has opted for wide straps, with an 'x' shaped back, meaning there's little fabric at the rear to allow for breathability. The front of the bib is low cut, designed with high effort riding in the drops at front of mind.

Some flashes of reflective material have been embedded at the lower leg and along the outer quads, with a dhb logo on the right side, and a stealth 'Aeron Lab' marker on the left.

On paper, it's all good - and the tights did keep me comfortable both in very wet and cold as well as milder conditions. However, having tested the brand's much more value orientated Aeron FLT Womens Roubaix Halterneck bibtights (£85), personally I would favour the cheaper creation over the top end race tights - both for the for the addition of the halter comfort break feature and increased flexibility of the fabric.

Whilst the All Winter tights - at £150 - offer greater weather protection, I rarely find I need anything quite this heavy duty in the UK, and I'd rather have less warmth and do away with restrictive fit. This said, if you are looking for a very warm set of tights for baltic conditions, these could be  just the thing.

The Stealth Thermoactive bibtights aren't the most weatherproof in Morvélo's range, that accolade falls to the Stormshield option. What they do offer is a bit more versatility and a temperature range that will see them getting far more use than the thickest of winter tights.

The Stealth in the name denotes the colour scheme, in this case almost all black barring a couple of little white M markings on each thigh.

Morvélo use a thin but surprisingly warm SuperRoubaix fleece backed fabric for the majority of the garment. Only the upper part of the bib tips a nod to breathability by utilising a mesh type material to allow some moisture movement.

The Stealth Thermoactive offering can be differentiated from many tights thanks to a distinctive multi-panel construction and Morvélo's use of overlocked stitching on the outside as well as the inside. This approach should add a degree of longevity and durability to the life of the tights. The fabric has also been treated with a water resistant DWR coating to add protection against road spray and rain to increase protection even further.

The best road cycling winter tights for 2020

Inside the Stealth Thermoactive tights sits Morvélo's super comfy, Italian made chamois. This is nicely padded and extends around the front a little more than some others. In the most part it stays in place nicely and really cannot be faulted for all day comfort.

The cut and fit is pretty good overall but I did feel the main panel extending around the midriff and to the crotch was a little too loose fitting. Whilst this is better than it being too tight (especially after Christmas) it did look a little ugly and meant the front of the pad could be pulled out of place a little too easily. Quite odd when the rest fitted so well.

Performance wise the Stealth Thermoactive could not be faulted. Unlike thicker winter tights the feeling is almost unrestricted under pedalling and allows you to ride almost like you're in shorts again.

It's important to know that these aren't what I would class as 'deep' winter tights. I certainly wouldn't choose these first if the temperature is hovering around zero, the initial thermal protection isn't as good as something like the Endura Pro-Sl. But the better breathability enables you to work harder without overheating when the mercury rises and it also extends the temperature range in which these can comfortably be worn into late autumn and early spring.

The ability to stop cold spray from engrossing on the lower legs is also very good although the DWR coating will wear off after multiple washes so be aware that you will need to reproof at some point.

Buy now: Morvélo Stealth Thermoactive bibtights for £62.99 from ProBikeKit

The final real positive of the Stealth Thermoactive tights is the price. These come in at a considerable amount less than many other premium brands and that is most certainly a good thing.

For the rider wanting to go out in the worst of the winter weather the Endura Pro SL bibtight II has all the features to keep you comfortable and riding on through the worst of conditions.

Endura has opted for a multi-fabric construction on the Pro SL, combining classic warm and brushed thermoroubaix with four-way stretch windproof panels to add strategic protection where needed. To add to its wet weather prowess the tight has also been treated with an eco-friendly PFC free DWR coating.

The tight extends higher around the midriff than many, eliminating any cold spots around the kidneys. Endura has included a short zip at the front to make the Pro SL still easy to get on and off as well as being more practical for 'comfort breaks'.

In a not to visibility on the road, a good level of reflectivity on the back of the calf aids low light condition safety.

>>> The best road cycling winter tights for 2020

Slide the Pro SL on and the multi-panel construction provides a snug fit that at first feels a little restrictive. All this is forgotten as soon as you jump on a bike, when the Pro SL reveals an almost perfect cut for spending countless hours on the bike.

Adding to the comfort, Endura has included its top of the range 700 series chamois pad in the Pro SL bibtight. This features a multi density construction and no seams, providing a well supportive but very comfortable pad.

Unlike the options in its top end shorts, where the chamois is available in a range of widths, this pad is only available in a medium - but it should fit most people very well.

