Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Love2Pedal Falconi Deluxe Bib Short Review

There's been a lot of talk about bib shorts over the last week or two, so I thought I'd post a review of some bibs that I recently purchased...

I ordered a pair of Love2Pedal (http://www.love2pedal.com)'s $36.95 Falconi Deluxe bib shorts (http://www.love2pedal.com/Items/Item.aspx?sck=66583596&SKU=fa.bibdlx1gp.red.xl&caSKU=fa.bibdlx1gp.red.xl) last week. They showed up within a couple of days and I've now completed several rides, including the 2-hour/30-mile loop that I normally use when evaluating saddles and shorts. As background, let me say that my favorite shorts so far have been Pearl Izumi's $100 Slice Ultrasensor shorts. I bought a couple of pairs last year when they were on sale at Performance for around $65. They're fantastic! Unfortunately, I need more shorts or bibs and couldn't find the Slice on sale at a price I was willing to pay. For $37, I figured it was worth giving Love2Pedal's Falconi bibs a try...

Quality of the bibs is pretty good. I'm no expert, but I'd say that it probably isn't at the same level as the PI Slice bibs/shorts, but for 1/3rd the price I didn't expect it would be. It's certainly as good as any of the "house brand" shorts I've purchased from REI, Performance Bike, etc. The lycra is the same as in any other generic cycling short. The flatlock stitching that holds the panels together seems a bit more widely spaced than the stitching on the PI Slice short. I like the look of the PI stitching better, but suspect that both are perfectly adequate. The mesh upper seems a bit flimsy and the part of the bib most likely to be damaged; I could easily imagine snagging it on something. The rubberized Falconi logo on the left leg looks a bit cheesy to my eye. I'd be just as happy if it wasn't there and will probably attempt removal at some point. Note that the logo isn't shown in most of the pictures on the Love2Pedal site; you can find it at the very bottom of the product page, but it doesn't show up in most of the bib pictures.

Fit is as advertised, though snug. I'm about 5'9" with a 37" waist, 32" inseam and right at 180lbs these days. Ordered the XL size, which is advertised to work for 36"-38" waists. The fit is perfect for me! Snug, but not too snug, and the length works great. Like most bibs, the shoulder straps on the Falconi bibs stretch but aren't adjustable. Pulling up on the shoulder straps, it looks like your torso could be 4-5" longer than mine and the bibs would still work. It feels like the bibs are designed for someone with a reasonably athletic build. If I had a 38" waist I'd be tempted to order the XXLs rather than trying to squeeze into the XLs.

So how do they ride? Very well, it seems! Have to admit, I was a bit concerned when I first saw the chamois. I really like the chamois in my PI Slice shorts, even if it is a bit on the thick side. The chamois on the Falconi bibs isn't nearly as thick as the chamois in the Slice shorts, though it is a bit thicker than the chamois in any of my cheap house-brand shorts (e.g. REI Novara). On my 30-mile loop, I honestly didn't notice any difference between the chamois in the Falconi shorts and the one in the Slice shorts. A longer (50-100mi) ride will be needed to know for sure, but I'm very encouraged at this point! The chamois wicks well and I didn't notice any chafing. The rubberized leg cuffs do a good job of keeping the shorts in place. It's been cold enough that I've been wearing a base layer t-shirt along with the bibs. I don't think the shoulder straps would cause nipple chafing if you wore the bibs without a base layer, but I don't know for sure at this point.

Bottom line: these bib shorts feel like a great value for the money! Easily better than other "house brand" shorts that I've tried recently. Obviously, I can't say anything about long-term durability yet, but it's difficult for me to imagine that I wouldn't get $37 worth of value out of them. In fact, I liked the pair I bought so much that I just ordered two more! If you're going to order multiple pairs, be sure to use the two pair for $64 product page; you'll save a bit more that way. And don't forget to try the BFDN coupon code that Dan created for us. I saved $5 on each order, which effectively means that shipping was free.

Thanks for the detailed review of the shorts.

