Best winter bib tights: Comfort and warmth no matter the temperature

As the seasons change, riding conditions become colder and more challenging as summer fades, but a pair of the best winter bib tights can keep you riding right through to next year. 

During warmer months, the best cycling shorts and best leg warmers ensure full leg coverage and will keep you warm, and while it is possible to ride like this all year round - I certainly have - when temperatures drop, full bib tights take protection and warmth up another level. 

A quality pair of winter bib tights will provide a lot of warmth and comfort when you cycle in the cold. For me, they are also easier to pull on and arrange than shorts and leg warmers which saves time getting ready and looks a little neater too, especially with all the other winter kit you have to pull on. A pair of warm bib tights can be really good for motivation when heading out for a cold winter training ride too and help you feel protected.

I can't pick an outright winner from this guide, I want to be greedy and have a podium. For winter protection, I'd plump for the Rapha Pro Team winter tights or the Nalini Ergo X warm tights for their brilliant comfort and protection. For a lightweight option for intense riding or warmer conditions, the Rapha Pro Team lightweight gets my vote. 

But that's me. It's important before you invest to ensure you buy the best pair of bib tights for your own riding demands. Explore this buyer's guide for an in-depth look at our pick of the best bib tights for winter cycling and read the how-to-buy section at the bottom. If you are overhauling your winter wardrobe have a look at the best winter cycling jackets and best winter cycling gloves to go with them. 

Quick list

Best winter bib tights available today

Best for heavyweight winter protection

The Nalini Ergo X Warm bib tights have been one of the top pairs of tights I've tested this winter and bring heavy-duty winter warmth to the table. If you want some very comfy, heavy-duty tights to get you through the winter look this way.

Nalini has been making cycling kit for decades and the Ergo X Warm are the brand's heaviest-duty offering. My standout test in the X Warms was a three-hour ride where it rained constantly for around two and a half of the three hours. It was cold and miserable but the tights performance was excellent throughout. Keeping me warm and comfortable, sections of the tights also repelled water very well for the duration of the ride and though it's a difficult thing to check after you and your kit are covered in water, inner sections appeared to be totally dry when I got in.

Starting from the bottom, the tights feature large reflective panels on the rear of the calves. There's a very soft fleece lining all over which adds warmth and a 'snug factor' The tights combine heavier weight panels in key areas like the thighs with thinner more flexible sections in places like the rear of the knee, a key area to get right for me. The Randonne chamois pad was very comfy, and the bib tights extend right up the chest with a wide back panel right up to the lower neck whilst the front extends about midway up the pectoral muscles. This is going to add a lot of extra warmth on long, winter rides. Compare pictures in the guide for a comparison of this.

The bib straps themselves fast in a way I haven't seen before and use interlocking magnetic buckles. Gives you the ability to easily 'pop' them open if you want to remove them that way for a nature break etc.

Best budget bib tights

The dhb Classic Thermal bib tights are a competitively priced pair of winter tights that offer great bang for your buck. They are on the lighter side, but the fleece lining helps keep you warm, these will also be ideal for more intense rides and races.

As is the case with most bib tights, they are made from soft fleece-lined fabric, which comes up well above your waist to keep your core warm and feeling cosy. The rear back section is a thinner mesh. For these tights, in particular, dhb has partnered with the Miti Spa textile mill, using its Lombardia 235gsm Roubaix fabric, which is Bluesign-approved. The tights are some of the softer and cosier on test and their relatively lightweight material promotes ease of movement.  

Inside, you'll find an Elastic Interface Giro Air custom chamois, which dhb says is ideal for rides over three hours. Chamois comfort is a personal thing and what's comfortable for me may not be so for the next person, but I've found the chamois in the Classic Thermal tights to be comfortable on all rides and it hasn't caused me any issues. 

The latest version of these tights features a lengthened front zipper to make taking the tights on and off easier and comfort breaks easier. The zipper also has a cover at the top to prevent potential irritation which is a nice touch. Ankle zippers and grippers have been replaced with a more straightforward compression stitching that holds the hem firmly in place. Branding is subtle with a silver dhb logo on the right leg and rear.

