The full Hincapie Ghisallo collection is impressive with a focus on versatility to keep you comfortable through a wide variety of weather conditions. The Ghisallo Bib Knickers are the foundational piece of the entire collection and serve as an excellent cool-weather companion.
Hincapie Ghisallo Bib Knickers Features:
- Winter weight, fleeced-lined BodE Thermal Heat™ stretch knit fabric provides excellent moisture wicking and unsurpassed insulation
- Soft, supple BodE Thermal Loft™ elastic knit insulates and wicks moisture away from the body
- 3/4 length leg is just right for mild to cool conditions
- Anatomical, 4-way stretch Hincapie Team Chamois
- Sublimated side leg and back panels
- Hincapie Gel-Gripper™ elastic leg openings
- Inseam: 21”
- MSRP: $140
Bib Knickers are for Shoulder-season Warmth
Inspired by the classic Giro di Lombardia, the new Ghisallo Collection is chock full of versatile pieces that can be worn in a variety of conditions. First in a line of reviews from this collection is the Ghisallo bib knickers. Bib knickers are a “must have” item in any rider’s closet. For riding in 40-50 degree temps, I always grab knickers and have grabbed the Ghisallo’s more than others.
The fleece-lined knit fabric is ultra-comfortable when slipped on — providing instant warmth and just-right compression. The multi-panel design offers an excellent fit both on and off the bike. Body-mapping is important for a proper fitting bib knicker and these fit and stretch just right. Climbing for an hour straight felt no different than a pair of bib shorts — as far as performance goes. My cadence was unaffected and my knees were kept warm and ready to crank mile-after-mile.
My riding conditions have been cool to cold with the majority of the rides being done in the early-morning hours. The warmth of the Ghisallo bib knickers is excellent as starting temperatures in the morning hours hover in the mid-40’s. Those temps consistently drop as I head up American Fork Canyon, but the Ghisallo’s do an excellent job of maintaining the proper balance between warmth, cold protection and breathability.
While the standard grippy leg cuffs are not typically my favorite, they are well-executed here with just the right diameter to stay put without digging into my calves. Adding to the nice fit are the flatlock seams throughout. Compared to the simpleton Arenberg Bib Knickers I reviewed earlier this spring, the Ghisallo’s are much more refined and high-end in their construction, fit and performance — well worth the extra money.
Ghisallo = Comfortable Uppers and Chamois
The bibs feature a taller design with wide shoulder straps. The result is an excellent fit with or without a base layer and extra upper-body warmth. Heading downward, the “just right” Power Chamois offers comfort in the saddle without that “I’m wearing a diaper” feeling off the bike. Moving around the saddle is easy with consistent padding for every riding position.
The only improvements I could suggest would be to add wind-blocking panels on the front to further extend the cold-weather versatility and either a stretchier bib front or a small zipper for easier pit stops.
For reference, I’m 5’11” and 170 lbs with a 32″ inseam and the Medium bib knickers fit me perfectly. I find that overall, I’m a solid Medium in all Hincapie products.
The Good
- Body-mapped panels offer excellent fit
- Fleece-lined for warmth and breathability
- Love the wide bib straps
- Low-profile, just-right chamois
The Bad
- A little more wind protection would extend the versatility
- Bibs come up pretty high — a zipper would help when nature calls
The Bottom Line
Bib Knickers rule the shoulder season and in warmer climates, can be worn all winter long. The new Ghisallo bib knickers give a solid nod to classic Italian cycling with versatility, comfort and throwback styling.
Buy Now: Available at CompetitiveCyclist.com
