Lusso’s Thermal Roubaix Bib Tights sit at the bottom of its range of bib tights. They don’t have any fancy features, and do what’s expected of them, but not without some niggles.
They are made from Roubaix fabric with a brushed lining throughout, which feels really nice next to the skin. The flat seams will have something to do with that too.
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I found them to be just right for temperatures from 5-12 degrees, but I should add that I feel the cold a bit more than others. On windy days, particularly if that wind is coming from the north or east, that temperature range needs to be adjusted up a bit, as the wind feels like it comes straight through – there are no windproof or waterproof panels on these.

There is some fairly subtle reflective detailing on the calves, and a longer and wider reflective strip on the shins. To me that seems odd: I personally rely on a light to be seen from the front and reflective clothing from the back and sides, so to my mind the bigger reflective strip should be on the back. There’s a reflective logo on the right thigh, and another on the lower back, though the latter is likely to be obscured by a jersey.

These bib tights have foot straps, presumably to stop them riding up. I found them a nuisance, and they felt uncomfortable in my cycling shoes while riding. The tights were just fine with the footstraps not wrapped under my feet, though they still get in the way when putting the bib tights on. Some might like them, but I think they’re unnecessary: the fabric is plenty stretchy enough to stop the legs riding up without footstraps.

The shoulder straps are quite wide at just over 8cm. I found them comfortable, but you might want to try them on if you’re narrow in the shoulder.

Lusso doesn’t really mention the provenance of the pad. It’s quite thick and plenty comfortable and looks to be the same one as used in Lusso’s 2-Zero bib shorts that Dave reviewed last year. Like Dave said, the pad extends quite a long way forward, extending further up than other pads. This bit is full of ventilation holes, but still works quite well at keeping the windchill off where I wouldn’t want any.
The bib tights are machine-washable at 30 degrees, and after a dozen or so cycles there are no wash-related problems to report: they are keeping their shape and there are no signs of wear on the seams. The fabric under the pad that sits against the saddle is starting to show quite a bit of wear, though, more than I’d expect to see.
> Check out our guide to the best cycling tights and trousers here
In terms of sizing, a medium is normally a good snug fit for me. While these fit fine because they are so stretchy, the fit isn’t quite as snug as I would like; I expect I fall in between small and medium. As always, try before you buy if you can.
In summary, these are a comfortable pair of bib tights for rides of any length, and quite warm compared with other non-fancy fabric tights. Just the odd niggle with wear and the footstraps that, for me anyway, let them down a bit.
Verdict
Warm and comfortable non-windproof bib tights – apart from the annoying footstraps
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Lusso Thermal Roubaix Bib Tights
Size tested: Medium
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?
Distributor Raleigh says: “Great for cooler days out, the Roubaix fabric is designed to keep you warm while wicking away moisture to keep you dry.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
* Reflective detail Front & Rear
* Roubaix Thermal Fabric
* Brushed Lining
* Flat Seam Comfort
* 4 Way Stretch
* Breathable
* Machine Washable
. Made in the UK
The fabric under the pad is starting to bobble after a dozen rides/washes. I would have expected it to be harder wearing.
A medium is normally nice and tight on me, these seem to have a more generous fit. I reckon I probably fall in between small and medium in these.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
I can’t see anything that causes concern.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Lusso doesn’t really describe what its intended purpose is, but it is good on those days where you want some thermal tights but it’s too warm for windproof/waterproof ones.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The shoulder straps are short, meaning that the lower back is fully Roubaix’d up. Nice and toasty.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The footstraps. They are completely pointless in my opinion and just get in the way when putting the bib tights on.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe
Use this box to explain your score
These Lusso thermal bib tights are comfortable and warm, but are let down by some early signs of wear and the small niggle of – for me – the foot straps.
About the tester
Age: 38 Height: 1.78m Weight: 78kg
I usually ride: All of them! My best bike is: Cannondale CAAD10
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking







10 thoughts on “Lusso Thermal Roubaix Bib Tights”
See, I really like foot loops
See, I really like foot loops, they are marmite though.
I was really impressed with the Lusso Nitelife model
I’m really impressed with the
I’m really impressed with the Lusso stuff I have. Their Pro Gel shorts were the first bib shorts I purchased and compare favourably with other brands at that end of the market in my opinion.
Me too – love the foot straps
Me too – love the foot straps – keeps the shins a bit warmer. Used my Max Repel version for several winters now and no discernible wear – even an off on ice left them unmarked save for one very very tiny hole on the knee. UK made in Manchester of course.
amazon22 wrote:
You might be interested to know that they’ve combined the max repel and nitelife range now.
https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/03/10/lusso-luxury-you-can-afford-every-day/
bendertherobot wrote:
You might be interested to know that they’ve combined the max repel and nitelife range now.
https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/03/10/lusso-luxury-you-can-afford-every-day/— amazon22
Thanks – I did comment at the time!
amazon22 wrote:
Ah
hi Tim!
amazon22 wrote:
Ah
hi Tim!
I’m another who loves the
I’m another who loves the foot loops on these tights, mine are a great fit and i like the reflective on the front of the lower legs, your more visiable to the muppets who turn in front of you!
No wear on the seat after 3k miles, maybe its the kevlar on the edge of the saddle causing the
problem.
https://roubaixcycling.cc
https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/04/29/lusso-summer-collection-his-and-hers/
today’s Lusso review if anyone’s interested!
As well as a few pairs of
As well as a few pairs of gore longs, I’ve 3 pairs of lasso roubaix/max repeal longs of various decades (!) (plus some coolmax Lycra longs) and theyve all been pretty good…and I like footloops 🙂
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