Universal Colours Women’s Mono Cargo Bib Tight

The Universal Colours Women’s Mono Cargo Bib Tights are warm and comfortable with a great pad and a lightly compressive fit. They are suitable for all but the deepest winter days.

Universal Colours recommends these for temperatures from 3℃ to 12℃. I’d agree with that – I found them suitable for all but deep winter. I wore them on days ranging from around -3℃ to 10℃ and only when it was below freezing did I feel a little cold on my lower back.

This is a usefully wide temperature range. With relatively mild winter conditions during the testing period, they got more use than my full winter tights.

The main body fabric is 83% polyester and 17% elastane with a brushed fleece lining to retain warmth.

The windproofing on the tights is good. They kept me warm during the never ending northerly winds of late December.

The tights also have a plant-based durable water repellent (DWR) finish to protect you from drizzle and road spray. It works well with light rain beading on the tights. It is also made from PFC-free chemicals, which is great for the environment. 

I tested these tights in an ‘Industrial Teal’ colour, which I thought looked good and didn’t show any noticeable sweat. They are also available in Black, Navy Blue and ‘Canopy Green’.

After a few months of frequent use, they look as good as new. 

Pad, straps and comfort break functionality

The Mono Cargo Bib Tights come with a multi-density foam pad measuring 13mm at its thickest point. 

I have worn these tights on rides of up to four hours, and the pad was excellent and comfortable. It was also breathable during a few hard efforts on climbs.

The straps offer plenty of stretch to enable a quick bathroom stop without having to remove all your winter layers. I thought this element was well designed and really easy to use. It’s perfect for winter, as no one wants to remove layers when it’s freezing cold.

The straps are comfortable, they are wide, stretchy and you don’t notice them even on long rides. 

Fit and sizing

The tights come in a wide range of sizes, from 2XS to 2XL, so you should be able to find one that suits.

The size guide put me between a medium and a large (I am a UK size 12), and I tested a medium. The sizing was spot on: snug, and I suspect I’d also have been happy with a large.

The leg length was good for me (I am 1.7m), and my ankles weren’t exposed. They also retain some flexibility in the ankles, making them easy to get on and off.

The fit around the stomach area was welcome too, sitting around my belly button with a close fit that provided both support and warmth.

The fit is designed for the riding position and is lightly compressive. The fabric has some stretch, so it isn’t restrictive and they felt comfortable on long rides and during harder efforts.

Other features

There’s a pocket on each thigh. These are useful for snacks or rubbish, particularly when it is harder to access your jacket pockets in winter gloves.

They could hold a phone, but personally I’d rather not risk it.

There are reflective logos on the lower back and leg for added visibility.

Value

At £165, these are well-priced given their high quality and performance. They still have a lot of competition in that range though.

> Best winter bib tights for cycling 2026 — keep your legs toasty through the winter

Emma thought the Velocio Women’s Thermal Utility Bib Tights were very good, but they are a bit more expensive at £203.

The Gorewear Distance Winter Bib Tights+ received a very good review a few seasons ago. They are now priced at £179.99.

The Le Col Women’s Pro Bib Tights also received a very good review and are now £220. 

Overall

The Universal Colours Mono Women’s Cargo Tights are designed for all but the deepest winter days. The fleecy material is warm and comfortable, the fit is great and the quick-pee functionality is well-designed.

Verdict

Excellent tights suitable for all but the deepest winter days.

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