In this article I’m going to give you a list of the best bib tights for cold weather cycling.
There are a number of things to consider when picking thermal tights. The first one would be whether or not you want tights with chamois. If you already have a pair of cycling shorts which are perfect for you, you might opt for such a tight pair. They are cheaper and can be used for cold outdoor activities, not just cycling. The downside is that there are far less options to choose from.
Next is the type of cycling garment. Most thermal tights have straps. These are called bib tights. A smaller number are strapless and are just called tights or thermal tights. Less material means cheaper to produce, and some simply prefer not having to deal with straps. Bib tights offer more protection though, which is the reason that the majority come in this shape.
The last one is the amount of protection against the elements. Is being windproof enough, or do you also want water-resistance? Water resistant bib tights lean more towards colder, sub-zero temperatures, and the added technology makes them more expensive to make as well.
Because there are so many things to keep in mind, I’ve created an overview at the end of the article where you can compare products side-by-side.
Let’s head over to my list of the best bib tights for cold weather.
Pearl Izumi Men's Thermal Cycling Bib Tight
The Pearl Izumi Men’s Thermal Cycling Bib Tight is a very comfortable thermal cycling tight.
Made from recycled nylon the fabric is infused with Pearl Izumi’s PI Dry® finish. Since the finish is applied before the garment is created, it creates an extremely robust layer that’s highly water-resistant.
The thermal bib tight also features their top-of-the-line Men’s ELITE Escape 1:1® chamois. Not only offers this seat pad ample comfort in the form of a multi-layered, dual density chamois, extra gel inserts have been added which reduces pressure in a male-anatomy specific layer as well.
The cuffs are finished with integrated elastic, and the overall almost seamless design has raw-edge straps and a wide back panel.
It’s an all-round great all-season option that provides ample protection against the elements in cold conditions.
- Water resistant, all season bib tight with comfortable chamois
- None
Pearl Izumi Thermal Tight
The Pearl Izumi Thermal Tight is a no chamois fleece-insulated cycling tight designed for 3-season riding.
Pearl Izumi uses a PI Dry®® technology to make their tights’ fabric water resistant. The benefits of this technology is that it combines good breathability properties with excellent long-lasting water resistance characteristics.
Because of the fact that this is an insulated tight they are not only perfect for less than ideal wet riding conditions, but also for your body to remain at a more optimal temperature.
The lack of both straps and chamois means they are more flexible than just for cycling, but appropriate for outdoor activities in general. And if your favorite cycling shorts are not from the Pearl Izumi lineup, you can obviously use them for all-season riding.
- All season tight usable on and off the bike
- No chamois
Giordana Men's FR-C Pro Thermal Bib Tight
The Giordana Men’s FR-C Pro Thermal Bib Tight is a premium cold-weather bib tight.
It has the Cirro S chamois used in their products that need to produce the best results for their riders. In this case, a 4 layer dual-density seat pad.
The tight is made from Super Roubaix fleece-lined fabric, which is a windproof, super-soft, synthetic compression fabric.
It’s the best windproof thermal tight in Giordana’s lineup, and probably one of the most comfortable in the market altogether.
- Extremely comfortable, windproof thermal tight for all-season endurance riding
- None
Giordana Men's FR-C Pro Thermal Tight
The Giordana Men’s FR-C Pro Thermal Tight is the strapless version of this popular thermal tight.
Featuring the same Cirro S seat pad, and made from the same windproof Super Roubaix fabric.
- Strapless version of one of the most comfortable thermal tights on the market
- None
Giordana Men's SilverLine Thermal Bib Tight
The Silverline bibs are popular products among Giordana’s lineup, and the Giordana Men’s SilverLine Thermal Bib Tight is the one to keep you warm in chilly wind conditions.
Made from lightweight and stretchy Vuelta™ fabric, which is a thermal insulator, providing excellent windproof characteristics.
Featuring the Cirro chamois, which has an Aloe Vera infused layer that prevents bacteria build-up and offers cooling factors, and is sewn atop a tick 8mm. layer of memory foam. This open waffle-textured layer offers excellent moisture-wicking and ventilation properties.
Look for the G-Shield version if you also want to be able to ride in the rain, if not, this one will keep you warm.
- Lightweight, thermal bib tight to extend your riding season
- Not water-resistant
Giordana Men's SilverLine Thermal Tight
The Giordana Men’s SilverLine Thermal Tight is the strapless version of this popular thermal tight.
Featuring the same Cirro seat pad, and made from the same lightweight Vuelta fabric.
- Strapless version of the Silverline bib tight
- Not water-resistant
Castelli Sorpasso Ros Bibtight
The Castelli Sorpasso Ros Bibtight is a water-resistant state-of-the-art thermal bib tight.
Castelli’s water resistant fabric is called Nano Flex. With its fleece lining it will keep you both dry and warm. The front uses a tighter-knitted Nano Flex Xtra Dry. It’s an area where added protection against rain is most needed.
