The Funkier Thermesse S-980W C12 Ladies Winter Single Strap Tights might be a bit of a mouthful but they work well: lightweight, with a warm fleecy inner, and a strap that allows for quick toilet stops without the need to fully undress.
- Pros: The single strap/snaplock design
- Cons: Check the sizing – the mediums come up small
Funkier has obviously put some thought into the design of these tights, taking a different approach to the ‘bib’ section. The problem with bib tights/shorts for women is having to undress for toilet stops – particularly in the cold in winter. I’ve never been a fan of the traditional over-the-shoulder straps, which is why I’m grateful that a few brands are now starting to introduce some clever designs for women.
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Here, the tights use one strap, which splits to create a head hole, with snaplock buckles front and back so you don’t need to remove your top layers when you need the loo. You pop the strap over your head and clip the snaplock buckles together at the front and back. When you need to pull down the tights, you just undo the buckles, simple.
You can just release the rear one, but the buckle tends to end up by your neck so you need pretty good shoulder flexibility to reach it. Alternatively, you can first undo the front buckle to release the tension from the strap, making it easier to get the back buckle clipped back in. You’ll need to unzip your jersey to then sort the front buckle, but you don’t actually have to remove any items of clothing.
Once in place, the strap is comfortable, fitting well over my shoulders – neither too tight nor too loose. I’m 5ft 6in and wore a medium. (It’s not me in the photos, by the way.)
The tights themselves do come up a little small, though. They’re fine in length, but otherwise are pretty snug. They’re not uncomfortable – I’d describe them as figure-hugging and they fit well around the legs – but they do come up smaller than other brands I’ve tried.
The zips on the ankles sit at the back of the leg, and have reflective trim. Even with booties on, there were no issues with the zip rubbing and the top of the reflective trim could still be seen.
The thermal fabric of the tights provides a good degree of warmth; it’s thick without compromising breathability. I rode in temperatures between 3 and 10°C and was very happy with the warmth provided.
Working up a hill, I could feel I was getting a little warm, but once on the flat again, temperature regulation was back to normal.
I would probably want something a little thicker for temperatures below 3°C or in a chilly wind, as the Funkier Thermesse are not windproof. There is no waterproofing on the fabric either, so these are tights for cold, dry conditions, though they do dry quite quickly if they get damp.
> Buyer’s Guide: 16 of the best winter cycling bib tights & trousers
As useful as the strap is for toilet breaks, for riding along the all-important part of the tights is the pad. Funkier’s C12 pad used here is constructed from antibacterial fabric and is claimed to aid moisture transfer. It has high-density foam padding with grooves in the pad for air flow. The stitching is fine and I had no problems with chafing. As pads go, it was perfectly comfortable, sitting where it should and causing no issues on rides of up to about five hours.
At £60, the Funkier Thermesse are very good value and well worth considering. They’re warm, comfortable and the single strap design is great for toilet breaks. However, despite being a little more at £85, the dhb Aeron FLT womens Roubaix Halterneck tights I tested recently pip it to the post for strap design and functionality, though the pad for both is very similar.
Verdict
Well-priced winter tights with a strap design that takes the hassle out of undressing for toilet stops
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Funkier Thermesse S-980W-C12 Ladies Winter Single Strap Bib Tights in Black
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for
Warm fleecy tights for long winter rides.
Funkier says, “With a comfortable cut and thermal yet breathable fabric, they keep you at the right temperature and riding comfortably for many miles.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Funkier’s distributor’s website:
Thermal, breathable bib tights
Reflective back zipper for safety
Lycra fabric technology
C12 Pad
Antibacterial fabric
Moisture transference
Maximum comfort
Lycra two ways
Sublimation print
Very well made and stitched.
Performed very well in winter conditions.
So far so good.
The fit is fine, though they size up a bit small.
The medium came up a bit small.
Comfortable, warm and breathable.
Very good value for £60.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
The tights washed and dried easily.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They offer good winter warmth and are comfortable to wear.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The single strap is great for toilet breaks.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The sizing: they come up small.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly, if the next size up was a better fit.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Overall, they’re good winter tights with a warm fleece inner and the strap design is comfortable and useful; just beware that they come up small.
About the tester
Age: 36 Height: 168cm Weight: 60kg
I usually ride: specailized dolce 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: touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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