Thermal winter bibs can make the difference between enjoying a cold ride and just enduring itJames Huang / Immediate Media
Make sure you’re ready for the cold weather this winterJames Huang / Immediate Media
Thermal bibs feature thick, wicking fabric with some loft and compression. The waffled Assos material adds extra loft without extra bulkJames Huang / Immediate Media
Left to right: Endura, Assos, Rapha, Castelli and AléJames Huang / Immediate Media
The Alé thermal bibs fit and function like good high-end bibs — but are warmerJames Huang / Immediate Media
While most winter bibs shorts have simple elastic bands with silicone grippers, Alé goes with a smoother, lighter option like you’d find on top-end shortsJames Huang / Immediate Media
Reflective piping is stitched into the rear side seamsJames Huang / Immediate Media
Similar to the leg grippers, the suspender straps are light, flat and grippyJames Huang / Immediate Media
The Assos bibs are the warmest of the bunch, combing waffle thermal fabric on the legs with a windproof crotch panelJames Huang / Immediate Media
The Assos bibs stay snugly in place without bunching or constrictionJames Huang / Immediate Media
The abrupt transition between the shorts and straps isn’t as good as the traditional curved — and pressure-dispersing — style you see on the other bibsJames Huang / Immediate Media
Castellli’s shorts fit quite snugly and run a little longJames Huang / Immediate Media
Nano Flex is Castelli’s water-repellent technology. It works well for shedding short sprays, but isn’t waterproofJames Huang / Immediate Media
Reflective tabs are sewn in for durabilityJames Huang / Immediate Media
