Today, we turn our attention towards a relatively new variant in cycling apparel that combines the comfort and warmth of thermal bib tights with the utility of cargo bibs. It was only a matter of time before some of our favorite clothing brands would introduce more pockets to their cold-weather bottoms, and today we find ourselves in this new world thanks to Velocio and Ornot who have developed the Thermal Cargo Bib Tight and Thermal Utility Bib Tight respectively. It’s not every day that we talk about tights, so hang on as we explore this new world of gravel-specific hosiery and see which brand emerges with an indispensable companion for our winter gravel exploits.

San Diego is a great place to visit in the winter. The mild temperatures and frequent sunny days are a welcome respite for those from the north and mountain west. But it’s not Cancun. A few of my local friends will frequently use indoor trainers throughout the winter, resulting in far too many Zwift and Peloton posts in my Strava feed. Especially this year we have experienced several cold streaks and at least 2 atmospheric rivers that have made even San Diegans wish for spring. It’s not uncommon for mornings to dip into the mid-30s and have daytime highs hover in the mid-50s here in the coastal North County. On days like these, a good pair of thermal bib tights have been a game-changer for more enjoyable riding through the elements.

Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight Review

Velocio first introduced the Utility Bib Short in the summer of 2022 and it’s been my favorite cargo bib short for the past 2 years. So, when they expanded the Utility lineup to include a thermal bib tight, I was eager to give them a try. The Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight is a well-executed piece that was clearly designed from the ground up. As Velocio describes them, the 2 “low-profile” pockets are neatly integrated into the existing seams, negating the need for additional stitching and give the tights a cohesive look. There are integrated reflective panels on the lower calves, seamless straps for a comfortable fit over the body, and a Thermo Roubaix Power fabric throughout that manages to be warm, breathable, and water-repelling all at the same time. Like other Velocio bibs I’ve tried, the Men’s Thermal Utility Bib Tights have an extra dose of compression. At 5’10” and 165 lbs I’m typically a Medium, and I found these to offer noticeably more compression compared with Ornot’s offering in the same size. The two side pockets are generous in height and width, perhaps too generous. I like to carry my phone in the right leg pocket, but I found that it would slip further down my leg towards the back of my knee while pedaling, ending up in an awkward location that was noticeable on each stroke. I’d say these tights run slightly warmer than the Ornot alternative, ideal for temps from 32-55F. Like the Utility Bib Short, the Thermal Utility Bib Tight is only available in black, but unfortunately, does not share the same 2 back pockets found on the shorts.

Ornot Thermal Cargo Bib Tight Review

SF-based Ornot is no stranger to making good outdoor cycling gear for those of us in California. The team there has developed some of the best hits of winter and shoulder-season apparel, including the Merino Grid Thermal Jersey that I reviewed last year. For cold-weather excursions in the Marin Headlands and beyond, they developed the Thermal Cargo Bib Tight, featuring a cloud-like inner fabric. Advertised to work well in temps between 38-60F, I found that to be even a little conservative in my real-world testing. I recall one cold morning that started off in the low 30s, brisk temps and the occasional road spray were no match for these thermals. Eventually, temps rose to the low 60s, and I still had no regrets about wearing them as they maintained their insulating properties while remaining comfortable from start to finish. As for the pockets and chamois, I found both to be superior on the Ornot bibs. The two back pockets are well placed, not too high for a quick snack, and an ideal location for my hand pump. The Oeko-Tex certified endurance pad was surprisingly enduring, despite its basic look. Regardless of all these great features, the thing that keeps me coming back to the Ornot Thermal Cargo Bib Tight is the brushed fleece thermal fabric it’s made of. It has just the right amount of compression and feels plush on the skin. It’s comfortable, warm, and performs exactly how I would hope a good thermal material would. In terms of construction, it looks like Ornot took their cargo bib short and sewed on some leg warmers. The seam above the knee didn’t bother me and I imagine this design makes for a consistent fit across bib shorts and tights.

BEST THERMAL CARGO BIB TIGHT

In case you didn’t already guess, my personal favorite between these two bib tights is the Ornot Thermal Cargo Bib Tight for its 4 pockets, handsome colors, comfy lining, price, and a chamois that could go all day. That being said, if you’re someone who prioritizes compression, warmth, and a classic look, then the Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight may be the better choice.

The Velocio Thermal Utility Bib Tight is available in Black and comes in sizes XS to 4XL for $279.

The Ornot Thermal Cargo Bib Tight is available in Espresso, Obsidian, and Mesa in sizes XS to XXL for $228.

🖊 Dave Malwitz

📷 Hailey Malwitz