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Alé PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights

8
£115.00

VERDICT:

8
10
A strong style statement from Alé backed up by equally strong performance
Weight: 
284g
Contact: 

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Back in the summer, I rated the Alé PRR Camo bib shorts very highly indeed – the winter tights that bear the same name are equally strong in all departments. 

This time out, we've got the green camo versions on test (the summer bib shorts were the orange), which handily means there's useful fluoro yellow trim and branding included throughout – helpful on darker winter rides.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The thing about these bib tights is they still look like bib shorts, with a black lower leg that, without close inspection, actually looks like you're wearing leg warmers instead of a one-piece system. I think it's a great design – but you do have to like fluoro camo...

Ale PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights - front detail.jpg

It doesn't just share a visual design cue with the bib shorts, either – inside you'll find the same high quality chamois, which is to say it's good for pretty much any length of ride you'd realistically choose to use it for during the winter. Three 100km rides never troubled it, and for me it almost rivals even the excellent Cytech pad Rapha uses in its Pro Team bibs for comfort, without that pad's bulk.

Ale PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights - pad.jpg

The bib section is incredibly comfortable too, with elasticated fabric used throughout to distribute tension across the shoulders. The biggest compliment you can pay bib straps is that you don't notice them – and that's absolutely the case here once you're in the saddle.

Ale PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights - straps front.jpg

As you might expect from a pair of winter tights, the PRRs feature a thermal Roubaix lining through the whole garment, which is designed to insulate you from cutting wind without overheating you. For me there wasn't quite enough insulation to the upper thigh and crotch area – on more than one occasion I felt a chill in this area; more so than with a set of dhb tights I tested recently.

Ale PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights - front.jpg

However, it's only a slight quibble, because other than this the tights are winners. The cut is excellent, with a very comfortable fit around the knee – absolutely key for long rides and damp ones.

Ale PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights - back.jpg

The ankles are finished with zippers for maximum adjustability and arguably a little extra venting, although to be honest the main positive is to help you ease your foot in and out.

Ale PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights - ankle.jpg

There's no real DWR treatment to the fabric that I could spot – just a slight beading when the tights are relatively new or freshly laundered – not a huge problem if you tend to avoid downpours anyway, but get splashed in them and you definitely know about it.

> Buyer's Guide: The best winter bib tights and trousers

As with all Alé kit I've come across recently, the quality can't really be criticised. They return from the wash as new, the Roubaix lining still very soft time and again, and still look as striking as they did the first time I rode in them. The seams are still secure and don't chafe in the slightest, and continue to give a box-fresh feel when I ride in them.

Overall, these anatomical and performance-orientated bib tights are impressive winter companions, for training, commuting or leisure, so long as things don't turn too wet.

Verdict

A strong style statement from Alé backed up by equally strong performance

road.cc test report

Make and model: Alé PRR Camo Roubaix Bibtights

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?

Ale (Paligap) says: "This bibtight is suggested for a use in temperatures from 4° to 10° since it protects from cold thanks to the thermal fleece fabric."

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

Features:

- Reflective zippers on ankles for a higher visibility and an easier wear.

- Bibs fully made of Superoubaix fabric to grant the maximum insulation.

- Security Reflex on the back of the leg for improved visibility.

- Flat seams.

- Back leg insert for an improved elasticity and flexibility during the ride.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

All round, the tights feel very well made.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Excellent feel and fit complements strong performance for high-tempo riding.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Not the hardiest feeling pair of bib tights I've ever worn, but then again they are designed with flexibility and maximum useful range of motion in mind, so it's hardly surprising, and nothing to suggest I should be worried about their longevity.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

One of the strongest characteristics of the entire PRR range.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

Came up just right on me, which is to say a medium.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10

284g isn't a huge amount for tights, so they feel svelte to wear too.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

Alongside the fit, comfort is particularly impressive (except, arguably, for the slight cool feeling around the groin area).

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

£115 isn't cheap, but you get a good lot of comfortable performance for that money.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washed through just fine on a delicate, with colours returning bright and crisp.

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

Very well indeed.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Design (when teamed with matching jacket), comfort, chamois, short-plus-leg warmer looks.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Bit 'draughty' around the groin, no DWR treatment.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, as long as I could have the set.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

Very, very good bib tights – with only a couple of minor flaws.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 27  Height: 188cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016)  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

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8 comments

Avatar
The _Kaner | 7 years ago
0 likes

I like them. Can't see how they'd be missed (pun intended)....wouldn't blend in with the Tarmac. If woodland camouflage not yer thang ... try the red/blues of La Passione's camou range

Avatar
drosco | 7 years ago
0 likes

Too much of a statement for my tastes I'm afraid.

Avatar
Schweiz | 7 years ago
0 likes

I like this a lot. Can be seen OK on road cause of fluro colors but if taking a break in forest or wood then BOOM - invisible or hard to see. Can really relax.

 

Matching helmet and shoe next please Alé

Avatar
Leviathan | 7 years ago
0 likes

Camoflaged as bibshorts and warmers you can't take off. Cunning.

Avatar
hawkinspeter | 7 years ago
11 likes

Why are there no pictures of the product?

Avatar
stenmeister | 7 years ago
0 likes

I'd like to see those who complain about pro team kit now argue 'That you can't wear camo unless you are in the army'. 

 

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet | 7 years ago
3 likes

SMIDSY rating - 10

Victim blaming rating - 10

Avatar
DaveE128 replied to Yorkshire wallet | 7 years ago
0 likes
Yorkshire wallet wrote:

SMIDSY rating - 10

Victim blaming rating - 10

Just what I was thinking. A pattern designed to make it hard to spot things is the last thing I'd consider wearing on a bike on the road. And this doesn't look like mtb kit to me!  3

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