When is cold actually cold? Arguably, it's a very subjective answer, and one that, when reviewing the Universal Colours Women's Mono Bib Tights, I pondered a lot.

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.