Santini Vega Aquazero bib tights review
Good bib tights for wet weather riding
The Santini Vega Aquazero bib tights are a good choice for riding through the rain, with a water-resistant coating that does a good job of keeping you dry, as well as being comfortable enough to wear on long days out. The only downside is that they could be a little warmer.
-
+
Great water-resistance
-
+
Good quality pad
-
+
Comfortable
- +
-
-
Could be warmer
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Riding in the rain can be an unpleasant experience, but even if you decide to stick to the turbo while the heavens are actually open this winter, the likelihood is that you’re still going to find yourself riding on wet roads when you head out the next day.
>>> Buyer's guide to cycling bib tights
This is where the Santini Vega Acquazero bib tights come into their own, being the perfect match for the equally water-resistant Santini Vega jersey that we reviewed a couple of weeks back.
The whole of the outside of the tights is given a water-resistant treatment that does a great job of keeping your shins and legs dry (and more importantly warm) through unexpected showers and extended rides over wet roads. Ok, in persistent or heavy rain then water will get through, but that’s not really what these tights are designed for, and anyway in such conditions keeping your legs dry is going to be the least of your worries.
Watch: Our pick of the best products of 2015
The Santini Vega Aquazero bib tights come with Santini’s interestingly named GIT chamois pad (which stands for Gel Intech, if you’re interested). It’s one of the more cushioned pads on the market, which means that it can feel a little bulky, but for long days in the saddle it really is exceptionally comfortable.
>>> How to dress for wet weather riding
The comfort of the pad is matched elsewhere with the nice wide straps that keep the bib tights up and securely in place without digging into your shoulders, and the elasticated ankle cuffs which sit snug against your legs without ever being too tight.
>>> Buyer's guide to the best winter cycling clothing (video)
The only downside of the Santini Vega Aquazero bib tights is that they are a little lacking in the insulation department. Unlike many other bib tights around this price point, they are not made from a Roubaix fabric, so the inside of the tights is a plain lycra rather than being fleece lined. This means that if you’re out in really cold condition with the temperature hovering around freezing then you might have to look elsewhere to keep your pins warm.
Visit the Santini website for more details.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
‘I want to get back on the bike but I’m terrified’: After being hit by three drivers, one cyclist has had enough
A third crash left one rider with a broken back and a long time off the bike
By Adam Becket Published
-
A first look at Mondraker's Arid Carbon, a bike for 'whatever your idea of gravel is'
Long reach, short stem: the Mondraker Arid Carbon is a gravel bike done a little differently
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
The fatality rate for cycling is disproportionately high - but the health risks of letting cars do all the work are far greater
Far too many of us know the dangers of riding a bike, but that shouldn’t put us off it
By Adam Becket Published