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In this article we review and feature the best bib tights for winter cycling. We narrowed down this list of 8 best bib tights for men based on their quality and intended use case. You should be able to find an ideal option for yourself regardless of what type of cycling you do.
Related articles:
Lusso Termico Bib Tights Review
Introduction
Winter brings shorter and colder days, but this should not be used as an excuse to stop cycling and nicely tuck your bike away. We believe that with the right clothing and equipment you should be able to cycle in any weather and time of the year and also to enjoy it.
Bib tights are actually one of the most essential pieces of winter clothing. They are made to keep your legs and core warm and, depending on the tights, protected from wind and rain. Most of the mid and upper range bib tights are especially made to keep you warm and protected in most essential places, but at the same time they are stretchy enough and breathable so the sweat can escape. Usually the higher the price the better quality you get, so don’t try to save a lot on bib tights as you most likely will regret it one the first cold ride.
In this article we put together 8 best bib tights for men and we grouped them in difference categories. For example, some bib tights are better at rain protection, while others are ideal for the longest rides because of a very comfortable padding. You get the idea.
When choosing the tights for you, always think about the kind of cycling you plan to do and what features would be the most important to you.
Here are some questions to keep in mind while choosing bib tights:
- Is rain or wind a big issue in the area where you live?
- To what degree does the temperature drop during the winter times?
- How long do you plan to cycle? Is the most comfortable seat pad an important factor for you?
- What is your budget?
These should give you enough food for thought and guidance. Below we narrowed down the best (at least in our opinion) cycling bib tights. They are pretty cool so check them out.
1. Lusso Termico Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: -2°-15 °C / 28°-59°F
- Padding: High quality for up to 6 hours in the saddle
Positives
- Amazing price for the quality
- Water resistance features
- Double knee protection
- Great reflective elements
Negatives
- Not the most sophisticated padding (could get cold in the groin area)
Lusso Termico has it all and would be an excellent choice of winter bib tights for most cyclists. These tights will definitely make your rides warmer, drier and simply more enjoyable.
There are a few features that we want to specifically highlight. First of all, these tights could be used during a great range of temperatures. They will keep you warm when it gets just below 0°C (32°F ) and all the way to 15 °C (59°F) . That’s why you could easily use them for the bigger part of the year and not only during the winter months.
We also love the water resistance features that these tights offer. Most of us don’t particularly enjoy wet legs and some chilly wind on top during the ride. Lusso Termico with its water resistance fabric will help you to stay drier even during the worst weather conditions.
In addition, you get some nice extra features, such as double material at the knees to keep them warmer and more protected as well as reflective elements for higher visibility. Also, these tights come with footloops, which could be a deal breaker for some cyclists, but not so much for others (definitely a subjective choice).
The padding allows you to ride without any issues for up to 6 hours, however, it is worth pointing out that you could get slightly cold in the groin area. Also, if you plan to ride all day and some more, then you will be better off with more high end Castelli or Assos bibs that offer some special comfortable padding.
Overall, Lusso Termico is a great option for most people. If your budget allows it and you need high quality everyday tights then this is your option!
2. dhb Aeron FLT Roubaix Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: 6°-14 °C / 42°-57°F
- Padding: Paris HP padding designed to keep you comfortable on 7+ hour rides.
Positives
- Great price for the value
- Warm due to roubaix fleece-backed fabric
- Suitable for all types of cycling (from commuting to exercising)
Negatives
- Not water resistant
dhb Aeron FLT Roubaix Bib Tights is a great value for money choice. If you are not a pro, don’t want to overspend on premium brands and need high quality bib tights then this should be your choice.
The fleece-backed fabric will keep you warm on many winter days. Of course, these tights would not be best for freezing temperatures, but anything above 5-6 °C can be easily handled. In addition to offering a great deal of insulation, the fabric is very breathable and regulates your temperature to prevent overheating.