Its not rocket science designing a great fitting bibshort with a nice pad. Fortunately, lycra is so stretchy and conforms to a lot of varying body shapes so most of the credit for a good fit goes to the fabric.

Regarding the logo on the leg, your comment has been noted. Sometimes we produce products with no logos at all on them with just the brand name on the little sewn-in size label inside the garment. I may consider this in the future. But the little silicone rubber logo on the leg can be easily removed. I have it stitched on the leg (instead of glued like some other brands) so it can be removed with no glue residue.

Dan

A very useful review ! Thanks.
After using the same bib for about six months, I agree on the surprisingly good quality of the chamois ( and the nylon fabric). I guess Dan could invest in a more impressive looking logo - it is the only thing that makes these bibs look cheap. My impression was that the sizing of the falconis is not so snug as compared to my other shorts, but I do not have any pearl izumis (they do not seem fit me).

I really wish the bikeshorts would be available in some colors other than black; actually some not-neon, not super-bright colors; colors which do not try to make you look like a pro or a clown; some quieter colors would be nice.

lutz,

If interested, we recently listed bibs in navy or gray and regular cycling shorts in navy, royal blue and gray.

Dan

Regarding the logo on the leg, your comment has been noted. Sometimes we produce products with no logos at all on them with just the brand name on the little sewn-in size label inside the garment. I may consider this in the future. But the little silicone rubber logo on the leg can be easily removed. I have it stitched on the leg (instead of glued like some other brands) so it can be removed with no glue residue.

Yep, I removed the logo this morning with very little effort. Most of the other budget shorts I've owned used glue on the logo, so it was nice to find that the Falconi logo was stitched. Nice job, Dan!

I too bought a some of the Love2Pedal bibs last week and was planning to write a review, but you saved me a bunch of typing. :lol: I will say that my results pretty much match the above posted. My only real issue is the strap length. I am 5'9" 210 lbs with a long torso. I bought the large size and the straps dig into my shoulders enough to turn them red. Also, the legs were a little tight, so I think by going up to a X-Large size will be perfect. Otherwise these shorts felt good on the one 40 mile test ride that I put on them (on par with my Specialized bib tights) and are a good value for the money. :thumb:

Hill-Pumper,

If interested, we do have a 30 day return policy if you want to return the bibs for a larger size. Also though, the straps will stretch a little after the first few rides, so you may ride the bibs a few more times before you decide. You didn't say your waist size, but just from your weight and height, you may be right about the XL being better.

Dan

Dan,

My waist is a 37", so I just ordered based on that. I agree that the best thing is to go up one size and try those. Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff,

Send your bibs back for the XL--that will fit a 37" waist better

Dan

Dan,

They are back on their way to you !!! It Thanks !!!!

Jeff

Based on this review, I just ordered some of the bibs today. I needed some new bibs for a while. Can't wait to get them an give the a ride.

Hi,

My review is pretty much the same after a quick 30 mile ride. One minor issue with the stitching was quickly resolved by Dan. For sizing reference, I'm 6', 230 and all leg...the XL seems right for me also.

I will add one more thing to this, as noted earlier, my first bibs did not fit right. I sent them back as Dan said, and they promptly sent out the replacements. The XL's fit me much better, the straps are still a little tighter then I am use to, but I think that they will stretch out over time. I did a 17 mile ride in them today and certainly better then before. I will be wearing them during this weekends metric for more of a true distance test. Regardless, it is nice to find a company that stands behind their product!!!:thumb:

I'm about to place an order with these folks, and I have a question. They list 4x as the size for my waist (or close to it) 42-44. Do they run small for their sizes?

I'm going to retire my gel bib shorts, they are too uncomfortable on long rides now that I have a Brooks. These bibs and their thinner pad might work better.

