Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights review

The Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights are built upon the foundation of the brand’s pro-level Sorpasso RoS tights, but with added poor-weather protection.

There’s no doubt they perform well, excelling in the most testing conditions.

However, those looking for unrestricted-feeling bib tights from Castelli might find a happier pairing with the less-fortified Sorpasso RoS.

Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights details and specifications

The Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights go all-in on winter protection, thanks to the use of Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric across the thigh and knee.

Elsewhere, the tights feature Castelli’s 3G Nano Flex fabric, which in practice is a little thinner and more elastic.

Castelli has employed fleece backing throughout for warmth and comfort. This is slightly different between the reverse of the Infinium and Nano Flex outer fabrics, but they essentially do the same thing.

The Italian brand says the bib tights should be used in temperatures ranging from -5 to 8ºC.

3G Nano Flex is also used for the lower back panel, joining to a mesh-centred bib section. This is bordered by seamless bib straps.

The front section (which covers the navel) is made of Infinium and has been double-wrapped over at the top.

The Infinium fabric also covers the front half of the inner thigh – relatively thin skin that, in theory, should see a benefit from the added protection.

The ankle hems are zipped for easy foot entry and exit, and Castelli says the hips and knee are anatomically shaped.

Castelli has employed its top-spec Progetto X2 Air chamois here, featuring up to 15mm of padding at the sit bones.

The Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights are offered in seven sizes (XS-3XL). Although customarily slim, a size large fitted me very well in both the leg and body, as is usually the case for my 188cm frame.

The bib tights are available in black only.

Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights performance

Like the similarly priced and pitched Rapha Pro Team Winter Tights with Pad II, the Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights' all-round performance in the coldest and wettest conditions is impressive.

The use of Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric is a smart choice, on the whole, providing good water resistance and wind protection.

The knee section uses the Infinium fabric too, in a similar manner to the far cheaper Scott RC Warm WB Bib Tights. However, here Castelli has used seams to help with articulation.

The results are mixed: mobility around the knee is decent, although the fabric isn’t stretchy enough to feel truly form-fitting. It’s still a compromise.

I would have preferred if Castelli had fortified the more exposed lower-leg area and left the knee less protected but even freer to move.

That said, soft fleece lining throughout provides good warmth and comfort.

The back of the leg is very comfortable, conforming well with minimal ruffling.

Weather resistance is good on those thicker panels and breathability is acceptable overall, if a little compromised compared to the standard Sorpasso bib tights.

On my coldest ride in the Sorpasso RoS Wind tights, I appreciated the thickened coverage on the front half of the inner thighs and over the navel. Both bring comforting levels of protection when the weather is really grotty.

I wondered if I’d experience chafing against the saddle nose given the protection inside the thigh, but that fear was unfounded.

The zip on the lower leg makes donning and taking off the Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights a breeze and the bib section is very comfortable.

In this latter respect, especially, I prefer the Castelli design over Rapha’s – it doesn't feel over-constructed or too bulky.

The chamois is impressive and is very well padded for longer rides.

Chamois preference is very subjective, but I found this one just as comfortable as Rapha’s Cytech pad or Sportful’s Total Comfort chamois.

At £240 / $259.99 / €229.95 / AU$397, the Sorpasso RoS Wind tights are among the most expensive bib tights on the market today.

As is the case with the Rapha Pro Team Winter Bib Tights with Pad II, better value for money can be had if you set your gaze a little lower at the excellent dhb Aeron Lab Winter Bib Tights (£180).

That said, if protection in the coldest and wettest weather is what you crave, the Sorpasso RoS Wind tights are unlikely to disappoint – if you have the budget.

Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights bottom line

The Castelli Sorpasso RoS Wind Bib Tights are very competent premium bib tights, well suited to the demands of deep winter.

They have precious few weak points, although the cost will be a stumbling block for some, while the slightly compromised knee mobility is a shame.