The padding allows you to ride without any issues for 7 hours and even more. It is worth pointing out that these bibs do not include the most sophisticated and comfortable padding for extremely long journeys. If you plan to ride all day and some more, then you will be better off with more high end Castelli or Assos bibs that offer some special most comfortable seat pads. If you interested to know more about the pad used by dhb on these bibs then check out this article here.
These tights also have several reflective elements and 5 different colors to choose from. This is especially important if you want to match them to the color of your bike (which is generally a great idea).
Even though these tights offer a lot they are not water resistant. If rain protection is a big factor for you, then maybe better consider Lusso Termico Bib Tights or other bib tights from the water resistance category.
All in all, dhb Aeron FLT Roubaix is an excellent choice for most cyclists and offers a great deal for the money.
3. Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: 0°-14 °C / 32°-57°F (estimated)
- Padding: Mille S7 Evo pad designed for the most comfort and the longest rides
Positives
- High quality material (comfortable and durable)
- Warm with great insuration
- Very stretchy for minimal to no movement restrictions
- High quality pad for the longest rides
- Water repellent
Negatives
- Quite expensive
Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tights are designed for maximum comfort and performance. These bib tights fall into a premium category hence the high price. If you look for premium quality bib tights and your wallet can take some damage then go for Mille GT Winter.
We want to highlight several features and patented technologies used by Assos to produce this product. For example, Assos’ RX Heavy fabric, which is used at the front part of these tights. This fabric is designed specifically to keep you warm, allow a high level of breathability, repel water, and provide enough flexibility. On the rear side of these tights Assos used RX Light fabric, which is slightly lighter and more flexible in needed areas. These bib tights are super comfortable and warm precisely because Assos uses the exact needed fabric in needed places (for example, protects you from the wind and rain in places where it is really needed).
Padding on these bib tights is also something special. It is built for maximum comfort in the saddle for hours and hours without any issues. Mille S7 Evo pad consists of an 8mm memory foam, which is a 3 layered design built for maximum breathability and reduction of excess weight. The stitching was also designed to provide additional comfort during the longest rides.
Last, but not least, these tights also come with several reflective elements for higher visibility. The fit is more regular for additional comfort on longer rides.
All in all, Assos Mille GT Winter is a state of the art for long rides and comfort. If you are looking for extremely comfortable, warm, protective bib tights for the longest rides then this is an option for you!
4. Castelli Sorpasso RoS Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: 0°-12 °C / 32°-54°F
- Padding: Progetto X² Air Seat Pad designed for maximum comfort with longest rides in mind
Positives
- Extremely comfortable padding
- Special material for water resistance
- Very comfortable and warm fabric
- Ankle zipps
Negatives
- Hard to get your size right (doucle check needed size with retailers before buying
Castelli Sorpasso RoS Bib Tights are designed for maximum comfort during the longest rides in most weather conditions. In fact, the RoS stands for Rain or Shine and these bib tights do stand up to their name. Similar to Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tights, they fall into a more premium category hence the high price.
To produce these tights, Castelli used various fabrics and technologies in different places. This ensures maximum protection where it is needed and more thus comfort, stretch and less weight. For example, Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric is used across the back, thighs and upper front part to protect from water sprays. While Nano Flex 3G fabric is used in other areas to provide extra warmth, stretch, and also needed water resistance. These tights come with ankle zippers for easier dressing.
For padding, Castelli uses their Progetto X² Air Seat Pad, which was designed for comfort. We don’t want to get into details here, but simply put, this pad provides excellent ventilation and different thickness levels across the pad. If you are interested to know more check out this video for Castelli, which explains in more detail all of the features and technologies used to design this pad.
Last, but not least, these tights have in-built reflective elements for better visibility during the day and night. The fit is also amazing and worth mentioning. You get a special anatomic cut to hips and knees and great wide elastic bib straps, which sit very nicely. With such fit you will be comfortable both in seated and standing positions on your bike. However, make sure to go a size up or at least double check ideal size for you with a retailer.
