In this article I’m going to give you my list of the best windproof cycling tights worth your money.
There’s quite the price difference between the lower-end and the most expensive ones. And the difference lies in how much protection you want from the elements, especially rain.
All thermal cycling bibs provide protection against wind, not all offer the same protection when riding in wet conditions. And when they do the way they do so differs as well.
The main question then becomes in what conditions you ride. If the chances of rain are high and you don’t see yourself going outside, stick with a pure windstopper and save money.
If you also want the added protection against rain, be sure to check out if the thermal cycling bib offers it. You can find an overview at the end of the article to quickly gauge if this is the gauge.
So with that out of the way, let’s head over to my top picks for the best windproof cycling tights.
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 AmFIB Cycling Bib Tight
If you want to take it up a notch with protective thermal tights, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Cycling Bib Tight has got you covered.
Featuring the same robust PI Dry® finish as the standard thermal bib tight, this one also comes with an added AmFIB® softshell located at the front of the tight. What this does is provide your body with extra protection against the wind, making this a sub-zero alternative.
It also comes with the incredibly comfortable Men’s ELITE Escape 1:1® chamois with gel inserts, which ensures many, many miles without saddle soreness.
The best protection Pearl Izumi offers is a cycling bib tight, with the best seat pad from their range of chamois.
- Very comfortable, top-of-the-range thermal bib tight with softshell front for sub-zero rides
- None
Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lite Bib Tight
Some people prefer their thermal cycling bib without a seat pad, and for those that do, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lite Bib Tight is the best one.
Offering the added protection of the AmFIB softshell with PI Dry® finish, you know it will stay warm with ample protection against wet road conditions and rain.
But it does not offer the Men’s ELITE Escape 1:1® chamois from the other thermal cycling bib. So this one is a top-notch alternative for people who prefer riding in cycling shorts with their favorite chamois.
- Softshell bib tight with wind- and water resistant characteristics without seat pad
- No chamois
Pearl Izumi Men's AmFIB Bib Tight
The Pearl Izumi Men’s AmFIB Bib Tight is a durable, windproof, water-resistant, all-season, high-quality cycling bib for any weather conditions you may find yourself in.
The AmFIB® softshell with PI Dry® finish of the fabric ensures maximum levels of windproofness where it matters and excellent water-shedding capabilities for the entire garment. The PI Dry® treatment is done before creating the yarn that makes the cycling bib, which ensures a far more durable and extensive protection against rain and road spray.
Raw-edge straps with a comfortable back panel and no-zipper, integrated elastic cuffs create a cycling bib with very little seams, which you slip over the cycling bibs with chamois you prefer riding with.
- Very comfortable, top-of-the-range thermal bib tight with softshell front for sub-zero rides
- None
Giordana Men's G-Shield Thermal Bib Tight
The Giordana Men’s G-Shield Thermal Bib Tight is a high-quality premium thermal bib tight that has everything going for it.
First off, the bib tight is almost seamless, drastically lowering the chance of water seeping through. Furthermore the thermal fleece-lined Blizzard™ fabric with Aqua Zero Eco™ is fully water-resistant and windproof, which makes this an all-season option for people who want to ride in cold conditions.
The fabric has an immensely great fit, with varying amounts of thickness to mold the garment around your body and be out of the way when pedaling.
Featuring the 4-layer 11 mm high-end Cirro S chamois, it’s a performance-oriented cycling short that’s actually thinner than their next-in-line 13 mm Cirro chamois, but still packs a pressure relief layer with a waffled texture. This is again pressed onto another thin layer with open cell padded elements for the ultimate pressure relief where it’s necessary.
Probably The best-of-the-best Giordana has to offer in the water-resistant bib tight department.
- Fantastic, fleece-lined, water-resistant big tight
- 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
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 Sorpasso Ros Wind Bibtight
If the standard Sorpasso Ros doesn’t do the job for you, the Castelli Sorpasso Ros Wind Bibtight probably will.
Instead of the Nano Flex fabric it uses GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® X-Fast for frontal protection against the cold, making it the best-insulated thermal cycling bib in Castelli’s lineup up to a temperature of 23°F (-5°C), which feels about right.
It offers the same high-quality Progetto X2 Air chamois, which is the best seat pad they have to offer.
This premium thermal cycling bib will prove its money’s worth for die-hard cyclists who shy away from nothing.
- GORE-TEX insulated bib tight with the best seat pad available for the very worst conditions
- None
Castelli Entrata Wind Bibtight
The Castelli Entrata Wind Bibtight is the first entry in their lineup that promises to be almost completely windproof.
While their most expensive deep winter tights offer GORE-TEX in the front, this bib tight does so with AirFlex windproof fabric. It still offers the same splash and rain protection in the back in the form of the application of Nano Flex 3G water-repellent material.
