Lusso has been making cycling clothing for over 40 years and has quietly built a reputation for quality gear well-suited to UK riding conditions. Based in Manchester, they might be on the wrong side of the Pennines from my Yorkshire perspective, but they are certainly in the right place for testing wet and cold weather clothing.
The clue is definitely in the name with their Paragon Deep Winter Bib Tights. Designed to protect against the very worst UK weather, they are for hardy commuters and committed riders who don’t let a weather warning or two get in the way of their riding.
Construction
It might be quicker to tell you which parts of the Paragon bibs aren’t windproof, as the front of the thighs, knees, shins, hips and lower back are all protected by a 3-layer windproof and waterproof membrane fabric with a fleece backer. All other panels are made from a DWR-treated Roubaix-style stretch fleece (so the back of the thighs, back of the knees and calves) except for the ankles, which are constructed from a stretchy neoprene-esque material, which Lusso suggests should be worn over overshoes to prevent water ingress and can be trimmed to length if necessary.
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
For complete accuracy, there is a strip above the pad but below the windproof lower back section that is also made from the Roubaix fabric, which could be vulnerable to spray from the back wheel; however, if the weather is bad enough that you have deployed these bibs, then mudguards will also surely be fitted.
There are no bib straps; instead, there is what is effectively a light fleece gilet bolted to the lower half, with Polartec Power Grid fleece on the front and mesh back and sides. A full-length locking YKK zipper runs down the front, but it is not double-ended.
There is an entire gilet instead of bib straps
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Lusso has paid similar attention to the pad. Made by Elastic Interface (which manufactures pads for lots of well-known brands) to Lusso’s specification, it is only stitched into the bibs at the front and rear. This design is similar to Assos’ GoldenGate pad, and allows the pad to move more closely with the body rather than the bum moving on the pad, thus reducing the chance of friction and chafing.
The chamois is also noticeably oversized in all dimensions. This provides more coverage at the front for insulation against windchill and more at the rear to accommodate less aggressive seating positions, such as you might use on an endurance or gravel bike.
There are five different densities of thermo-moulded foam used, giving the pad a curved, anatomical shape and a central channel to aid fit and reduce pressure on your undercarriage. Atop it all is an antibacterial skin comfort layer infused with carbon threads for hygiene.
A reminder of Lusso’s heritage on the right calf
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Large, reflective LUSSO branding on the thigh provides added visibility from the side, and a little text paragraph on the right calf nicely underlines Lusso’s UK heritage.
Available in black only, Small to XXL, no women’s specific model though
The ride
I was advised by Lusso to choose size medium rather than my usual size large (Castelli, Assos, Santini, etc., even XL in some Castelli) in bottom half wear, and this proved to be spot on for me at 73kg and 186cm. Thankfully, the leg length was good too, with length enough to reach my winter boots without a chilly sock gap – the same can’t be said for all bib tights.
Once on, the bibs felt substantial, but not restrictive, with perhaps greater freedom of movement than was afforded by Castelli’s similarly warm Sorpoasso RoS Wind Tights.
Lusso suggests a temperature range of -5°C to +10°C, which might be the lowest recommended temperature rating I’ve seen on a pair of bibs, but ‘luckily’, the recent weather has offered ample opportunity to test this claim, with ride temperatures as low as -6°C.
I spent December and January switching between these and Van Rysel’s excellent winter bibs, with these being the winner in terms of warmth and performance, although at a significant cost difference to the bargain Van Rysels.
The bibs were a good fit, even when out of the saddle
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Whether on road or gravel, rain or snow, the Paragon Deep Winter Bib Tights performed superbly and have become my go-to tights in the very coldest weather.
The extended pad did a great job of protecting the more delicate, exposed bits of my anatomy from freezing winds and the stretchy windproof panels and their fleece backing felt great in cold conditions, keeping my leg muscles warm and working. The pad shape and material worked well for me too, and whilst I didn’t undertake any epic, all-day outings in them, four-hour rides were no issue at all – as with all the best seat pads, it was something I simply didn’t think about once on the bike.
When stiffer, less stretchy materials with membranes are used in bibs, one thing that often suffers is the fit around the crotch. The 3-layer materials simply cannot conform and stretch as well as normal Lycra, which can lead to a poorer fit and less support, particularly when switching between standing up and sitting down. However, the Paragon bibs suffered less from this than any other similar product that I have used.
The inside of the upper is fleecy for extra insulation
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
The extra insulation up top did not go unnoticed either; it adds some very effective core insulation without adding extra bulk, and the fabric wicked and dried well too, so my upper body didn’t get damp and chilled.
As for negatives, I am struggling a little bit, but I am not a fan of zips and pee stops, especially in cold weather…so perhaps the zip could go a bit lower at the front or be double-ended? And if medium is a good fit for me at over 6 foot tall, that only leaves size small for everyone smaller than me.
Value and conclusion
“Paragon /ˈparəɡ(ə)n/ noun: a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality. “
Quite a claim, but by and large, I would say that it is a fair assessment of the Paragon Deep Winter Bib Tights. They are very warm, insulating the body as well as the legs, with a pad that proved itself comfortable over many winter miles and a cut that certainly suited my body size and shape. Not a lot more could be asked of cold-weather tights.
Perfect for very cold weather rides
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
The retail price is £225, so there are certainly much cheaper bib tights available, as well as considerably more expensive ones too. I’ve mentioned the Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind, which is £240, and Van Rysel’s £80 Winter bibs, both of which have windproof protection and work very well. However, I think that the Lusso bibs are warmer and fit me better than either of these two, making the asking price decent value for the performance. However, if you don’t regularly commute, ride or train in sub-zero temperatures, then other, less warm options might offer better value for you.
