The Best Cycling Bib Tights of 2024

The paneling of the supple Thermo-stretch functional fabric creates a seamless area around the knee, preventing irritation and lending a natural comfort to the C3 Thermo Bib Tights+. This fabric also ensures a complete range of motion throughout the pedal stroke, while allowing the pad to stay perfectly in place at all times, never riding forward. 

The Gorewear Active Comfort seat pad insert is the entry-level insert in the Gore range and was chosen to help keep the price of the C3 Thermo affordable. Nonetheless, it is nicely sized, without excess bulk. The Active Comfort pad has a nice seamless feel where it transitions to the leg panels of the C3 Thermo. The density is on the soft side but still very comfortable and flexible while allowing it to remain comfortable up into the high 50s F. In front of the pad is the GOREWEAR Cup which is an anatomically pre-shaped insert in the front that protects from wind chill and is very breathable, according to Gore. While this might sound like a gimmick, it works effectively to keep the wind chill from reaching your sensitive bits. Additionally, Gore has positioned a wind and spray protection panel that extends along the groin and lower back, protecting this vulnerable area from road spray and harsh winter winds. 

The straps are a standout feature of the C3 Thermo. They lie perfectly flat, offer excellent stretch and hold, and are joined together in the back by a super breathable mesh panel. The strap and back panel are a big reason why these can be used in warmer temps as they allow some heat and moisture to escape. 

If you want a versatile, comfortable, and affordable pair of winter tights with some nice added features like the Gorewear Cup and a luxurious strap system, the C3 Thermo Bib Tights+ are worth a close look.

The Luxe bib tight is essentially Velocio’s fantastic Luxe bib short, extended down to the ankle. The Luxe fabric has an exceptional ability to regulate temperature. Even during 80°+ summer riding, the Luxe fabric never felt too warm, so we found it amazing that a pair of tights also made from this material could work well down into the upper 30s. 

The paneling and articulation of the Luxe fabric allow Velocio to construct the Luxe bib tight with minimal seams. This eliminates chafing, which can be an issue for many tights, especially around the back of the knee. In this area, the Luxe bib tights feature a small panel that surrounds the back of the knee with perfectly positioned, seam-free compression. 

The Luxe Bib Tight straps are exceptionally comfortable, laying perfectly flat and stretching enough to easily accommodate any riding position. Crossing in back to form an X means that the straps boost the lateral stability of the pad, keeping it stable and snug against the body at all times. The proprietary “Signature” chamois, developed in partnership with Cytech, is dense and supple, providing excellent breathability and never producing friction anywhere. The edges of the chamois transition seamlessly into the seat of the tights, which allows the chamois to flex and conform perfectly to your shape. Moving into different riding postures, or hopping on and off the saddle never caused the chamois to change position. 

Branding on the Luxe Bib Tight is minimal, which gives it a classy look, and means it can pair well with tops from different brands. In addition to black, the Luxe Bib Tight is also available in brown and navy blue if you want something a bit different. 

Versatility is key in a garment that costs $300, which is why I genuinely believe the Luxe isn’t overpriced, although it is expensive. It is breathable, stretchy, and lightweight enough to take the place of legwarmers in spring and fall. It’s also able to retain the heat generated from pedaling and create a warm barrier against cold and windy conditions in the dead of winter. In rainy conditions, the Luxe fabric repels moisture admirably and also dries very quickly if becomes wet. 

If you can only have one pair of bib tights, the Luxe is an excellent choice. Other bib tights might outperform it marginally in specific situations like extreme cold or heavy rain, but none of those competitors are as versatile or comfortable across such a wide spectrum of conditions as the Velocio Luxe Bib Tights.

The Pro Team Lightweight Tights feature the size-specific Pro Team Training pad, which is dense and supportive, and an excellent product in and of itself. The transition from the pad’s edges to the lycra shell does not feel perfectly seamless, however, which is a very small nitpick of an otherwise perfect family of bibs. The pad had an occasional tendency to detach ever-so-slightly from my inner thighs when I would hop off the saddle. It’s something that I hope Rapha figures out in the future, because some other brands have, and those pads stay perfectly bonded to my body 100% of the ride. 

