The Albion Allroad Winter Tights offer excellent protection for winter temperatures, combining good fabric choices, a smart cut, and thoughtful design features to make them exceptional bib tights for typical British winter riding conditions.
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Albion Allroad Winter Tights – Technical Details
The Winter Tights are designed for colder conditions than the Allroad Three Season Tights, making them an ideal choice when the temperatures drop. These tights feature a higher cut and different materials chosen to provide improved insulation and added windproofing. The primary fabric is recycled nylon, complemented by windproof panels in forward-facing areas. The material features a C0 DWR coating to repel light rain, and a horizontal rear pocket is accessible from both sides for added practicality.
Previous iterations of the Albion Winter Tights included a thin foot strap designed so that it could be cut off should riders wish. However, this latest version eliminates the strap entirely, and there are no ankle zips which I find can often cause irritation and discomfort. Instead, the fabric’s stretch ensures they are easy to put on with a silicone gripper to keep the fabric in place. The tights have a high chest area that covers the kidneys and the centre torso, equipped with a bright orange zip puller for ease of use even in low-light conditions. The rear is even taller, extending up to the shoulder area for enhanced coverage.
The pad, manufactured by Elastic Interface, is consistent across Albion’s range of garments, which ensures those who may already use another Albion garment are familiar with the shape and sizing. The pad’s depth varies from 3mm at the edges to 12mm at the sit-bone area, with the fabric density that changes across key areas.
The tights are available in sizes XS to 2XL, covering chest measurements from 81cm to 117cm (32” to 46”), with a single black colour option.
Albion Allroad Winter Tights – Performance
I’ve tested the bib tights extensively throughout winter in temperatures ranging from -3°C to low double digits, on and off-road, and through typically British weather, including rain and snow.
At 168cm tall with an 85cm chest, I fall at the upper end of the XS size range. The fit is generous but comfortable, with plenty of stretch in the fabric. No panel feels restrictive, and the leg length is well-proportioned. As a shorter rider with many brands I am used to riding with flaps in the material that forms in the lower leg area, but the length leg means this doesn’t happen, but there is sufficient elasticity within the fabric that means taller riders should also be accommodated.
Compared to the Allroad Three Season Tights, the added windproofing and insulation make a significant difference, particularly on faster sections or in colder weather. The windproof fabric isn’t as flexible as other areas, and it can flare slightly around the knees while pedalling, but this is purely visual, with no discomfort or irritation against the skin.
The high front and rear add comfort, with thinner fabric in these areas preventing overheating even on milder days. The zip is excellent, with a long bright orange puller that is easy to see and to use even with thick gloves and has a smooth action with a zip garage to secure it in place during rides.
The wide, seamless shoulder straps provide excellent comfort with no pressure points. While my shorter height may help with this comfort, the straps still outperform those from other brands that have narrower shoulder straps. The rear pocket is practical and accessible from either side and stretches enough to hold an extra layer, such as a lightweight waterproof jacket, insulated jacket or perhaps a pair of gloves. Importantly, the pocket’s position is well-thought-out, allowing easy access without interfering with jersey pockets.
The fabric’s C0 DWR coating provides some water resistance, but it is overwhelmed when riding in prolonged rain. Reflective detailing is minimal, limited to logos on the upper legs, which are only visible from the side.
Albion Allroad Winter Tights – Verdict
For general British weather and temperatures, the Allroad Winter Bib Tights offer a superb balance of warmth, comfort, and windproofing where it’s most needed. I found them good to close to zero temperatures, but if you ride below this on a regular basis an extra layer or a more specialist garment will start to be a consideration.
At £210, they sit at the premium end of the market, but the exceptional comfort and warmth justify the price. These tights became my go-to choice for the longest day rides or multi-day adventures, with the brushed-back fabric feeling soft and irritation-free against the skin.
For comparison, the Spatz BIBZ2 offers similar full-winter coverage with an integrated gilet design, retailing at £300. The GORE Distance Winter Bib Tights provide windproofing but lack the same high chest and back coverage and are priced at £180.
If you’re committed to riding through the coldest parts of winter, investing in a high-quality set of bib tights is essential. The Albion Allroad Winter Tights excel in typical British conditions, offering an outstanding mix of warmth, comfort, and practicality for single-figure temperatures. The fabric choices and panel design ensure even the longest rides remain enjoyable and manageable.
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