Specialized Women’s RBX Comp Thermal Bib Knicker

Specialized's Women's RBX Comp Thermal Bib Knickers are perfect for those days when there's zero chance temperatures will rise enough to make you want to peel off knee or leg warmers but full winter bibs would be overkill. The fabric is exceptionally effective at keeping the upper legs and knees protected from cold air, and the cut at the waist is great.

Despite their title, the knickers don't have a bib. They have a stretchy, well-proportioned folded panel at the front, and it's one of the most comfortable (waisted) pairs I have ridden with. At the rear there is a wide, elasticated band to help hold the knickers securely.

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I tested a medium; while my height put me in a large on Specialized's size chart, other measurements were at the bottom end of the medium range. The fit around the hips and waist felt great. I'd say allow hip and waist measurements to override height for these.

I found the leg length good – definitely shorter than some other 3/4s I've tested, which plays in their favour: there are no grippers at the leg ends to hold them in place, so less fabric to ride up.

After 15-20 minutes in the saddle, they settle into a higher position, which doesn't look great but isn't uncomfortable, and a mesh panel behind the knee helps with heat regulation; the mesh is also soft and doesn't feel scratchy or irritate, even when the fabric starts to bunch up.

The lack of elastic or silicone and the inclusion of a dart in the lower hem means it's really easy to pull the leg ends down while on move, though it's a bit of a pointless exercise as they are going to ride up again in no time.

For this reason, I was thankful I hadn't opted to test the large that my height put me in – there would likely be more length to ride up and ultimately bunch at the knee.

The fit around the hips and waist was, as mentioned, spot on for me. I have tested very few waist shorts/knickers/tights that don't create some form of bunching at the groin, but the RBX Comp Thermals didn't bunch at all. Even better, there was no cutting in at the waist or marks left on my tummy after rides.

The waist height is always a fine balance – teaming these with the shortest jersey I own was a no-no, but said jersey isn't compatible with all of the bib shorts I own either.

Recent conditions have been ideal for the Knickers; consistently cool weather. The fabric is surprisingly warm for something that is seemingly rather delicate and thin – in fact, anything above 14 degrees and I found these too much; the Action 210 fleece certainly seems more suited to single figure temperatures than double.

It's exceptionally soft against the skin, too, and super stretchy; it doesn't pinch and is very accommodating. I was also surprised that an outdoor coffee stop, sat on a wall, didn't causes any kind of threading or bobbling to the fabric. It's more robust than its touch might lead you to believe.

I found the Body Geometry 3D Contour Chamois to offer sufficient support for rides of up to four hours. I'd say that the variable density foam is firmer than average. It's a good length, too, just enough for efforts on the drops but not too much to add bulk if you are upright.

Value

There aren't that many 3/4s out there, and those that do exist tend to also be bib-less, and around the same price as these RBX Comp Thermals.

> Buyer’s Guide: 8 of the best 3/4-length tights

Lara tested some from Fat Lad At the Back which are also £74.99. They are more colourful but the seams were an issue for Lara. She didn't rave about the cheaper (now £54.99) offering from Bontrager either.

Liv's Race Day Knickers are the same price, while its Mossa Knickers are cheaper at £49.99, but neither are thermal.

> Read more road.cc reviews of women’s cycling clothing here

Morvelo's Stormshields do have a bib, but they have the same issue with the legs riding up as the Specialized knickers, despite being elasticated with silicone, and are now £115.

Conclusion

Justifying buying 3/4s isn't always easy when you could invest in some quality knee warmers to team with any pair of shorts that you own. However, the warmth that these Specialized knickers offer certainly beats all of the shorts I own.

While the legs riding up isn't a great look, neither are the sausage legs that knee warmers can sometimes cause. I'd say it's a matter of personal preference here. The quality, warmth and fit at the hips justify the £75 price tag. For me, they are the most comfortable and effective 3/4s I've ever used.

Verdict

Excellent comfort and warmth for days when full winter bibs are overkill, though the hem design won't appeal to all