When the weather deteriorates you expect your bib tights to perform. The B'Twin 7 membrane tights are the French brand's top-of-the-range tights and for the money you get a top performer.

At £64.99 you're getting a pair of bib tights you could normally expect to pay considerably more for. This season's kit from B'Twin offers a predominantly black kit with a blue piping to offer a little contrast from the norm.

The 7 membrane tights give you a decent level of insulation and perhaps more importantly they provide good levels of protection from the water. When you first don them you notice the material is thicker than your average tights. They are also better protected in the key areas such as your thighs and abdomen. There is no zip on the front to assist with getting them on and I am happy I haven't needed to take a comfort stop as the front does sit quite high. This could be interesting.

The pad offers a 15mm density at the back slimming to 9mm at the front. It is both comfortable and unobtrusive. The shape is also designed to reduce chafing.

The legs taper nicely to a zip at the bottom that allows you to keep everything in place. There's some reflective trim down there too for visibility. At the other end, the straps are meshed at the front and the large middle section of the back panel is also meshed to keep a level of circulation going.

The tights have undergone an antibacterial treatment although there is no further information as to what that is. As with most of B'Twin's clothing products, they come with a 2 year guarantee that covers you for normal use.

The tights have performed well in the worst of the downpours. Yes they do get wet but have kept most of that moisture on the outside where you want it to be. In terms of operating temperatures, the colder the better. The thick membrane would prove too warm when the mercury started to climb but when it's in single figures you're kept toasty.

When matters do get warm the mesh sections on the top half reduce overheating and despite the thicker material on the legs they have not suffered adversely.

I'd have to say for the money you're getting a top quality pair of tights, which will allow you to undertake short or long rides in total comfort. Regardless of the conditions, you'll be impressed with the B'Twin 7 tights.

Verdict

Decent-fitting tights that provide welcome respite from the elements at something of a bargain price.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: BTwin 7 Membrane bib tights

Size tested: large

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?

The cyclist who is looking to spend longer in the saddle but doesn't want to compromise on comfort or style.

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

A thick membrane provides protection from the elements while the styling is completed with a blue piping and some nice finishing touches.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

The B'Twin 7 membrane tights are well made with additional protection in the areas you'd expect, namely the thighs and abdomen.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

The B'Twins have proved to be effective at keeping the heat in and the rain out – the perfect combo. They've proved good in the cold but you might suffer if the sun came out for too long.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

The construction and materials used have proven to be durable and hard-wearing.

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

Perhaps not the lightest but then for the additional protection you get could you expect anything else?

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

The pad varies between 15mm and 9mm thick. This has provided plenty of comfort and the shape allows for a decent position.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

For £65 you are getting a lot of value and performance for your money.

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

Above and beyond what you'd expect given the price.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit and performance are both top drawer.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I can't quite work out why it is necessary to have seven different labels inserted in the tights!

Did you enjoy using the product? Very much.

Would you consider buying the product? I certainly would.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

I haven't tried B'Twin products before but given their price and performance I was really impressed.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT