Louis Garneau Gemini Windproof Bib Tight

It's a sign of the times, but I suspect that most people's new years' resolutions will include a promise to do more exercise. For cyclists, this usually entails more hours spent in the saddle which is easier said than done given the typical January weather these islands see. Step in the Louis Garneau Gemini bib tights. As a proper winter conditions bib tight, these take some beating and they don't break the bank either.

The Gemini's are made from a combination of 2 of LG's own fabrics: 'Heatmaxx' (think Roubaix lycra) for warmth, and a 2 ply windproof material to cut down on wind chill. The windproof material is used on the front of the legs and to cover your tush, whilst the Heatmaxx fabric is used for the rest – a pretty standard layout for a winter bib tight.

Like LG's Oslo bib tights, the front of the Gemini's are cut unusually low and just barely cover one's belly button. I like this feature as it means one can use upper body layers for warmth without getting the clammy feeling you tend to experience with winter bib tights.

The chamois pad is a nicely contoured multi-density model. It's a step up from the one included in the Oslo bib tights in terms of the flexibility of the side panels which conform nicely to one's thighs. The positioning of the pad depends heavily on how you pull the legs on as there isn't much give in the weather proof fabrics. The first couple of rides I didn't pull them up enough which made it seem as if my torso was at least an inch too short to fit right. Unlike a simple lycra bib tight, you can't simply rely on the pedalling motion to shift things into the correct position as the heavy duty fabrics on the Gemini don't move once they're in position.

The key was to pull the legs up a little more than usual to get the chammy pad exactly where I needed it. Due to the length of the legs, there was still plenty of overlap between tight and sock. Sizing is key here so it's worth taking a look at LG's sizing chart and considering your own body shape.

In terms of warmth these tights are great, coping with negative temperatures with ease. The windproof fabric does a good job of cutting through the icy breeze and also fends off road spray. This waterproofing is particularly welcome on the bum area as nothing kills a ride like a wet behind. Anything more substantial than road spray or a light shower will eventually find its way through, though I found the Geminis reasonably warm even when wet.

So warm in fact, that they encourage you out when you should've really stayed inside – this did enable me to test their durability as I slid ass over tit down a stretch of sheet ice covered road. Conclusion: these tights are made to last (the Massimo Jacket survived unscathed too). There was nary a scratch on the tights which is more than can be said for my skin underneath.

Ample zips on the legs ensure that the Gemini bib tights are relatively easy to get on and off even considering the lack of give in the fabric. You'll also find silicon grippers down there although these are somewhat redundant since the fabric ensures that nothing moves around.

They've been through multiple washing now and are still as good as new. They haven't stretched like the Oslos, perhaps due to the more robust materials involved.

Verdict

A really solid offering from Louis Garneau which should keep you pedalling throughout the winter. The fit takes a while to dial in but once sorted, you barely notice they're there (until you realise you're the only one out as everyone else has stayed at home).