These are really good bib tights for the money that can go toe to toe with more premium offerings, you won't be disappointed if you go for some. 

Double windproof protection

The Mille GT Ultraz are some of the warmest and most protective tights offered by Assos. They carry a high price tag too but have easily been the warmest bib tights in this guide. 

A period of freezing weather here in the UK provided an excellent opportunity for me to do a good block of testing and I incorporated a long descent as something of a gauge for some of the tights in this guide. In temperatures below freezing at around 26F/-3C (the tights are rated for use between 24F/-4C to 46F/8C) whilst freewheeling down my test descent, I could not feel any cold air cutting through the tights and hitting my legs in the Mille GTS tights. They kept it at bay completely and were noticeably better at this than some other tights I tried. 

Something of an ace card for the Mille GT Ultraz is a second windproof layer of material on the main leg panels. Called the Neos Ultra, this is a windproof softshell layer with a PU-bonded membrane for water repellency which sits on top of the RX heavy brushed fabric the tight main body is constructed from. You are essentially getting a double fabric layer in key areas which really makes the tights warm. 

Design and construction are visibly a lot more complex on the Mille GT Ultraz with multiple anatomic panels being used to aid fit and movement. Once you are looking at the construction up close you start to understand the premium price tag a little more. 

If you are looking for a pair of bib tights to keep you warm in the coldest conditions and for regular cold winter riding bib tight protection won't get much better than this. 

Take a look at our in-depth review of the Assos Mille GT Ultraz bib tights for more information. However, our reviewer Josh didn't think as much of the tight's waterproof capabilities.

Combining protection and style

The Rapha Pro Team Winter tights are the most heavy-duty offering from Rapha and are a really solid pair of winter bib tights. They feature the Rapha pro fit tailoring which means they are a little more form-fitting and sit close to the skin. 

The bib tights use a multi-panel design and the front panels have a heavier-weight wind-blocking design that also features a DWR coating to keep water and spray at bay. The fleecy internal finish extends right up to the top of the bibs to keep you warm which I really like and the finish looks similar to Polartec power grid fleece that is also featured in the Rapha Pro Team base layer. 

Some additional stylish features from Rapha that stood out are the quality bib straps themselves which are nice and wide to prevent pinching and are a little thicker than normal. There are two reflective tabs on the rear of the thighs, as well as a big white Rapha logo on the left-hand thigh and a reflective one of the same size on the right. The backs of the calves also have large white horizontal dashes which stand out whilst pedalling. The chamois used in the tights is a size-specific Rapha Pro Team unit which has been really comfortable for me. 

The Pro Team is a stylish bib tight and they have kept me warm on winter chain gangs and long cold winter rides. They are on the expensive side compared to others here but would make an excellent investment if you are planning on a lot of winter riding. 

Best lightweight bib tights

The Rapha Pro Team Lightweight tights formerly named the training tights are billed as lightweight training tights, but you can use them for a wider range of cycling disciplines than simply training. 

I received my pair last Autumn and they quickly became a favourite of mine, I even included them in my gear of the year list for 2022. They are fairly thin and stretchy, so there's minimal bunching or tight spots and they are very comfortable tights to wear. They aren't warm enough for the depths of winter - the cold cut through on my freewheeling descent test - but for spring, autumn and milder winter rides they are incredibly comfortable and warmer than they look. 

They are available in two different colour options, and like the Rapha Pro Team bib tights above, use a size-specific Pro Team chamois. 

Take a look at our in-depth review of the Rapha Pro Team Training bibtights for more information. 

Best for those with shorter legs

The Entrata bib tights from Castelli are a warm and comfortable pair of medium-weight bib tights that are rated from 43F/6C to 57F/14C. They are lighter and have a little less bulk about them than the heavier-weight tights featured above so are better kept for slightly milder days. For autumn and winter training or harder efforts or riding they will be a great option. 

