When the weather turns cold, training indoors may still be the only option — unless you have the right kit in your closet. No doubt, Castelli has some of the best cold-weather gear available and the new LW Bibtight features modern construction to handle cool-to-cold days in the saddle.
Castelli LW Bib Tights Features:
- Lighter-weight bibtight for light winter conditions
- Thermoflex fabric for exceptional warmth, stretch and breathability
- Lower panel in Nano Light fabric for splash protection
- Progetto X2 Air seat pad for long-distance comfort
- Mesh bib straps so that you can regulate insulation with your base layers, not the bib
- Weight: 262g
- MSRP: $139.95
Bib tights that don’t get in your way
While Castelli certainly has you covered for brutally-cold rides, let’s be honest, we’re riding on the trainer when the temps dip into the low-30’s. With that, the LW Bib Tights deliver warmth and comfort in temperatures from the low 50’s into the upper 30’s — even a touch colder for MTB use.
The core of the LW is the fleece-backed Thermoflex fabric with targeted panels that provide both support and warmth in key areas. Notably, the front panel has a body-mapped kneecap cover that provides warmth and protection for the knees on cold rides. It works masterfully as I’ve spent hours in the cold this winter.
I’ve ventured out on the road and a handful of MTB rides with the LW Bib Tights and no question, these are 100% Castelli at its finest. Every time I pull them on, I’m reminded just how good Castelli is at making winter kits. Their renowned Gabba line and Nanoflex fabric has long set the standard for all-weather performance and the LW’s now deliver equally-impressive performance for cold, but dry conditions.
Castelli admits that these aren’t for the coldest days or for foul weather, but more for the days we’re still keen to head outside. The sweet spot for these bibs is in the 40’s with the ability to extend down to the upper-30’s with the proper kit. In that range, the thigh panels dodge the cold and provide excellent warmth while the lower legs deliver a touch of coverage to take the edge off and provide splash protection.
As is typical, these are a snug fit, but just as you’d expect and prefer from Castelli. This classic Italian fit provides top-notch compression for proper muscle support and leaves just enough room for a light base layer underneath (like the Pearl Izumi Wool Transfer base layer).
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention just how stellar the Progetto X2 Air chamois is. It feels so comfortable in and out of the saddle it makes me wish that all bibs used Castelli pads. Never did these bibs get caught on the nose of the saddle as I moved around and comfort is supreme here. Again, I used them for both road and mountain with a variety of saddles and the performance was equally awesome every time.
I’ll add that the uppers are chaff-free and comfortable next-to-skin with wide, stretchy straps. Once you put these on, you feel like you’re kitted up for battle — I almost think the little scorpion gives you super powers.
The Good
- Stellar Castelli quality top-to-bottom
- Anatomic compression throughout
- That chamois is bonkers awesome
- Kitting up makes you feel like a superhero
- Easily stretches over thick socks, like SealSkinz
The Bad
- Lower legs don’t provide much warmth
The Bottom Line: Castelli LW Bib Tights
Cold, dry weather has met it’s match with the new Castelli LW Bib Tights. For rides in the 40-55 degree range, there’s nothing beating these for overall warmth and comfort. The fleece-backed Thermoflex fabric is so cozy and the anatomically-shaped panels that cover the entire front of the knee, are well-executed for optimal performance.
Buy Now: Available at CompetitiveCyclist.com
