Lusso Thermal Roubaix Bib Tights

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.

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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