Rapha Classic Winter Tights

Rapha's Classic Winter Tights are luxuriously comfortable with a supreme softness next to the skin, provide good freedom of movement around the knees and provide just enough insulation for the winter.

Compared to Rapha's Deep Winter tights, these uses a lighter Thermoroubaix fabric with a Thermolite fleece finish that keeps the legs warm in a range of temperatures from about 2 to 12 degrees. That seems to characterise most of my rides of late, and the Classic Winter Tights offer a comfortable level of warmth.

As usual, Rapha understand what details ensure you'll want to wear them a regular basis. All the panels are stitched together with flatlock seams, which reduce the potential for discomfort and chafing. The cut is just right, with a good shaping around the knees helped by strategically shaped and cut panels and pre-shaped legs. They come up nice and high at the front too, providing a good overlap on the lower torso for extra warmth. A long zipper makes getting them on and off easier, and allows for easy comfort breaks.

At the legs are wide thin mesh stirrups. You don't notice them in your shoes when riding, and they ensure a good seal inside overshoes when worn over the top. Around the back is a large mesh panel to ensure good breathability, and it doesn't prevent your chosen base layer from doing its job of wicking sweat away from the skin. There's a small valuables zipper pocket on the lower back, which I admit I haven't found any use for yet. But it's an extra pocket if you need the storage space.

I've been giving these tights plenty of use recently, my first pick when they're clean and dry from the wash for nearly every ride. They're clearly built to withstand some abuse. The stitching is of the highest quality, there's been no loose threads or popped stitches. The fabric is still looking as new as when they were first pulled from the packaging. I can see them lasting through ten hard winters of use quite easily.

Every brand likes a signature detail and Rapha is no exception. The left leg has the same white vertical panel that features on their other tights (and on the front of their three quarters) and is a nice touch. I'd prefer if it, along with the reflective piping lining, was placed on the right leg for better visibility to other road users. The white stripe doesn't stay white for very long either, given how grimy the roads are, and is a good test of your washing skills. A spray with some stain remover does the trick. The final little detail is the word 'Wheelsucker' printed on the backside.

I really like the freedom that having tights without an integrated chamois provide. There's no concerns with comfort wearing separate bib shorts and these tights over the top. In fact I'd say it's a lot more comfortable than many tights with integrated pads that I've tested in the past. There's numerous benefits of tights without a chamois; an extra layer of material over your knees and hips for warmth, and you can wear them on consecutive days, provided you don't get them filthy dirty, which makes them good for daily training rides or commuting duties.

That just leaves the price. Ah the price. For a start, they're in the ballpark, and they're actually cheaper than the similar Assos LL.607 tights. But there's no getting away from the fact there are high quality tights with more features and built in pads available for a good chunk less cash than what Rapha are asking for these tights.

I can envisage the detractors commenting below this review already, but let's just remember that no one is forcing you to buy them. It's a free market and there are tights available to suit everyone's budget. If your wallet can stretch to the Rapha Classic tights, you're getting a high quality, comfortable and high performance pair of tights that will still be doing good service many years from now. I have some pairs of tights that are approaching ten years of service, and based on the quality of the Rapha tights over the past couple of months, I have no reason to suspect they won't still be in use many years down the line.

Verdict

Warm, well fitting, comfortable and well made.