General Cycling Discussion - Bib shorts vs regular shorts?

I have never used bib shorts but I am thinking about trying out a pair. What are advantages or disadvantages of bib shorts vs regular shorts? Issues with hot weather? Long vs short rides?

bibs make my two manbreasts look like four

As one of the many that tried Bib shorts many years ago-I now have 6 pairs of Bibbs and only one pair of ordinary shorts. Can't tell you why they are more comfortable but they are. I think most of the comfort comes from not having a restriction round the waist that gets tighter as you lean over on the bike. Second point is that they do not have a tendency to slip down causing a ruck somewhere that can get rather uncomfortable.

If you try Bibs- You will find out why so many of us use them.

I switched to bibs in June 2003. VERY comfortable, summer and winter. :beer:
I gave away all my shorts soon afterward. I now have more than a dozen pairs of bibs :eek: for weekend rides and commuting.
As they say, "Once you try bibs you'll never go back."

I went to bibs because I was always getting mud in my buttcrack when mountain biking. Now I don't look like a plumber when riding.:p

The only disadvantage I've found from bibs vs. regular shorts is getting them down quickly when needing to relieve oneself. I was riding Hotter 'n Hell one year, and had to have a movement at a rest stop. I had to pretty much completely strip down in the porta-potty to be able to do my business. It wasn't fun.

I still prefer bibs to regular shorts, though, based solely on comfort.

Solid comfort and they stay in place. The plumbers malady is also eliminated. While rest stops can be a hassle I think the pluses outweigh the drawbacks.

Thanks. I was ready to place an order for new shorts and it looks like I will be trying out the bibs!

hmmm... you may've convinced me as well

Do you guys wear a base layer shirt so that the bib straps don't chafe your nips?

Do you guys wear a base layer shirt so that the bib straps don't chafe your nips?

Base layer underneath bibs in winter. But no base layer in summer, and no chafing.

How does waist measurement influence the size you buy in bibs? From what I have seen on mfg web sites, the bib is sized by user height for the most part and they seem to think that all cyclist are built skinny. If a person is not skinny (I am 5'8" with a 36" waist), would a larger waist cause a person to think about moving up a size? Mfg sites are often unclear on how their bibshorts might fit a wider body.

Base layer underneath bibs in winter. But no base layer in summer, and no chafing.
+1

How does waist measurement influence the size you buy in bibs? From what I have seen on mfg web sites, the bib is sized by user height for the most part and they seem to think that all cyclist are built skinny. If a person is not skinny (I am 5'8" with a 36" waist), would a larger waist cause a person to think about moving up a size? Mfg sites are often unclear on how their bibshorts might fit a wider body.
Most bibs I've seen are measured by height and they use weight as a general guideline.
If you get bibs for your height they should fit. If they're kinda snug then get out and ride the excess weight off. ;)

Do not like bibs.

I just find the shoulder straps very annoying.

For the same reason I don't wear suspenders, even when they were in fashion for office wear.

But this is just me. Whatever is comfortable for you is what's important!

How does waist measurement influence the size you buy in bibs? From what I have seen on mfg web sites, the bib is sized by user height for the most part and they seem to think that all cyclist are built skinny. If a person is not skinny (I am 5'8" with a 36" waist), would a larger waist cause a person to think about moving up a size? Mfg sites are often unclear on how their bibshorts might fit a wider body.

Bib sizing is based more on height in my experience. I'm 5'11' and 180something-190ish (depending on the time of year ;)). I have two pairs of performance elite bibs in a large size and a pair of elite shorts in extra large. I originally was going to buy the bibs in xl, but when I tried them on they were too long so I went with the large.

I like them so much that now when I mountainbike I wear suspenders with my overshorts. The stay in place and protect the expensive bibs. I will never go back to non bibs. Nippls are fine.

Recently returned to bike shorts from a decade hiatus. Tried shorts, tried bibs. I like bibs; for a sport where you're bent over the whole time it just makes sense. Having said that I went with bib-shorts and non-bib winter tights to go over them.

I also thought I might need to size up on the bibs/shorts, and I did on the winter overtights. But I found with the sized-up bibs it was harder to keep the goods up out of harms way on longer rides without readjustment. There's plenty of stretch in the lycra.

I have bib tights and regular cycling shorts. I have decided that I'm not buying any other lower cycling garments unless they are bibs.

bibs make my two manbreasts look like four

What's the downside, though?

What's the downside, though?:lol:

Tried bibs, love them. Wishing they would make a bib version of baggy mtb shorts.

Only issues I have with bibs...
1. Nature calls (as covered by monogodo)
2. The Nacho Libre jokes. Doesn't help that one pair of my bibs is blue and red.
3. When my wife and I go riding, can't moon her in the bibs like I can when I'm wearing my baggy mtb shorts.