Buy now: Endura Pro SL Bibtight II for £113.99 from Rutland Cycles 

Thanks to the performance of the materials used in the Pro SL and the more encompassing construction it holds up well in frigid conditions and also does a great job of shedding road spray. However, like many proper winter tights this does result in a garment that does get a little warm and sweaty when the temperature elevates into higher single figures, or when riding really hard. So bear this in mind when piling on the layers up top.

Endura are so confident you will be happy with the Pro SL bibtights that it also offers a 90 day comfort guarantee, allowing you to try them and if you're not happy, return them for a refund or replacement.

Winter has well and truly arrived - and word on the street is that more and more riders are taking to indoor training to get their miles in. However, I'd argue that summer's races won't be won through turbo training sessions alone, and for those of us still getting out and about in the cold and the rain, a pair of warm winter tights are a must have.

Pearl Izumi's Pursuit women's bib tights aim to provide what's needed to battle the elements.

Lined with a thermal fleece fabric, these tights feature a water shedding 'PI Dry' technology. Apparently 'hydrophobic' (I'm not a big fan of the wet stuff either though a phobia might be taking it a bit far), this fabric adds resistance against light rain. It won't keep a downpour out, but you'll stay dryer in showers and when riding through standing water.

Water resistant fabrics of days gone by could be quite stiff, and breathability can take a hit of it's not well thought out. Pearl Izumi's offering didn't succumb to either pitfall - the 14% Lycra, 56% Nylon and 30% Polyester mix sat well and felt great on whilst wicking sweat effectively. I opted for a size small, and found the fit as expected.

The upper is constructed from a mesh fabric, and comes with a centre clasp, so you can choose to wear the straps meeting centrally or to the side. Personally I went with the central option; I'm not sure it makes much difference either way though.

One real plus for me was the drop down tail. This design means the back of the upper is split into two parts, with a separation at the waist and a long tail that tucks in to allow for easy toilet breaks. I'd envisaged this impacting fit and the effectiveness of the chamois - but was pleasantly surprised.

The waist stays put and the design means that you don't need to remove jerseys, gilets and jackets every time you need to sneak behind a bush on a long ride. The only downside is that I found wriggling into the tights was made s bit more difficult, but once on the design worked like a dream.

The pad here is the women's Elite Pursuit 1:1 chamois. There's a four-way top sheet and the foam is variable across the construction, so it's thicker where you need it most. The target is all-day comfort, and I tested these tights over a four hour ride with no issues.

There's a reflective 'P' logo at the quad, and a flash on the calf too - both of these positions should be pretty visible as you pedal so are a nice addition.

The package is finished off with a silicone leg gripper and a zip at the bottom. I've never been a big fan of tights with zipper closure - they can be irritating on the ankle, especially if (like me) you're a member of the socks over tights brigade. In fairness I didn't experience any problems in this case, but it's something I'd change if I could.

Retailing at £149.99, these tights sit at a pretty middling rung on the pricing ladder; shop around and you could find a fairly similar offering for a little less, but you could also spend a considerable amount more and get the same performance. I've only had the chance to put them through a few washes, but knowing the Peal Izumi brand well, I'd expect these to be long lasting and worth the outlay.

Le Col produces some smart looking and truly technical kit, as is demonstrated by its Pro bib tights. Well deserving of a spot on our Editor's Choice 2019 list.

Its winter tights are pretty understated this year with only black available but you get a nice touch of reflective detailing on the calves that give you some detailing in dim light.

For £180 these are premium tights but they are one step down from the range topping bibs at £220. Still, for the price you get Aqua Zero fabric and a non-allergic, PVC and Latex free Dolomiti chamois.

The pad itself is comfortable, stays in place well and is good for many hours in the saddle. It has the best attribute of any chamois: it's completely unobtrusive.

I tested a size small, which I would test normally, although I'm a little out of shape at the moment, and the fit was spot on from the cuffs at the bottom, around the knee, bum and finally up the torso. However, it's also worth trying before buying as brands tend to vary in size. For example, right now I'd size up to a medium in Castelli kit, but with these tights there wasn't any need.

What really impressed me was the comfort of the fabric, which is nicely fleeced across the entire length and makes for some comfy riding. Even more impressive is that the Le Col Pro bib tights help to keep the splash of water spray at bay.

The Le Col Pro bib tights are water resistant thanks to the tightly woven Aqua Zero fabric that Le Col uses for a number of its garments. This helps take the sting out of the cold wheel spray nicely.

A well thought out pair of bibs, good job Le Col.