Sportful's Diva bib tights aren't cheap, but their quality and comfort justifies the initial outlay.

There's toing and froing to be had endlessly regarding women's bib tights and the necessity (or otherwise) of some sort of provision for toilet breaks. For my ha'penny's worth, yes, it's tricky with classic bib tights, but I'd personally rather have a pair of really well designed and genuinely comfortable bibs than a pair that simply manage to be overcomplicated and slightly irritating, as with many 'clever' ones.

Sportful's Divas fall into the category of 'classic' rather than having any sort of cunning zips or flaps etc. They are a straightforward design, using a high quality Roubaix-like fabric (ThermoDrytex Plus) throughout, apart from the bib area which is made from a mesh fabric. This bib is cut high, with a zip and broad straps. The legs feature a zip at each ankle and reflective accents. The female-specific Infinity seat pad is designed for long distance riding.

In use, these were really very comfortable, with the pad feeling soft and pliable enough to mold to the body easily, but without compressing over distance. The bib area was super comfortable for me, but larger busted women may not like the high cut zipped design, although there was plenty of stretch. The fabric was super soft and stretchy throughout the tights, giving excellent mobility and no discomfort anywhere.

Warmth levels were perfect for the vast majority of winter riding, and just right for more sporting rides, where windproof panels and the like can cause overheating. The breathability of the fabric meant there was no feeling of sweatiness, even on what turned out to be one unexpectedly and inappropriately warm ride.

At this price, they are certainly expensive, although not quite up there with the most spendy of brands, but the fabric quality, cut and overall comfort do justify the investment if you're looking for a pair of long distance bibs to carry you through the whole of winter.

Verdict

Extremely comfortable and well-designed; on the expensive side, but a sound investment

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Sportful Diva Bibtight

Size tested: na

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?

Sportful says: "A long-distance bibtight made for cool and mostly dry conditions''exactly the conditions when you'll do most of your winter riding."

Spot on. Perfect for most winter riding.

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

Made from ThermoDrytex Plus fabric- with maximum stretch and a warm fleece inner layer. With a water repellent silicone finish.

Reflective accents on ankles.

Zipped ankles.

Integral women's "Infinity Seat Pad" for day long comfort.

Available in sizes XS-XL

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

Very well made and finished, using excellent quality fabrics and components.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

Just the right level of warmth for most winter riding, an excellent cut and superb pad comfort.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

High quality fabrics so should last pretty well.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Not bad for a winter bib tight offering this much warmth.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
10/10

Very comfortable indeed. Particularly the pad.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Expensive but a sound investment for the comfort levels and quality.

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

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Cut, bib design, pad, comfort.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

A bit pricy.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly- definitely in the sales.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Well-designed and comfortable winter bib-tights that are spot on for long distances.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 1.65m  Weight: 73kg

I usually ride: Boardman Hybrid Fi  My best bike is: Specialized Ruby Elite

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,