• Gore Bike Wear Classic Action bib tights
• £90
• www.gorebikewear.com

This garment from Gore Bike Wear is well-named – bib tights really are a classic, going on essential, element of the cyclist’s winter wardrobe. Despite the traditional style and appearance, though, the Classic Action tights are very up-to-the-minute. The fabric is Windstopper Soft-Shell, a more flexible, fleece-backed version of the Windstopper material found in various jackets and gilets, down the front of the legs, with thinner, stretchier fabric everywhere else. There’s enough stretch in the Windstopper material to make these genuine tights (rather than close-fitting trousers), although not quite enough to allow Gore to do away with short zips at the front and ankles. The latter carry some reflective trim. Upper-body fit can be tuned thanks to the replacement of the conventional bib by Velcro-adjustable broad elasticated shoulder straps. These are every bit as comfortable as the more usual arrangement, although there’s a bit of extra bulk thanks to the adjustment loops. A side-benefit of the adjustable straps is that you can undo them completely and take the tights off without having to remove whatever layers you may be wearing over them on your top half. Obviously you’ll probably want to be wearing some shorts underneath them if you do this… Inside there’s an agreeably-contoured synthetic chamois. In use they’re very impressive – considerably warmer than you might expect from a relatively lightweight garment and staying so in the wet. They’re not cheap, but experience has shown that Gore Bike Wear gear lasts very well.

Positives: Warm, soft fabric, pee-stop friendly

Negatives: Front zip and adjustable straps may interfere with packs

Verdict

Gore Bike Wear is coming out with some really good stuff at the moment. The Classic Action tights are no exception. Just check that your hydration pack straps don’t rest uncomfortably on any of the adjusters or the zip.

Performance: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5