Road Cycling - short vs bib short

I'm riding 6 days a week and need some more "shorts" I have been using PI Microsensors and they are very good. My rides are getting longer and I have a couple of questions:

Are the Assos really more comfortable than the PIs $160 vs $110 or thereabouts.

Also, are bib shorts more comfortable than "half" shorts, I never tried them. I'm sure this is one of those personal choices but I'm hoping to get some insight before I possibly spend $180 on some Assos bib shorts.

Originally posted by mikemets5
Also, are bib shorts more comfortable than "half" shorts, I never tried them. I'm sure this is one of those personal choices but I'm hoping to get some insight before I possibly spend $180 on some Assos bib shorts.

Bibs have no waistband. If you experience discomfort from the waistband of standard shorts, you may benefit from bibs.

RichC

I switched to bibs in 1985 and have never looked back. Not sure I'd drop $180 on Assos bibs -- after all, these things do wear out. Fortunately, I get a new pair of very nice Louis Garneau bibs as part of our club kit each year for about $60. Otherwise, $100 (Pearl Isuzmi Ultra Sensors on sale, Santini TGel, etc...) is about my max price for logo-less bibs.

I switched to Bibs about a year ago and love them. No waist band digging into me, plus the shorts were always too "tall". I had to roll the waist band down all the time or it would be up to the middle of my chest. Bibs just fit better on me, plus they keep my shorts pulled up tight.

I get mine from Voler and I love 'em. Not sure I would drop that much on a pair of Assos... even though I hear they are pretty awesome. I do rides up to 100 miles and never had a problem with my Voler shorts.

I went looking for a new pair of bike shorts this past Saturday and for grins tried on a pair of Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor bibs. This is the first time I've ever tried bibs and immediately noticed how there was no grab around the waist. They didn't have that all-round tight feeling in certain areas either.

I purchased them and went on a 60 mile ride the next day. These bibs were so comfortable that I could focus on my ride instead of the discomfort I usually experience after a certain amount of miles.

I know nothing of the Assos bibs, but I'm extremely happy with my Pearl Izumi bibs.

I used to wear PI Microsensors and thought they were awesome. Then I bought a pair of Nike bibs, then some Assos 3/4 bibs and never wear the PIs anymore. They are just so comfortable. Try on a pair of bibs and you'll feel the difference right away. I know $180 is a lot for bibs, I'd probably recommend that you got some performancebikes ones or something cheaper to try out, and then you'll be less hesitant to spend that much on bibs...or just wait for them to go on sale :D

Does anyone make bibs for those of us with long torsos?

The only issue I have with bibs is when I have to relieve myself on the side of the road. It takes a bit more effort than with non-bib shorts. However, the benefits outweigh this problem IMHO.

Bibs. Mmmmmm.

Does anyone make bibs for those of us with long torsos?

I am 6'5" (196cm) and I only wear bibs. I can not find any bibs that fit me. The straps make the crotch dig into me. It is not comfortable.

My solution is to take the old straps or spandex from a worn out pair of shorts. I sew in a portion of the old straps to the new shorts (I lengthen the new straps with a piece of the old). You can get a custom sizing this way.

You don't really have to know how to sew very well because it is just a small amount to sew.

The first time I cut into a pair of $120 Castelli shorts I thought I was crazy. But this is the only way I have found to get them to fit properly.

I like Pearl Izummi and Castelli bibs. I have not tried the Assos but I bet they are nice.

Buy good bibs, they are more comfortable and last longer!!

bibs for me.

Cannondale 10panel or Assos only need apply

Bibs are just more comfortable if you ask me.

For really tall guys, check out Bicycle Hub (http://www.bicyclinghub.com/) they have a section for Xtra Large clothing.

Right now my favourite brand of bibs are Etxe-Ondo, they
have a chamois that feels like REAL chamois, and the fit
is very good, and their top of the line bib is less than
$125 (what does top of line Assos go for?).
Also hear good things about Santini stuff.

Check out BullTek Sports (http://www.bullteksports.com/index.htm) , talk to Xavier (one of our moderators,
so support him!), he also carries Etxe and Santini.

Marty

The big thing that bothers me is the center seam on the shorts, becuase it alsways ends up rubbing...does anyone know of any shorts that don't have the center seam? even the $120 Pearl Izumis have the center seam.

Phatman,
Are you talking about a seam in the Chamois or the short
itself?
I'd look for 8 panel shorts, I believe they don't have center
crotch seam.
Most of the better shorts don't have seam in chamois,
it is one piece (sometimes weird "anatomical" shapes)
either sewn or fused to the short at the outer edges.

Marty

For really tall guys, check out Bicycle Hub they have a section for Xtra Large clothing.

I should have also said I am 6'5" and weigh 185lbs. (83.91Kg). I am tall and thin. XXL is for a large person, I normally take a Large Tall size. You just do not find this in cycling clothes (Nashbar has some and that is about it), especially bibs.

Some of the Italian clothing fits better. I think the Italians have longer thin bodies. Do they size clothes for specific countries?

I guess if you were short you could sew the bibstraps shorter so you would not get saggy butt.

I am 6'5" (196cm) and I only wear bibs. I can not find any bibs that fit me. The straps make the crotch dig into me. It is not comfortable.

I am 6'6" (normal torso) and haven't had problems finding bibs. Castelli (XL) were fine, Vermarc (XXXL/stupid European sizing makes you feel fat) good as well. A pair of Louis Garenue(sp?) (XXL) were tight but wearable.

If your real thin it might hurt things though, I have a 36" waist.

A shorter friend (6'4") of mine had trouble with his PI bibs.

