The Pactimo Alpine Thermal Tights offer brilliant insulation and they are extremely comfy. However, there is very little to earmark them as a cycling-specific tight, so justifying the price tag is a challenge.
Some rides just don’t warrant a chamois – a commute or a ride to the gym, for example. During November’s cold snap, Pactimo’s tights were brilliant for exactly this. They’ve had more testing than that, but honestly, that’s where they really shone.
The “italian-milled, recycled nylon fleece fabric” feels soft and cosy. It’s not heavy at all, despite feeling substantial.
The tights are really well made and the panels are cut for an on-the-bike position. They felt completely unrestrictive when riding. The waist is quite low cut and I never had any issues with it digging in, rolling or folding.
I tested a size medium, as suggested by Pactimo’s chart. The 3/4 tights that I usually wear for gym workouts fit underneath without any issues. It’s not a fight to get the Alpine Tights on. The fabric has plenty of give and the ankle zippers make quick changes painless – a detail that winter racers may find useful.
With a week of temperatures hovering around zero degrees, the tights ended up being my go-to ‘bottoms’ for riding to the gym, popping to the shops on my bike or enjoying short spins on the MTB.
Anything above 6 or 7 degrees and they were overkill for any real effort on the bike. The main issue was the doubling up of layers around the hips – I would use them with undershorts like Endura’s.
If you’re working hard on a hilly MTB ride, or the temperatures rise as the day goes on, things can get uncomfortably sweaty. I noticed this on a three-day tour. They aren’t suited to cold starts followed by milder midday temperatures. Neither are they great in the rain – although Pactimo don’t claim otherwise.
A few extras
The tights aren’t without well-positioned reflective detailing and there’s a useful zip pocket (on the thigh), but both are a little on the small side. I’ve made use of the pocket for keys. It won’t hold much more.
At the time of writing, the tights were only available in black, but a blue version was rumoured to be on the cards.
Value
There really isn’t a whole lot that makes these obviously stand out from regular activewear tights. A quick search returns options from the likes of Decathlon for £19.99 and The Northface for £80.
I have no idea how Pactimo’s compare to these options in terms of insulation or on-the-bike comfort – although they are specifically cut for riding – but it’s hard not to feel they are a bit on the pricey side.
Gorewear also offers the similar Swiftride Thermo Tights with a chamois for the same price.
> Best winter bib tights for cycling 2026 — keep your legs toasty through the winter
Conclusion
The quality and performance of the Alpine Tights are difficult to fault and their versatility goes some way towards justifying the £110 price tag. Whether that’s enough for you will come down to your own riding habits and preferences.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
“Ideally suited for cold, dry rides. Inspired by Colorado’s unpredictable weather, the Alpine Thermal Tight (No Chamois) is built for layering – designed to pull on easily over your favorite bibs when temperatures drop. The recycled, fleece-backed Italian fabric provides lightweight warmth and breathability without restriction, delivering comfort and flexibility across changing conditions.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Italian-milled, recycled nylon fleece fabric is luxuriously soft and strikes the perfect balance of warmth, weight and breathability.
On-bike patterning and updated seam lines for unrivaled comfort.
Sculpted waist band is supportive without being restrictive.
Reflective zipper pocket on left leg provides valuables storage as well as additional visibility.
Zippered leg openings make quick-changes a breeze, even over cycling shoes.
No chamois
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
No real direct comparisions with cycle manfacturers clothing as they tend to incoporate a chamois. It’s possible to compare with running or hiking tights, which come in much cheaper.
Any further comments on comfort?:
Really comfortable.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?:
No issues.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product?
At a reduced price, yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
I can’t fault the quality, comfort or performance of the tights. The price is high though, given there is very little to distinguish them from run-of-the-mill activewear tights. This prevents me from awarding anything more than an 8.
About the tester
Age: 25 Height: 173cm Weight: 65kg
I usually ride: Road bike My best bike is: Road bike
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Semi pro
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
