The Universal Colours Women's Mono Cargo Bib Tights provide an exceptional fusion of warmth, comfort, and practical features, making them highly suitable for most winter cycling conditions. These tights are praised for their snug fit, robust construction, and innovative design elements like quick-pee functionality and integrated cargo pockets. Despite a few minor limitations in extreme cold, their overall performance and value position them as a strong contender in the market for women's winter cycling apparel.
Crafted from a blend of 83% polyester and 17% elastane, these bib tights incorporate a brushed fleece lining that effectively traps warmth, ensuring rider comfort in temperatures ranging from 3℃ to 12℃. During testing, they proved reliable in keeping the wearer warm, even on chilly days, though temperatures significantly below freezing might necessitate additional layering. Their windproofing capabilities were notable, providing excellent protection against the biting northerly winds experienced in late December. This broad temperature adaptability makes them a versatile choice for the milder winter conditions that are often encountered.
Beyond warmth, the tights boast a plant-based Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, which expertly repels light rain and road spray. This environmentally friendly, PFC-free coating ensures that moisture beads off the fabric, enhancing comfort and dryness during unexpected downpours. Available in a stylish 'Industrial Teal'—which cleverly conceals sweat—alongside classic Black, Navy Blue, and 'Canopy Green', these tights maintain their aesthetic appeal even after extensive use, with no reported issues with the zip or material integrity. Their thoughtful design extends to essential features like the multi-density foam pad, measuring a substantial 13mm at its thickest point, which delivered outstanding comfort and breathability during rides lasting up to four hours, even during intense climbs. The integrated quick-pee functionality, facilitated by stretchy straps, is particularly beneficial, allowing for convenient bathroom breaks without the hassle of shedding multiple winter layers—a crucial detail for cold-weather cycling.
The sizing options, ranging from 2XS to 2XL, cater to a wide array of body types, ensuring a personalized fit. The reviewer, a UK size 12, found the medium size to be perfectly snug, providing both support and warmth around the stomach area. The leg length was ample, preventing ankle exposure, and the ankle cuffs maintained flexibility for easy on-off. Designed with a lightly compressive fit that accommodates the riding position, these tights offer unrestricted movement and comfort throughout long and strenuous rides. Additional features include practical cargo pockets on each thigh, ideal for stowing snacks or rubbish, especially when jacket pockets are less accessible with winter gloves. Reflective logos on the lower back and legs enhance visibility, contributing to rider safety in low-light conditions.
Priced at £165, the Universal Colours Women's Mono Cargo Bib Tights represent a competitive option within the high-performance cycling apparel market. While they face competition from pricier alternatives like the Velocio Women's Thermal Utility Bib Tights (£203) and the Le Col Women's Pro Bib Tights (£220), their blend of quality, functionality, and robust performance offers significant value. They are designed for three-season riding, encompassing most of autumn, winter, and spring, providing cyclists with a dependable and comfortable solution for cooler weather. The exceptional fit, advanced quick-pee feature, and overall durability highlight these tights as a highly recommended garment for dedicated female cyclists.