It’s time to unveil our first road.cc Recommends selections of 2026, and just six outstanding products have made it through this time. We’re picky like that. We’ve got a right ol’ mix, though, from a 3D-printed saddle to reasonably priced eyewear to thermal bib tights that earned a rare 10 out of 10 rating. We don’t dish out too many of those.
Here is the full list of January’s picks, each of them highlighted further down the page:
Velocio Men’s Luxe Thermal Bib Tights
Buy from Sigma Sports for £183.36
Velocio Men’s Luxe Thermal Bib Tights (credit: road.cc)
Let’s start in style… We give out very few 10 out of 10 reviews here on road.cc, but the Velocio Men’s Luxe Thermal Bib Tights earned full marks for being sensational all round. We’ve been hugely impressed by several items of Velocio clothing recently, and these top the lot.
“The fit is impeccable, the feel against your legs is next-level, and they look just right,” said reviewer Hollis Jones. “Build quality is also brilliant, and while the entry fee is high, you’ll get many years of warmth and comfort in return.”
They’re fleece-lined and provide plenty of warmth without being too bulky. There’s a women’s version too. You deserve a little luxury in your life from time to time.
Read our review of Velocio Men’s Luxe Thermal Bib Tights
Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom Bike Saddle
Buy from Sigma Sports for £329.99
2025 Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom Bike Saddle.jpg (credit: road.cc)
The Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom is one of those rare saddles that makes you forget about saddles altogether – which is the highest praise going. This RSL (Race Shop Limited) version of the Aeolus is the top-tier 3D-printed saddle in the range, with a carbon shell and rails.
The lattice upper and generous cut-out deliver all-day comfort whether you’re on tarmac, gravel or trail. It feels supportive without being harsh, plush without feeling spongy, and it’s happy under big power thanks to the gently kicked-up tail.
Weight is competitive (ours was 165g in a 145mm width), the rail length gives loads of fit flexibility, and the included Blendr mount is useful for attaching accessories.
3D-printed saddles are never cheap – that’s the way of the world, unfortunately – but this is good value for a high-end model, and the cheaper AirLoom options make the range even more attractive.
Read our review of Trek Aeolus RSL AirLoom Bike Saddle
Birzman Hydraulic Hose Cutter
Buy from bikeparts.co.uk for £13.16
2025 Birzman Hydraulic hose cutter – 2.jpg (credit: road.cc)
You might not get too excited about a hydraulic hose cutter, but ever more of us could do with one, and this is an excellent option.
It neatly guillotines hoses up to 5.5mm for a perfect 90-degree cut, uses cheap and easily replaceable Stanley 9mm Snap-Off knife blades, and – crucially – features an integrated barb press that’s genuinely brilliant. Even in tight integrated setups, barbs go in smooth and straight without any drama. Simple and reliable: those are two things we really like.
It’s well-made, easy to use, and it’s hard to argue with the value.
Read our review of the Birzman Hydraulic Hose Cutter
Universal Colours Women’s Mono Cargo Bib Tight
Buy from Sigma Sports for £165
2025 Universal Colours Women’s Mono Cargo Bib Tight.jpg (credit: road.cc)
The Universal Colours Women’s Mono Cargo Bib Tights are warm and cosy with a great pad and a lightly compressive fit. They’re recommended for riding in temperatures from 3℃ to 12℃, and reviewer Becky Dowds agreed with that range, meaning that they’re ideal for most UK winter days.
The brushed fleece fabric, plant-based DWR (durable water repellent) finish and excellent multi-density pad deliver comfort on long rides, while the cleverly designed straps make mid-ride comfort breaks refreshingly fuss-free.
Add practical cargo pockets on each thigh and a supportive fit, and you’ve got excellent tights that deliver highly at their price point.
Don’t feel left out, gents: these are also available in a men’s version.
Read our review of the Universal Colours Women’s Mono Cargo Bib Tights
Galibier Liberté Optics
2025 Galibier Liberte Optics.jpg (credit: road.cc)
Vecciojo is well known around these parts for being a fussy so-and-so, and when he puts his seal of approval on something, well, you know it’s top-notch – especially when we’re talking about reasonably priced eyewear. He usually has expensive tastes, that fella.
Galibier’s Liberté Optics deliver a big bang for your buck, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for great-value kit. They’re light (26g), comfy on the face and mercifully not the size of a bus shelter.
The frameless wraparound lens gives uninterrupted vision, resists fogging well, and comes in three options, including an impressively usable photochromic version that happily copes with winter murk and dappled lanes (Libertés fitted with one of the other two lenses are cheaper at £55).
Grip is excellent, fit is secure, and the price undercuts many rivals’ spare lenses. Proof you don’t need to pay big money for a top-level performance.
Read our review of the Galibier Liberté Optics
Galibier Équipe 3 Aero Bib Shorts
2022 Galibier Equipe 2 Aero Bib Shorts.jpg (credit: road.cc)
Bib shorts in the winter? That’s madness. Fair point, but if previous years are anything to go by, it’ll get warmer sooner or later… probably towards the summer. Plus, you might be looking for shorts to wear on the indoor trainer.
The Galibier Équipe 3 Aero Bib Shorts set things up nicely with an excellent seat pad and a choice of two leg lengths. The fit is snug and slightly compressive, while comfort over long distances is excellent, reviewer Paul Grêlé finding that the pad provided a good balance between squish and support.
The longer leg option is about the length of most bib shorts out there these days, while the Traditional length gives more of a classic look.
Add recycled fabrics, tidy looks and a keen price, and these bibs make a compelling case for themselves.