I ordered the 3x (not here yet) for my first set of bike specific shorts. I was looking at their chart and there seems to be a discrepancy between the text and the chart. Text says 3x=40-42, chart says 3x=42-44. If they end up running on the small side, I'll probably just end up keeping them for when the weight comes off. And it will come off if I have to die pedaling dammit.

sorry don't know on sizes... but I know a lot of cycling clothes are sold in euro sizes which are completly off from what us "fat" americans use... one companies 4x is way smaller then another...

i've considered the falconi's... but worry that even their largest 4x is going to be a little to small for my hips (got a big arse)

sorry don't know on sizes... but I know a lot of cycling clothes are sold in euro sizes which are completly off from what us "fat" americans use... one companies 4x is way smaller then another...

i've considered the falconi's... but worry that even their largest 4x is going to be a little to small for my hips (got a big arse)

I don't think it's so much the sizing as the cut, in Europe most people, male or female are larger around the chest, smaller around the waist then larger around the hips, this is easier to see on a female, but males are built that way to, it's just to a smaller degree. Most Americans are more of an apple shape, smaller around the chest and hips and larger around the waist. So clothing designed for a European shape is not going to fit someone of an American shape, even when the size is right. Which is why you need to find a manufacturer who uses a cut more in tune with an American shape. I am not sure about Love2Pedal whether they manufacture their own stuff or buy from other countries. Supposedly Aerotech makes all their own stuff, so they can use a more American cut.

sorry don't know on sizes... but I know a lot of cycling clothes are sold in euro sizes which are completly off from what us "fat" americans use... one companies 4x is way smaller then another...

i've considered the falconi's... but worry that even their largest 4x is going to be a little to small for my hips (got a big arse)

Thanks for sharing. :p

What finally swayed me was the 30 day return policy. If they are decent but the wrong size, I'm only out shipping.

I realize these are not 'top of the line' bibs, but I'm going to be losing more weight and I don't want to invest in pricey stuff until I'm back down to near goal.

I'm about to place an order with these folks, and I have a question. They list 4x as the size for my waist (or close to it) 42-44. Do they run small for their sizes?

I would say that the sizes are as advertised on the Love2Pedal website. I bought the XL size, which is recommended for people with 36-38" waists. When I originally got them, I was 37" across the gut (e.g. slightly above my natural waist). I thought the bibs were just a bit snug, but comfortable. I'm now down to 36" and the fit feels perfect.

Thanks for sharing. :p

What finally swayed me was the 30 day return policy. If they are decent but the wrong size, I'm only out shipping.

I realize these are not 'top of the line' bibs, but I'm going to be losing more weight and I don't want to invest in pricey stuff until I'm back down to near goal.


I think that there stuff runs small, but the best thing to do if you are in doubt, is to contact Dan with your waist size and have him recommend a size. I'm not sure if it still works, but punch in CLYD in the discount code during check out and it will save you $5.

I think that there stuff runs small, but the best thing to do if you are in doubt, is to contact Dan with your waist size and have him recommend a size. I'm not sure if it still works, but punch in CLYD in the discount code during check out and it will save you $5.

I used BFDN and got the discount.

4x is the largest they have, so I'm stuck with it. If it's tight, so much the better.

I think that there stuff runs small, but the best thing to do if you are in doubt, is to contact Dan with your waist size and have him recommend a size. I'm not sure if it still works, but punch in CLYD in the discount code during check out and it will save you $5.

Yes it still works. That's the code I used, CLYD was so much easier to recall. I just had to look down to remind me. :roflmao2:

I did ride a double-century on Saturday with the Falconi bibs. I also got a new saddle since my last double 2 years ago. No butt problems during the ride and for the first time, my butt does not hurt at all the day after a 200 mile ride. They seem to work for me. ;-)

I'm probably the worst candidate to offer advice, having them be my first set of bibs. With a 49" gut, measured at the naval, the 3x seemed pretty damn comfortable and I think I could have even been able to go down a size. Still not comfortable enough to wear lycra in public so I threw on a pair of "And 1" brand mesh basketball shorts over the bibs and went for a ride. Having rode in just mesh shorts or cargo shorts previously, I was AMAZED what a difference a chamois can make. For most of my ride the saddle disappeared. It was only toward the end when I started to tire that I could "feel" it but no discomfort or chaffing like I would have had with plain shorts.

