By Brandon Bilyeu
Cost: $279
Colors: Black
How obtained: review sample from company
Available: online, retail
Website: Thermal Utility Bib Tight
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 15+ hours
Sizing: XS – 4XL
Reviewer Measurements and Fit Comments: 5’10” (178cm), 150 lbs (68 kgs), 33″ (84cm) waist, 38” (96.5cm) hips, 33″ (84cm) inseam, 39″ (99cm) chest. I tested size Medium and the fit was good.
Thermal Utility Bib Tight – Versatile Warmth for Above Freezing Days
Hot!
- Soft and warm fabric
- Good breathability
- Two thigh cargo pockets
- All day comfort chamois
- Large reflective panels behind ankles
- Good range of sizes available
- Women’s version available
Not!
- Pricey
Summer is easy. Throw on some shorts and a short sleeve jersey and you are ready to go. Fall, Winter, and Spring are more of a chess match with the weather. It’s critical to get your upper-half clothing right to avoid freezing or being drenched in sweat (and then subsequently freezing because of the sweat). Thankfully your bottom-half is a little more forgiving. A good thermal bib tight can provide comfort over a large range of temperatures and the Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight does just that.
For warmth the tight is made with ThermoRoubaix Power fabric that is fleece lined for non-bulky warmth and good breathability. The fabric is DWR coated for water resistance from puddle splashes and quick showers, but not downpours. A windproof panel in the seat area helps keep your backside warm and the Power fabric does a decent job of cutting the wind in the front. Overall, the Tight is light and non-restrictive, with a cozy on-skin touch that is enhanced with flatlock seams. I’ve been comfortable on rides from ~5-18 C (~41-65F). Any warmer and I’ll switch to shorts, and I’m confident I could wear these Tights comfortably down to almost freezing.
The medium thickness Signature Chamois built with dense foam provides a very supportive and cushioned ride that is great for long days in the saddle. A generous central relief channel provides reduced pressure on the perineum and a silky top layer minimizes friction. Dense chamois’ can feel a bit chunky, but the Signature Chamois is supple enough to conform to your bottom and the saddle for a smooth connection to the bike. I’ve done three-hour rides in these Tights without any backside complaints.
Up top the seamless, flat elastic bib straps hold the Tights in place well. The front is low cut and the fleece lining stops mid-back with a mesh yoke continuing up to meet the straps. This is a good design that gives you control of your upper body layering for the correct level of insulation. I’ve used other tights that were an overheating mess because they had fleece all the way up to the chest in front and shoulders in back.
Down below is an elastic ankle cuff that stays in place even without grippers. The entire backside of the ankle up to the bottom of the calf is covered by a reflective insert so motorist can see you better at night. Bonus points for being on the legs as the pedaling motion makes them stand out even more.
The Utility in the Tights name refers to the two cargo pockets, one on the outside of each thigh. The pockets are robust with a strong hold on any contents, which can be a little struggle to get in and out, but that’s better than the contents ejecting when you hit a small bump. Cargo pockets are great in cold weather as you now have more storage for the extra clothing you need to bring along. The cargo pockets are great for cell phone and food, leaving lots of room in your jersey pockets for your gilet and rain shell.
Bottom Line
The Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight provides warmth and comfort over a wide range of temperatures without bulk or restricting the pedaling motion. The chamois is excellent and cargo pockets increase the versatility.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.