The overall fit is snug without any pinching, rippling, or bunching. While some Pro Team items have a very specific body type in mind for the fit, the Lightweight Tights have such a nice amount of stretch, that they should work for a wide range of body types. There are no zippers on these or any other Rapha tights, and we think that’s a smart move. Zippers can fail and tend to irritate the skin and also affect fit around the lower calf. The lycra ankle opening of the Pro Team Lightweight is soft and flexible, making getting in and out a breeze. The same goes for the straps, which are well-executed and nearly identical to those on the Pro Team bib shorts. 

We do wish there were a few more reflective accents where motorists can see them. The two large reflective Rapha logos on each thigh feel like branding more than anything that enhances visibility. That said, riding in low-light conditions requires a bright tail light and there are other opportunities to add visibility to a kit. 

So, if you find leg warmers to be awkward or never seem to remove them, and you want a light, stretchy pair of tights with an excellent pad, check out the Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Tight. Again, these are most useful in the high 40s to low 60s F depending on the intensity of your riding.

Of course, the Polare 3 isn’t as versatile as other tights we tested and needs to be utilized in the right conditions and at the right intensity in order to shine. Ideally, the conditions would be absolutely frigid, near or even below freezing, and the intensity level would be low to moderate when using the Polare 3. The Gore-Tex Infinium is admirably flexible, and the fleece-lined interior does well to pull away sweat. However, the Polare 3 will feel clammy and cumbersome if the temperature rises significantly above 42 degrees F or the intensity level rises. So, we found ourselves using this bib tight on days when the risk of ice made riding high into the hills a bit risky and we just wanted to get out of the house and spin the legs. 

The pad is Castelli’s Kiss Air 2 and while serviceable and comfortable, does leave a bit to be desired in terms of stability and moisture management, compared to Castelli’s range-topping Progetto X2, which is featured on other bib tights of similar cost. In fairness, pad comfort isn’t going to be the primary concern when riding in deep winter’s most frigid conditions. 

Straps are a traditional mesh design that works well, and like the pad insert, wasn’t super important in rating the Polare 3, as riding in the appropriate conditions means that we always had on a burly base layer that isolated us from the straps. They certainly have plenty of stretch to be comfortable when standing and did the basic job of holding everything in place nicely. 

The ankles are zippered, which is one potential question mark for the long-term durability of the Polare 3 bib tight. Zippers do make sliding in and out of the Polare 3 much easier, however, since the Gore-Tex Infinium lacks the stretch required to easily pull on and off. 

If you like facing harsh winter conditions head-on and have other options for higher intensity or mild conditions, the Castelli Polare 3 has you covered when the temperature drops and you’ve still got to ride.

The weather in San Francisco, where the Thermal Carbo Bib Tight is designed, is notoriously variable and compartmentalized. You could go from a foggy drizzle and 48 F to full sun and 60 F within 10 minutes, making it tough to stay comfortable at all times. So, it’s no surprise that The Thermal Cargo Bib Tight is a versatile option that we found to be effective in temperatures ranging from the high 30s to the low 60s. 

The fit of the Thermal Cargo Bib Tight fit is certainly snug, but compared to other tights we tested, it’s not the most compressive. That said, it easily accommodates the individual shaping of the knee area as it flexes and extends throughout the pedal stroke and we found it helped excess heat escape more easily when things warmed up and also made getting in and out of them easy. 

The pad insert is made of Oeko-Tex-certified recycled fibers and provides a nice balance of support and flexibility. It’s an endurance-oriented pad that is dense and cushy, ready for big miles and the roughest surfaces. At the same time, the transition from the pad to the legs of the tights is smooth and the pad stays able to flex as needed with each pedal stroke. The straps are soft and stretchy but strong enough to keep everything, including the contents of the rear pockets stable and in the right place. The straps terminate relatively high on the back, at the top of a fleece-lined panel that not only provides additional insulation to the lower spine but also pads it from objects stored in the rear pockets.

The pockets – four in total – are easy to access and balance flexibility with durability so you can focus on riding while you insert and remove items. The low-back pockets are a great touch. These allowed us to keep seldom-needed items (keys, wallet) stowed away neatly and freed up the two leg pockets for things like snacks, a phone, and gloves. 

