Unless you can migrate south for the winter, it’s important your clothing is up to the task of protecting you from the elements until the first warm rays of spring sun break through.

We demand a lot from clothing at this time of year, none more so than tights, which are tasked with keeping our legs dry and warm without hindering pedaling.

It’s little surprise, then, that there’s no shortage of options, but where to start?

Here’s your first decision: bib-tights or waistband tights? It’s down to personal preference, but most riders (including us) prefer bibs, as waistband tights have a tendency to dig in, and bib straps provide additional support for the chamois.

There’s plenty more to consider besides bib or no bibs when on the hunt for a new pair of tights to keep your legs turning through winter. Over the next four pages we’ll consider the importance of fit, fabric and the chamois, and run through some of the key features we expect to see on a good pair of winter bib tights.