The best winter bib tights will keep you feeling warm and comfortable on the bike if you're cycling in cold and wet winter weather. As we head into autumn and winter the best cycling shorts and best leg warmers do a great job of keeping you warm, but a pair of quality full-length bib tights achieve a better all-around level of winter protection and comfort.
I've tested all of these bib tights in a range of weather, including some especially bleak and wet winter rides. There is a broad range to choose from here, some are heavierweight full winter options best suited to cold weather whilst others are thinner, lighterweight pairs that are a bit more versatile. The best overall spot goes to the Rapha Pro Team Winter tights for their versatility and protection. For the absolute maximum in quality, deep winter protection look to the Nalini Ergo X Warm bib tights.
Explore this buyer's guide for an in-depth look at our top bib tight picks for winter cycling. Read the how-to-buy section which has a lot of useful buying advice as well. If you are overhauling your winter wardrobe have a look at the best winter cycling shoes and best cycling overshoes to go with them.
The Rapha Pro Team Winter tights are thick heavy-duty winter tights that bring classic Rapha styling into the mix. A great mix of style, warmth and comfort.
The Eargo X Warm is Nalini's warmest bib tight. They offer fantastic protection whilst still being very comfortable to wear. There are magnetic detachable braces and a high chest and back section.
The Sportful Fiandre NoRain tights are a lighter-weight pair of bib tights with a water-repellant coating. They will keep lighter showers and spray at bay nicely.
Want a winter bib tight, but want some extra storage? The POC Thermal Cargo tights have two cargo pockets on the thighs as well as being very nice winter tights.
I've been testing bib tights for Cyclingnews for over two years now and have been cycling on the road for over two decades.
I test each pair of bib tights for comfort and fit not to mention across all of the types of riding that potential buyers may do, easy spins, long endurance rides and hard, intense riding.
I pride myself on testing kit like the rest of the Cyclingnews tech team and head out in the rain and cold when needed to test products properly to provide the best possible advice.
Recent updates
Last updated: 24th of October 2024 This guide was overhauled for autumn and winter 2024/2025 and streamlined to make it a real best-of-the-best selection. More imagery has been added as well as handy 'buy it if' advice boxes. I have also added an 'Also tested' section to explain what else we have tested and why it may not have made the guide.
Best winter bib tights available today
Best overall
Image 1 of 4
The Pro Team Winter tights are excellent winter all rounders(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
Logo's have stayed perfect after over a year of testing (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
One side is white, the opposite grey (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
And there are horizontal white dashes on the calves for visibility (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The 4cm+ wide bib straps are stretchy and comfortably
+
Warm and cosy in cold weather
Reasons to avoid
-
Odd logo colours on the thighs
Buy it if
✅ You want a pair of heavy duty winter bib tights to cover you for all sorts of riding all winter
Don't buy it if
❌ You tend to run a bit hotter, and prefer a lighter pair of bib tights or even shorts and leg warmers
❌ You don't ride outdoors too much in winter and want to spend a little less
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 but without being super tight.
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 snug and warm which I really like and the finish looks similar to snug Polartec power grid fleece that is also featured in the Rapha Pro Team base layer.
Some additional stylish features from Rapha that stand out for me are the quality bib straps 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. None of the branding or logos have cracked or degraded at all in over a year of use and many washes. 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. Part of the reason they take the best overall spot is their versatility, they strike an excellent balance between being warm and protective enough for some very grim rides but light enough so that you can wear them in milder conditions and don't feel too hot. If you want a pair of quality winter tights that do everything they will fit the bill.
Best budget
Image 1 of 4
The RCR Sport Winter tights are a great buy for the money (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The wide mesh straps are well executed(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
There are a few simple Van Rysel wordmarks but no major branding(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The reflective strips aren't the tidiest, but do their job well (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
✅ You want some capable, warm bib tights that don't cost too much
✅ You wear taller cut overshoes, the ankle sections on the tights will pair well with them
Don't buy it if
❌ You value more premium finishing or design touches, the reflective details on the calves aren't super neat
The RCR bib tights from Van Rysel take the best budget spot in the guide. They are an affordable pair of bib tights that do a lot of things well. If you want to spend less on your bib tights this winter, these Van Rysel ones are a great option.
