Best bib tights for cycling 2023 reviewed and rated

Once the colder winter months arrive, dedicated winter bib tights become essential. Vital for keeping your lower half warm, the best bib tights will also ensure that your lower back and midriff are also protected against the cold. 

The best cycling shorts and best leg warmers and knee warmers will get many riders through September, October and perhaps November for the warm-blooded, or late season races, but they aren't suited for year-round riding. As soon at the temperatures drop into the low single figures then only a pair of dedicated bib tights will do.

Most manufacturers now integrate a chamois into their tights: not so long ago it was common to wear unpadded tights over padded bib shorts. Using padded tights means fewer seams and fewer straps, but if you regularly venture out into frigid temps it will mean buying more than just one or two of pairs of tights in order to keep up with the wash-wear-dry cycle. However, if you prefer the pad in your favourite bib shorts you can still buy unpadded bib tights.

If you're curious as to what else to wear in the colder seasons then our guide to winter cycling clothing: what to wear for comfortable riding breaks down what to look for when wanting to keep warm on the bike. 

The best bib tights come with a variety of features, each having their own merits for choosing. The simplest tights are made from a fleecy-backed Roubaix-style material and are neither windproof nor waterproof. These are great for milder temperatures, and are often at the lower end of the price scale.  

As with many cycling pieces of equipment, the more you pay, the more you're likely to get. Above a certain price point and the best bib tight manufacturers will select technical fabrics with varying degrees of moisture protection, that are still breathable and ensure unrestricted movement.

The most sophisticated bib tights locate different types of fabric and different numbers of layers in the specific areas where they will be most effective against cold, wind and rain. As you'd imagine bib tights that employ lots of technical fabrics to combat the cold and the wet usually come with a significant price tag.

Of course, if you are selecting a pair of the best bib tights for doing battle with the elements, you'll also want to invest with the best cycling overshoes to ensure that the extremities of your lower body are also sufficiently protected. 

The best bib tights for cycling reviewed - Men's

Read on down the page for information about what to look for when buying your ideal bib tights. But first, here are our favourites.

Made to the specification of one of the best sustainability standards – and (naturally) incorporating recycled fabrics in the construction – the Pro Team Training tights are an excellent high-end option that hits a good balance for those early season low temperatures. From all-day, steady-state rides to mid to higher tempo blasts, the Pro Team Training tights handled it all.

These ‘transition season’ tights aren't insulated, nor do they offer water repellence, but they do effectively take the edge of a cool breeze trying to cut its way through you, making them ideal for typical autumn and spring conditions.

A wide elastane cuff helps secure the tights in place around the ankles, although our tester did find they rode up a little. That said, it’s worth noting this is less noticeable if you’re wearing overshoes.

The Pro Team chamois is great for anyone who prefers the low profile, slimline feel. But as a result, it's less suited to those looking for plush, thick cushioning.

Read more: Rapha Pro Team Training tights full review

These bib tights combine excellent protection from the elements with a flawless fit. With the front cut lower than other brands, these really lend themselves to riding in an aggressive, aerodynamic position.

The high degree of stretch from the fabric 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.

The RX Heavy fabric is so warm and, combined with that NEOS membrane, our testers legs felt as if they were in their own microclimate as they cycled in frosty conditions. 

These are totally the crème de la crème of bib tights and tick every wish list box, but you'll just have to empty your wallet in order to gain this level of performance and protection. 

If you are after a slightly more palatable option, then Endura's Endura Pro SL II Bibtights do put up a really good fight. But as with all things Assos, once you've seen and tried, it's hard to make the compromise, and knowing the quality of the brand, it's often easier to part with your money knowing that they will serve you well for many winters to come. 

Read more: Assos Mille GT Ultraz Winter Bibtights full review

We've long been a fan of Castelli's bib tights, finding it's long standing Nanoflex Pro bib tights a firm favourite despite their ageing years.

The Castelli LW 2 bib tights are designed for milder winter conditions, and according to the brand, designed in conjunction with pro riders from Team Ineos Grenadiers. 

