Road Bike Racing - The Bib

Okay, it appears that all (or certainly most) of the racers in the TdF wear bibs. My question is simple - why? I would think that they would create more heat that a simple set of riding shorts, and that this heat would not be welcome on very warm dayz.

ThanX for any insight! :)

Have you ever tried a bib?

I hadn't for a long time and had wondered the same thing. I tried one, "OMG!" they are very comfy and the lack of the elastic waist band was a treat!

L8R

You're right about the heat, etc. Some have a lighter weight fabric for the upper. They also vary in how much coverage the upper has. Even in hot weather, I'll take the bibs.

The downside? Taking a, um, sit-down.

Many of the team bibs have a mesh top that you barely feel and you avoid the thicker waist band.

Way more comfortable to wear bibs than have
a waistband which could chafe during hot weather.

Marty

Why bibs?

No pressure point around the waist.

When I used shorts, after a long 4-5 hour day you can see a line around my waist. This is caused by shorts.

I have yet to try a bib, but you guys have inspired me... thanks for the thread, my waist and intestines thank you too. :D

I have two sets of bibs.. I do find them warmer. Do not use them in summer... in spite of net top....But, when I do use them; they are much more comfortable.. No pressure about the gut..

Spocher - Welcome to Forums
you and Bac need to get a pair of bibs, don't even
need the expensive ones to get the benefits.
Check out Bulltek Sports (Forum Sponsor), they
have some nice ones for less than $35.
really comfortable, not too hot in summer
and I'm in texas where it really hot!

Marty

Thanks Marty, I'll check that out.

A bib short is gonna be my reward soon as I pedal a little more lard off.
kev

I'm partial to the Voler team bibs, actually. The fit is magnifique.

ThanX guys - I guess it's all about comfort. It looks as if I'm going to lay down some of my hard-earned cash for a bib now!!

:D

Take note not all bibs are the same. Shorts maybe as companies do not use the good stuff on shorts.

Look for quality chamois and materials. Nowdays you have the 'Sensative", "Power" and even new N2S lycra.

Etxe Ondo as well as Santini may in my opnion make the best bibs.

After all they manufacture themselves and are the ones that put new stuff out first for others to copy.

velocipedio, i ordered some yesterday. hope you're right (though for $60 total, they've got to be at least a better value than $120 pearl izumis).

aaaaa

Who makes bibs with shorter then standard leg length?

Short legs? Look at the Etxe Ondo. They tend to make them shorter than most.

and to all the people that wear their bib shorts OVER their jersey or tshirt...
http://newbie.tscentral.net/images/laughingatyou.jpg

To Bib or Not to Bib........Now thats the real question!!!

velocipedio-
i got my voler's yesterday. i just tried them on for a second, but they seemed very comfortable. durability will be the only question, but for $60 i can buy two pairs of the Volers for every pair of pearl izumi's. Thanks for the advice

oh, and they shipped it with a couple of tootsie rolls. is that a voler trademark? thought it was kinda funny.

I LOVE bibs. I have a couple of pair of Voler, a pair of PI, and several pair of Aussie brand. All are fine. Regular shorts tend to roll down, but maybe that's the, um, hangover I'm still trying to get rid of. I live in New Orleans and ride home 13-20 miles every day M-F at 3 PM. I challenge anyone to start talking to ME about heat and humidity. I wear bibs year round and even wear Coolmax undershirts. It just feels cooler to me and keeps my nice jerseys from getting grimy with sweat and body oil.