Protection against wet and cold: Long cycling shorts for winter put to the test

Ideally, long cycling shorts for autumn and winter are true all-rounders: they keep moisture and wind out, body heat in and at the same time wick away sweat as quickly as possible so that you don't have to give up on a steep sunny slope on your racing bike due to overheating.

Difference 1: Price of long cycling shorts

The cheapest long cycling shorts in our test field of a total of 15 winter bibtights models comes from Rose and costs 110 euros, while cyclists have to fork out 290 euros for the most expensive winter shorts from the Italian luxury tailor Q36.5. An overview of the entire test field with the respective manufacturer prices is shown in the table. The test details and ratings of the individual cycling trouser models can be found below.

An overview of the long cycling shorts tested for the winter months:

• Alé Dots WR - 157 Euro
• Biehler Neo Classic Thermal Rain - 220 Euro
• Bioracer Spitfire Tempest - 140 Euro
• Castelli Sorpasso 2 Wind Bibtight - 200 Euro
• Craft Ideal Pro Wind Bib Tights - 140 Euro
• Endura Pro SL Bibtights II - 200 Euro
• Gorewear Partial Windstopper Pro bib shorts - 200 Euro
• Löffler Cruiser WS Warm - 150 Euro
• Pearl Izumi Elite Escape Amfib Cycling Bib Tight - 180 Euro
• Q36.5 Termica L1 Long Salopette - 289 Euro
• Rapha Pro Team Winter Tights II - 250 Euro
• Rose High End Fluo Thermo bib shorts - 110 Euro
• Santini Vega H 20 Bibtights - 150 Euro
• Sportful Flandre Norain Pro Bibtight - 150 Euro
• Vaude Matera LesSeam Tights - 140 Euro

Difference 2: Membrane material of the long cycling shorts

The properties of the long cycling shorts tested also differ greatly. The models from Alé and Santini are very elasticated and very light at just under 300 grams. Instead of a membrane, they have an impregnation on the outer skin to repel water. The heaviest winter cycling shorts - from Pearl Izumi, Biorace or Vaude - weigh around 150 grams more; both are equipped with a windproof and water-repellent membrane and therefore feel significantly stiffer.

Generally, heavier, long cycling shorts offer the best protection against the cold and moisture: there is a layer of membrane material between the lining and the outer skin on the entire front up to the waistband and on the bottom, where the splash water from the rear tyre hits. Bib shorts without a membrane, on the other hand, are more vapour permeable. Tip for finding the right long cycling shorts: Anyone who trains intensively on a road bike in winter should therefore choose a lighter model without an "insulating layer", while those who get cold easily and tend to ride more comfortably should choose thicker long cycling shorts.

Difference 3: Seat pad of the long cycling shorts

The seat pads of cycling shorts do not differ significantly in width and thickness from those in summer shorts. The pads are usually just cut longer at the front to provide better protection from the wind and cold. With an effective width of eleven and a half centimetres, the Craft pad is very narrow, while the Biehler and Vaude pads are almost five centimetres wider. Of course, useful details such as reflective material, pre-shaped knee sections or easy-to-use and non-intrusive zips at the top of the bib or bottom of the ankle are also included in our ratings.

Tip: Try them on before buying trousers

When it comes to fit and cut, our descriptions can only provide a guide; whether the shorts really fit well and comfortably when pedalling depends heavily on your physique and individual preferences. You should therefore always try on the cycling shorts at your leisure - preferably in a specialist shop - before you set off on your autumn and winter training in your new shorts.

Long cycling shorts for women: The crux of the matter: bibs

Many women also prefer long bib shorts on a road bike - especially when it gets cold. Not only do they fit better than waistband trousers, they also protect the sensitive kidney area. However, they make it more difficult for women to take a break to pee - especially in winter. With some long cycling shorts, women have to strip down to their vest to get the shorts off. Manufacturers such as Alé and Craft have come up with something to make this procedure easier: With the Future BE-HOT model from Alé, the closed strap around the neck can simply be pulled over the head. When bent over, the trousers can even be pulled down at the back if the strap remains in place. The Ideal Pro Wind Bib Tights model from Craft requires a little more "blind instinct": here, the strap is opened at the back with a hook fastener so that the trousers can also simply be pulled down.