While many of us mere mortal riders might still be in bib shorts and leg warmer combos at their specified temperature range, these tights have been specifically designed for riders who want the benefits and comfort of just one piece of apparel, without the associated extra warm. 

To that end, these bib tights have been zoned, with the upper leg featuring a stretchy fleece and the lower leg just water proofing, to protect from road spray - in other words acting like a wearable fender. 

The end result is a fantastically breathable pair of tights, that are perfect for high intensity training, dealing with winter downpours. 

As could be expected with professional level bib tights, the padding has been designed to  withstand several hours in the saddle day after day, and the more armature rider might find it a bit overkill - but it's a personal fit feel. It's also worth noting that there isn't any reflective detailing. One can only assume it's because as a professional rider, you probably aren't using an after dark workplace commute as part of your training regime. 

Price wise, these are middle range, and do make the Santini Adapt Polartec Thermal C3 bib tights seem eyebrow raising high. 

Read more: Castelli LW 2 bib tights full review

The Rapha Classic Winter Bib Tights with pad are a superb pair of winter tights suited to temperatures less than 10 degrees. The high upper and rear really help keep your torso warm when the weather gets cold thanks to the Thermoroubaix fleece fabric. The fit is fantastic with the elastic cuffs on the legs being comfortable and secure, the lack of seams around the knee really helps maintain comfort with knee flexion. The bib straps are also long enough that they don’t pull on the shoulders. 

For longer rides and changing weather conditions, the tights hold up extremely well and remain very comfortable even after multiple hours in the saddle. Additionally, although the pad feels substantial when standing, it almost disappears under you on the saddle and there is not rubbing or friction, even when wet.

The price is high, putting these in the high end premium level of bib tights at $295 / £220. However this is comparable and slightly cheaper than several of the direct competitors. If you want a comfortable pair of tights that will keep you warm and comfortable during the winter, then these are definitely worth considering.

Read more: Rapha Classic Winter Bib Tights with pad full review

Yes, these bibs really do cost a lot. But if you're after incredible quality, with a blend of luxurious fabrics and a great fit, then they're pretty hard to beat. 

They use a combination of Assos' OSMOS and SPHERE Ultra Hole fabrics. The former provides the warmth while the latter helps to regulate your temperature thanks to a breathable membrane. The chamois pad is thick, with six layers, that provide bags of comfort including absorbing a bit of road chatter. Other neat details include removable hip pads that aid breathability and the addition of geoprene on the lower leg - a stretchy waterproof fabric that really does a great job of repelling road spray as well as helping to create a tight fit.

On test we found them to work well in the cold, providing plenty of warmth on bitter mountain descents. The downside to this is that over 10 degrees C and you're likely to feel a little 'over-bibbed'.

In short, if money is no object or you've saved up the pennies and are looking for a premium set of bibs to last this winter and many more, the Assos Mille GTO are well worth your consideration. 

Read more: Assos Mille GTO Winter Bib Tights C2 full review

Velocio's Zero bib tights are some of the very best we've tested. They're both breathable and comfortable thanks to the high level of stretch the fabric and design offers. They provide plenty of protection against the wind too, thanks to the ThermoRoubaix fabric, and we found them to be warm down to around 3 degrees Celsius. 

Elsewhere, the proprietary pad developed with Cytech stays in place as do the bib's straps, while there is also decent reflective detailing on the lower legs and ankles.

At $299 / £233 the Velocio Zero bibs aren't cheap but this is reflected in both the use of materials and the build quality. The only downside is the lack of waterproofing on bib tights designed for the winter. 

Read more: Velocio Zero Men's Bib Tights full review

The Le Col Hors Catégorie bib tights are focused on keeping you really warm, relatively dry and comfortable while in the saddle during long and cold winter rides. The legs use a hydrophobic Aqua Zero fabric which allows water to bead up and roll off and although it will hold a little water over time the fabric never gets drenched. It is very soft to the touch as well as warm. It's impressive to hold the fabric under a tap and watch the water roll straight off! 