Small reflective tabs are sewn into the seam along the calf and are positioned high enough to never be concealed by shoe covers. The Mesa color that we tested received a lot of compliments on the road and certainly stood out against the ubiquitous black palette of most winter kit as it not only adds personal style but can also help motorists more quickly realize what they are approaching. 

Ornot apparel is designed and manufactured in California, and the Thermal Cargo Bib Tight features Bluesign®-approved fabric, meaning that they are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Ornot has also offset its entire carbon footprint since 2019 and works to minimize its carbon footprint whenever possible. 

So, if you want to get a bib tight that is tailored to endurance riding, offers massive amounts of storage, is minimally branded and attractive, and is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, the clear choice is the Ornot Thermal Bib Tight.

The pad is Castelli’s top-shelf offering, the Progetto X2 Air Seamless. It’s a perfect mix of dense support and supple flex, and in our opinion is a must if you choose a pair of Castelli bibs for any season. The straps use minimal material to generate a secure hold that is noticeably more comfortable in the riding position than standing upright. These weren’t our favorite straps to get in and out of, but once they are positioned over a base layer, they are quickly forgotten. They also feature a rear pocket at the bottom of the straps to add a little storage if needed.

The feeling of two very different fabrics took some getting used to, but after a few rides, the design began to feel more natural and make sense. The feeling of easy mobility around the knee, shin, and ankle is something that no other bib tight could match, whilst also providing the level of overall protection as the Free Aero RC. 

On the back side, Castelli has opted for a stitched rubber medallion featuring the scorpion logo, instead of the heat-transferred logos featured across the rest of the range. Two small reflective strips are heat transferred high on the back of the thigh. These add a little visibility, but we would’ve liked to see these not only larger but also stitched into the fabric. 

If you want a versatile winter tight that offers support and weather protection around the upper thighs and glutes, but an amazing amount of mobility for the knees, shins, and ankles, and features a top-shelf pad insert, the Castelli Free Aero RC is worth a look.

Although not quite a Scottish climate, the Pacific Northwest of the US gets plenty of rain, so we had plenty of chances to ride in the FS260-Pro Thermal II in wet conditions. We came away impressed with the water-repellent and PFC-free (Poly-fluorinated chemical) DWR treatment, which helps water bead up on the surface until it dries or gets blown away. 

We also appreciate how high the FS260-Pro Thermal II extends into the midsection, helping keep hips and abdominal muscles warm and relaxed. A zipper also helps keep this extra coverage from requiring any extra work to get into the FS-260 Pro Thermal when you need to relieve yourself. Endura also chose to add zippers at the ankles, making the FS260-Pro Thermal II one of the easiest pairs of tights to slide on and off. 

The FS260-Pro Thermal II features Endura’s 600 series pad which features gel inserts and a luxurious, dimpled surface, as well as a “Continuously Variable Profile” which Endura says enhances its ability to stretch. We found it up to the task of keeping us comfortable, motivated, and happy on long rides in nasty conditions. We found the straps to be a bit loose, due to how high they are positioned, atop the extended abdominal paneling in front, yet it never felt like they weren’t doing the job of holding the pad and tights securely in place.

Large reflective elements are placed high up on the back of the calf, which is smart, as they won’t be covered up by shoe covers. Silicone Endura logos grace the side of the thighs. Only time will tell if these thin, raised letters will hold up to harsh conditions on the road and in the laundry room.

If riding in wet conditions is part of your routine, and you want a bib tight that competes with tights at higher price points, the Endura FS260-Pro Thermal II is a model that is definitely worth trying.

The ‘VPDS’ acronym stands for “visco-elastic polymer dough”, which are essentially silicone inserts that can be found inside the pad. The pad is one of the best we tested, combining a minimal thickness of only 2mm, with excellent cushioning and support. This pad was definitely the standout feature of the Thermal VPDS tights. 

