Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - What is the benefit of a bib?

Ok I have never worn a bib and have always worn just the bike shorts. But I see ppl wanting them or saying the like them. But why? What makes them so much more desirable then just the short?

Thanks for any help.

They're more comfortable. Period. Well most the time. No scratch that, all the time. Especially if you're a bit more in the Clyde ballpark. With shorts my stomach was getting cut into by the waistband, with bibs its not a problem. Costwise, they seem to be just 10-15 bucks more than shorts.

Since I'm on my way down the scale, I didn't want to spend a lot on large bibs only to ungrow them (that's the opposite of 'outgrow' right? ;) ) so I ordered from loves2pedal.com (via ebay) and got two pair for $60. They're not the highest quality, but they work well, and I can save my $$ for xl and not xxl (or xxxl).

Try a pair. You'll like them.

Although my journey into cycling started as a clyde (215lbs) It was brief (185lbs now)

I worship at the temple of bib shorts. Bib shorts don't have an elastic to cut into your waist. More importantly, the chamois stays exactly where you need it, no sagging wastebands, or beer guts spilling over bands.

I bought my first pair while I was on tour, and proceeded to wear them nearly every darn chance I got.

They're more comfortable. Period. Well most the time. No scratch that, all the time. Especially if you're a bit more in the Clyde ballpark. With shorts my stomach was getting cut into by the waistband, with bibs its not a problem. Costwise, they seem to be just 10-15 bucks more than shorts.

Since I'm on my way down the scale, I didn't want to spend a lot on large bibs only to ungrow them (that's the opposite of 'outgrow' right? ;) ) so I ordered from loves2pedal.com (via ebay) and got two pair for $60. They're not the highest quality, but they work well, and I can save my $$ for xl and not xxl (or xxxl).

Try a pair. You'll like them.

What do you mean by "not the highest quality?" How is the chamois?

What do you mean by "not the highest quality?" How is the chamois?


That is the reason I bought Pearl Izumi. I read posts on here about using this place or that place because they were cheap and had clyde sizes. Well, I bought a cheap pair there, and their quality is terrible and the chamois was worthless. I may try other brands, but I won't buy cheap (aerotechdesigns) from on-line places, name brands with good quality on-line will happen.

Thanks for the replies, I think I will stick w/ my shorts for the time being but might get a bib in the future when I need to replace a pair.

When I went to bibs, I discovered a whole new level of comfort. Just my 2 cents. :D

What do you mean by "not the highest quality?" How is the chamois?

Well, the fabric and fit are fine. The chamois is decent, but then again I've not had many others to compare with. (Mainly comparing it in feel to the $100+ bibs in the LBS.) The seams and stitching are good. I've done many rides that were 25 plus miles without any problem. Compared to the Sugoi shorts I have, they are about the same-chamoiswise.

Like I said, since I'm on my way down in weight (-70lbs in the past year) I didn't want to dump a lot of cash into bibs I wouldn't be wearing long. For the $30 ea. I've been more than pleased.

Just my $ .02

They Also Keep Ya From Mooning The Folks You Pass.

Bibs are the only way to go imho. I have a pair of Spinks and just picked up one from Love2Pedal on E-bay. The ones from Love2Pedal are thinner but the padding is very similar. Spend a bit more and you'll be happy.

They Also Keep Ya From Mooning The Folks You Pass.

Right. No plumber butt.

Ok I have never worn a bib and have always worn just the bike shorts. But I see ppl wanting them or saying the like them. But why? What makes them so much more desirable then just the short?

Thanks for any help.

I used to wonder the exact same thing. People talked about bike shorts rolling down on you, and I never noticed that. I finally broke down and got a pair of bibs one day and yes, they are much more comfortable. Now I notice my shorts rolling down once in a while.

just go try a bib on and see for yourself! I find them quite comfy

Right. No plumber butt.

But a smaller butt. I'm told my glutes are pretty good. Sadly, it wasn't a woman who told me. :(

But a smaller butt. I'm told my glutes are pretty good. Sadly, it wasn't a woman who told me. :(

At least he didn't say your glutes FELT pretty good.

with bibs you dont have the same sag as shorts. which also means your "junk" stays where its supposed to be. enough said

One word: Comfort

with bibs you dont have the same sag as shorts. which also means your "junk" stays where its supposed to be. enough said


That's what always drove me nuts (heh heh) when I stood. Now the twig and berries stay where I put them. I've just worn out my last pair of shorts and I'm going to replace them with bibs even for just winter training.

They're more comfortable. Period. Well most the time. No scratch that, all the time. Especially if you're a bit more in the Clyde ballpark. With shorts my stomach was getting cut into by the waistband, with bibs its not a problem. Costwise, they seem to be just 10-15 bucks more than shorts.
<SNIP>
Try a pair. You'll like them.

+1 on all of the above. I have two sets of riding shorts and one bib. The bib feels a little funy when you just put it on. Once you get on the bike, you forget that you are even wearing anything. It fits like a 2nd skin. I am a relatively light by clyde standards at 210 Lbs for 6' 2.5", but I still have the regular shorts sliding down on my or having the elastic feel uncomfortable after a while.

The only down side of bibs is having to stop for a restroom break. You have to pull the shirt off the get the bibs down. Other than that they are vastly more comfortable.

Happy riding,
André

Ive got a ton of "technical shirts" (the stuff that wicks away water in bibs, shirts, shorts, etc.) and find simply tucking them into my shorts keeps away plumber butt and pain from my shorts. I wear your basic knee length athletic shorts (the same ones I wear during walk races) and that seems to work out fine. Is it perfectly comfortable? No. But im also 321# going 7 mph on a bike, so I don't expect to be perfectly comfortable.

Bib's rank up there with STI and clipless in the legions of good & great ideas that have improved cycling.

Right. No plumber butt.

Exactly why I got bibs. I was spending way too much energy (mental and physical) making sure my shorts were up and my shirt/jersey was down. Bibs = no more problems.

I got a pair of Performance bibs at one of the stores in the Chicagoland area - not exactly cheap, but not Pearl Izumi, either. The quality is so-so. They stay on, and are reasonably comfortable, but the chamois can be uncomfortable. Not enough to make a ride bad, though. I probably wouldn't buy them again, unless they were even cheaper. I think I got them for $40 - $50.

I started wearing bibs this year, started with a pair of Nashbar house brand i found in the return section, no leg grippers but the fit was good, and way more comfortable than shorts. I have since moved up a little bit, louis garneau ( i said a little) but when you keep shrinking out of you clothes, gear gets pricey. I recommend you go for them, you wont be disappointed, and i doubt you go back to shorts (bio breaks are a little awkward however).

When I went to bibs, I discovered a whole new level of comfort. Just my 2 cents. :D


Agreed. And it doesn't ride up your butt crack either. :roflmao2: True statement!!!! Somebody had to say it.:D