I have previously proclaimed that I would never ride a set of bib shorts if they didn't have cargo pockets. Luckily for me these days most brands offer a pocket-equipped gravel bib short of some sort or another. Unfortunately due to the sluggish turnover of winter-based apparel, bib-tights have been a little slower to catch up.
The good news is there are more and more cargo bib-tights becoming available including these Albion All-Road Three Season tights. They take the same pad as the Albions summer ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts and combine them with full-length legs for versatile cold-season wear.
Design and specifications
The All Road Three Season Pocket tights have a warm fleece-lined finish up top to help boost core warmth with a mesh upper back panel and wide shoulder straps. Below the knee, multi-panel leg construction uses a lighter material on the knee and a non-insulated fabric over the shin designed to ensure leg articulation and temperature regulation. The materials are windproof and have been DWR treatment to give protection from wetness from above and below.
The chamois is Albion x Elastic Interface ultra pad which has been designed for long-distance rides and has already been proven in Albion’s ABR1 Pocket Bib Shorts. It features a 12mm thickness and has a recycled face fabric.
There are two elasticated netted pockets on each thigh which are large enough to stash all manner of things. There’s a large rear pocket that extends across the lower back, the pocket is accessed from either side which makes it much easier to store or access items. Being side-loaded isn’t going to be suitable for loose items like tools as they will just fall out, but it’s ideal for storing an extra layer.
Albion has added a bunch of reflective details to the backs and sides of the legs to keep you a little more visible during the short gloomy winter days.
Albion offers sizes between XS and XXL in both men's and women's versions. Based on my measurements, Albion’s size guide said I was a medium but I found the fit to be on the large size and would comfortably size down if I was ordering again.
Performance
The material has a surprisingly light and thin feel for a product that is aimed at colder weather. The combination of insulation and windproof panels worked well together to keep warmth in and bitter wind chill out. They don’t have the coziness to deal with properly cold winter rides but will keep you happy down to low single figures. If the temperature does rise, the thinner sections around the shin and the back of the knee help regulate temperatures.
I found the Elastic Interface pad to be very comfortable for a range of riding and distances as well. It's not very thick but offers just enough padding to ensure comfort without feeling bulky or absorbing lots of liquid in wet weather.
I often don’t use the rear pockets on cargo bibs tights as I usually have several layers to reach under and have found that top-accessed rear pockets are usually only suitable for lighter items that are better stored elsewhere – particularly on bumpy terrain. Instead, having a large pocket for layer storage is far more useful, but it's not perfect. The low positioning means you don't need to be a contortionist to get your hand into the pocket making it easy to access while riding, however, it also leaves the pocket directly in the rear tire's muddy firing line.
Unlike rear pockets, I use cargo leg pockets all the time. The Three Season pockets have a huge cargo capacity to securely store things, although I found the material doesn’t quite have the elasticity to stop slim slidey things (aka my phone) from moving while riding. The pockets are also positioned quite low and close to the knee so while I didn’t notice any impeding of pedaling, I could still feel heavier items in the pocket as I rode.
I measured as a medium on Albion’s size chart, although I think a small would have been a better fit, offering a slightly more refined and compressive fit. A smaller size would potentially go some way toward resolving my issues with the pockets.
Verdict
Very comfortable chamois and insulated windproof material have kept me warm and comfortable this winter, although the sizing feels a little off. The cargo pockets aren’t great for smaller heavier items and could do with being a couple of inches higher, but otherwise offer plenty of capacity. Having a large side-accessed rear pocket is a great idea and I found it very useful for stashing layers that I would otherwise struggle to fit in a jersey pocket or an already-packed bag.
Tech specs: Albion All Road Three Season Pocket Tights
- Price: $240 / £175 / €260
- Colors: Black
- Sizes: XS - XXL
- Materials: Main 83% recycled nylon, 17% elastane; Knee panel 85% nylon, 15% elastane; Lower Leg 80% recycled nylon, 20% elastane; Mesh 73% recycled nylon, 27% recycled elastane. Bluesign® approved fabrics
