Why You Want: You ride your bike when it's cold, you like being warm, and you're a fan of Belgian cycling culture and its most famous emblem, the Lion of Flanders.
Pros: Soft fleece lining is warm and comfortable on the skin. Four-way stretch, multi-panel chamois is made of antimicrobial fabric and has perineal relief channel. Supple, four-way stretch knit back panel wicks moisture while also keeping you warm and dry. Tour of Flanders-inspired graphics add flair without being over-the-top.
Cons: Knee-length cut lacks the flexibility you get from winter-weight bib shorts paired with knee or legs warmers. Going to the bathroom without fully removing a shoulder strap is tricky, but not impossible.
RoadBikeReview Take: Full disclosure: I love Belgian cycling culture and the infamous Lion of Flanders. So right off the bat, Hincapie knee-length Ronde Bibknickers spoke to me. But fashion sense aside, this is a great piece of mid-weight technical apparel that works well in a variety of cold-weather conditions. During the past three months, I've worn them for chilly road rides, snowy cyclocross adventures, and even my first ever fat bike race, which was held on the Nordic ski trails in and around Crested Butte, Colorado, elevation 8,909 feet. [Yes, in this case I paired them with knee-high ski socks to save the ankles from frostbite.] In all cases, I stayed dry and warm without over-heating. The chamois provides protection where you need it and stays in place, the elastic leg grippers don't slip, oversized shoulder straps are easy to pull into place, and the fleece lining is soft on the skin. My only real knock is that while the high front panel increases heat retention, it makes No. 1 bathroom stops an act of contortionism.
Rating:
Price: $140 (5 sizes)
More Info: www.hincapie.com