The body is cut quite high and features a soft thermal lining which our tester found keeps you really snug but becomes too hot much above 8 degrees Celsius. These bib tights are a deep winter garment.

The premium grade Dolomiti chamois/seat pad is fantastic. Our tester found it was very comfortable and absorbed road chatter really well. 

If you're after quality, 1 season, deep winter bib tights these are worth looking at.

Read more: Le Col Hors Catégorie Bib Tights full review

The entry level Castelli bib tights are best regarded as a cheaper version of their higher end offerings, rather than as budget tights. They have more in common with the mid range offerings from other brands. Sharing features, as they do, such as the KISS Air2 seat pad, flat locked seams and excellent choice of materials.

The AirFlex fabric used on the front panels is stretchy and windproof, and our tester's first impression, when riding, was how warm the front of his thighs were. The windproof fabric is really good and even with some serious rain you remain feeling pretty dry and warm. Although you still get wet when it's raining, the addition of the Nano Flex 3G water repellent fabric on the rear leg panels means that only a little water is held within the fabric. If you hold it under a tap the water rolls straight off!

Although the legs are on the slightly shorter side, our tester still found there was plenty of overlap when using overshoes and it was beneficial as there was freer movement for the ankle. The fit is the same across the Castelli range. The reflective strips on the calves worked well despite not being that big.

The fit is at the racier end of the spectrum and you may wish to size down to make the most of a really close fit and eke out yet another 'marginal gain'. The Entrata Wind bibs will keep you drier and warmer on those long winter training rides.

Read more: Castelli Entrata Wind Bib Tights full review

The best bib tights reviewed - Women's

Women's bib tights often have a slightly different upper section, with a halterneck or releasable clasp designed to make nature breaks more easy. Some, however, forgo this and offer a full-body option, which doubles up as a base layer.

On test the Foundation Bib Tights proved to be a top-quality pair of bib tights, benefiting from a genuinely manageable, irritation-free, bio-break system. The chamois didn't prove to be the most breathable on longer rides, but proved comfortable enough for mid-length adventures. 

Velocio's Foundation tights also scored highly due to the use of 100% recycled fabrics and for their full range of sizes that really do cater for everyone.

Read more: Velocio Women's Foundation Bib Tights full review

On test we found the Castelli Sorpasso RoS women's bib tights to be extremely comfortable, ticking all the right boxes: warmth, water resistance, breathability and fit, gaining them a coveted Cycling Weekly Editor's Choice Award.

Worn on both dry and mild winter rides, as well as dank and cold ones, they've proved themselves capable at both thanks to both the wind and water resistance and high breathability.  As with all of the best bib tights, the Castelli Sorpasso RoS pair manage to do all the above without restriction around the knees or thighs. 

The pad provides ample comfort for many hours in the saddle, but it's a shame that some form of quick access comfort break feature wasn't designed in. The only other not perfect aspect is that ankle zips don't really serve much purpose, but for some, it might make getting the tights on and off a little easier. 

All in all however, these are a superb pair of women's specific bib tights that will get a lot of wear, and seem a positive bargain when compared to the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights.

Read more: Castelli Sorpasso RoS women's bib tights full review

Wind proof and water resistant with an, almost, handy, dropped tail for comfort breaks - the Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights are a go-to winter riding companion.

Strategically positioning of water and wind resistant fabrics provides protection where it's needed, while more breathable, but super cosy Thermoroubaix fabric helps prevent sweat build up.  It’s worth noting that they perform best below 10º for optimal temperature regulating comfort.

The dropped tail clasp is a little tricky to master, especially if it pings up your back, under your top layers and you've reach peak winter ride immobility, consider it a team mate bonding exercise. 

We really like the fact that the subtle but highly reflective details are visible from the sides,  and it seals the deal on these being one of the most practical pair of bib tights out there, making us over look the too loose ankle fit. 

However, while they are the bee's knees in terms of performance and overall fit, their price tag lets you know it!

Read more: Rapha Women's Pro Team Winter bib tights full review