The 15 long cycling shorts in the test

Alé Dots WR

• Price: 157 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size): 290 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 13.5 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, leg zip, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,8
• Weather protection (20 %): 2,9
• Seat cushion (30 %): 1,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,3
• Overall grade (100 %): 1.8

Test conclusion: These long cycling shorts have a flat waistband; not windproof and medium-warm; water beads up well; lightweight and vapour-permeable shorts in which you sweat little; easy to put on and take off; great fit

Biehler Neo Classic Thermal Rain

• Price: 220 Euro
• Country of production: Germany
• Weight (size): 320 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 16 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 2,5
• Weather protection (20 %): 3,5
• Seat cushion (30 %): 3,0
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 2,8
• Overall grade (100 %): 2.9

Test conclusion: Long cycling shorts with little weather protection, but warm; padding is very bulky; construction with many and noticeable seams; the material is not very elastic, making it a little awkward to put on

Bioracer Splitfire Bibtight Tempest

• Price: 140 Euro
• Country of production: EU
• Weight (size): 425 gram (L)
• Effective cushion width: 13.5 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, pre-shaped knee area, foot stirrups

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 2,3
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,3
• Seat cushion (30 %): 2,3
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,9
• Overall grade (100 %): 2.0

Test conclusion: Very good weather protection; medium-thick padding; material not so elastic; difficult to put on and take off; barely noticeable seams; foot stirrups pull the trousers into shape well

Castelli Sorpasso 2 Wind Bibtight

• Price: 200 Euro
• Country of production: Bosnia
• Weight (size): 345 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 14 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, elasticated bib, leg zip, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,2
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,3
• Seat cushion (30 %): 2,3
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,9
• Overall grade (100 %): 1.7

Test conclusion: Many features; good weather protection, medium warmth; padding is noticeable; trousers run small, better buy one size larger; difficult to put on

Craft Ideal Pro Wind Bib Tights

• Price: 140 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size): 370 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 11.5 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, leg zip, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,8
• Weather protection (20 %): 2,0
• Seat cushion (30 %): 3,0
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 3,5
• Overall grade (100 %): 2.7

Test conclusion: The cut and fit of Craft's long cycling shorts are not convincing; the elasticated fabric lies in folds above the waistband and on the lower legs; folds also disturb the back of the knees

Endura Pro SL Bibtights II

• Price: 200 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size): 360 grams (L)
• Effective cushion width: 13 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, waistband zip, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 2,3
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,9
• Seat cushion (30 %): 1,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,6
• Overall grade (100 %): 1.8

Test conclusion: Endura's long cycling shorts provide good warmth and good protection against wetness and wind; feels a bit like neoprene; the seat pad is available in three sizes; fit and cut are convincing when pedalling

Gorewear Partial Windstopper Pro Bib Shorts+

• Price: 200 Euro
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size): 290 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 13 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,7
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,8
• Seat cushion (30 %): 2,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 2,8
• Overall grade (100 %): 2.3

Test conclusion: Gore Wear's long cycling shorts are the lightest membrane shorts, hardly any warmth, thin feel; padding inconspicuous; straps lack elasticity to keep the shorts in shape; no annoying creases in the knee area

Löffler Cruiser WS Warm

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production: Austria
• Weight (size): 340 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 14 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,7
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,8
• Seat cushion (30 %): 2,0
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,8
• Overall grade (100 %): 1.8

Test conclusion: Membrane at the front provides effective protection against wind and moisture; hardly any splash protection at the back; overall high wearing comfort of the long cycling shorts from Löffler and they are very vapour permeable

Pearl Izumi Elite Escape Amfib Cycling Bib Tight

• Price: 180 Euro
• Country of production: Vietnam
• Weight (size): 430 grams (L)
• Effective cushion width: 14 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, elasticated bib, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,5
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,3
• Seat cushion (30 %): 2,0
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,5
• Overall grade (100 %): 1.6

Test conclusion: Leg zip well positioned at the side; long cycling shorts with top weather protection, warm; padding slightly noticeable; wears very well despite a lot of fabric, hardly wrinkles; good straps; no seams noticeable

Q36.5 Termica L1 Long Salopette

• Price: 289 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size): 345 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 13.5 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, elasticated bib, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,4
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,8
• Seat cushion (30 %): 1,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,0
• Overall grade (100 %): 1.4

Test conclusion: Test winner - and the most expensive long cycling shorts in the test; transports sweat well; padding fits well; the shorts fit like a second skin; tight, seamless straps; easy to put on and take off