The waist of the Thermal VPDS tight is cut high, which helps keep the core and lower back muscles protected and more able to relax. Overall, the fit is very tidy, and although there are plenty of seams, they are intelligently placed and stitched flat to avoid irritation and bunching. Since the Thermal VPDS are not fleece-lined, they transition well into more mild temps, as high as the upper 50s. Breathability is excellent, and the svelte VPDS pad pulls away any moisture before it becomes an issue. 

A large POC logo on the rear lower leg adds visibility, although it is heat-bonded which means it could be susceptible to cracking and peeling over time. At the ankle, a tall, stretchy cuff keeps the fit of the Thermal VPDS tight, smooth, and snug around the calf. 

If you’re looking for a windproof and warm tight that doesn’t have the bulk that often comes from a thermal “Roubaix” style fabric, and also features an excellent pad, the POC Thermal VPDS could be right for you.

Starting with the pad insert, Castelli was able to save some cost here by opting to place the Kiss Air2 model. While not quite as heavenly as the top-tier Progetto X2 pad, the Kiss Air2 is still among the best pads available from any brand. This pad has a buttery-soft and subtly dimpled surface, and balances moderate density with excellent flexibility, taking the sting out of even the roughest roads. After testing this pad in so many pairs of bibs from Castelli, we’ve determined that really the only thing the Kiss Air2 gives up to the Progetto X2 is a marginal amount of breathability. In the context of tights designed for winter riding, this is much less of a concern because the temperatures are so much cooler. 

The Entrata Bibtight is comprised of Thermoflex fabric, which is warm and stretchy, but does not have the same level of water repellency as Nano Flex fabric that Castelli uses on some of its higher-end options. So, when riding in the rain or in a group where few or none of the riders are using fenders, the Entrata can get a bit soaked and feel a tad heavy. That said, Thermoflex is burly enough to keep the legs warm even if a little moisture gets in. 

Riding in cold and dry conditions was a joy with the Entrata Bibtight. The Thermoflex fabric has a natural, even stretchiness and the fleece backing was able to trap just the right amount of heat next to the skin across a wide range of temperatures from 35 to 60 degrees. 

The legs are paneled with all seams positioned to avoid irritation and allow for maximum range of motion throughout the pedal stroke. The ankles have a couple of nice touches that help set the Entrata apart from other bib tights at this price point. First, the zippers help getting in and out much easier, and it is covered by a reflective strip that is sewn into the seam that runs up the back of the calf area. So, you get visibility without having to worry about it cracking or peeling over time, and the zipper is hidden, for a clean look. 

The Castelli Entrata Bibtight might be an affordable option, but it doesn’t give up much performance to its more expensive counterparts in the right conditions. It’s not the most versatile when the rain arrives, but for a dry-weather rider, it’s a great pick that won’t break the bank.

We felt a sensation of being wrapped into this bib tight, versus having the bib tight stretched over us. This wrapping sensation is exactly what Assos was after when they chose the RX Evo Plus fabric for the Mille GT C2 Bib Tight. According to Assos, this fabric features asymmetrical stretch, which is what allows it to be shaped to wrap the rider’s leg so nicely. Other nice benefits of this fabric are resistance to both abrasion and blanching, which means the black hue of the Mille GT C2 should remain deep and lustrous throughout its service life. This fabric is also supremely versatile, trapping heat close to the skin precisely until sweat vapor begins to develop, at which point the Mille GT C2 is evacuated of any excess heat and any associated moisture. 

The Mille GT C2 pad insert is made up of compressive foam layers that combine to form an 11mm-thick endurance-ready platform. Thermoformed shaping of the pad reduces ridges and irritation, for a buttery smooth feeling that persists throughout long winter rides. The “GoldenGate” stitching pattern anchors the front and back but lets the insert’s body float, allowing the pad to move with your body. This design eliminates the most common point of chafing with pads from other brands, where the groin transitions to the glute. 

Around the waist, the Mille GT C2 features a soft, highly elastic material to improve comfort and hold, minus any pressure or pinching. Again, this sensation of being wrapped into the bib tights can be felt. The waistline is laser cut for a perfectly flat fit against the midsection, helping to prevent the base layer worn below from bunching or irritating the skin. The “X-frame” bib straps limit sag on the lower back panel of the Mille GT C2, stabilizing the insert and main body panel. The straps have plenty of stretch and strength, so they resist wandering along the shoulders and graciously accommodate any riding position.

