Funkier Thermesse S-980W-C12 Ladies Winter Single Strap Bib Tights

The Funkier Thermesse S-980W C12 Ladies Winter Single Strap Tights might be a bit of a mouthful but they work well: lightweight, with a warm fleecy inner, and a strap that allows for quick toilet stops without the need to fully undress.

• Pros: The single strap/snaplock design
• Cons: Check the sizing – the mediums come up small

Funkier has obviously put some thought into the design of these tights, taking a different approach to the 'bib' section. The problem with bib tights/shorts for women is having to undress for toilet stops – particularly in the cold in winter. I've never been a fan of the traditional over-the-shoulder straps, which is why I'm grateful that a few brands are now starting to introduce some clever designs for women.

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Here, the tights use one strap, which splits to create a head hole, with snaplock buckles front and back so you don't need to remove your top layers when you need the loo. You pop the strap over your head and clip the snaplock buckles together at the front and back. When you need to pull down the tights, you just undo the buckles, simple.

You can just release the rear one, but the buckle tends to end up by your neck so you need pretty good shoulder flexibility to reach it. Alternatively, you can first undo the front buckle to release the tension from the strap, making it easier to get the back buckle clipped back in. You'll need to unzip your jersey to then sort the front buckle, but you don't actually have to remove any items of clothing.

Once in place, the strap is comfortable, fitting well over my shoulders – neither too tight nor too loose. I'm 5ft 6in and wore a medium. (It's not me in the photos, by the way.)

The tights themselves do come up a little small, though. They're fine in length, but otherwise are pretty snug. They're not uncomfortable – I'd describe them as figure-hugging and they fit well around the legs – but they do come up smaller than other brands I've tried.

The zips on the ankles sit at the back of the leg, and have reflective trim. Even with booties on, there were no issues with the zip rubbing and the top of the reflective trim could still be seen.

The thermal fabric of the tights provides a good degree of warmth; it's thick without compromising breathability. I rode in temperatures between 3 and 10°C and was very happy with the warmth provided.

Working up a hill, I could feel I was getting a little warm, but once on the flat again, temperature regulation was back to normal.

I would probably want something a little thicker for temperatures below 3°C or in a chilly wind, as the Funkier Thermesse are not windproof. There is no waterproofing on the fabric either, so these are tights for cold, dry conditions, though they do dry quite quickly if they get damp.

> Buyer's Guide: 16 of the best winter cycling bib tights & trousers

As useful as the strap is for toilet breaks, for riding along the all-important part of the tights is the pad. Funkier's C12 pad used here is constructed from antibacterial fabric and is claimed to aid moisture transfer. It has high-density foam padding with grooves in the pad for air flow. The stitching is fine and I had no problems with chafing. As pads go, it was perfectly comfortable, sitting where it should and causing no issues on rides of up to about five hours.

At £60, the Funkier Thermesse are very good value and well worth considering. They're warm, comfortable and the single strap design is great for toilet breaks. However, despite being a little more at £85, the dhb Aeron FLT womens Roubaix Halterneck tights I tested recently pip it to the post for strap design and functionality, though the pad for both is very similar.

Verdict

Well-priced winter tights with a strap design that takes the hassle out of undressing for toilet stops