Pearl Izumi Elite AmFib Cyc Bib Tights

Cold legs? With these Pearl Izumi Elite AmFib Cyc Bib Tights, cold legs are a thing of the past. I've been able to tackle sub-zero morning rides with a hefty dose of windchill with no problems, in fact they're the warmest cycling tights I've ever tested.

The Pearl Izumi Elite AmFib Cyc Bib Tights manage this impressive warmth by using a combination of the company's own Elite Softshell and Elite Thermal Fleece fabrics. The softshell fabric is used in key areas (seat and front of legs) to provide wind and water resistance, and the Thermal Fleece is used everywhere else for insulation, and more breathability.

The fabric is bulky, but used strategically with shaped panels and pre-curved legs to enhance the fit. Getting them on is a bit of an effort, but once on the tights conform to the legs nicely, and the size and fit is good. However, the lack of stretch in the softshell fabric produces quite a bit of restriction. It soon fades away as the miles pass under the tyres, but they're not as immediately comfortable as regular Lycra tights.

The upside however is that they're stupendously good in bad weather. The two fabrics provide unparalleled warmth. They stop the wind from causing a chill, and rains just beads off the surface. You can be out for hours in sub-zero temperatures in these and be quite happy.

When you want the absolute best protection from the wind and rain, few tights are as good. The only others that come to mind are Rapha's Pro Team Winter Tights, which offer a better fit but are a lot more costly.

There are some nice details. At the legs is an internal Lycra stirrup, and over it the softshell forms a 'gasket', as Pearl Izumi calls it, that covers the top of your overshoes. This prevents water running down the front of the legs into overshoes. It works really well.

Another interesting detail is the flap of material that covers the midriff, there to provide easy comfort breaks. Odd to look at, but works well. An elegantly simple solution to taking a mid-ride pee stop.

The bib straps are comfortable over the shoulders and there's a large panel of fabric at the back to provide a bit more warmth. Reflective details are scattered liberally over the tights as well, helping you to stand out in the dark or low light.

Inside the tights is a padded Elite 3D Chamois insert that cossets you in the saddle and provides good long distance comfort. That's a good thing because the tights are so warm you can easily stay out all day in even freezing temperatures without having to cut a ride short because it's just too cold.

Are there any downsides? Apart from the slightly restrictive fit, the fact they provide such high levels of warmth and bad weather protection means you're all out of excuses if you don't like the look of the weather. You can ride through anything in these.

These are highly impressive bib tights providing exceptional bad weather protection, and if you want to ride in the most horrid elements, the Pearl Izumi Elite AmFib Cyc Bib Tights are unbeatable. The only compromise is the freedom of movement, which does take a hit in the pursuit of extreme weather protection.

Verdict

Superb bad weather protection but slightly restrictive fit