The Madison Shield Protec Men’s Roubaix Bib 3/4 is a good value option for your legs until the sun really breaks through. The mid-weight Roubaix fabric is just right for spring and autumn riding or cooler summer days and they’re comfy and well made for the money. Just be careful of the sizing.

For £50 you’d probably be expecting some decently made bibs with a mid-level pad, and that’s exactly what you get here. The Roubaix fabric is mid-weight, and there’s flatlocked seams where the fabric might rub. The antibacterial pad isn’t the thickest but it’s comfortable enough, and the single silicon leg grippers stop the legs from riding up. The bibs are full Roubaix with a high back to keep the chill off; they’re not designed for full-on cold snaps but they’re just right for spring temperatures. They’re treated with a water-resistant coating that does a decent job of making sure the water beads and rolls off, rather than soaks in; they won’t keep you dry in a deluge but it’s better than nothing.

So all good then? Well, almost. The sizing is, well, generous. Very generous, in fact. At 1.90m and 98kg I’m comfortable enough in a Medium, and given that the bibs are fairly loose I reckon I could have got into a small pair without much bother. Madison have acknowledged that there is an issue with the sizing for this year’s batch, and that means that if you’re smaller than average – or even just average – you’ll probably need to look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you’re a big lad the rejoice: You’d have to need extra-high doorframes or reinforced bathroom scales before the XXL bibs didn’t fit, I’m sure you could comfortably house a whole pro team of skinny race whippets in a pair of them…

Verdict

Good basic Roubaix bibs, but smaller riders will need to look elsewhere

All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Madison Shield Protec Men’s Roubaix Bib 3/4

Size tested: Black

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?

Shield Protec 3/4 Roubaix bib tights are designed to be used in cooler conditions. Simple yet bombproof construction ensures they will stand the test of time. Thermal Roubaix fabric is treated with a water-resistant coating for added protection. Comfortable against the skin, these tights are durable and close fitting with a Roubaix bib section for added warmth around the abdomen and a secure fit. The Shield Protec 3/4 Roubaix bib tights are supplied with a high quality, profiled, anti-bacterial pad and is designed to be used instead of a pair of shorts.

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

* Roubaix bib upper

* Flatlock stitching

* Reflective detailing

* Elasticated foot loops

* Water-resistant coating

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Well made, unfussy construction

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Good low-mid range 3/4s

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

seams are intact, no bobbling after 400-odd miles

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Nice and comfy

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Not expensive, about right for the money

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

Very well

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfortable and well made

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Odd sizing

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, assuming they were a big lad like me

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Just sizing, really. Try before you buy.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 190cm  Weight: 98kg

I usually ride: whatever I’m testing…  My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium with SRAM Apex

I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track