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Winter cycling shorts buyers guide – five of the best

The thought of being cold out on the bike is enough to put most people off going out for a ride. A warm pair of winter cycling shorts will not only keep your legs warm, but some have water-resistant fabric that will keep all but the heaviest rain at bay. Pair your shorts up with some thermal leg warmers for when the temperature really starts to drop. Take a look at our buyer’s guide to see what we recommend.

Sportful Fiandre NoRain Bib Shorts

What they say

Sportful’s Fiandre NoRain Pro Bib Shorts are tried and tested in the harshest of Pro races bringing you the same Pro performance of Nanotechnology water-repellent outside with a brushed fleece inside. A perfect multi-season race and training short.

Key specifications

  • NoRain Thermal fabric: Nanotechnology water-repellent outside, brushed fleece inside
  • Minimal seaming for additional water protection
  • Raw-cut edge elastic leg band with silicone dot gripper
  • TC Pro seat padPerforated Ltd lie-flat bibs for superior comfort and ventilation
  • Temp. Range 8 to 18 degrees C

Our verdict

The cosy brushed fleece inside and water repellant fabric treatment on the outside make these a great choice for cold wet days. The chamois pad is very comfortable too.

Where to buy

Price

£120.00

From

Wiggle

Price correct at time of publishing.

dhb Aeron Rain Defence Bib Shorts

What they say

A high performance short designed to provide additional protection in changeable weather conditions. Perfect for early or late season riding and racing where you just can’t always predict the weather.

Key specifications

  • dhb Performance level kit
  • Breathable, water resistant fabric
  • Minimal seaming for additional water protection
  • CyTech Comp HP chamois suitable for 6+ hours in the saddle
  • Mesh back panel for ventilation and breathability
  • Shaped leg elastic with silicone particle gripper

Our verdict

Very good winter shorts for the money. As with all dhb products, they are high quality and come with good padding to keep you comfortable on the saddle.

Where to buy

Price

£85.00

From

Wiggle

Price correct at time of publishing.

Rapha Classic Thermal Bib Shorts

What they say

A winter version of Rapha’s award winning Classic Bib Shorts, featuring a warm Superroubaix® Endurance fabric and reflective Rapha logos.

Key specifications

  • Matt black with reflective Rapha logos
  • Superroubaix® Endurance fabric inner
  • Deluxe pad by Cytech
  • Soft gripper and flat lock stitching
  • Rear key pocket

Our verdict

The Rapha Classic Bib Shorts are some of the best you can buy. Great for cold weather rides, the fabric is warm and straps are comfortable. The chamois pad is also comfortable on long rides.

Where to buy

Price

£170.00

From

Rapha

Price correct at time of publishing.

Stolen Goat Orkaan Bib Shorts

What they say

The Orkaan Bib Shorts are designed to keep you riding happy when temperatures drop and the weather doesn’t know what it wants to do. Featuring a pro developed chamois that is fast drying and antibacterial ensuring you are comfortable in the saddle.

Key specifications

  • Compressive fit with four way stretch fabric
  • Water repellent and windproof outer layer
  • Soft roubaix brushed lining
  • Integrated back panel
  • Pro developed chamois that is fast drying with anti-bacterial properties
  • Elasticated leg grip
  • Optimal temperature range between 4 – 17 Degrees C

Our verdict

The Stolen Goat Orkaan’s are a top quality bib short with brilliant thermal materials and an excellent chamois. Can’t go wrong with these!

Where to buy

Price (from)

£115.00

From

Wiggle

Price correct at time of publishing.

Isadore Thermo Roubaix Bib Shorts

What they say

Isadore’s Thermo Roubaix Bib Shorts have been carefully selected and constructed from two types of ThermoRoubaix Lycra® materials with soft brushed fleece on inside to ensure you are kept insulated from cold weather. Both materials are treated with DuPont™ Teflon® Fabric Protector to enhance the ability of the fabric to repel water and dirt. Cut in an ergonomic fit provide compression and support to the muscles.

Key specifications

  • Excellent insulating properties thanks to its fast-recovery and super-stretch ThermoRoubaix® fabric
  • Carefully selected and constructed from two types of ThermoRoubaix Lycra® materials with soft brushed fleece on inside
  • Water repellent thanks to DuPont™ Teflon® treatment
  • TMF® Italian made Chamois
  • Label free for comfort
  • Ergonomic fit shaping to provide enough compression and support
  • Reflective signs and logo on both sides to enhance visibility

Our verdict

These shorts are perfect for colder weather conditions and are comfortable and warm. They are a high-quality product.

Where to buy

Price

£118.98

From

Wiggle

Price correct at time of publishing.