Fifty Plus (50+) - Bib shorts, on line

I'm interested in getting some bib shorts, on sale, and apparently, online. Reason for online is simple: I don't like the selection at the LBS's out my way. I'd like a pair of plain black bib shorts; i'm not interested in advertising for someone, and i'm not interested in pretending i'm on Team X in the TDF, which is clearly not the case when you see my 250 bag of fat lumbering down the hiway.

After trying on a few pairs, looks like I'm a 2XX. My questions are:

Do you know of any good deals right now online for bib shorts?

Have you purchased items like these online, and what happens if they don't fit? Can they be returned?

Gary,

I got Performance Ultra Bibs some time ago for about $50. I think they have them on sale now for about $55. I got XL and I'm a 38-40 waist. The things I look for in bibs are no gel (way too bulky in the seat) and a full back rather than just the two straps. I have a pair of Nashbar bibs that are just straps and they fight to fall off my shoulders some times. These are black with small performance logo on the thigh

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19896&subcategory_ID=1120

I have not used their bibs but I have a pair of the shorts... comfortable, well made, reasonable price and made in USA.

Aero Tech Designs (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/bibshort.htm)

I tried the Performance Ultras and whatever others they have. As one moves up in price the sizing gets smaller and smaller. I fit an XL in the Century, but an Elite XL is tight and an Ultra XL nearly strangles the boys.

I recommend these (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19867&subcategory_ID=1120) for fit and durability. You might fit an XL in them instead of a 2X. Performance stores will accept returns if you haven't worn (sweat in) them. Don't know about mail order. Use their phone ordering and ask that question. It might be best to order both sizes and return the one that doesn't fit.

Voler makes some great bibs that are priced nice. They are sold at velowear.com. Plenty of pretty graphics to choose from if you change your fashion or look under the 7 color selection for a basic black. I have two pair of these (from the Hammer nutrition site) and might not ever wear another brand again.

I have Performance and Nashbar and find myself wearing the Performance, not the Nashbar. I believe the Performance were a bit pricier (but, of course, they were on sale). If you aren't aware, that is PerformanceBike.com

I have the white top with the black bottom.

I have XL. They fit fine.

Gary,

I got Performance Ultra Bibs some time ago for about $50. I think they have them on sale now for about $55. I got XL and I'm a 38-40 waist. The things I look for in bibs are no gel (way too bulky in the seat) and a full back rather than just the two straps.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19896&subcategory_ID=1120

Gary,

I weigh in at 223 with a 38" waist. I wear a large in the Performance Ultra bibs. They are a little snug but they help hold my belly in.

As stonecrd said, stay away from gel.

No Gel. Thin padding is best.

SLIGHTLY undersized. They stretch, and need to be snug to work properly.

Don't shop price...at least too much.

Gary
Everyone has warned you to stay away from gel. Never used this in shorts but can vouch for do not use gel- in anything. The High back bibs are more comfortable as the straps do not move down the shoulders as you ride. 8 panel is what you should be looking for in ordinary shorts. The more panels- the better the fit, and comfort. On the Liner- Chamois or artificial type is what you want but I have a pair of roadie shorts that I call my enduro shorts. The padding is a thick foam and it felt initially as though I was wearing a diaper. Soon got over that but these are comfortable for the longer distance rides for me.

Our makes over here are not the same as yours but do not look at cheap bib shorts. Look for an online shop that specialises in clothing and look in the special offers. Surprising what you can get and Cerise shorts do not look too bad after 2 years washing.

Gary,

I got Performance Ultra Bibs some time ago for about $50. I think they have them on sale now for about $55. I got XL and I'm a 38-40 waist. The things I look for in bibs are no gel (way too bulky in the seat) and a full back rather than just the two straps. I have a pair of Nashbar bibs that are just straps and they fight to fall off my shoulders some times. These are black with small performance logo on the thigh

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19896&subcategory_ID=1120


I also use Performance Ultra's (XL's 190 lbs. 6')

Note: stonecrd I also have a pair of Nashbar, Giordana, and Pearl Izumi's that didn't have the full back, but just straps. I used a piece string tied in a loop around the straps, that slid up and down the strap once I had them on. No more sliding straps off shoulders halfway through a ride. Put them on, then reach over your shoulder and slide the string up toward your neck till the straps were comfy and tight. I leave the string on when they're washed, no problem.

I also use Performance Ultra's (XL's 190 lbs. 6')

Note: stonecrd I also have a pair of Nashbar, Giordana, and Pearl Izumi's that didn't have the full back, but just straps. I used a piece string tied in a loop around the straps, that slid up and down the strap once I had them on. No more sliding straps off shoulders halfway through a ride. Put them on, then reach over your shoulder and slide the string up toward your neck till the straps were comfy and tight. I leave the string on when they're washed, no problem.

Thanks for the idea, I'll try that. I thought I might just cross the straps for a nice X-man look

The Voler brand fits so much nicer than the Performance brand, night and day.

So what is wrong with my gel pad? Is it going to explode and raise my voice an octave?

It's comfortable, dries quickly, and I see no signs of wear.

So what is wrong with my gel pad? Is it going to explode and raise my voice an octave?

It's comfortable, dries quickly, and I see no signs of wear.

The only problem I've had with gel pad bibs is the gel migrating away from the areas of pressure, and staying lumped that way as they got older. Maybe I just have a boney, misshaped butt.:D

I don't like gel in general either in a seat, bibs or in gloves. It just seems to add to much bulk with no real benefit that I can detect. In regards to the posterior I find that adding more squishy stuff means you end up off your sit bones and puts more pressure on blood vessels and nerves causing numbness. Of course for someone else the gel may work out OK, but for me I stay away from the stuff.

Yeah, I know what you mean about the migrating gel. I have a couple of mouse pads with that problem. But the Century Gel bib doesn't use a typical gel-type pad. The pad is like a waffle with holes about every inch or so. If you feel it, it doesn't feel like the typical gel, with the gelatinous material inside that you can squish around with your finger. More like they captured the gel in an open-foam pad. No migrating or lumps. True it's a little bulkier than other pads, but that's a tradeoff I don't mind making. In fact, when pushing it I find myself riding well forward on my saddle, taking the weight on the center bone rather than the sit bones - something I couldn't have done with a less well padded crotch.

DMF says, "Check it out."

Reason I don't use gel on anything is the migration from the pressure areas. And I have had two occasions where the gel pack has split. Once on a saddle, and once on gloves. Sticky mess on the hands was bad enough but a sticky Crotch? Doesn't bear thinking about.