Part of the reason the the tights take the best budget award is because they offer a little more protection than just a basic pair of fleecy tights. They carry a little more weight and offer better protection from the elements thanks to a wind and waterproof membrane on some of the leg panels. Which did a decent job for me on a wet and rainy ride. Overall they will give you just a little bit more bang for your buck.
I've been impressed with the tights fit, cut and overall comfort they do punch well above their weight. The only negative for me is the reflective strips on the front of the lower legs which aren't particularly neat and stick out a little, it doesn't affect comfort it just could be neater. Don't worry, if it really looked terrible or caused an issue, the tights wouldn't make the guide.
The tights are also available in an 'embossed' version which is no different design-wise, but the material colours and finishing are broken up slightly, it's just a different finish.
Best heavy duty protection
Image 1 of 4
The Ergo X Warm tights offer solid winter protection(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
Chest coverage is really solid and the magnetic straps work well (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
There's a lot of back coverage too which helps insulate you from the cold(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
Large reflective panels on the rear of the calves help in low light (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
3. Nalini Ergo X Warm bib tights
The best heavy duty cold weather protection
Specifications
Chamois : Yes
Ankle Zipper: No
Reflective details : Yes - large calf sections
Weight: 432g - Small
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent fit and cut
+
The high chest and back section adds warmth
+
Easy to put on
Reasons to avoid
-
Large reflective calf panels may not be for everyone
Buy it if
✅ You want some comfortable deep winter bib tights
✅ Your focus is warmth, these are really snug
Don't buy it if
❌ You want lighter tights for hard training or racing
The Nalini Ergo X Warm bib tights have been one of the top pairs of tights I've tested over the past couple of winters and bring lots of heavy-duty winter warmth to the table. If you feel the cold or just want the warmest tights, then look this way.
Nalini has been making cycling kit for decades and the Ergo X Warm are the brand's heaviest-duty offering. I did a horrible three-hour ride where it rained constantly in the tights. 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, 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 torso for maximum coverage. This is going to add a lot of extra warmth on long, winter rides. The back and chest panels are a lot higher than the Rapha Pro Team tights above. In spite of their heavier weight, the tights are very comfortable and very well tailored meaning you don't feel restricted on the bike which isn't always the case.
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 style
Image 1 of 4
The Pro Team Lightweight tights are sleek and stylish(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The neat ankle cuffs look smart and tidy (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
There are a couple of small reflective tab on the rear, and large Rapha thigh logos (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
Minimal back coverage, the white bib straps blend in well with thinner jerseys (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
✅ You want a lightweight and stylish pair of tights for spring and autumn
✅ You do lots of harder, intense rides in cold weather where you can get away with wearing a bit less
Don't buy it if
❌ Your just looking for warmth and protection, there are tights better suited to that than these
The Rapha Pro Team Lightweight tights (formerly named the training tights) are some of my favourite bib tights in the right conditions.
The tights are lightweight and incredibly comfortable due to their thin material. There's zero bunching or tight spots behind the knee and they are very comfy tights to wear. They aren't warm enough for the depths of winter, for that you will probably want a heavier weight tight, depending on what you are doing but for spring, autumn and milder winter rides they are incredibly comfortable and warmer than they look.
The exception to this advice would be if you are riding harder, racing or working at a higher intensity and can wear a lighter pair of tights due to the heat you generate, which I sometimes do as well.
They are available in two different colour options and their classy styling looks fantastic, I like the navy option pictured and like the Rapha Pro Team bib tights above, use a size-specific Pro Team chamois.
The Fiandre tights deal with spray and light showers well (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
A mesh back panel helps heat escape and the tights are probably better suited to warmer conditions (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
You also get the classic red Fiandre range stripe on one thigh(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
5. Sportful Fiandre NoRain
Best for rain and light showers
Specifications
Chamois: Yes
Ankle Zipper: No
Reflective details: Yes
Weight: 248g - Small
Reasons to buy
+
Good spray and light rain protection
+
The consistent styling matches the rest of the Fiandre range well
+
Light weight suited well to hard riding or racing
Reasons to avoid
-
Reflective Sportful badges do fade and peel somewhat over time
Buy it if
✅ You want a lightweight option that will protect you from light showers and road spray well
Don't buy it if
❌ You want full waterproof protection, the Fiandre's are overwhelmed in heavy rain
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 DWR (durable water repellant) treatment, it does a solid job at repelling rain and road spray and you will see water bead and fail to penetrate the material.
