Cold, rain, wind and snow: for many these are conditions to be avoided, but for cyclists who experience winter as a challenge these are the situations that make a day truly epic.
Northwave, through its Lab, offers a new interpretation of winter tights: the Kinetic Extreme Pro, designed to offer insulation, protection and comfort in an extremely versatile garment.
We tested it together with the jacket Extreme H2O to see to what extent this clothing can really allow you to pedal without limits even in the coldest months.
Kinetic Extreme Pro Bibtight – Technical Presentation
The Kinetic Extreme Pro was created to tackle a wide range of weather conditions, with a clear objective: fight the frost keeping the body dry and protected.
Here are its key elements:
Fox King 85 multi-layer fabric
- Composed of three layers to ensure constant insulation.
- Treatment DWR nylon water repellent.
- Protection from water and wind up to 11.000 mm of water column.
Tek Series® Membrane
- Extremely high breathability: 11.000 gr/m²/24h (ASTM/E96BW method).
- Extremely effective barrier against cold and wind.
- It stabilizes body temperature even during changes in rhythm.
3D brushed inner layer
- Maintains a constant temperature.
- Reduces the risk of getting cold from sweating.
- Snug yet soft against the skin.
Explorer Caseback
- Open cell structure with 3 different densities (60 and 120 kg/m³).
- Very high capacity to absorb vibrations and shocks.
- Milled and coupled with quick-drying microfibre.
- Designed for long distances and variable conditions.
- Functional details
- Bottom leg with elasticated cuff + internal grip to integrate perfectly with winter footwear.
- Microfiber braces with mesh Freshfeel super breathable.
- Fabric stain.
- Reflective details to improve visibility.
Extreme H2O Jacket – Technical Presentation
Designed for deep winter use, this jacket focuses on protection and breathability.
3-layer construction with membrane W/P 10.000 mm H2O
- Good waterproofing against light rain and sleet.
- Breathability suited to the intensity of cycling.
H2O Flex membrane (4-way stretch)
- It adheres to the body without limiting movement.
- Avoid “cold air pockets” that form with stiffer fabrics.
Functional details
- Double slider zip: ideal for regulating ventilation.
- 3 back pockets + 1 waterproof: perfect management of gels, gloves or smartphones.
- High collar: essential on the coldest days.
- Heat-sealed finishes: protect from water and improve durability.
Test Conditions
- Temperatures: 0° to 6°C
- Strong wind and constant humidity
- Wet terrain, muddy sections and shaded areas
- MTB and road trips up to 40 – 50 km / h
Field Test: Kinetic Extreme Pro
The tights immediately show their soul as an “epic” garment:
As soon as you put it on, it gives a feeling of total protection, without the rigidity typical of extremely technical products.
Thermal insulation
Fox King 85 fabric forms an effective, stable and consistent barrier.
In the shade, where the cold becomes noticeable even in a few seconds, the Kinetic Extreme Pro maintains a uniform temperature, without dispersion.
Protection from wind and water
The value of 11.000 mm waterproof you can really feel it on fast road sections and MTB descents:
air can't penetrate, light rain rolls off, splashes never cool the fabric surface.
???? Breathability
The great advantage of the Tek Series® is its ability to expel steam quickly.
Even after long climbs and sustained paces:
- nothing stays wet inside
- no “greenhouse effect”
- very quick drying during rest periods
A rare combination in such a protective garment.
🪑 Explorer Caseback
A point of excellence.
The different distribution of densities allows:
- vibration absorption in MTB
- stability on the saddle on the road
- comfort on long distances (over 3 hours of riding)
It's a back that disappears, as it should be.
(I.e. MTB
- Perfect grip on technical climbs
- Zero movement of the trousers
- Excellent protection on wet descents
- Quick drying after splashes and mud
(I.e. Street
- Stable at high speeds
- It doesn't cool down when going downhill
- High thermal efficiency even with sudden changes in pace
Field Test: Extreme H2O Jacket
The Extreme H2O jacket stands out for its ability to maintain a stable microclimate.
During longer climbs, the breathable membrane prevents internal moisture build-up; on descents, the retained heat is not lost.
In MTB
- The slim fit prevents branches or wind from lifting the jacket.
- The double cuffs greatly improve thermal insulation: no drafts.
On the road
- Frontal air is the real enemy: the Extreme H2O handles it very well.
- Even after intense sweating, that cold film does not form in contact with the skin.
Who are these items intended for?
- To those who pedal always, in any weather
- For those who want a high-performance winter garment
- For those who do both MTB and road cycling
- For those seeking total insulation without sacrificing breathability
- For those who travel long distances in winter
Final Ratings (Updated)
| Feature | Kinetic Extreme Pro | Extreme H2O |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Breathability | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Freedom of movement | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Wind/water protection | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Quality price | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
Conclusions
The combination of FAST POLAR Bibtight e Extreme H2O Jacket It offers a level of protection that allows you to pedal with peace of mind even in the harshest months of the year.
The tights are convincing for insulation and comfort, while the jacket is distinguished by versatility and moisture protection.
The overall result is a product line that further raises the standard of winter clothing and dramatically reduces the excuses for leaving your bike in the garage.
