Fifty Plus (50+) - Got my bibs

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My LBS finally got their new shipment of clothing with some in my size, so I went down to see what they had. As soon as I tried them on, I could see why bib shorts are so popular with the forum members: no tight waistband and a smooth fit all the way up that even looks good on a non-optimal bicyclist body shape. :D I ended up with a pair of Louis Garneau Alveos; a bit pricey, but I've rarely been sorry when I've spent a bit extra to get what I wanted.
When I got home, my wife spotted the only drawback right away. It's gotta be a hassle to pee with these things. You have to slip the straps off your shoulders, which means taking off your jersey unless I'm missing something. Considering my somewhat limited bladder capacity these days, this could get to be a real pain.
But I do think I'm going to really enjoy wearing these, my first real roadie gear.
Digital Gee
11-06-07, 05:00 PM
And, they go great with white bikes! :D
maddmaxx
11-06-07, 05:03 PM
Its ok............you just need a long hose..:)
Its ok............you just need a long hose..:)
:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:
Out and over the top works in a pinch.
flatlander_48
11-06-07, 06:11 PM
My LBS finally got their new shipment of clothing with some in my size, so I went down to see what they had. As soon as I tried them on, I could see why bib shorts are so popular with the forum members: no tight waistband and a smooth fit all the way up that even looks good on a non-optimal bicyclist body shape. :D I ended up with a pair of Louis Garneau Alveos; a bit pricey, but I've rarely been sorry when I've spent a bit extra to get what I wanted.
When I got home, my wife spotted the only drawback right away. It's gotta be a hassle to pee with these things. You have to slip the straps off your shoulders, which means taking off your jersey unless I'm missing something. Considering my somewhat limited bladder capacity these days, this could get to be a real pain.
But I do think I'm going to really enjoy wearing these, my first real roadie gear.
First, they're not all cut the same. There are some noticable differences. I have a pair by Assos and one by Sugoi. The Assos pair is a bit higher in the center. But, remember that the materials are very stretchy. Pull the center down, lean forward and find relief...
NoRacer
11-06-07, 06:18 PM
Out and over the top works in a pinch.
+1
luv2cruz
11-06-07, 07:08 PM
or, you can roll up a leg...and hang out...LOL
Dchiefransom
11-06-07, 07:24 PM
or, you can roll up a leg...and hang out...LOL
Easiest way.
DnvrFox
11-06-07, 07:44 PM
Roll the leg up- no problem for #1. #2 is the real challenge, especially if you keep the straps under the jersey. Off with the windbreaker, off with the jersey, down with the bib.
BSLeVan
11-06-07, 08:27 PM
Roll the leg up- no problem for #1. #2 is the real challenge, especially if you keep the straps under the jersey. Off with the windbreaker, off with the jersey, down with the bib.
That's way more of a visual image than I needed....:eek: Next thing, Dnvr, and people will be asking for pictures.
DnvrFox
11-06-07, 08:30 PM
That way more of a visual image than I needed....:eek: Next thing, Dnvr, and people will be asking for pictures.
How about an illustrated instruction manual? Downloadable?:D
BluesDawg
11-06-07, 08:45 PM
especially if you keep the straps under the jersey.
if?
oilman_15106
11-06-07, 09:18 PM
Or you could do what Lance said he did on the longer stages of the TDF: just pee while riding. Over the top or roll up the leg methods work for me. Comfort of bibs outweigh the pee issue my a mile.
So I got a pair a month or so ago (bibs that is...).
They're OK, but if I am wearing an "underarmor" (or Walmart clone) type shirt under the jersey (ie: put the undershirt on, then the bibs), the straps immediately slip off my shoulders.
Anybody got a fix for that? (Note: the outer jersey should be worn over the bibs....).
Since it is cooler lately, I'm wearing a 50/50 cotton/poly t-shirt, then more clothing over that. The bib straps don't slip much on the 'regular' t-shirt, so the problem is semi-solved for now, but come next summer....slip-sliding away....
stevelon
11-07-07, 03:29 AM
Saw a guy do that on my last century. Alas he peed in his shoe.
flatlander_48
11-07-07, 04:51 AM
So I got a pair a month or so ago (bibs that is...).
They're OK, but if I am wearing an "underarmor" (or Walmart clone) type shirt under the jersey (ie: put the undershirt on, then the bibs), the straps immediately slip off my shoulders.
Anybody got a fix for that? (Note: the outer jersey should be worn over the bibs....).
Since it is cooler lately, I'm wearing a 50/50 cotton/poly t-shirt, then more clothing over that. The bib straps don't slip much on the 'regular' t-shirt, so the problem is semi-solved for now, but come next summer....slip-sliding away....