All in all, Castelli Sorpasso RoS is a state of the art for long rides and comfort. If you are looking for extremely comfortable, warm, protective bib tights for the longest rides, then this is an option for you!
5. PEARL iZUMi Pursuit Hybrid Cycling Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: -5°-5 °C / 23°-41°F
- Padding: ELITE Pursuit 1:1® pad designed for mid and long rides
Positives
- Excellent water resistance
- High quality material (comfortable and durable)
- Warm with great insuration
- Very stretchy for minimal to no movement restrictions
Negatives
- Not many and small in size reflective elements
PEARL iZUMi Pursuit Hybrid are designed for maximum comfort in wet and cold conditions (and not only). These are excellent bib tights that fall into a mid range category. A perfect option for those looking for extra protection from the rain within a reasonable price.
To produce these tights, PEARL iZUMi used various water resistant fabrics and technologies in different places. This ensures maximum protection where it is needed and thus more comfort, stretch and less weight. For example, water-shedding PI DRY® technology is used at the back and around the hips area to provide maximum water resistance from the front wheel and rain. The second AmFIB® technology also ensures water resistance and wind protection. As a result, these bib tights are very comfortable, warm and will protect you during the most severe weather conditions. Also, there are no zippers on these tights and instead PEARL iZUMi uses zipperless elastic material, which should fit most cyclists perfectly.
For padding, PEARL iZUMi uses their ELITE Pursuit 1:1® pad, which was designed for mid and slightly longer rides in mind. We don’t want to get into details here, but simply put, this pad was designed for maximum friction reduction and additional support. If you are interested to know more check out this video by PEARL iZUMi, which explains in more detail all of the features and technologies used for creating this pad. Additionally, you can also check out this article (see ELITE pads category).
Last, but not least, these tights have in-built reflective elements for better road visibility. However, it is worth pointing out that these elements are quite small and there are only a few of them.
All in all, PEARL iZUMi Pursuit Hybrid bib tights would be an ideal option for rainy and wet winter mid and longer winter rides. If you are looking for extremely comfortable, warm, and very water protective bib tights, then this is an option for you!
6. Gore Wear C5 Thermo Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: 5°-15 °C / 41°-59°F
- Padding: Very comfortable pad specially designed by Gore to protect vital areas
Positives
- High level of water resistance and wind protection
- Special protection in the groin and thighs area due to Gore’s pad design
- High quality and comfortable fabric
Negatives
- Not much actually
Gore Wear C5 Thermo bib tights are designed for maximum comfort in wet, windy and cold conditions. These are excellent bib tights that fall into a mid range category and would be perfect for those looking for extra protection from the rain and wind within a reasonable price.
Similarly to many other bib tights in the mid and upper range categories, Gore added extra protection in places where it is needed. For example, the groin and tights area is especially protected with water resistant and wind stopping fabric. The front part of the tights also got more protection from the elements. Overall, the material used is very comfortable, suitable for any weather conditions, and stretchable with great ventilation.
For padding, Gore uses their WINDSTOPPER® Cup Technology, which is a specially designed pad for extra protection from wind and rain in most sensitive areas. You can check out more about its design and technology here. If you often get cold in the groin area then this specially designed pad could be a deal breaker for you.
Last, but not least, these tights have in-built reflective elements for better road visibility. These bibs come in 2 colors (black and black with yellow elements).
All in all, Gore Wear C5 Thermo bib tights would be an ideal option for rainy and windy winter rides, especially if you usually get cold around the groin and thighs area. If you are looking for extremely comfortable, warm, and water protective bib tights, then this is an option for you!
7. Castelli Polare 2 Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: -5°-5°C / 23°-41°F
- Padding: Kiss Air 2 seat pad designed for mid and longer rides in mind
Positives
- Very warm tights due to excellent fabrics and insulation
- Excellent wind and water resistance
Negatives
- Hard to get your size right (doucle check needed size with retailers before buying)
Polare 2 bibs are actually the warmest tights that Castelli produces. They are perfect for anyone looking to cycle during the coldest winter days.