The bib tights are really comfortable and the fleece lining of the Thermoflex fabric is very soft. They also feature ankle zips which I like, meaning you can pull them on quickly when getting ready. 

The Castelli Kiss Air2 chamois pad was comfortable and I got on with it from the off. I found the Castelli lettering on the left leg started to crack and peel slightly after several washes so make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's washing guide to keep them looking their best. The bib straps themselves are also fairly narrow, which is something to note if you are someone who struggles with bibs rubbing or being uncomfortable. 

My size small test pair of tights came up a little shorter in the leg than most of the other tights featured here, so if your legs are on the shorter side, these may be a good option for a perfect fit.

Best cargo bib tights

Swedish brand POC's Thermal cargo tights are worth a look if you want winter warmth and cargo pockets. There are also male and female versions of these tights.

The cargo tights as the name suggests have two cargo pockets on each thigh with the pockets themselves created by large mesh. You can comfortably fit two energy gels or whatever else you might want to carry in each one and if you prefer cargo pockets to a jersey pocket or are adventuring and want to carry more provisions in winter, the pockets could be right up your street. 

The tights have good thermal protection where it matters, mostly around the upper legs where the material is thicker and has a DWR coating. The lower calf areas are slightly lighter in weight as are the mesh bib straps, which could be a little wider, for more comfort. 

The fleecy inner lining is very soft and comfortable and the reflective panel on the lower left calf is bright, it's the most reflective feature across all the bib tights here and is impressive in low-light conditions.

If you want a premium pair of cargo bibs, with two pockets that can tackle a bit of anything, these are worth a look. 

Best budget cargo bib tights

The Galibier Energie 2 bib tights are constructed from ThermoRoubaix fabric by Carvico, an Italian manufacturer based in Bergamo. 

They are lighter-weight bib tights that Galibier rates for use between temperatures of 39F/4C and 57F/14C. The fleece-backed material feels very cosy and extends most of the way up the back panel of the bib tights to further promote warmth. 

The Energie 2 has a mesh cargo pocket on the right-hand thigh should you want to stow food or essentials in it. The fact the tights are on the lighter side weight-wise means that with the cargo pocket, they would be a nice match for longer days or adventuring in cooler weather when you may need to carry a little more. 

Ankle zippers and silicone grippers mean putting the tights on is very easy and the ankles stay in place. This offering from Galibier comes at a competitive price and for the money, you are getting a good quality, warm pair of bib tights that will deal with road riding well and with a cargo pocket to provide extra storage for bikepacking or touring. 

Comfortable all-rounders

The Fiandre NoRain bib tights by Sportful are lighter-weight tights, but their main selling point is the brushed NoRain thermal fabric which Sportful say has a nanotechnology treatment, that does a solid job at repelling rain and road spray. 

I used the bib tights on a couple of days after some intense rain which means lots of standing water and light flooding and they dealt with spray admirably and shrugged off light drizzle with ease. If you are caught in the rain or are riding in the wet with riders without mudguards the NoRain bib tights will fend off the worst of it whilst breathing well so you don't overheat. I have found riding in heavy rain see's the bibtights bead and repel water well up to a point, but they eventually do get overwhelmed. Don't expect them to completely repel heavy downpours for prolonged periods. 

The No Rain range from Sportful is fairly comprehensive you can read our review on the accompanying NoRain jersey here. 

Other great bib tights

The MAAP Apex Deep winter tight are a stylish, heavy-weight pair of bib tights for cold winter conditions, they should handle everything the winter can throw at you. 

There are area-specific panels and materials with windproof forward-facing panels and lightweight fleece on the rear of the calves and thighs. The tights also have a DWR (durable water repellant) coating to shrug off spray and drizzle. 

Alongside the Rapha Pro Team, Assos Mille GT Ultraz, and Nalini Ergo X warm's they are the heaviest-weight tights in the guide but they still allow good movement and don't feel restrictive in any way. The sturdy elasticated bib straps are also a quality touch and feel very comfortable. The bib tights kept me plenty warm enough on all my cold winter test rides, and I got on well with the MAAP thermo moulded chamois. 