Rapha Pro Team Winter Tights II

• Price: 250 Euro
• Country of production: Portugal
• Weight (size): 380 gram (L)
• Effective cushion width: 16 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,7
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,4
• Seat cushion (30 %): 3,0
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 2,0
• Overall grade (100 %): 2.1

Test conclusion: Long cycling shorts from Rapha with very good weather protection, good warmth; padding relatively wide; seams and material creases minimally noticeable; very tight straps, tight waistband; takes a while to put on

Rose High End Fluo Thermo bib shorts

• Price: 110 Euro
• Country of production: Romania
• Weight (size): 320 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 15 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, leg zip, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,6
• Weather protection (20 %): 3,4
• Seat cushion (30 %): 3,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 3,4
• Overall grade (100 %): 3.1

Test conclusion: Minimal protection from wind and moisture; padding placed far too high at the back, sits above the sit bones; fit and cut hardly anticipate the racing bike position; cheap

Santini Vega H 20 Bibtights

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size): 285 grammes (L)
• Effective cushion width: 12 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, comfort straps, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 1,6
• Weather protection (20 %): 3,5
• Seat cushion (30 %): 1,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,5
• Overall grade (100 %): 1.9

Test conclusion: Santini's long cycling shorts are more for sunny and mild days; padding inconspicuous; shorts fit like a glove, no material folds, no seams disturb; straps fit well, but are difficult to adjust

Sportful Fiandre Norain Pro Bibtight

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production: Hungary
• Weight (size): 405 gram (L)
• Effective cushion width: 13 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, leg zip, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 2,4
• Weather protection (20 %): 1,6
• Seat cushion (30 %): 2,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 1,8
• Overall grade (100 %): 2.1

Test conclusion: The material is so inelastic, the leg cuffs are so tight that it takes ages to put them on - once you're in, everything is fine; a bit much padding; fit and cut are impeccable

Vaude Matera LesSeam Tights

• Price: 140 Euro
• Country of production: Portugal
• Weight (size): 430 grams (L)
• Effective cushion width: 16 cm
• Equipment: Reflective material, mesh material, pre-shaped knee area

TOUR rating

• Equipment (20 %): 2,1
• Weather protection (20 %): 2,1
• Seat cushion (30 %): 1,5
• Wearing comfort (30 %): 2,6
• Overall grade (100 %): 2.1

Test conclusion: Great fabric feel, but not particularly warm; fits on the thigh, but is too wide over the hips and lower legs, even thin SQ-Lab padding doesn't hold in place

Long cycling shorts: The TOUR test procedure

The overall score for the long cycling shorts is made up of four sub-scores, which we determine in laboratory tests, some of which are complex. All models have also been test ridden by road cyclists. Their testimonials are primarily reflected in the sub-ratings for fit and comfort. This is how we rate them:

Seat cushion (30 %)

In contrast to lightweight summer cycling shorts, where the padding is harder to keep in place due to the thin and very elastic material, it is generally held in place better on thicker and firmer all-weather shorts. Voluminous padding can have a negative impact on comfort and pedalling feel. Accordingly, flat and flexible pads tended to get better marks than thickly padded "nappies". For orientation purposes, we have measured the effective cushioning area of each seat pad and listed it in the table so that everyone - depending on their individual sit bone distance - can get an initial assessment for the selection.

Fit/comfort (30 %)

In the comparative practical test, we compared and evaluated the fit and comfort of all cycling shorts models in size L. The experiences of our test riders in terms of the feel of the fabric on the skin and the sensation of warmth when temperatures rise are taken into account in the rating. In addition to the general fit of the trousers - do they crease, how comfortable are they to put on and take off? - the fit of the padding and the braces are also relevant. The shape and elasticity in the knee area and at the leg ends are also important details that are included in the assessment.

Equipment (20 %)

Details such as the design and shape of the bib and leg cuffs as well as the presence and placement of reflective material are taken into account when grading the features of the cycling shorts. Any zips on the bib or leg ends must run smoothly and not pinch. The same applies to seams, especially on the seat pad.

Weather protection (20 %)

The so-called spray test (DIN-EN-ISO 4920) is used to determine the beading behaviour of previously washed cycling shorts. Optimum is when water droplets roll off the surface; poor is when the fabric soaks up immediately - this cools you down more quickly during the ride. We determined the insulation capacity in a practical test at an ambient temperature of five to ten degrees. Due to the use of similar materials, it can be generalised that lightweight sets weighing around 300 grams are significantly less insulating than heavier models that weigh 100 grams more; these insulate sufficiently well even at temperatures close to freezing point.