Rapha Core Winter Tights With Pad

Rapha's new Core bib tights offer excellent comfort, insulation and performance at a price that is more attainable than ever before for the London-based brand, and they're a decent rival to any other options for the same kind of money.

The Core range has been Rapha's attempt to offer a more value conscious line of essential cycling clothing, and the bib tights, along with a jacket, are brand new this winter. The tights cost £120 with a padded insert, or £95 for a pair without a pad that you wear over your favourite shorts.

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Despite the lower cost compared to Rapha's high-end bib tights, there's no shortfall in the quality. These are lovely, well-made tights and feel every bit as luxurious as any other Rapha garment I've reviewed in the past.

They're made from a brushed back fleece material, soft next to the skin and providing adequate insulation for cold morning rides before the sun has woken up. The bib straps are wide and stretchy with lie-flat seams that keep the tights in place without any restriction or tightness over the shoulders. The front of the tights is cut low enough to facilitate easy comfort breaks.

Inside these padded bib tights is the same chamois as used in the previous Core bib shorts and also found in Rapha's Classic range. It's a simple no-frills padded insert made by Cytech (a highly regarded manufacturer), well shaped and with ample cushioning to provide comfort for long rides.

The fit around the thighs, knees and lower legs is excellent. The panels are smartly shaped to prevent any restriction of pedalling motion, and you can't feel the stitching against the skin. The ends of the legs have an elasticated ribbed cuff, are no zips or stirrups here, but they don't need it: they're easy to pull on and everything stays in place nicely.

Branding is kept to a minimum, just a few subtle Rapha logos, but there are some reflective ankle stripes to add visibility on winter rides. They're understated and minimalist, with a clear focus on comfort and warmth which is really all you want from a pair of winter bib tights.

> Buyer's Guide: 16 of the best winter cycling tights

Despite Rapha's attempt to offer more affordable clothing with its Core range, these tights at £120 are still certainly not cheap and may be more than many will be willing to pay. They're not as pricey as some – Pearl Izumi's Pro Pursuits and Chapeau's Club Thermal Bibtight, for example – though of course you can buy cheaper: check out our guide above. But if you want a slice of Rapha quality and performance, and you want to make a decent investment for your winter cycling, these are definitely worth a look.

Verdict

Warm and comfortable bib tights without the usual big Rapha price tag, if still not cheap, but they are lovely