Storck Bib Tight Winter - Pro

These Storck Bib Tight Winters come with windproof and water resistant panels and several other neat features, although they're certainly an expensive option.

So, those windproof/water resistant panels are the ones that go over your knees and your quads – the most exposed areas. They're fleece backed and stretchy so they're perfectly comfortable as you pedal. Most of the rest of the lowers are made from a fabric called Notorious which has a fleecy, ribbed inner surface that holds a lot of warm air around your legs.

You get a double layer of fabric through the crotch area, the layer next to your skin being a polypropylene Everdry material that, as the name suggests, dries out quickly when you sweat to prevent the buildup of moisture. It's similar to those fabrics you get inside swim shorts. The bib section doesn't hold very much moisture either, and it's super-stretchy so you get a comfortable, secure fit.

Unlike anyone else we know of, Storck use different sizes and densities of seat pad, depending on the size of the tights. The thought is that a larger rider is going to put more pressure on the saddle – which seems a reasonable enough assumption to me.

The seat pad actually looks pretty plain compared to some of the elaborate multi-contoured constructions you get these days. It's not mega-thick but I can't argue with the performance; it kept me comfortable over my long weekend rides so no complaints on that front. It's perforated and the micro cloth that sits next to your skin dries fast so that even if you get sweaty you don't then get damp and cold.

What other little features can I tell you about? Well, reflective ankle zippers allow you to get them on and off easily. The zip pulls lock into place rather than rattling around and driving you nuts. An elasticated band inside the hem stops the ankles from riding up – I thought they might because I'm tall and skinny, but it really wasn't a problem. There's a reflective logo on the butt too.

One other thing that's certainly worth mentioning is that the seams are... what's the opposite of prominent? Not prominent. And like a lot of people who know what they're doing, Storck have made sure there are none in that area behind your knees where they can rub, so you don't get any of that.

In terms of warmth, I've been using these in complete comfort when the weather has been anywhere from about 4°C up to around 11-12°C. Anything below that and I tend to go for tights with a completely windproof front, but I'm a delicate flower, me. Other people will be warm enough a few degrees colder.

Verdict

Premium-quality tights with windproof warmth, but expensive.