The Rapha Classic Winter Tights have been a long-term fixture in the range and are offered in two colours. Well, that is to say the tights are black, but with a choice of either a yellow or white panel on the back of the left leg. Our high-viz option handily matches the Brevet Jersey.
The tights are made from a Roubaix fabric which is lined with a brushed fleece. There’s a quarter-zip at the front of the tights, to allow the rider to answer the call of nature with greater ease, and there’s also a discreet zipped valuables pocket at the rear of the tights. How much use this gets, particularly when paired with the Brevet Jersey, is to be seen, particularly as the mesh lining of the pocket means anything inside will sit directly against the rider’s back or base layer.
The bib straps are wide enough to suggest we shouldn’t encounter any problems with bunching of material, which, by the way, is a lightweight mesh, used on the straps and extending down to the middle of the back to improve breathability.
Most modern bib tights come with a chamois but Rapha continue to offer theirs without. Instead there’s just a reinforced seat panel, with the idea that you wear favourite bib shorts underneath. Some riders will prefer the freedom this offers – and particularly those who find that the extra length and constrictive design of tights can sometimes pull an integrated chamois away from the body – while others will prefer the ease and practicability of tights with a built-in pad.
All that’s left to mention, then, is that there is flatlock stitching throughout, and a very discreet black-on-black ‘Wheelsucker’ on the right side of the seat panel. The tights are available in six sizes, from XS to XXL, for £170.
Website: Rapha
