Zero RH Stretch Control Bib Tights

After reading some good reviews for various bits of Zero rh+ kit (to give them their full title) I was pretty excited about testing these Stretch Congtrol big tights. Having spent more than a few hundred miles in them over winter, in just about all possible riding conditions I'm a bit less excited. Unfortunately as Mat found with the Power Logic Olympic bibs from Zero these just come up a little short for the clearly premium price tag.

Zero Rhesus Monkeys Positive… Perhaps an odd collection of words that you might not automatically associate with cycling. Zero rh+, recently launched in the UK from the guys behind Juice Lubes, takes its name from the blood group “rhesus monkeys positive”.

The stretch control model comes in at £134.99 which means they sit awkwardly in the Zero range floating around the price of the Adapto model without too many distinguishing features between the two. Zero bill these as tights for maximum warmth however the “ice dry” fabric is certainly not the warmest I’ve tried and often found myself cold on either the posterior or thighs. In fact a couple of times I’ve found myself with red cold beaten skin after an only moderate length ride.

The “Gradual fit Technology Anallergic” braces seem to be the defining feature of this brand separating it from others, certainly in the looks department. These work well, but to be honest I have never had and reason to quibble with a more tradition design and really are only different and not better. Aesthetically these range pretty high on the Spiderman richter scale. Personal taste my find you after something more subtle, or not.

The “Uranus” pad certainly doesn’t offend but perhaps a more high tech multi density offering would have been a nice addition at this price point. The construction and the detailing really shout high end tights; with good quality stitching and very nice details on the reflective zipper and ankle. However, evidence of wear on the under carriage occurred faster than expected.

Verdict

On the whole rather disappointing all round. No one feature really sticks out as a massive failure but a combination of poor performance across the board really leaves a lot to be desired from these tights. There are warmer and cheaper options out there.