Definitely the longest ride I've taken since starting out a few weeks ago (27 miles), and by far the most comfortable. The mesh shorts did become a hassle a few times when they started riding up, I'm still not going to ditch them until I like the way I look without them.

For someone on the fence about getting into bibs (like I was), these are worth the try for such a small investment as far as bibs go.

Edit: WARNING, the investment won't actually be small if you've never tried cycling with a chamois, you'll never be able to go without again. I am now a believer.

I would say that the sizes are as advertised on the Love2Pedal website. I bought the XL size, which is recommended for people with 36-38" waists. When I originally got them, I was 37" across the gut (e.g. slightly above my natural waist). I thought the bibs were just a bit snug, but comfortable. I'm now down to 36" and the fit feels perfect.

I'm trying them on now, and I'm a little perplexed. According to the size chart these are right, but they seem much looser than other bibs I've worn. I wear a 2xl in Performance stuff, except their oversized Century Gel, in which I take a 1x. My Pearl shorts are a 2xl. Perhaps I've been wearing too small bibs for my entire riding career. I'm contacting Dan of Luv2Pedal about this.

The strap length seems right, however, the bib is 'cut' very high. If I need to take a "natural break", I'm not going to be able to pull down the front far enough to urinate.

The strap length seems right, however, the bib is 'cut' very high. If I need to take a "natural break", I'm not going to be able to pull down the front far enough to urinate.

Aren't all bibs cut pretty high? Love2Pedal's Falconi bibs are the first ones I've purchased, but from pictures they look pretty similar to the Pearl Izumi stuff in terms of how high they rise. From experience, I can report that the shoulder straps seem capable of stretching quite far without any problem.

Aren't all bibs cut pretty high? Love2Pedal's Falconi bibs are the first ones I've purchased, but from pictures they look pretty similar to the Pearl Izumi stuff in terms of how high they rise. From experience, I can report that the shoulder straps seem capable of stretching quite far without any problem.

These are about 3-4 inches higher than my Pearl and Performance stuff. However, I'm more concerned about their being too big. Or again, I could be off - I blew a seam on my 2X Pearls just this week. Perhaps I've been wearing shorts that are too small for me and assumed that the tightness was 'normal.'

Sizing of shorts drives me crazy. My heavy winter tights are a European brand - a 2x is so tight on me I have to use care to get in them, and my Performance Century Gel in 2x are loose on good days.

Chess was an easier hobby. I didn't need to dress up for it. :(

These are about 3-4 inches higher than my Pearl and Performance stuff. However, I'm more concerned about their being too big. Or again, I could be off - I blew a seam on my 2X Pearls just this week. Perhaps I've been wearing shorts that are too small for me and assumed that the tightness was 'normal.'

Sizing of shorts drives me crazy. My heavy winter tights are a European brand - a 2x is so tight on me I have to use care to get in them, and my Performance Century Gel in 2x are loose on good days.

Chess was an easier hobby. I didn't need to dress up for it. :(

10 or so mile test ride: straps are OK, chamois is OK, legs are too loose. 4x is definitely too big, so I'll return them for the 3x. Meanwhile, I'd PM'd Dan yesterday and haven't received a response.

However, the 4x Luv2Pedal jersey is great. It's a little tight, but other than that, I like it very much. Even the length seems OK - I find many jerseys are too short for me.

10 or so mile test ride: straps are OK, chamois is OK, legs are too loose. 4x is definitely too big, so I'll return them for the 3x. Meanwhile, I'd PM'd Dan yesterday and haven't received a response.

However, the 4x Luv2Pedal jersey is great. It's a little tight, but other than that, I like it very much. Even the length seems OK - I find many jerseys are too short for me.

