Just when you were wondering if the autumn leaves would ever turn, the sky has transformed into its winter colors before we knew it; it’s about time to start considering some serious deep-winter gear, isn't it?
The Pearl Izumi USA tops I introduced the other day are exactly the kind of items that are going to be indispensable from here on out.
In addition, we’ve received plenty of items from Pissei, Rapha, and ASSOS, but today I'd like to introduce our bib tights.
The lower body is easy to ignore when it comes to cold, so it tends to get put on the back burner, doesn't it? But since it's the part that does the most work when riding a bike, enduring the cold and ending up with knee pain is nonsense. Let’s get our cold-weather gear sorted and enjoy comfortable winter rides!
(Please forgive me for exposing my unsightly body.)
First up is Pearl Izumi USA, whose tops I introduced the other day.
Their lineup of bib tights offers outstanding cost-performance, and I highly recommend them for a wide range of cyclists, from those spending their first winter riding to those looking for a replacement.
Pearl Izumi USA
Elite Thermal Barrier Cycling Bib Tight ¥15,750_
Elite Thermal Barrier Bib Tight (without Pad) ¥13,440_
These are orthodox bib tights that use highly stretchable thermal material.
However, the material on the knees—which are most susceptible to cold wind and are the last place you want to chill while pedaling—has been changed to a windproof fabric.
The abdominal and gluteal areas use a soft-shell material with even higher windproof and abrasion-resistant properties, making these bib tights functional enough to get you through a long winter.
The ankles are cut longer on the instep side to keep cold air from getting in as much as possible.
These kinds of small, thoughtful ideas are a hallmark of Pearl Izumi USA.
Also, these bib tights are available in two versions—with or without a pad—allowing you to choose how you combine them with other shorts.
I recommend these if you’ve been thinking, "The bib tights I’ve been using are too cold! I need something warmer!"
Pearl Izumi USA
Elite AmFIB Cycling Bib Tight ¥16,800_
Elite AmFIB Bib Tight (without Pad) ¥14,490_
The sole panels use the thermal material mentioned earlier, while the rest uses soft-shell material with excellent windproof and insulating properties, promising a warm and comfortable ride even in deep winter.
I’ve been using these for several years, and they are a real lifesaver that keeps me from freezing even on descents during deep winter rides near 0°C. When the temperature is around 5°C, I don't hesitate to reach for these.
The fabric is a little thicker, which makes movement slightly restricted, but you prioritize warmth there.
After all, in midwinter riding, it’s all about how well you can minimize the cold.
If you manage that, even the cold air starts to feel pleasant.
But for those of you who are luxury-minded enough to want bib tights that are warm, yet easy to move in for stress-free pedaling, I recommend these.
ASSOS
Bib Tights LL.bonKa_S5 ¥37,800_
"Stradagon" fabric with extremely high windproofing is used on the front from the thighs to the knees, enabling warm and stress-free pedaling.
In addition, the other panels utilize two types of Assos-original fleece materials to achieve a high level of windproofing, mobility, thermal insulation, and moisture permeability.
If you turn them inside out, you can really see the complexity of the panels and how the fabric is arranged.
Well, if you have these, your midwinter rides are guaranteed to be good.
(By the way, the manufacturer's recommended temperature range is 0–8°C.)
They really are incredibly good bib tights.
And these are some slightly lighter bib tights.
ASSOS
Bib Tights LL.habu_S5 ¥31,290_
With a recommended temperature range of 6–12°C, these are the bib tights you will use most often throughout the winter season.
They don't use the windproof fabric found in the bonKa, but they do use the same two types of fleece materials, applied to the appropriate panels as needed.
I started using these habu tights last year, and they are excellent.
They offer just the right amount of warmth, and above all, their ease of movement makes them incredibly comfortable.
I use two pairs of their shorts as well, and you just can't go wrong with ASSOS bibs.
I introduced four types of bib tights today, but we have more winter items arriving one after another, so don't forget to check back for updates!