The thermal cycling bib offers Castelli’s best Progetto X2 Air chamois. Male specific pressure points are more supported with an added layer of perforated padding, besides a skin layer, and dual density foam layer. This means a further reduction of saddle soreness when riding for many hours.
With a smart design around the hips and knees the cycling bib offers enough freedom of movement to not be restrictive while pedaling in sub-zero conditions up to 28°F (-2°C).
- All the protection and comfort you'll ever need for long distance touring in sub-zero conditions
- None
Castelli Entrata Bibtight
The Castelli Entrata Bibtight is the version with straps of this cold weather favorite of mine.
It has the same KISS Air2 seat pad for excellent comfort, and the mesh straps w. mesh back panel are made from lightweight material.
The tight itself is made from durable Thermoflex fabric, which is perfect for chilly temperatures, which are still above zero.
- Solid allround cold weather bib tight
- Meant for cold, not freezing temperatures
Castelli Velocissimo 5 Bibtight
The Castelli Velocissimo 5 Bibtight is a cold-weather windproof riding companion for chilly temperatures that don’t dip below zero.
The thermal cycling bib is made from windproof, but not water-resistant Thermoflex material, but Castelli has added water-repellent Nano Flex fabric at the lower legs. This means that they don’t get soaked from spray coming off the wheels, or at least the risk of that happening is significantly reduced.
The KISS Air2 is a multi-density, multi-layered seat pad with a very soft finish that can move independently from the tight to prevent chafing. It keeps you comfortable for long rides and helps to make this thermal bib a very affordable windproof option to extend your cycling season.
It’s the first thermal cycling tight you pick when you ditch your shorts because of the temperature dropping outside.
- Windproof bib tight with water-repellant finish and mid-level seat pad
- None
Castelli Entrata Tight No Pad
The Castelli Entrata Tight No Pad is exactly as the name implies: a cold weather cycling tight without chamois.
Made from Thermoflex fabric, it’s a great way to get an affordable entry into cycling beyond hot summer days from the reputable Italian manufacturer.
Since Thermoflex is not water-resistant, these tights are definitely meant for chilly and cold rides when it’s dry. They do still offer decent protection for cold should they get wet though.
Since it’s a cycling tight, not a bib, you can use it for more than cycling, as well as wearing it over your favorite cycling shorts.
So if you want to extend your riding beyond the summer season, but don’t like to ride in the rain, these thermal tights are your go-to solution.
- Solid allround cold weather bib tight
- Meant for cold, not freezing temperatures. No chamois
Castelli Entrata Tight
The Castelli Entrata Tight has the exact same properties as the tight without chamois. except of course this one can be used without another cycling short.
The chamois featured in this tight is the KISS Air2 seat pad, which is a dual-density, multi-layered, anatomically shaped one, ensuring many miles of comfortable riding. This time in chilly and cold temperatures as well.
Again keep in mind that the tight is not made from water resistant fabric, but it’s main goal is to keep the body warm with fleece trimmed Thermoflex fabric.
It’s a solid product from Castelli which does what it set out to do with verve. So as long as you want comfortable riding in the off season but still don’t like riding in the rain, make sure to keep this one in mind.
- Solid allround cold weather tight
- Meant for cold, not freezing temperatures. No chamois
Castelli Tutto Nano Bibtight
The Castelli Tutto Nano Bibtight is a moderately insulated, cold-weather cycling bib.
The thermal cycling bib is made from Castelli’s proprietary Nano Flex 3G fabric. While not totally waterproof, it provides more than enough water-resistant protection.
It features the KISS Air2, which means a soft skin layer is seamlessly welded to a male oriented dual-density layer, with an anatomical shape.
The tight has mesh straps and a large back panel, with zippered hems. And naturally, Castelli has kept the seams to a minimum to reduce the chance of rain seeping in.
A perfect addition for anyone looking to extend their riding season.
- Moderately insulated, cold-weather bib tight
- None
Gore C3 3/4 Bib Tights+
The Gore C3 3/4 Bib Tights+ are the only non-full length thermal tights I could find, which definitely make them stand out from the crowd.
So why would you use these tights? Well basically they are meant for cold weather rides where you’d normally put on some knee warmers, which kind of makes this a 2-in-1 product.
The tights made from GORE® Selected Fabrics promise warmth from 5 degrees upwards, but will not keep you dry should you find yourself in a sudden downpour.
Considering the fact that the bib tight comes with the ACTIVE Comfort seat pad, and is priced friendly enough, they are best for people who’d normally shy away from riding because it’s getting too cold. The Windstopper cup in the pad is an added bonus to keep your groin from freezing.
If you plan on doing plenty of rides in all seasons, I’d opt for a more traditional full-coverage bib tight.
