Shimano Evolve Wind Bib Tights

Shimano's Evolve Wind Bib Tights offer good insulation and a comfortable fit, but I'd like a lot more support from the Lycra to justify the high price.

• Pros: Thermal, breathable, comfortable pad
• Cons: Lycra not supportive enough, high price

Shimano has designed these tights for cold conditions using a dual layer construction that offers wind and water repellency and a brushed inner for comfort. They're nicely made, with tidy stitching, seamless straps and no points of irritation.

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Inside, the Evolve chamois is dense and offers good vibration damping over rough tarmac. Combine this with the decent support from the bib straps and you've got a comfortable pair of tights for long winter rides.

While the Evolve range is certainly designed to offer a more relaxed fit than the S-Phyre range, I think Shimano could have made the lower legs a little tighter. These fit me well around the thighs but are a bit loose around the knee and below, which resulted in quite a bit of bunching around the knees. I'm right on the border between small and the medium, so to have the small fit well around the upper but not around the lower leg is a bit annoying.

The zipper located on the front didn't irritate and it works well, making quick nature breaks much easier. The back panel is a very breathable mesh and this helps to keep the lower back from becoming overly sweaty.

Down at the ankle, you've got a simple elasticated cuff that sits very comfortably. The benefit to this over a zip opening is the lack of any irritation, but it does make these a little trickier to wear over overshoes.

On the breathability front these tights do very well. I used them on rides ranging from 4°C through to 10°C. If you start pushing the pace in milder temperatures then these cope pretty well.

The advertised water resistance is good enough to see off a shower and wheel spray. It has lasted too. I've washed these about ten times now and the water is still beading well. The bit of reflective print adds a little extra visibility in dark conditions and doesn't detract from the performance.

At £179.99, these are right up there with the fabulous Assos LL.milleTights_s7 which cost a fiver less. For me, the Assos are a better fit around the lower leg and they give the support that I expect from a pair of tights. You can still spend more, though: Assos does the ll.habuTights_s7 for a whopping £250 (though even those are beaten by Rapha's Women's Souplesse Shadow tights at £270).

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

In summary, these work well and offer a soft fabric that is warm and breathes well, but there are better options out there.

Verdict

Comfortable and cosy but costly, and you might find them a bit loose around the knee