Castelli Nanoflex Pro Bibtight

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Castelli says: "We initially developed our Nano Flex tights to help you get through the occasional rainy day of training. But you asked for more, so here it is: the extreme-duty Nano Flex bibtight. By putting an extra layer over the thighs, knees and bum we're able to significantly increase the rain protection while also blocking a bit more wind. We've made the lower inner leg completely waterproof, since this was usually the first area to soak through with our Nano Flex tights. And because these tights are going to see heavier use, we've also upgraded the seat pad to the Progetto X2 Air, so you're ready for long rides with a high probability of rain."

Castelli lists these features:

* Extra rain protection for long rides in the worst conditions

* Nano Flex base fabric with Nano Flex Light overlays on thighs, knees and rear

* Reduced seam construction

* Waterproof reflective band on inner leg protects against wheel spray

* Progetto X2 Air seat pad

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Castelli says this about its Nano Flex fabric: "Exclusively engineered by Castelli, we take our thermal fleecy stretch Thermoflex fabric and coat it with millions of tiny nanofilaments to create the most water-repellent finish ever. Droplets of water stay as spherical balls on top of the fabric or bounce off the fabric without leaving a trace."

Strange as it might seem, ironing the Nanoflex fabric restores its performance; it really works. Castelli has used a sewn on logo around the back, so it won't flake off in the wash. There's a tiny patch of slightly worn fabric on the seating area, presumably where I've got some gritty mud on there while riding in wet conditions.

Castelli's Progetto X2 Air seat pad is, in my opinion, the best out there. The Nanoflex fabric is highly breathable.

These are great tights with or without the water repellency. Add that into the equation, along with the excellent seatpad, and the value is high.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

These deliver on their promise to repel water. They're also very breathable, comfortable, and well made.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The water repellency and the seatpad.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'd rather the reflectivity on the front of the lower leg was a bit more subtle.

Use this box to explain your score

These could be your everyday training tights for a large proportion of the UK off-season. Padded bib tights might start at about £50 if you really look around, but you get a lot for the extra money you pay here, including water repellency and an excellent seatpad.