winter months. You have to battle the wind, the drop in temperature, keeping safe, and finding the right clothing.
The good news is, the cold weather improves endurance making wonders when exercising in winter. And cold-weather cycling is safe for most people as long as you take precautions.
In this article, we’ll go over what makes a cycling pant, what you need when shopping, and check what made the top of my list.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick For Men’s & Women’s Winter Pants
The best cycling pants for men are the BALEAF Men’s biking pants and BALEAF Women’s thermal fleece pants. Read below what made these our top pick.
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying A Cycling Trouser
When buying a cycling pant for winter, there’s a lot to consider before you can make the purchase. While shopping online can deter you from purchasing, having the right information can help you from buying the correct pair of pants.
Material
Winter cycling pants have more to it when it comes to their material which we’ll dive into.
Waterproof
Durable water repellent or referred to as DWR is commonly seen in outdoor winter clothing. But it’s not entirely waterproof. If you’re in an area with harsh rains during winter, consider making this your key factor when purchasing pants.
Windproof
The most inconvenient part of winter is the hard icy winds. There’s hardly any escaping it. If you’re the sort that braves it all, hunt for tights with a windproof cloth-like. But in case you are lucky enough to only experience a cool breeze, you can escape with wind-resistant pants or windproof panels.
Insulation
Nothing beats the feeling of slipping into a pair of pants that’s soft on a chilly morning. While most already have fleece clothing inside, a number of brands are lined.
Chamois
Chamois comes in two types when it comes to winter cycling pants-they are either padded or have enough room for you to wear one inside. If you have your own favorite pair of chamois then you can skip on choosing padded pants.
Other features
Winter cycling pants can have extra features that can affect your buying decision.
Zipper and pockets
Ankle zips are becoming the norm as it makes it considerably easier to put on and off. Pockets, clearly, add storage room. Depending on what you need to put, just consider the pocket’s placement so is easier to access.
Visibility
I cannot reiterate enough how important visibility is when cycling. It’s what makes us safe while riding our bikes on the road. So if you have the option to choose a cycling pant with reflective lights, I highly suggest you take them.
Bib
If you need to use bibs, you must take into account the extra room it would need for the bib to fit in the pants. It also applies vice versa if you need an additional layer inside the bib, you must look for tights.
7 Best Winter Cycling Pants Reviewed
Over the years of cycling during winter, I’ve encountered numerous pants and countless chafing I have made a list of the best cycling pants. And when I say best, these pants have gone through the worst winters and longest rides. So here they are and I hope they get to be one of your best too.
1. Souke Sports Men’s Winter Cycling Pants
Key Features
- Made of polyester
- Windproof and thermal insulation
- Features an ergonomic design for flexibility
- Comes in 5 different sizes
These affordable tights have quality material, with a plush chamois that had been instantly comfortable on the first try. The cuffs at the bottom portion of each leg keep them in place, offering exceptional warmth. The breathable compound retains warmth even after a good sweat. The reflective details on the calves are a nice touch for visibility.
Pros
- Has a warm felt-like lining but still breathable
- Blocks the wind completely
Cons
- The pant legs have the potential of getting caught in the sprocket
- The waist elastic seems substantial but remedied by the drawstring
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2. Beroy Women 3D Padded Cycling Pants
Key Features
- Made of 82% nylon and 18% spandex
- Quick-drying breathable mesh
- Comes in 7 different sizes and 11 colors
Though not technically wind and waterproof, the Beroy cycling pants stay truly incredible in sub-freezing temps and on wet roads. My wife was delighted to notice water droplets on the surface of the pants instead of soaking through it. The pants come with a gel-padded cushion protecting you from sores. I also appreciate how the reflective logos and zippers at the bottom add visibility.
Pros
- Great fit
- The gel pad makes it easier for long rides
Cons
- The styles differ depending on the color
- The gel pad makes it uncomfortable when walking
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3. BALEAF Men’s Biking Pants
Key Features
- Made of polyester with fleece lining
- Has flat seams for more comfort
- Features reflective stripes for visibility
If you have read my other reviews on winter cycling gear, you’ll know how I like BALEAF. And their men’s biking pants are no exception. The flat seams inside make it comfortable even after a long ride. This may seem like a minor inconvenience but I find non-flat seams irritable. The adjustable elastic bands are comfortable and don’t pinch the belly.
Windproof and has fleece lining inside, the pants feel like a mixture of rubber and foam. Even when I perspire the pants don’t stick to my skin.
Pros
- Very warm and windproof
- Zipped pockets are roomy enough to fit your phone
- Excellent for a daily cycling commute
Cons
- The pants have a tendency to slide off the saddle
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. INBIKE Winter Fleece Windproof Thermal Pants
Key Features
- Made of polyester
- Quick-dry moisture-wicking fleece pants
- Has elastic leg opening
INBIKE’s softshell fabric with their breathable pants. The fabric has a water-resistant feature that helps repel water splashes off wet roads. These have been one of the best multi-faceted outdoor pants I’ve tried. Even after four hours of cycling, the pants have kept me warm without any issues. Even the coldest Minnesota winter can offer, I have stayed warm and safe from the rain, snow, and sleet.
Pros
- Has extra room for movements even when encountering hills and stairs
- Has good sized pockets
Cons
- The length is too long
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. BALEAF Women’s Thermal Fleece Pants
Key Features
- Made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex
- Has soft fleece inside for added warmth
- Features leg zippers for easy on and off
These kept my wife warm on cycling trips where the temperature stayed above freezing. The tights are soft and durable, with compressive reinforcement. The flatlock seams lessen chafing, making the ride comfortable even after long hours. My wife can’t rave enough of this. What sold her is the leg zippers-despite having a snug fit, she never had a problem taking them off.
Pros
- Great for outdoor sports
- No additional layers required
Cons
- The pant legs cut above the ankle makes room for the cold wind
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. BALEAF Men’s Thermal Athletic Cycling Pants
Key Features
- Made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex
- Has fleece inside for added warmth
- Features leg zippers for great convenience
BALEAF makes this list once again with their cycling tights. These thermal tights are snuggest fitting and definitely keep you warm. They’re intentionally compressive and didn’t have a problem with chafing. The leg zippers make it easy to put it on and off. I also like how the reflective elements are minimal but still keeps me visible on the road. If you’re looking for a snug fit, it’s better to order a size down. Just expect the tights to have it at ankle length.
Pros
- Durable even after a couple of washing
- Comfortable despite being tights
Cons
- The drawstrings are a bit too long
- The ankle zippers buckle a tiny bit
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Tofern Women’s Winter Warm Pants
Key Features
- Made of 94 polyester and 6% spandex
- Lined with polar fleece
- Extra features
Tofern comes at the end of my list with their comfortable pants when you get tired of wearing tights as my wife would tell me. The pants have roomy pockets for your phone and the lining on the knee doesn’t cause any chafing issues. I’d say this is underrated pants and definitely worth the money.
Pros
- Great fit and very comfortable
- The fabric repels water from splashes
Cons
- The legs can get caught up in the sprocket
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:16 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
It’s no wonder BALEAF comes here are the best winter cycling pants for men and women.
The men’s biking pants are so great I have recommended it to all of my cycling friends and have received positive feedback from everyone. No matter the height or weight, these have fit well and well made.
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For women, the thermal fleece pants are the best and surprisingly warm. It has performed so well that my wife has joined the bandwagon on BALEAF. These are now part of her Christmas gift list to any friends who haven’t received it yet.
Last update on 2024-12-05 at 18:44 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API