The Mille GT is better equipped to handle cold and dry conditions than it is wet conditions. While we never had any complaints about riding in them in a light drizzle, we feel there are better options for dealing with the spray coming up from soaking wet roads. So, for the dry-weather cyclist who wants a luxurious and warm bib tight with a top-shelf pad insert, the Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tight C2 is a winning choice.

A big part of the appeal of the MK3 Cargo Bib Tight is storage. 4 pockets in total – one per leg and two at the lower back – can hold more kit than most 3-pocket jerseys or jackets. So, for rides in mild conditions where efficient storage is an important objective, a pair of non-insulated cargo tights might make more sense than cargo bib shorts with thermal leg warmers that will eventually need to be removed and carried. 

A custom Elastic Interface® Space chamois insert is carried over from the MK3 Bib Short and is one of the best pad inserts available. The pad is sewn into a layer of material that floats freely inside the skin of the tights. This means that the pad can stay perfectly in place as you change position on the saddle. The pad stands on its own as a great feature of the MK3 Bib Tights, balancing dense support with supple pliability to always give us the perfect seat from which to pedal happily for long hours. 

The overall fit of the MK3 is excellent and truly shines when out riding, as 7Mesh has placed all the seams away from action points, avoiding the feeling of there being any extra material at all, let alone irritation or chafing. One unusual but intelligent feature is a trimmable hem at the ankle that can be cut with (sharp) scissors to achieve the perfect inseam length. 

The only limitation of the MK3 Cargo Bib Tight is frigid cold or heavy rain. The material simply isn’t suited to either one. So, if riding long distances in mild conditions with cargo is in your future, the 7Mesh MK3 Bib Tight is a great option to consider.

Warmth is provided by the Chrono Expert Thermals’s hi-loft Italian fabric which features a brushed-back facing that holds body heat to create a cozy microclimate next to the skin for good temperature regulation in cold weather. Giro also wisely added wind-resistant material to the central panel that protects your most sensitive areas, along with a DWR coating to fend off rain and road spray. 

Seated comfort is excellent, thanks to the Chrono Expert Thermal’s Renew Series Chamois, a triple density, 13mm thickness pad. Getting in and out of the Chrono Expert Thermal is easy, by utilizing locking zippers at the outer ankle which are smartly oriented at an angle that follows the natural position of the lower leg during the pedal stroke to avoid chafing. Silicone grippers ensure that the leg openings stay locked in place without digging or constricting the ankle’s movement. 

Above the waist, soft and stretchy mesh straps hit the mark for comfort and support while incorporating three rear pockets for discreetly stashing extra food or other small items. The fit of the Chrono Expert Thermal is generally quite good, but we did notice some puckering of the material at the stitching that runs along the medial glute area when standing. Once an aggressive riding position is assumed, the fit becomes more snug in this area. This is a fit issue that affects many tights, and only a few models we tested, all priced over $300, managed to avoid it. 

At $190, we feel the Giro Chrono Expert Thermal is a solid value because of its high level of versatility and for getting the essentials right, such as warmth in the seating area, water resistance, and helpful details like legit rear pockets and angled leg zippers. These are tights we would not hesitate to take out into the worst of the worst weather, or those days when it’s highly unpredictable. So, for riders looking for a single pair of winter tights that can do it all, the Giro Chrono Expert Thermal is a great pick.

The straps are wide and laser-cut, so they lie perfectly flat. Pearl Izumi also designed the straps to allow drop-tail nature breaks should that need arise. We never had to put this design to the test, but we’ve been in that situation on all-day epics before and it’s nice to know it’s there. 

Pearl Izumi added full PI Dry® water-shedding technology to protect from road spray and drizzle. There are also three reflective bars bonded to the fabric on each leg, around the outer calf. The placement of these reflective panels should be effective in helping motorists identify cyclists as they approach. Only time will tell how durable these panels are. Many heat-bonded panels like this end up cracking and peeling, but it’s variable from brand to brand. 