Aside from the Wal-Mart clone being a potential problem, try a t-shirt with more loft or, in other words, not so much of a smooth solid finish.
So I got a pair a month or so ago (bibs that is...).
They're OK, but if I am wearing an "underarmor" (or Walmart clone) type shirt under the jersey (ie: put the undershirt on, then the bibs), the straps immediately slip off my shoulders.
Anybody got a fix for that? (Note: the outer jersey should be worn over the bibs....).
Since it is cooler lately, I'm wearing a 50/50 cotton/poly t-shirt, then more clothing over that. The bib straps don't slip much on the 'regular' t-shirt, so the problem is semi-solved for now, but come next summer....slip-sliding away....
I also wear a compression shirt under my cycling gear - I need to keep my loose skin tucked in. I only have that problem when the bib shorts are too large. Are your shorts too large? They are supposed to be form-fitting.
That's way more of a visual image than I needed....:eek: Next thing, Dnvr, and people will be asking for pictures.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/worthless_thread_wo_pics.gif
cyclezealot
11-07-07, 05:12 AM
my bibs have a low enough dip in the front that its possible to pull them down and do my thing. And yes, the comfort is amazing. When the breathing gets fast, there is no interference from the waist grips of normal bike shorts. .
DnvrFox
11-07-07, 05:21 AM
if?
Yeah, I've seen guys with the straps outside.
Also, if I wear an undergarment of some sort, I generally put the UG under the straps, but the jersey over the straps.
Beverly
11-07-07, 06:17 AM
Next thing, Dnvr, and people will be asking for pictures.
Oh no they won't:eek:
I don't know any women who wear bibs and with some of the problems associated with them I know why.
Oh no they won't:eek:
I don't know any women who wear bibs and with some of the problems associated with them I know why.
Do they even make bib shorts for women, Beverly?
RockyTopBiker
11-07-07, 06:31 AM
I used to fly fish and had neoprene bib waders. It never failed that when I got in the middle of the river that nature would call. Some waders came with a zip fly, but I always wondered about their "waterproofness!" In Tennessee, (and Georgia too, BluesDawg) we just wear the bibs without a jersey. We also tape cleats on the bottom of our bare feet!!
Beverly
11-07-07, 06:36 AM
Do they even make bib shorts for women, Beverly?
Yep! But I've never been tempted to buy a pair.
cccorlew
11-07-07, 06:52 AM
So I got a pair a month or so ago (bibs that is...).
They're OK, but if I am wearing an "underarmor" (or Walmart clone) type shirt under the jersey (ie: put the undershirt on, then the bibs), the straps immediately slip off my shoulders.
Anybody got a fix for that? (Note: the outer jersey should be worn over the bibs....).
Bibs first. Problem solved. That's the way I do it.
And stay out of walmart.
stapfam
11-07-07, 12:09 PM
Yep! But I've never been tempted to buy a pair.
You don't know what you are missing on the comfort side- But You will have a problem on bathroom stops.
Never had a problem on rides as I Ride hard enough to sweat out liquid. Hotter the ride- More Liquid drunk and if necessary- Just pull down the front. They are made of Lycra so it does stretch.
My Knickers did have a problem with the straps slipping off the shoulders but all I did was Stitch in a piece of Elastic halfway up the back straps to hold them together, Still easy enough to put on and no slipping.
Old Hammer Boy
11-07-07, 05:48 PM
I have a couple pairs of bibs that I only wear in cool or cold weather. First layer=Duofold wicking T-shirt. Then the bib straps go over the T. Then my jersey, over that, a wind breaker or vest, depending. One problem (for me) with straps against my bare skin, my nipples get rubbed and burn. No fun!
flatlander_48
11-07-07, 07:43 PM
Oh no they won't
I don't know any women who wear bibs and with some of the problems associated with them I know why.
My wife tried mine once. She liked them but the potty breaks were a problem.
DnvrFox said:
Also, if I wear an undergarment of some sort, I generally put the UG under the straps, but the jersey over the straps.
Right, did that, but the straps sliped on the slippery "technical" fabric of the shirt. That day, I put the tech shirt over the bibs, but then the straps feel funny on my bare skin. Thankfully I didn't have the nipple problem “Old Hammer Boy” had.
Since then, I just switched to a 50-50 cotton-poly t-shirt and that stops the straps from slipping, and then another shirt over that, then a jersey and/or a windbreaker (since it’s cooling off here now).
Stapfam’s idea is a good one, but I just hadn’t gotten there yet. As a single 50+’er, sewing is not one of my strong points. I’ll look for some elastic the next trip to Walmart…..(live with it…).
cyclezealot
11-08-07, 02:16 AM
I have a couple pairs of bibs that I only wear in cool or cold weather. First layer=Duofold wicking T-shirt. Then the bib straps go over the T. Then my jersey, over that, a wind breaker or vest, depending. One problem (for me) with straps against my bare skin, my nipples get rubbed and burn. No fun!
and you find that combination keeps you warm until what temperature range? I freeze if it is much below 45. Below, 45 and the chill factor, I need a winter cycling jacket.