To produce these tights, Castelli used various water and wind resistant fabrics and technologies in different places. This ensures maximum protection where it is needed. For example, Gore® Windstopper® X-Fast fabric is used at the front to provide maximum water and wind protection. For the back part Castelli used Thermoflex Core2 fabric and added a brushed fleece material on the inside. As a result, these bib tights are very comfortable, warm and will protect you during the coldest days. At the bottom of these tights Catelli added ankle zips with some reflective elements for better visibility.
For padding, Castelli uses their Kiss Air 2 pad, which was designed for mid and slightly longer rides in mind. It has an anatomical shape and consists of dual density variable thickness and comfortable skin care layer on top. If you are interested to know more check out this article with videos, which explains in more detail all of the features and technologies used for creating this pad.
Regarding fit and size, make sure to go a size up or at least double check ideal size for you with a retailer. Usually Castelli are a size smaller than normal clothing. So if you wear M then most likely L in Castelli would be your size.
All in all, Castelli Polare 2 bib tights would be an ideal option for the coldest and wettest winter rides. If you are looking for extremely comfortable, warm, and extra water protective bib tights, then this is an option for you!
8. Assos MILLE GT ULTRAZ Winter Bib Tights
- Recommended temperature range: -4°-8°C / 25°-46°F (estimated)
- Padding: Mille S7 Evo pad designed for the most comfort and the longest rides
Positives
- Very warm with 2 layers of fabric in some places
- Breathable to allow the sweat to escape
- Very stretchy for minimal to no movement restrictions
- High quality pad for the longest rides
- Water repellent
Negatives
- Quite expensive
Assos Mille GT ULTRAZ Winter Bib Tights are designed for maximum comfort and performance during the coldest days. These bib tights fall into a premium category hence the high price. If you look for premium quality bib tights to get you through the coldest rides then go this option.
We want to highlight several features and patented technologies used by Assos to produce this product. For example, Assos’ RX Heavy fabric, which is used at the front part of these tights. This fabric is designed specifically to keep you warm, allow a high level of breathability, repel water, and provide enough flexibility. In addition, Assos added a second layer of NEOS Ultra fabric along the leg panels to provide additional warmth. This material is also water repellant and fully windproof.
On the rear side of these tights, Assos used RX Light fabric, which is slightly lighter and more flexible in needed areas. These bib tights are super comfortable and warm precisely because Assos uses the exact needed fabric in needed places and even added an additional double layer in some spots.
Padding on these bib tights is also something special. It is built for maximum comfort in the saddle for hours and hours without any issues. MILLE GT EVO seat pad consists of an 8mm memory foam, which is a 3 layered design built for maximum breathability and reduction of excess weight. The stitching was also designed to provide additional comfort during the longest rides.
Last, but not least, these tights also come with several reflective elements for higher visibility. The fit is more regular for additional comfort on longer rides.
All in all, Assos Mille GT ULTRAZ Winter is a state of the art for the coldest days. They will keep you warm, protected and happy. If you are looking for very comfortable, warm, protective bib tights for the coldest days then this is an option for you!
CONCLUSION
Finding the perfect bib tights can be overwhelming, but it is worth spending the time and choosing an option that you will be happy with. Obviously, we all are limited by budget, but try not to save too much on bib tights. Trust us, there is a BIG difference between a $20 and a $100 bib tights. In this article, we put together some of the best options to consider, which are grouped into different categories. For example, If you need great quality tights for everyday cycling, then choose an option from the “Best Price Value Ratio” category and so on.
We hope you found this article helpful. Stay warm, healthy and happy.
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In order to feature and review any products on our website we do extensive research, read user feedback, carefully review forum threads, look at search trends, brand popularity, try to actually use and test as many products as possible ourselves, and evaluate other factors depending on the product category. By doing extensive research and incorporating it with our own experience we are able to shortlist only a handful of products out of thousands of options.
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