The dual-density Levitate™ Plus chamois provides an excellent balance of dense support and supple pliability, while also wicking away sweat to keep the seating area dry and comfortable. Whenever we stood up to accelerate or shifted position on the saddle in the Expedition Thermal Cycling Bib Tight, the pad stayed perfectly situated beneath our sit bones. 

The pockets use a slightly different design than most, made of a simple sleeve of lycra sewn into the seams. We would like to see a little bit more volume available, but there’s still plenty of space for a phone plus a few small snacks. These pockets are very quick and easy to access and hold items securely over even the bumpiest terrain. Unlike the other cargo bib tights we tested, the Expedition Thermal Cycling Bib Tight does not have additional pockets built into the low back. So, storage is reduced by 50% compared to some competitors. 

The Pearl Izumi Expedition Thermal Cycling Bib Tight is an excellent choice for endurance rides in cold weather, assuming the minimal storage capacity meets your needs. All other facets of this bib tight are top-notch, at a fair price, which is what Pearl Izumi is known for and continues to offer here.

The straps feel a bit grabby at first, but once in the cycling position, they melt away and leave no feeling of bulk between a base layer and jacket. The main fabric is fleece-backed and supremely stretchy, trapping just the right amount of heat against the skin while maintaining a sense of freedom during the pedal stroke. 

Zippered ankles make getting in and out easy, but probably are not necessary, considering the stretch in this fabric. It’s a subjective preference, but since bib tights are put on in the privacy of one’s home and stay on throughout the ride, zippered ankles seem like something that can fail and doesn’t always have a clear benefit. 

Somewhat disappointing in this $240 pair of tights is the lack of any reflective elements visible to motorists approaching from the rear. While a tail light can serve to alert motorists, the more visual cues the better, and this feels like a missed opportunity. 

Putting those two minor gripes aside, riding in the Bodyfit Pro was great. It’s easy to see why Sportful says this bib tight is the choice of so many professional riders on their sponsored teams. Cold windy mornings and damp, mild afternoons were no match for the Bodyfit Pro Bibtight. Keep in mind that there is no water-resistant treatment applied to the Bodyfit Pro Bibtight, so rides on soaked roads or in heavy rainfall could test the limits of its ability to protect and maintain comfort. 

For long rides in dry to damp conditions spanning anywhere from high 30s to low 60s F, the Sportful Bodyfit Pro Bibtight is a winning pick. We wish it were a bit less expensive, but it can likely be found on promotion at a number of retailers.

The DWR treatment is necessary because while Nano flex is indeed flexible, and vents well, the fabric itself doesn’t resist moisture intrusion very well. So, in the areas most vulnerable to road spray, like the lower back and torso, Castelli opted to build the Sorpasso Bibtight with Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric instead. The Xtra Dry type of Nanoflex features a tighter knit on the outside and gets a more robust DWR treatment. 

The sizing of the Sorpasso is in keeping with everything Castelli makes, meaning that it runs a bit small. The actual fit is nicely balanced to accommodate any body type. The only small issue I found related to fit was that the seams around the pelvis could be better reinforced, as I did notice some fabric puckering in this area. 

The Sorpasso Bibtight features Castelli’s top-shelf pad, the Progetto X2 Air Seamless. It’s a dense but cushy pad that moves excess heat and moisture out effectively, so your seating area remains dry and comfortable in any weather or at any intensity level. The pad is integrated perfectly into the structure of the Sorpasso tights so that the transition is smooth and the pad remains stable while flexing with your pedal stroke. 

Reflective accents on the back of the ankle/calf area are a nice touch. The way the reflective strips slant inward looks a bit odd, and if the reflective material were placed higher it would be more effective, as it wouldn’t be concealed by shoe covers, 

The Sorpasso is a great option for long rides, simply because they are so comfortable. Seams are out of the way of the knee joint, the straps are forgotten after a few minutes of riding, and the pad is one of the best available. The combination of Nanoflex, Nanoflex Xtra Dry, and DWR coating enables the Sorpasso RoS Bibtight to transition easily through the spectrum of fall, winter, and spring weather without ever leaving you unprotected or feeling dragged down.