I ordered up my bibs and jersey from Aerotech and they were prompt, and got it here in time for T.D.C. Indy. I've never worn bibs/lycra/spandex before and wow... what a different feeling THIS is. So some questions..
1). I have bibs and a jersey per the recommendations here. Does one wear underwear under the bibs or go commando???

2). Anti-chafe cream... I've never had a problem on up to 30 miles rides before, is this something that occurs more in bibs/etc?

3). I can see some potential bad rubbing between the straps for the bibs and my moobies/chest area. Do you guys wear compression shirts or anything under the bibs?

4). Being larger than the average animal (6'2" 285 lbs.) it's just sort of scary seeing myself in spandex.. Then again, it's kind of cool..

Thanks for all the help and I look forward to seeing you in Indy on Saturday morning. I'll be the human sausage in the royal blue kit with the beard on a Trek 7500.

John

Commando, and Udder Cream, or Chamois Butter, or Assos Chamois Cream.....

You'll get over the slight feelig of embarrassment after you are on a track chock full of cyclists in Lycra. ;)

Sometimes I wear a compression shirt, sometimes not. The straps will be looser when you ride because of your posture, too.

By the way, look for us in out Team Stormcrowe Colors and kit!

3). I can see some potential bad rubbing between the straps for the bibs and my moobies/chest area. Do you guys wear compression shirts or anything under the bibs?

I don't wear anything underneath, but a common trick with ultradistance runners (if chafing becomes an issue there) is band-aids over your nipples.

1). I have bibs and a jersey per the recommendations here. Does one wear underwear under the bibs or go commando??? Au naturel, my partner. Don't want anything bunchin' up & rubbin' down there :D

2). Anti-chafe cream... I've never had a problem on up to 30 miles rides before, is this something that occurs more in bibs/etc?Depends on the person. I had never gotten a saddle sore in 12+ years of riding until this year. Now I use some Chamois Butt'r. Others use it, some don't. I only use it when on longer rides (2+ hours).

3). I can see some potential bad rubbing between the straps for the bibs and my moobies/chest area. Do you guys wear compression shirts or anything under the bibs?I don't get any rubbing there. I only wear an undershirt when in cooler temps. Other riders always wear under shirts as protection from falls & skin abrasions.

4). Being larger than the average animal (6'2" 285 lbs.) it's just sort of scary seeing myself in spandex.. Then again, it's kind of cool.. I'm larger, too (6'3", 255lbs). Kinda scary seeing me in spandex too. But it could be worse, try wearing the race-cut jerseys that I prefer :lol: If I remember, I'll post a pic of my gut all hanging out while racing :lol:

I just can't hang with bibs. Too much pressure on the pubie area. Maybe cause of the long torso? Comfy in shorts. Now that you brought it up about the moobies, I know bibs are out! I have really sensitive nipples!:roflmao2:

2. I recommend Body Glide. before you put your shorts on, squat as low as you can, and apply to any areas that might rub. Then on with the shorts, on with the ride, and no mess on your hands!

Now that you brought it up about the moobies, I know bibs are out! I have really sensitive nipples!:roflmao2:

http://blog.buycostumes.com/uploaded_images/PeeWeeHerman-1-749569.jpg

Double:roflmao2::roflmao2:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know it's sophomoric, but this thread is making me laught - you had me @ moobies ;) LOL

I LOVE bibs. Having a distinct belly makes regular bike shorts roll down at the waist line and start chaffing. I bought my first pair of bibs this year and will never look back. Also, I find having the compression fabric is infinitely more comfortable than regular shorts.

I know how you feel, at 6'5 315lbs, lycra is not a statement I want to make on the bike, but hey, I'm not riding around to look cool, and also, not riding around is why I don't look cool :). Only one smartass comment about it today from a couple of teenage boys who yelled "Hey, nice bike pants, har har!" If that's the best line they could come up with on short notice, I'd say they can bet on not having a career in comedy.

Again I will just agree with has been posted before.
No undies--as disgusting as that seems. Just wait until after you are finished! A whole new definition of disgusting. You will VERY QUICKLY discover why they say wash your shorts/bibs after every ride! No telling what kind of mutant biological warfare is going on in and around the padding! Blacklight anyone?!

I use cream if I am going over 15 miles or so. I bought some A&D cream from WalMart that is pretty good stuff. I also got some that came in a tub that is painted like a cow--I think it is called "Udder Cream" or somesuch but haven't used it. Something about the idea of using something designed for a cow's udders on my manly places just doesn't sit right with me. I usually wait until just before I am leaving on the ride to apply the grease/cream. That usually means trying to hide myself as best I can while I stick my hand, with a bead of grease, down the front of the bibs and hope I can apply it to the correct locations without getting it EVERYWHERE. Then I have to use about 1/2 a roll of paper towels to get the grease off my hand. But, the alternative is to end up with a crotch-o-fire before I get back to the car.

Never had trouble with raw nippleage--sensitive or otherwise. I don't remember my bib's straps hitting me dead center on the nips though.
I just found a Performance Bike store here in Dallas and bought another pair of bibs today. I don't hold out much hope that I will have the same love for them that I have for my Nikes but I am hoping for the best. BTW, I got the Performance Elites in case anyone wants to chime in on them. Buy-cycling magazine gave them high marks recently so I guess that settles it! :rolleyes:

At 6'3" 240ish I am not much to look at smashed into spandex. But, it does make my leg muscles look good! :love: :innocent:

You don't have to have moobies to experience nipple problems. On very windy days a loose jersey will flap and cause all sorts of chaffing. Tighter the better. The pro-level jerseys and merino jerseys are extremely soft.

Compression shirts are great for loose skin. Ask me how I know this. :(

4). Being larger than the average animal (6'2" 285 lbs.) it's just sort of scary seeing myself in spandex.. Then again, it's kind of cool..


If this doesn't frighten you, nothing will:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2569967211_2f5edcb20b_b.jpg

one thing to look for is to break in the pad. i never see anybody mention that fact. its kinda like a saddle. but yes commando all the way. i used to wear a loose fitting muscle shirt. and thats over the bib. now im wearing the walmart $10 special compression shirt (athletic shirt). again over the bib. i dont have any problems with the nipples but i feel much more aerodynamic, a huge plus for being a big guy.

i bought a second bib and i have over 200 miles on it and its getting close to being as comfortable as the first pair. granted nothing is as comfortable as the old shoes your mother would make you throw away, but another couple hundred miles on this bib ought to help out.