Santini Aldo Bib Tights

The versatile Santini Aldo Bib Tights provide insulation down to low single digits as well as breathability up above 15°C, plus brilliant comfort and decent protection against rain and dirt. With minimal seams, a sound construction, highly reflective branding on the calves, and a subtle but comfortable pad, it's hard to find negatives in these bib tights. They aren't cheap, but the price is comparable with other well-regarded brands in the market.

The Aldo bibs are one price rung below Santini's Vega Dry bibs, which are for extreme winter riding and incorporate fleece lining and total waterproofing as well as an integrated baselayer. So if you're after an almost totally winter-proof skin suit, those are probably a better option. For more options, check out our guide to the best winter bib tights.

> Buy now: Santini Aldo Bib Tights for £189 from Santini

They're made from polyamide and elastane, and the fabric feels seriously thick; even when really stretching it I can't see any leg underneath. It has that luxurious high-thread-count feeling that I associate with premium clothing, as well as a fleecy inner. This thickness worked well to block out the worst of the autumnal chill, but though its optimal use is between -/+ 5°C, I was mainly riding at the soft end, between 2 and 15 degrees.

One of my pet hates is having the front of the bibs drop too low, but that's definitely no issue here as the straps attach via an additional band, bringing the material well above the belly button. Plus it's all super stretchy which makes comfort breaks less of an operation.

The straps are all solid, non-vented material and Santini has decided to jazz up the rear inner panel with fluoro colouring. This might seem purely aesthetic, but as well as being easy on the eye it does actually make it easier to pull the bibs on the right way around from the off. They are wide and very elasticated which is great for comfort.

The fit is pretty tight on the calves, and there is no excessive compression on the thighs. The ankle cuffs – which match the reflective material on the calves – could do with a tiny bit more stretch for my liking. Everything held in position nicely during my rides and they really are a fantastically comfortable pair of tights.

The bibs incorporate Sitip Acquazero fluorine-free water and dirt-repellent technology, which worked pretty well on the whole. Light and medium rainfall didn't settle, and tended to brush off, but once the weather really set in, the bibs did eventually cave and start getting quite damp. Overall, though, I was impressed with the level of resistance. Based on the washing label, the calf branding panel is covered in polyurethane, or PU, which will add some water protection and be less porous – though this would probably be more useful on the shins.

The C3 is Santini's endurance chamois and uses a 'carving' technique, which supposedly improves shock protection and ergonomics because it fits to your rear end better. Eight hours is the recommended ride limit, and while I didn't hit that, I was really impressed with how slim the pad feels through the material and how comfortable I remained on some pretty mixed surfaces. Santini kits out its most premium bibs with the C3 so it is very much its top-shelf chamois.

Where the Aldo bibs excel is in heat retention balanced with breathability. Santini draws attention to the thermal fabric used, which doesn't require a membrane. The addition of a membrane, as per the kind used in jackets, often reduces stretch and flexibility. The Aldo bibs are both very thick and stretchy.

Santini has chosen not to include any wind-stopping panels. I didn't find this an issue, but there is no doubt that blocking panels on the knees would add a protective layer, and perhaps at -5°C would have been appreciated. However, this might compromise the breathability, so it's certainly a balancing act.

Value

How do these compare with other bib tights for similar money?

Well, Matt wasn't backing Albion's £190 Winter Tights to the hilt in terms of their insulation, but he did find them very comfortable, and liked some of their features such as a rear storage pocket, ankle stirrups and a high rise front that zips up.

Albion's Three Season Tights, on the other hand, barely dropped a mark from our tester Hollis. The knees have a special windproof panel, there's similar weatherproofing to the Santini Aldo bibs, and they are slightly cheaper at £165, though they aren't designed for deepest winter.

The Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights, as the name suggests, are specifically made to repel wind so they include windproof panels. Mat was really impressed with them, citing the windproof panelling, good protection against rain, and a fail-safe chamois, but they've gone up from £190 when he tested them in 2021 to £240.

Conclusion

There is a lot of competition out there in terms of winter bibs, so it makes sense to have a clear idea of what you are most in need of. The Santini Aldo bibs are a cracking option that will have you covered from the start of autumn, when days can (especially nowadays) heat up unexpectedly, through to winter and the tough single digits. If I was planning a trip where the temperature was going to be consistently sub zero with a chance of even more punishing wind chill, I would probably look for some better wind protection and panelling. But for the majority of winter riding, especially in the south, I would happily commit to the Aldo's excellent insulation, rain protection and cosy fleece lining. All for a competitive, albeit not cheap, price.

Verdict

Supremely comfortable bib tights that offer good insulation and breathability, and some rain resistance