What this means is that you get a winter-ready thermal tight which will keep you warm and dry that’s a bit more affordable than the most expensive tights out there.
A KISS Air2 is the seat pad of choice for this tight, and if you don’t know already, it’s an anatomically shaped dual-density layer, which provides the right kind of support in areas where more pressure is applied.
- Affordable mid-tier wind- and splash proof bib tight for those who want to lengthen their riding season
- None
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 Polare 3 Bibtight
If you’re looking for the best-insulated, warmest, most windproof thermal cycling bib in Castelli’s lineup, the Castelli Polare 3 Bibtight is one to consider.
The entire front is made from GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® X-Fast, ensuring wind-chill is virtually non-existent, while breathability remains at a maximum. Furthermore this fabric also has great water-resistant capabilities, which is further enhanced by the Nano Flex 3G material placed on the back and lower legs. Nano Flex 3G is Castelli’s proprietary way of making their thermal bibs water-resistant.
The KISS Air2 pad sits just below their most expensive Progetto X2 Air one. This means that you get all the bells and whistles of that more premium one except for the silicone pads, which will prove to be more than adequate to keep you riding comfortably for many miles.
Camlock zippers at the hems, reflective elements, and stretch straps with a mesh back panel finish this high-quality design for people that like their winter riding in subzero temperatures.
- Best insulated, windproof thermal cycling bib
- None
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
Gore C3 GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Bib Tights+
The Gore C3 GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Bib Tights+ are well-designed thermal cycling bibs made from the company’s well-known fabric.
As is clear from its name, it’s entirely made from GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabric, which is the latest and greatest the company has to offer. It promises increased moisture-wicking characteristics, while still being fully windproof and highly water-resistant.
The ACTIVE Comfort seat pad is perfectly comfortable, though I would have loved to see a more high-end chamois. It does have the Gore WINDSTOPPER® cup to prevent this delicate area from freezing.
The cycling bib is very easy to put on with zippers everywhere. And I simply love the adjustable straps which enable you to create the perfect fit around the shoulders.
There’s no denying the quality of the Gore Windstopper fabric, which is proven by the fact that it’s used by dozens of other brands. So if you want to go all out with Gore Windstopper fabric in your cycling tights, there’s no other option in the market than this one.
- Fully decked out GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER bib tight
- Seat pad is too lightweight for the type of bib tights
Gore C7 Partial GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Pro Bib Tights+
The Gore C7 Partial GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Pro Bib Tights+ is the more performance oriented brother of the C3.
With these tights the GORE® WINDSTOPPER® has been moved to the front only, which makes for a more snug and comfortable fit at the expense of a bit of protection where it least matters. It improves the freedom of movement associated with these tights.
The EXPERT Road chamois is Gore’s best chamois made from fast-drying and moisture-wicking fabric, and also features the GORE® WINDSTOPPER® cup.
- Performance-oriented bib tight comfortable chamois, and GORE-TEX where it matters
- 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 windproof cycling tights
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 AmFIB Cycling Bib Tight | 200 USD | Men’s ELITE Escape 1:1® | raw-edge straps w. back panel | AmFIB softshell w. PI Dry®® finish | integrated elastic | dual rear side-entry pockets | |
Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lite Bib Tight | 150 USD | none | raw-edge straps w. back panel | AmFIB softshell w. PI Dry®® finish | integrated elastic | none | |
Pearl Izumi Men’s AmFIB Bib Tight | 175 USD | none | raw-edge straps w. back panel | AmFIB softshell w. PI Dry®® finish | integrated elastic | dual rear side-entry pockets | |
Giordana Men’s G-Shield Thermal Bib Tight | 225 USD | Cirro S | straps w. back panel | Blizzard™ fabric w. Acqua Zero Eco finish | stretch opening | none | |
Giordana Men’s SilverLine Thermal Bib Tight | 170 USD | Cirro | straps w. back panel | 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 Sorpasso Ros Wind Bibtight | 260 USD | Progetto X2 Air | lie-flat straps w. mesh back panel | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® X-Fast w. Nano Flex 3G back | YKK® Camlock® zippers | none | |
Castelli Entrata Wind Bibtight | 200 USD | KISS Air2 | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | AirFlex windproof fabric w. Nano Flex 3G back | 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 Polare 3 Bibtight | 210 USD | KISS Air2 | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® X-Fast w. Nano Flex 3G back | 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 | |
Gore C3 GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Bib Tights+ | 200 USD | ACTIVE Comfort | adjustable bib straps w. back panel | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® | YKK® Camlock® zippers | none | |
Gore C7 Partial GORE® WINDSTOPPER® Pro Bib Tights+ | 220 USD | EXPERT Road | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® | 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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