- Cold-weather 3/4 bib tights with entry-level chamois
- Very niche specific tights
Gore C3 Thermo Bib Tights+
If you feel like you want that last bit of coverage on the lower leg opt for Gore C3 Thermo Tights+ instead, which is a traditional bib tight for cold weather riding.
Featuring the same ACTIVE Comfort single-layer seat pad and GORE® Selected Fabrics material. The only obvious difference is that the legs fully extend to the ankles and there’s a mesh back panel with straps attached to the tight.
This tight is made to keep you warm, not keep you dry. Although there is a water-resistant panel in the rear to save your behind from getting soaked with road spray. And as far as keeping your body warm, the tights do an excellent job, as long as the temperature is a couple degrees above freezing temperature.
An excellent, moderately priced thermal cycling tight for sunny autumn and spring rides.
- Excellent, moderately priced thermal tight to extend your season
- None
POC Thermal VPDS Bib Tights
The POC Thermal VPDS Bib Tights is the brand’s best all-weather option.
Made from water-resistant and windproof fabric the front has a higher torso action for more protection. They are easy enough to pull on, which is a chore with some other brands. But it does come at a cost of a relatively loose fit in some places.
The Swedish brand offers cycling tights with silicone inserted chamois meant for long distance riding. The inserts are cleverly located to relieve pressure for a male specific anatomy, and sit seamlessly atop a perforated base layer.
They’re not cheap, but they are incredibly comfortable and feature one of the best chamois in the market in a thermal tight.
- Very comfortable thermal tight with higher front for increased protection against the elements
- None
POC Essential Road Thermal Tights
The POC Essential Road Thermal Tights are thin cool weather cycling tights.
With a DWR treatment the tights are made to be both windproof and water-resistant in the front. They are not the thickest thermal tights you’ll find, so when the temperature goes to zero you’ll need more protection by adding adequate base layers.
It does mean that with a snug fit, these thermal tights on their own are perfect for chilly temperatures in late summer, early autumn, and spring. Although POC claims these tights are made for any weather, the finish is not water resistant enough to withstand heavy rain. But they will protect you against a quick shower and road spray.
The rear mesh holds a pocket, which sits below a mesh panel attached to comfy straps. Zipless stretchy cuffs keep the tights in place.
- Cool weather thermal tights to extend the season
- None
Specifications bib tights for cold weather
Name | Price | Chamois | Straps | Material | Hems | Pockets | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearl Izumi Men’s Thermal Cycling Bib Tight | 175 USD | Men’s ELITE Escape 1:1® | raw-edge straps w. back panel | Recycled nylon w. PI Dry®® finish | integrated elastic | none | |
Pearl Izumi Thermal Tight | 125 USD | none | none | Recycled nylon w. PI Dry®® finish | integrated elastic | none | |
Giordana Men’s FR-C Pro Thermal Bib Tight | 225 USD | Cirro S | straps w. back panel | Super Roubaix | stretch opening | none | |
Giordana Men’s FR-C Pro Thermal Tight | 210 USD | Cirro S | none | Super Roubaix | stretch opening | none | |
Giordana Men’s SilverLine Thermal Bib Tight | 170 USD | Cirro | straps w. back panel | Vuelta™ fabric | stretch opening | none | |
Giordana Men’s SilverLine Thermal Tight | 155 USD | Cirro | none | Vuelta™ fabric | stretch opening | none | |
Castelli Sorpasso Ros Bibtight | 240 USD | Progetto X2 Air | lie-flat straps w. mesh back panel | Nano Flex Xtra Dry front w. Nano Flex 3G fabric | YKK® Camlock® zippers | none | |
Castelli Entrata Bibtight | 130 USD | KISS Air2 | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | Thermoflex fabric | YKK® Camlock® zippers | none | |
Castelli Velocissimo 5 Bibtight | 150 USD | KISS Air2 | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | Thermoflex w. Nano Flex stretch-woven lower leg | integrated elastic | none | |
Castelli Entrata Tight No Pad | 100 USD | none | none | Thermoflex fabric | YKK® Camlock® zippers | none | |
Castelli Entrata Tight | 115 USD | KISS Air2 | none | Thermoflex fabric | YKK® Camlock® zippers | none | |
Castelli Tutto Nano Bibtight | 180 USD | KISS Air2 | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | Nano Flex 3G fabric | YKK® Camlock® zippers | none | |
Gore C3 3/4 Bib Tights+ | 100 USD | ACTIVE Comfort | straps w. mesh back panel | GORE® Selected Fabrics | Grip elastic | none | |
Gore C3 Thermo Bib Tights+ | 120 USD | ACTIVE Comfort | straps w. mesh back panel | GORE® Selected Fabrics | Grip elastic | none | |
POC Thermal VPDS Bib Tights | 250 euros | VPDS Multi D | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | Windproof and water-resistant material | Grip elastic | none | |
POC Essential Road Thermal Tights | 250 euros | none | straps w. back panel | Windproof and water-resistant material | Grip elastic | pocket in the rear mesh |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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Thermal