With the temperature dropping sharply yesterday, I went up Mount Mikuni for the first time in a while. The winter wind is cold and tough for cyclists, but the clear air feels wonderful, and the sky is bluer and more beautiful than in any other season.
My ride yesterday was perfect for trying out the Cafe du Cycliste Charlotte Jacket, released this season, and the Martine Bib Tights, which now feature a chamois this season. I’d guess the temperature during the ride was around 6 to 10 degrees Celsius. There’s no doubt that both of these items will serve me well in the even colder days ahead.
Circles offers many items to make winter riding more comfortable, and today I’d like to highlight our bib tights. We’ve reached the season where shorts and leg warmers just don’t quite cut it anymore.
Cafe du Cycliste
Martine Winter BibTights / ¥27,500(excl. tax)
Martine Winter BibTights with Chamois / ¥31,000(excl. tax)
They use a soft, comfortable fleece fabric that provides high heat retention. The functional pattern is designed with smooth pedaling in mind, and it also gives the simple look a striking finish. Straps are provided at the hems to prevent the fabric from shifting while pedaling—a hidden detail that features a three-color stripe as an accent. The chamois is made by Cytec, a brand trusted by many cycling apparel companies, ensuring comfort on long rides. The straps extending from the abdomen to the shoulders are also made of thermal material, providing reliable warmth around the waist as well.
Incidentally, the model with the chamois has a black zipper on the abdomen, while the one without has a green one. And that zipper zips down lower than those of other brands, which is very helpful for men when using the restroom.
Items from PEARL iZUMi USA are also popular at Circles every season.
They offer a great balance of price, performance, and looks.
PEARL iZUMi USA
ELITE Thermal Barrier Cycle Bib Tight / ¥19,600(excl. tax)
Pearl iZUMi’s lineup is divided into several ranges, and what we’ve chosen for Circles are the Elite series items, which can be used for a long time in every scenario, from training to touring. Of course, these thermal bib tights are also highly comfortable and durable, which is why so many people continue to use them.
Also, this PEARL iZUMi USA tights model is another one that gains popularity every season.
PEARL iZUMi USA
ELITE AMFIB CYC Bib Tight / ¥21,000(excl. tax)
It’s hard to tell the difference between bib tights in photos, but this model uses a softshell material. It’s thicker than standard thermal material but offers exceptionally high wind resistance and insulation. You can use these with confidence in mountainous areas during mid-winter, even when temperatures are near 0 degrees. I’ve been using these bib tights for about five years now, and they are one of the items I rely on every season. The current model has much higher fabric elasticity compared to the pair I use, and with the improvements to the ankle shape and the addition of heel straps, it’s so much more comfortable that it’s hard to believe it’s the same model. While I’m tempted to get a new pair, I think I’ll stick with these a little longer. By the way, this model also has a different design that helps with using the restroom compared to the Cafe du Cycliste Martine Bib Tights.
TwinSix
Black Thermal Bib Tights / ¥17,600(excl. tax)
We have also received bib tights from TwinSix, a Minneapolis-based cycling apparel brand known for its unique artwork. Unlike their distinctive jerseys and graphic T-shirts, these have a more understated look. I suppose that’s because they’re designed to be paired with their tops. Of course, they are also a great pair to combine with items from other brands. The fabric texture in this price range is truly comfortable. Even without intricate patterns or fabric panels, they deliver solid performance. The brand logo on the side of the thigh and the zipper at the hem feature reflective prints.
Although I couldn't introduce them this time, we also carry bib tights with even higher performance from brands like ASSOS and Q36.5. Each has its own unique dedication and merits.
Please do come and try out the bib tights from these various brands.