The Apex tights are available in blue or black and feature white MAAP logos to aid visibility but there aren't any reflective tabs or patches. 

Head to our in-depth review of the MAAP Apex winter bibtights for more information 

The Velocio Foundation bib tights are manufactured from ThermoGreen fabric which consists of 100% recycled fleece-backed fabric. The Foundation tights are Velocio's most affordable model for cycling in cold weather. 

The construction is quality too, the soft fleece fabric is a good few millimetres thick and does a great job at keeping you warm. The bib straps are also wide and comfortable which eliminates any unwanted rubbing. 

Logos and branding are kept to a minimum but the small Velocio lettering and logo are reflective for little extra visibility. Movement is excellent in the Foundation tights and the area around the knees is especially comfortable with zero pinching or tightness from the fabric which is important. 

Lastly, I really liked the Foundation HD chamois and got on well with it during my rides which ranged from one to three hours. 

The Pro SL bib tights II from Endura features the brand's 700 series chamois pad,  which is said to have been developed with pro rider feedback and gebioMized, the German bike fit specialists. It's a surprisingly uncluttered, simple-looking chamois, and I got on well with it. 

Chamois aside the Pro SL bib tights feature brushed Thermo Roubaix fleece for the inside of the tights and even slightly fleecy bib straps which I like. There is a DWR coating to deal with winter rain and spray and water does just run off them. The coating is also PCF-free.

The tights for me, fit slightly differently to the rest of the tights in the guide and feel quite compressive and almost a bit small around the hips and in the chamois area. It feels more prominent off the bike than on it and isn't an issue when riding. I would recommend having a good look at the size guide to ensure the most comfortable fit if you are going to invest.  

If your riding a lot outdoors and just want some solid, heavy-duty winter bib tights to do everything, as long as you nail the fit the Endura's will be fantastic. 

How to choose

There are a few things that will influence your buying decision when choosing the best winter bib tights for you. Firstly, what are the winter temperatures where you live? If you are somewhere where it's below freezing for long periods, a heavyweight warmer pair of tights will be a good idea. If things are a little warmer, you'll likely get away with more of an all-rounder, perhaps paired with some of the best winter socks or overshoes to help keep your legs and feet warm. 

My advice would be: to invest in a heavy-weight pair of bibtights if you plan on doing a lot of winter cycling in the cold They will look after you and keep you more comfortable. The Rapha Pro Team or Nalini Ergo's would be my first choice for deep winter protection.  If you plan on doing some outdoor rides for around 2-3 hours or at a faster pace, invest in a thinner, more affordable option like the dhb's or if you want to spend more Rapha Lightweights. Or if you have the cash and want to try a range, fill your boots. 

Weatherproofing

While the best winter cycling jackets have perfected the art of combining windproofing with breathability, and the best waterproof cycling jackets have nailed keeping the water out at all costs, the best winter bib tights aren't quite there yet. When you think about the motion your legs go through as you pedal, the fabrics used for bib shorts and tights need to be dynamic and extremely malleable to allow a full range of movement. The nature of the laminated materials and perforated membranes haven't quite reached this level of stretch, and for something to be truly waterproof, the entire garment needs to be made from such a fabric — so a pair of tights made from three-layer Gore-Tex wouldn’t be all that comfortable, and a pair made from Shakedry wouldn't have enough flexibility, so would likely rip in the first ride. 

With that said, strategically placing Windstopper on the areas that are exposed to the breeze can do wonders for adding warmth. Many bib tights also receive a DWR treatment - Durable Water Repellent - which will cause water to bead and roll off rather than soak in. This is not quite the same thing as waterproofing and DWR will be overcome in a deluge.

Other winter bib tight reviews

• Velocio Zero bib tights
• Assos Mille GT Ultraz bib tights
• Castelli Sorpasso RoS bib tights