Cannondale Performance 2 Printed Bib Tights

The Cannondale Performance 2 Printed Bib Tights are solid performers in cold weather, but they aren't particularly water-resistant and the lack of technical features seems to make the price rather steep.

There's little to go on from Cannondale's website, but what I can tell you is that the Performance 2 tights are: mostly black, comfortable, and good for maybe 5-15°C, depending on how warm you run. I can also tell you that they don't have: zips, silicone grippers, foot loops, or waterproof or windproof panels.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy the non-printed version online here

That's not to say they aren't good bib tights for cold rides – far from it. I used them both on and off-road, from one to three hours, and forgot I was wearing them. The Save chamois pad didn't feel too large or too thin, and didn't bunch or move around.

The shoulder straps were just the right length to hold everything in place (I tested a medium, I'm 6ft tall, 73kg, longish in the body with a 35in inseam, if you ask). The totally non-tech leg-ends stayed in place over my merino socks.

The tights never felt baggy or restrictive, probably down to being made from over a dozen separate panels, so each would be doing its particular job to keep it close-fitting. As every seam is flatlock stitched there was no chance of any irritation.

The thermal fabric is all below the waist, so if you need your kidneys/lower back keeping warm, these aren't the tights you're looking for.

> Check out our guide to the best bib tights

So what you have are tights that perform so well you forget they're on, and don't rely on a single bell or whistle that might wear out/fall off/break. The branding is limited to the word 'Cannondale' split between the inner thighs (okay, bit odd that – but you can buy a non-printed version), a 'C' on the left buttock and each ankle, and 'Save' behind the right knee.

Trouble is, £120 can get you some pretty tricked-out tights these days, and it would be fair to say that the £80 Dhb ASV Roubaix Bib Tight recently reviewed meet or exceed the performance of the Cannondale Performance 2s; the 30g of weight saved is probably down to the Cannondales not using zips at the ankles.

If you're a huge Cannondale fan, have the cash and want the kit to match the bike, the Performance 2 won't disappoint you on cooler/drier but not icy/soaking wet rides. But there are others with more features at better prices elsewhere.

Verdict

Fundamentally good tights for cooler days, but for the cash you might expect a greater range of usability