Sugoi MidZero bib tights

Hopefully the worst of the winter weather has passed now but its still chilly enough in the morning to need full leg coverage. Sugoi's MidZero bib tights are bang on for this time of year. They are made from a mid-weight fabric that's ideal for temperatures from a couple of degrees above freezing to around 13-15°C.

They get their name from the MidZero fabric, Sugoi's own design of fleece-backed material to provide the warmth. Up top the bibs have a mesh construction that gives plenty of ventilation and breathability.

The MidZero's eight-panel construction is shaped tight and close in a very snug race cut. They're so well cut for riding that they are uncomfortable to walk in because they are short between chamois pad and bibs.

On the bike though the fit is pretty much perfect with no bunching around the knees or tops of the thighs even when you're crouched right over in the drops.

There's a double layer of fabric over the knees, keeping warmth where it's needed most but without any unwanted bulk. At the bottom leg grippers work with seven-inch ankle zips to stop them riding up.

The mesh bib comes up to the bottom of your chest giving plenty of support and warmth for the lower back and abdomen. The bib straps are very narrow though and could do with being wider to avoid pressure points on your shoulders. That's only a minor gripe though.

Inside we see the same RC Pro chamois that is used in the Sugoi Evolution shorts we tested last summer and it's just as comfortable here as it was then. The pad itself contains various contoured areas that mould to the body and reduce vibration, while a centre channel runs the full length for ventilation and pressure relief. Long hours in the saddle are not a problem.

At £90 these are fairly pricy bib tights but their comfort justifies the price thanks to the cut of the fabric panels and the chamois. For all round comfort and performance the MidZero's are tough to beat.

There's a 'but' though and it's a big one. They have not proven acceptably durable. After just 10-12 hours of saddle time the fabric was wearing thin and pilling at rub points and the stitching was coming apart. After another 20+ hours of riding you can see the chamois from outside the tights.

This is a real shame. The Sugoi MidZero bib tights would be getting massive thumbs up otherwise. Their durability really lets them down even though they excel in every area.

Verdict

Cracking performance and fit, but we found problems with durability.