The recent cold snap, with temperatures in London dipping to two degrees Celsius, provided an ideal opportunity to test Santini’s H20 bib tights.

Handmade in Italy, as with all Santini clothing, the H20 range – which also includes a short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey, jacket, bib shorts, arm warmers, leg warmers, knee warmers, overshoes, gloves and a skull cap – has been subject to Aquazero treatment.

That, according to Santini, makes the tights waterproof for the first 60 minutes of use – and the way rain beaded off the material when I was caught in a sharp shower is testament to that.

The fleece lining is soft to the skin and warm, although this, with the H20 treatment to boot, means the tights are more suited to deep winter rather than an unseasonal plunge in temperature.

On the same theme, the fabric continues up into the straps – these tights are mesh-free – to help maintain warmth in the coldest conditions.

With the nights drawing in, a reflective logo on the thigh and around the ankle – elasticated for a close fit – ensures visibility without compromising the sleek, black style.

The Intech TwistGel insert has developed a name as one of the most comfortable on the market and these tights continue to bolster that reputation – it’s well padded, holds its shape and is extremely comfortable, although some will prefer tights without a pad, opting to wear undershorts instead.

As ever, Santini gear comes at a cost – these tights retail at £132.49 from Fisher Outdoor – but top-end price means top-end quality and, for a midwinter option, the H20 bib tights are hard to fault.