Road Bike Racing - Why bibs? Sweatband?

I have two questions:

1. If bibs cover more body, why do the pros wear them on those hot climbs? It seems they'd be hotter.

2. In hot weather, what's the best thing to use for keeping sweat from dribbling in your eyes?

1. These fabrics wick moisture and breathe so well you don't really notice them, and bibs are so much more comfortable they're worth it. They also (at least for me) help keep the HRM strap in place without having to tighten it as much.

2. Take your pick. Cycling cap. Terry headband. Coolmax headband. Headsweats (what I use, and a frequent favorite of the follically challenged). One really bushy eyebrow the entire width of your forehead.

RichC

1. Bibs are just way more comfortable than regular shorts. The bib part doesn't cover enough to make a difference. I live in New Orleans where the temperature AND relative humidity is often in the 90s. I wear bibs and a coolmax t-shirt under my jersey all the time except occasionally when I wear a tank to even out the tan some. Believe me, if you try bibs you will never go back to shorts.

2. My favorite sweat band is a Traverse Bay head band, wider toward the back for ear coverage in cold weather. It is made of a very lightweight fleece. In summer it makes a great sweatband. When it is sunny or rainy I wear a cycling cap under my helmet to keep the sun/rain out of my eyes. I have an old one that I cut the crown out of for hot weather.

I totally agree on the bibs, I have 3 pair and will never go back to the shorts I have packed away. I sweat a lot, I purchased two head bands - which you need to tie in the back. They both have a rubber band like strip in the front to drain sweat to the sides of your temples. When one gets totally full of sweat, I take it off and tie it around my bars(right above the brake hoods - across) to dry out. Toss the other one on and it works out great.

Can you really wear a cycling cap under your helmet....? I'll have to check into that.

Originally posted by RainmanP
Bibs are just way more comfortable than regular shorts.
Believe me, if you try bibs you will never go back to shorts.
Ditto to that Raymond. :beer:

After reading all the great things everyone had to say about bibs I thought I'd give them a try when Velowear had them on sale in May. I bought two pairs. :love: :love:
Two weeks later I bought three more pairs.

My shorts are now stuffed in the back of the drawer. I'll give them to some deserving soul one of these days.

I'll never go back!!

Originally posted by Formtight
Can you really wear a cycling cap under your helmet....? I'll have to check into that.

Many pros do so in the "spring" classics when it is still quite cold in Belgium and northern France. As more of a "utility" cyclist/commuter, I just do what works for me.
Regards,
Raymond