DnvrFox
11-08-07, 05:43 AM
Stapfam’s idea is a good one, but I just hadn’t gotten there yet. As a single 50+’er, sewing is not one of my strong points. I’ll look for some elastic the next trip to Walmart…..(live with it…).
Small safety pins?
MulliganAl
11-08-07, 07:10 AM
Ok, with all this bib talk going on I've decided to invest in a pair also (cooler weather in the South East made it an easy decision), but which manufacturers make some of the better bibs?
Beverly
11-08-07, 07:16 AM
Small safety pins?
Even small safety pins might dig into your skin after awhile......just ask any woman who has used one to fix a broken bra strap:rolleyes:
A small piece of elastic is a good idea. It could be held in place with just a couple stitches on each end....even someone not handy with a needle and thread should be able to handle this job:) Just be sure to use matching thread.
MulliganAl
11-08-07, 08:09 AM
Even small safety pins might dig into your skin after awhile......just ask any woman who has used one to fix a broken bra strap:rolleyes:
A small piece of elastic is a good idea. It could be held in place with just a couple stitches on each end....even someone not handy with a needle and thread should be able to handle this job:) Just be sure to use matching thread.
Why not have someone cut the top shoulder straps and stitch in some Velcro.
stapfam
11-08-07, 11:45 AM
and you find that combination keeps you warm until what temperature range? I freeze if it is much below 45. Below, 45 and the chill factor, I need a winter cycling jacket.
I am a 3 layer rider. A wicking base layer is the first- Then My normal cycling S/S top. next layer is the important one. Long sleeve but could be the normal L/S jersey. If colder then I will wear a top that is made out of Roubaix material. This is warmer than most tops. If really cold then I have a cycling Fleece. Very thin but definitely does get me sweating if not cold enough. Then over the top is the Top layer. Pertex for wind prevention- A showerproof for Damp and is also windproof. Then if wet it is the Goretex- and if really Cold but Dry I have a cycling Duvet.
Don't have a problem with cold weather except when I look out the window and it is shall I or shan't I. Once I am out there- I just enjoy the Ride.
And to find the position of My Elastic in the straps- I tried safety pins to find the position to put it and Never felt them or had any problems with them.
Digital Gee
11-11-07, 01:09 AM
Out and over the top works in a pinch.
Here's another solution:
http://www.pbase.com/johnwaine/image/45074941/medium.jpg
flatlander_48
11-11-07, 06:35 AM
Here's another solution:
http://www.pbase.com/johnwaine/image/45074941/medium.jpg
Well, except for seeing what the other end of the fountain is doing...
Old Hammer Boy
11-11-07, 09:54 AM
and you find that combination keeps you warm until what temperature range? I freeze if it is much below 45. Below, 45 and the chill factor, I need a winter cycling jacket.
It sort of depends. If it's windy, or not sunny, I might add a fleece vest at about 40F or below. The main advantage of the outer shell is, it keeps the wind out, and that can do more than additional layers. Before I purchase a shell, I try to blow through it to see how wind resistant it is. If I can blow through it, it won't keep the wind out.
I also think clothing choices are a personal thing based upon conditioning. If you adjust to cooler weather, you won't require so many clothes. I remember one time when I visited S. CA on a business trip in January. I was running around, feeling just fine wearing a light sweater and slacks, and the natives were wearing heavy winter coats, gloves, and even stocking caps. All of us cold weather folks had to giggle.
Old Hammer Boy
11-11-07, 11:55 AM
Well, except for seeing what the other end of the fountain is doing...
Red shorts with yellow shoes! Next thing you know, he'll be on a white bike.
this thread is just fine without pictures, thank you
I'll overlook the skillfully edited one
Motorad
11-11-07, 09:54 PM
I had to laugh (but only so I could hear) during a big Michigan ride that our club sponsored in May this year. It was still kind of cool in the early morning, and a lot of the riders had a layer or two of clothing over their tight fitting bibs and cycling shorts.
Anyway, I needed to relieve myself and also to wash my hands from doing club sponsoring work for the May Michigan ride. I headed to the men's room to find a line of gentlemen that extended quite a bit outside the entrance into the men's room. So, I decided to cut past the line to just wash my hands inside the men's room. When I got inside, I found that all three of the toilet stalls were being used ... but ... no one was using the three urinals that were in the middle of the men's room. I gathered then that it must be an adventure to relieve yourself in a public area (or on the road) while wearing bibs and tight fitting biking clothes.
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