The bib tights are a little bit more specific and are really best suited to spray and light rain in warmer temperatures. Water beads on the fabric well, but won't stand up to a prolonged soaking or heavy rain and will wet out once overwhelmed. Think early season or race protection where you want to be fast on the bike but still benefit from some protection.
The No Rain range from Sportful is fairly comprehensive and a lot of it matches which is nice, you can read our review on the accompanying NoRain jersey here.
The Fiandre tights have received an update recently, we are yet to test the latest version but will update this listing when we do.
Best cargo bib tights
Image 1 of 4
The POC Thermal Cargo tights are fleece lined and have a slightly more relaxed cut (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
There's a good sizes cargo pocket on the outside of each quad(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
And even a hanging loop, should you need it (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The left leg has a large and very reflective panel (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
✅ You use cargo bibs or tights already and like the additional storage space
✅ You still want some capable deep winter tights, and pockets aside these are very nice tights
Don't buy it if
❌ It seems obvious but if pockets on your legs aren't for you, perhaps steer clear
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.
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 for fast winter riding
Image 1 of 4
The Race bibs are stylish and perfect for fast and light winter riding (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
Aero fleece lined material on the rear of the calves(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
There isn't too much back and chest coverage so you don't overheat(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
The bibstraps and ankle cuffs are very comfortable and stretchy (Image credit: Tom Wieckowski )
7. Attaquer Race winter bib longs
Best for riding hard or racing in cold temperatures
Specifications
Chamois : Yes
Ankle zipper: No
Reflective details : No
Weight: 258g - small
Reasons to buy
+
Lightweight and comfortable
+
Very comfortable, stretchy bib straps
+
Still provide good warmth
Reasons to avoid
-
Extra logo's may be overkill for some
Buy it if
✅ You want some light, comfortable bib tights for hard riding or racing when you want to feel fast
Don't buy it if
❌ You only want one pair of winter all rounders, these are a more specific pair of tights and aren't the cheapest
The Attaquer race bib longs are a more lightweight pair of bib tights designed specifically for hard efforts or more intense riding in the cold when you want to feel light and fast on the bike and can get away with a little less bulk, thanks in part to the heat you generate. They are very comfortable, you can of course just use them for slightly warmer weather or if you just prefer a lighter weight tight.
I've gotten on very well with these bib tights for the best part of a year and they are perfect for my local Saturday morning ride in autumn and winter which is hard and where I want to feel quick on the bike and wear a bit less.
The Race bib tights feature thin, fleece-lined panels and the back of the calves feature a thinner lightly fleece-lined material Attaquer calls Thermal Speed Fleece, it's an aero-style fabric. We aren't taking these bib tights to the wind tunnel any time soon, but it's certainly comfortable, stretchy and lightweight.
The bib straps themselves are also a highlight for me, they are wide and very stretchy, easily some of the comfiest I've used, and the leg cuffs are made from the same material. There are a few Attaquer logos dotted around the tights, on the rear of the thighs etc, so if you like a really plain bib tight they may not be for you. A women's specific chamois version of the tights is also available.
They are on the more expensive side of the spectrum. I'd say if you're going hard or just want something light, stretchy and comfortable check them out.
Also tested
The bib tights that I have selected for this guide make up a best-of-the-best group. I've tested over twenty pairs of bib tights over the last few months, all had pro's and con's but this section goes into a little more detail on what I tested and why some pairs of bib tights came out on top against similar options.
I'll start with our best overall option the Rapha Pro Team Winter bib tights. These tights are very similar to the MAAP Apex winter bib tights and the two are certainly close competitors. Both are similar in weight and warmth and use Polartec Power Grid-backed material on several panels. The Pro Team Winter tights edged out the MAAP option because they cost slightly less, are a bit easier to put on provide a more comfortable feeling and fit at the rear of the knee. But both are similar bib tights and the Apex tights are also very capable.
