B'Twin 7 Membrane bib tights

When the weather deteriorates you expect your bib tights to perform. The B'Twin 7 membrane tights are the French brand's top-of-the-range tights and for the money you get a top performer.

At £64.99 you're getting a pair of bib tights you could normally expect to pay considerably more for. This season's kit from B'Twin offers a predominantly black kit with a blue piping to offer a little contrast from the norm.

The 7 membrane tights give you a decent level of insulation and perhaps more importantly they provide good levels of protection from the water. When you first don them you notice the material is thicker than your average tights. They are also better protected in the key areas such as your thighs and abdomen. There is no zip on the front to assist with getting them on and I am happy I haven't needed to take a comfort stop as the front does sit quite high. This could be interesting.

The pad offers a 15mm density at the back slimming to 9mm at the front. It is both comfortable and unobtrusive. The shape is also designed to reduce chafing.

The legs taper nicely to a zip at the bottom that allows you to keep everything in place. There's some reflective trim down there too for visibility. At the other end, the straps are meshed at the front and the large middle section of the back panel is also meshed to keep a level of circulation going.

The tights have undergone an antibacterial treatment although there is no further information as to what that is. As with most of B'Twin's clothing products, they come with a 2 year guarantee that covers you for normal use.

The tights have performed well in the worst of the downpours. Yes they do get wet but have kept most of that moisture on the outside where you want it to be. In terms of operating temperatures, the colder the better. The thick membrane would prove too warm when the mercury started to climb but when it's in single figures you're kept toasty.

When matters do get warm the mesh sections on the top half reduce overheating and despite the thicker material on the legs they have not suffered adversely.

I'd have to say for the money you're getting a top quality pair of tights, which will allow you to undertake short or long rides in total comfort. Regardless of the conditions, you'll be impressed with the B'Twin 7 tights.

Verdict

Decent-fitting tights that provide welcome respite from the elements at something of a bargain price.