rh+ Distance bib tights

The RH+ Distance bib tights have a high build quality and neat features.

The Distance bib tights are made using what RH+ call Icedry Gold 200 fabrics – intermediate weight thermal fabrics designed for mild to cold conditions. What that actually means is that these tights are made from fleecy Nylon/Lycra fabrics (like Roubaix Lycra) and they provide a good level of warmth for most off-season temperatures.

I'm just back from an 8°C ride and the level of insulation was spot on, although I'll want some windproof panels when the temperature is a few degrees colder.

The build quality is really high with the majority of seams flat-stitched to avoid any discomfort, and I didn't get any rubbing around the back of the knees, which is where some can be annoying. Those side panels have different levels of stretch from the main panels, but I can't say that I particularly noticed that in use.

The ankles come with very good zips, the pullers of which lock into place without rattling, and they're reflective for a little extra nighttime visibility (wear overshoes and you'll cover some, but not all, of that reflective material).

The leg openings are edged with gripper elastic like you get on many shorts these days. I'm a big fan of its use here. It holds everything in place well without feeling at all tight.

RH+ use similar stuff for the bib section. Well, the braces are wider but they're similarly stretchy. If you get them sweaty, they do seem to stay damp longer than a mesh equivalent but they're still very comfy.

The seatpad, an Elastic Interface model made for RH+ by experts Cytech, is called the Uranus. That's either a really unfortunate choice of name or a deliberately really funny one; we can't quite work out which. It doesn't provide the densest padding ever but you get two different depths of foam, a central channel to relieve pressure, and plenty of stretch. The fabric that sits next to your skin wicks well and dries fast. I've done three hour plus rides using this and been perfectly comfortable, although I might want a bit more cushioning if I was out all day.

£130 certainly isn't cheap for a pair of fleecy bib tights but these have a high-quality feel throughout with some good features that elevate them above the crowd.

Verdict

Thermal bib tights with a decent pad and other good features.