The Van Rysel RCR bib tights edge out the Galibier Energie 2 bib tights for the best budget spot for this winter. The finishing and overall style are a little better for me than the Galibier's and they offer a bit more winter protection thanks to panels having a DWR coating and being a bit thicker. They don't have a cargo pocket like the Energie 2 but this isn't really a deal breaker for me.
The Assos Mille GT Ultraz bib tights are also a great option for winter and have a slightly more relaxed cut. For me though, the Nalini Ergo X Warm tights offer the same if not more winter protection and coverage, but can be found for less cash. They are also incredibly comfortable and well-fitting.
How to choose
When it comes to shopping for bib tights my advice would be to invest in a heavy-weight pair of bib tights if you plan on doing a lot of winter cycling in the cold. If you tend to ride at lower intensities or generally feel the cold more, then definitely head in this direction. 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.
Some riders prefer a lighter weight or thinner pair of tights, sometimes they can feel a little bit less restrictive. If this is you, or you tend to ride at higher intensities on hard winter rides or tend to run a little bit warmer, then a thinner, lighter pair of bib tights might be a better buy.
At what temperature should I start wearing cycling bib tights?
There are no rules here, try wearing your bib tights in different temperatures and see what works for you.
Some thinner bib tights can be worn between 10C/50F and 15C/59F. And we've all seen professional riders, particularly in Europe wearing bib tights when the rest of us would be in shorts and jersey.
If you feel the cold a bit more and want to stay warm, just head out in your bib tights. You will quickly gauge what temperatures and conditions are comfortable for you to wear them in. A lightweight pair of bib tights may be really comfortable on a windy, cool autumn day. It is worth mentioning it's a good idea to keep bare legs covered if it's starting to get chilly.
Socks over or under my tights?
I'll weigh in here and join this popular debate. Your bib tights should go over your socks. You wouldn't walk around with your socks over your jeans, would you? It looks a lot cleaner and tidier.
What's best for cycling, waist tights or bib tights?
Just like standard shorts are available in waist or bib style, so are winter tights. We prefer the latter because they're less likely to ride down as you ride, nor do they require elastic around your waist. Beyond just holding the tights in place, the knock-on advantage of bibs is the straps allow the insulating fabric to come up over your stomach and back to keep your core warm. Also if you ride in tights without bibs and the tights the ride down, a gap exposing bare flesh between the hem of your jacket and the tight waistband is a surefire way to get cold.
How much insulation do my bib tights need?
Most bib tights will be made from what’s commonly referred to as Roubaix fabrics, similar to what your arm and leg warmers are likely made from. This fabric comes in different weights and has a brushed interior for on-skin comfort and to trap some heat.
It's probably a statement of the obvious, but the thicker this material, the warmer your bib tights are likely to be and to make it easier to comprehend, almost all brands stipulate a recommended temperature range for their bib tights. Match this temperature range with the conditions you're likely to ride in most often to find the right material weight for you.
Should I buy bib tights with or without a chamois pad?
The age-old question is whether or not they should have a chamois. It seems that brands are generally moving towards bib tights with chamois. The argument for with-chamois is that you’re wearing fewer things and there are fewer grippers, seams and changes in fabric to rub, chafe, bunch, or cause other discomforts.
However, if you go chamois-free, you can wear your summer bib shorts beneath, which means, in addition to the second layer of insulating material, your tights don't need to be washed after every use (assuming they don't get caked in mud, of course), and you can cycle your bib shorts through the washing machine instead. This can be cheaper, as you don't need to invest in quite so many pairs of bib tights. If you really get on with a particular chamois and pair of shorts this could also be a good solution to keep riding in comfort.
Should I buy bib tights with zippers?
Many bib tights will have zippers at the ankles and some at the stomach. These are simply to assist with getting the bib tights on and off — which they do.
Real-world, most cyclists are probably going to be fine with or without zippers when shopping and wearing bib tights and it probably won't influence your buying decision too much. Perhaps if you're commuting on dark winter mornings then zippered ankles may help save you a few precious seconds in the race to get out the door.
How we test
I have inspected, weighed and photographed all of the bib tights in this guide. Following up with specific technical questions to manufacturers where needed.
I've then kitted up and gone riding in them in a range of conditions temperatures and kit combinations to see what they are all about. Drop me an email if you have any questions.
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Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
