Road Cycling - Bike shorts or bibs?

Looking at some of the sites that you guys have listed for clothing and such. Noticed some bibs that were somewhat interesting. What is the purpose of the shoulder straps.? Are these even for road biking and are they worn with a regular cycle jersey over top.

Hi Nikos, I have worn both types for many years and here are my thoughts, Bib types are great if you have a large stomach[':)'] as the elastic doesn't cut in. But on the other hand they can be HOT!So if your part of the world experiences lots of days over 30 degrees- Celsius- then shorts are more comfortable.
Shorts and flat tummies are no probs, even a little extra is ok,isn't it guys and gals[':D']
The bibs will be great if the weather is cold- they keep the small of your back nice and warm.
The straps are there to hold up the shorts, as i have found when i left them down on a hot day. They slip, but not much, you could get by with them down if need be.
Yes you do wear a jersey over the top- those back pockets are great for everything-I have even carried a jar of 30 tadpoles home on my back!
If this helps make up your mind most Euro pros wear bibs, but then they don't pay for them!
When purchasing bibs always check the quality of the 'singlet' as this can stretch or wear at a different rate to the nix(what we call shorts here in Aussie).
Well thats my 2 cents. Hope you enjoy cycling as much as the rest of us.

Originally posted by sillystorm
Shorts and flat tummies are no probs, even a little extra is ok,isn't it guys and gals[':D']
It better be! :D

Great, helpful post, sillystorm--I particularly like the part about the tadpoles. I always wondered what those pockets were for!

I have both and find the bibs to be very comfortable. I'm a female and the singlets for females are designed such that you don't need to wear a jersey over them.

I won't wear them on a long ride (such as yesterday's 106 mile ride) because they are tough to get on and off when you are sweaty which makes nature stops just about impossible.

Bibs would be too hot around here most of the year.

Chris

Thanks Ba-Dg-Er
The problem we face along the eastern seaboard of Australia is humidity- we also have days of 100 F and many in the 90s, along with 75/85% humidity!, it can even climb to 90%. So as Chris L and I have experienced it is the inability to cool yourself with this high humidity on hot days that makes bibs a bit sticky.
Our friend hieloazul also posted regarding the "sweat factor".
That dry heat that you experience is great, the sweat dries instantly and it doesn't seem to be as hot.
My grandmother lives in an arid part of Australia and when we visit, even though it can be 105/110- it is bearable.