Gear is an essential part of becoming an avid cyclist. Just like football kits have evolved from baggy shirts and even baggier shorts into highly technical pieces, so too has the attire necessary for getting the best out of your cycling practice.
The three main factors to consider when shopping for new pieces of bike-ready clothing are comfort, breathability and aerodynamics. Though ticking off all three requirements for a standard pair of body-hugging bib tights is a relatively easy task, it becomes significantly more difficult when searching for winter-ready garments.
We spoke to Hannah Greenshield, Product Developer from performance cycling apparel brand Le Col for some expert advice on finding the right winter-ready bib tights for all your needs.
What are the benefits of wearing a cycling bib?
“Compared to traditional cycling shorts, bib tights are built around a chamois designed to absorb vibrations from the road and reduce sweat irritation which is important for prolonged comfort on the bike,” explains Greenshield.” Straps hold the bib shorts in place, preventing the chamois from moving around and causing discomfort while also eliminating the use for a waistband which further improves comfort in a riding position.”
What features should you look for when shopping for a cycling bib?
“Through winter you want to be looking for a pair of bib tights that use a high-quality brushed-back stretch fabric for insulation with a durable water-repellent finish to protect against rain and road spray,” says the expert. “A good quality pair of bib tights should be breathable to ensure you don’t overheat as you warm up. “
Are cycling bib tights as effective and efficient as shorts?
“Bib Tights are all about delivering efficient warmth and protection which comes down to selecting the best fabrics,” Greenshield explains, giving the example of Le Col’s Pro Bib Tights which use advanced brushed back thermal materials and tripping fabrics which have been tested in a wind tunnel. They are “just as fast” as Le Col’s Pro Bib shorts, just with added insulation and coverage.
Will a cycling bib keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures?
“Insulating fabrics are designed to lock in warmth and reduce heat transfer and should keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures. When layered with the correct products you can wear a pair of Bib Tights in a wider range of temperatures", she adds.
What other tips do you have for cold-weather cyclists?
“To keep riding comfortably through the cold it’s important to layer up,” concludes Greenshield. “Base layers are designed to sit close to the body to help regulate the body temperature while wicking sweat to keep you dry. Being equipped with the right accessories such as toe covers and gloves will protect your extremities and keep you riding comfortably.”
Without further ado, keep scrolling for a round-up of the best winter-ready bib tights on the market. See our top picks below.
Rapha Women's Cargo Winter Tights With Pad
Though these water-resistant, thermal tights from Rapha are certainly on the pricier side, they are quite simply the only pair of winter-ready cycling tights you’ll need for when the mercury drops below zero.
Water-resistant and fitted with both zipper and mesh pockets on either leg, the Cargo tights have been crafted from breathable fleece-backed fabric for unbeatable warmth and comfort no matter where your bike takes you. This pair of tights is also fitted with a dual-density, women’s specific chamois pad for tailored comfort throughout your journeys.
Buy now £270.00, Rapha
Gorewear Ability Thermo Bib Tights+ Women’s
Currently on offer for a whopping 50 per cent off, if your local climate is incessantly wet and windy during the winter, we highly recommend making a purchase from Gorewear. With the help of the brand’s signature water-resistant Gore-Tex finish and an extra Gore Windstopper coating – this highly weatherproof piece of kit will keep you protected against the elements.
Available in both black and neon yellow, we’re big fans of the high visibility afforded by the latter colourway. Another fantastic touch from Gorewear is the fact the crotch area is further protected by a windproof liner, as the thighs and the crotch tend to suffer the most during inclement weather cycles.
Buy now £80.00, Amazon
Le Col Women’s Pro Bib Tights
Sometimes keeping warm during the colder months restricts our movement – but that’s not the case with this pair of expertly designed pro bib tights from Le Col. Temperature regulating with a smooth, aerodynamic finish, tripping fabrics have even been added to the lower leg to increase efficiency when pedalling.
Crafted from a sweat-wicking grid material that keeps you warm without feeling bulky, Le Col has nevertheless included a more breathable lower leg design to prevent overheating during a powerful training session.
Buy now £95.55, Le Col
Sigma Sports X Universal Colours Chroma Womens Thermal Bib Tight
Fabricated from a woven combination of nylon and merino wool, these bib tights offer immense comfort and protection against the elements. Naturally sweat-wicking and temperature-regulating merino wool is the gold standard when it comes to thermal wear for sport. This set has also been treated with DWR, which ensures that any unexpected rain showers or road spray rolls right off.
Buy now £76.00, Sigma Sports
Ale PRR Maculato woman thermal bib shorts - Black
No matter how cold it gets, some cyclists simply prefer short cycling bibs. This set from Ale is nevertheless equipped for a temperature range of between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius. While not suitable for sub-zero climates, this reflective and padded set will certainly serve any cyclists who hail from milder regions extremely well throughout the colder months. The leopard print design at the sides of each leg is also a fantastic, stylish touch.
Buy now £47.00, All4Cycling
DHB Flashlight Women's Bib Thermal Tights
These flexible thermal bib tights from DHB have been designed to feel like a second skin, thanks to the high-stretch, fleece-lined fabric. Equipped with high-visibility reflective prints, these bib tights are as safe as they are comfortable, warm and practical. It’s important to note that the medium-density foam pad used for the chamois, however, has been created with short distances in mind.
Buy now £45.00, Wiggle
Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Women’s Deep Winter Bib Tight
A luxurious, high-end option for cyclists who wish to go all out, the Deep Winter Bib Tight from Pas Normal are a brilliant, technical piece of kit designed to withstand the most bitter temperature drops. Using brushed fleece in a grid structure to deliver maximum insulation and warmth, the elasticated straps and mesh panelling at the back of these tights provide ample room for adding or taking away thermal layers.
Buy now £260.00, Sigma Sports
Verdict
If you’re willing to make an investment into a pair of bib tights that will truly go the distance, the Rapha Women's Cargo Winter Tights With Pad are our top pick. For unbeatable weatherproofing, look no further than the Gorewear Ability Thermo Bib Tights.