I like bibs for comfort but they are warmer and its hard to relieve yourself.

hey mike,

I have a pair of Assos Bibs and they are great. The only thing I don't like is the price that I paid $180. Assos makes great clothing but they keep jacking their prices up. I don't think I will ever buy an Assos product again, UNLESS they bring their prices down to a reasonable level. $120 for a cycling jersey come on. I say we here at bikeforums should boycott Assos and spread the message that we are tired of getting gouged. Maybe it will send some type of message to them. Descente has some bibs that can be had for $100 or so.

Originally posted by FOG
Does anyone make bibs for those of us with long torsos?

Santini bibs are perfect for long torso and long thigh riders who are thin.

I own plenty of bibs including PI Microsensers, Assos FI.13s, Assos Evos, Cannondale Vertex along with a number of pair of team bibs. NONE are as comfortable or fit as well as the new Santini CX bib with Twist Gel Chamois. The only ones that even come close are the Assos but not worth the extra 50-100 dollars a pair.

I am 6'6" (normal torso) and haven't had problems finding bibs. Castelli (XL) were fine, Vermarc (XXXL/stupid European sizing makes you feel fat) good as well. A pair of Louis Garenue(sp?) (XXL) were tight but wearable.

You are lucky!

I have a pair of Castelli XL PY2's. I could barely get the straps over my shoulders. I guess I have a long torso.

I have 4 pairs of bibs and they all have extension straps. My favorites are the Castelli's. I wore these on the fixed gear century I did. Pure comfort!!

I got my on Ebay delivered to my door for around $70-80 last year.

I used to buy cheap shorts but they don't last and they don't fit the same.

cane,
I don't believe that Assos would care much what
we think or do, there will always be people who
are willing to pay $200 for bibs.

Oh yeah, the bathroom thing.
With bibs worn properly (and not Phred style straps
over the jersey :P ) having to drop trou is a major
hassle.

Marty

Originally posted by BikeInMN
Santini bibs are perfect for long torso and long thigh riders who are thin.

I own plenty of bibs including PI Microsensers, Assos FI.13s, Assos Evos, Cannondale Vertex along with a number of pair of team bibs. NONE are as comfortable or fit as well as the new Santini CX bib with Twist Gel Chamois. The only ones that even come close are the Assos but not worth the extra 50-100 dollars a pair. Nothing thin or long thigh about me. I am 6'2" 280 lbs 32 inseam, 42 waist. My legs are like tree trunks. I sometimes have to buy pants to big for my waist to get my thighs in. I guess I need to find a shop with lots of brands, or simply buy regular baggy shorts and tell people they are meant to be tight on my legs.

Originally posted by lotek
Phatman,
Are you talking about a seam in the Chamois or the short
itself?
I'd look for 8 panel shorts, I believe they don't have center
crotch seam.
Most of the better shorts don't have seam in chamois,
it is one piece (sometimes weird "anatomical" shapes)
either sewn or fused to the short at the outer edges.

Marty

I'm talking about the shorts themselves

Originally posted by BikeInMN
Santini bibs are perfect for long torso and long thigh riders who are thin.

I own plenty of bibs including PI Microsensers, Assos FI.13s, Assos Evos, Cannondale Vertex along with a number of pair of team bibs. NONE are as comfortable or fit as well as the new Santini CX bib with Twist Gel Chamois. The only ones that even come close are the Assos but not worth the extra 50-100 dollars a pair.

Santini CX bib with Twist Gel is on sale at the bicyclinghub.com...ordered a pair...look forward to trying them out, thanks

As soon as I save enough, I'm trying bibs. Most guys I talk to swear by them, not one swears at them. Sierratradingpost.com is selling Giordana CP-4 bibs for a great price. They are a team color scheme. You have to have a medium waist for their sizing though. The one recommendation I've received is to get the ones with Coolmax webbing for straps.

Originally posted by Dchiefransom
The one recommendation I've received is to get the ones with Coolmax webbing for straps.
Good point! Especially during the hot months.

The Assos 3/4s I have have a zip up the front to keep you a bit warmer, as they're made of a roubaix fabric. That makes it easier to go to the loo, but i rarely have to go when i'm on the bike anyway. Otherwise, you pull up the front...and you're away. For a woman it would be a bit of a pain...but as said previously, bibs are worth it.

IMO, the Assos F.I's are terrific! Yes, they are outrageously expensive, but they are great for a big, old horse like me. Try some of the UK retailers. Even with overseas shipping, you can save $40 or more. Sigma has the new F.I Mille for c. 75GBP plus shipping. These are said to be similar to the EVO but with the new elastic padding.

Originally posted by mikemets5
Santini CX bib with Twist Gel is on sale at the bicyclinghub.com...ordered a pair...look forward to trying them out, thanks

Glad to hear it! I really think you'll love them.

I was hesitant to try them but after a glowing review in Velo News and two guys in my club raving about them I gave them a shot.

Very Sweet!

When you think about it bibs don't seem much diffrent than regular shorts, but then again thinking doesn't belong in cycling (?????). Bibs are on a whole other level of comfort compared to shorts. Never buy another pair of shorts again! Bibs all the way.

-Matt-

Does anyone know what size waist the largest Asso's bibs fit. they talk about height on their website, and mention that the TIR size is for larger waists, but don't say how large.

Assos' largest size, TIR, seems to work for about 40-42 waist. They say that they are cut wider than the xxl and that seems about right to me. The 'Sigma' I referred to, above, is Sigma Sport at sigmasport.co.uk.

Guess I'm in the minority.. I actually prefer a *good* set of shorts over bibs.

Bibs just aren't as comfortable to me, and make me feel hotter on the warm days. Also, the bib straps keep wanting to ride down my (big) shoulders. Finally, there is that thing of trying not to snap any threads when you have to take a leak.. :D

Happy in bike shorts. :)