Heck, the jersey even flatters me. What's not to like?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3558350889_a5d031b29b_b.jpg

Chess was an easier hobby. I didn't need to dress up for it. :(

Come on, now! I have had my fair share of chess tournaments where my opponent dressed up for it. I never did understand because the playing area was usually hot due to inadequate air conditioning, and the guys in suits were smelling pretty ripe by the end of the day, but they did get style points (not that it helped their rating any).

You could always combine your hobbies. You would turn a few heads showing up for a chess tournament in full spandex!

I received my pair today. At 6'4" 246#'s 38" waist I ordered the XL based on the waist size chart. I started thinking they might be too small, so I emailed Dan and bumped it up to a XXL. They fit me great, perfect actually, and I found them to be very comfortable just walking around. They also appear to be very well made and honestly, you can't beat the price! I will ride test them tomorrow and report back.

The Rock and Roll Marathon is going on tomorrow here in San Diego which cuts off a lot of my normal routes. I will nevertheless try to see if I can get in a 30 miler, which will give me all the feedback I need about these shorts, my first pair of bibs.

I rode the Falconi bib shorts (size 3x) this weekend on three rides:

Boiling Springs Tour de Cure (33 miles)
Harrisburg Social Ride (14 miles)
Abandoned PA Turnpike (17 miles)

I stand 6 feet 1 inch and have a 47 inch waist. I ride a Brooks leather saddle.

My standard of comparison is to Performance house brand shorts - the Century Gel and the Ultra, and Trek's basic bib shorts. The padding on the Falconi is thinner than the Performance shorts, but it seems to do the job. The Trek padding is about the same thickness, but the shorts cost three times as much.

I rode without discomfort on all three rides, and wasn't bothered by the shorts during car travel to and from hotel rooms, ride sites, etc. Unlike my Performance shorts, the chamois doesn't shift under me when riding. I didn't use chamois cream on the rides, but I didn't feel as chafed as I normally do. (I'm prone to chafing.)

My only complaints are minor - I've noted the bibs seem high-waisted, coming to over my navel, and another poster mentioned the rubberized Falconi label on the leg wearing off. Well, it began to come off after my last ride. The label seems decorative rather than structural, so I'm not worried about harming the integrity of the shorts.

All in all, these seem excellent bib shorts for very little money. They are a better buy than Performance and Nashbar's house shorts, and much cheaper than Trek's bibs. And speaking of which, Love2Pedal accepts Paypal, which unlike Performance and Nashbar websites is a secure method of using a credit card for the purchase.

Here's a photo of me decked out in the Falconi bibs and Love2Pedal jersey.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3585140772_9dde3fdfc8_b.jpg

I rode the Falconi bib shorts (size 3x) this weekend on three rides:

Boiling Springs Tour de Cure (33 miles)
Harrisburg Social Ride (14 miles)
Abandoned PA Turnpike (17 miles)

I stand 6 feet 1 inch and have a 47 inch waist. I ride a Brooks leather saddle.

My standard of comparison is to Performance house brand shorts - the Century Gel and the Ultra, and Trek's basic bib shorts. The padding on the Falconi is thinner than the Performance shorts, but it seems to do the job. The Trek padding is about the same thickness, but the shorts cost three times as much.

I rode without discomfort on all three rides, and wasn't bothered by the shorts during car travel to and from hotel rooms, ride sites, etc. Unlike my Performance shorts, the chamois doesn't shift under me when riding. I didn't use chamois cream on the rides, but I didn't feel as chafed as I normally do. (I'm prone to chafing.)

My only complaints are minor - I've noted the bibs seem high-waisted, coming to over my navel, and another poster mentioned the rubberized Falconi label on the leg wearing off. Well, it began to come off after my last ride. The label seems decorative rather than structural, so I'm not worried about harming the integrity of the shorts.

All in all, these seem excellent bib shorts for very little money. They are a better buy than Performance and Nashbar's house shorts, and much cheaper than Trek's bibs. And speaking of which, Love2Pedal accepts Paypal, which unlike Performance and Nashbar websites is a secure method of using a credit card for the purchase.

Here's a photo of me decked out in the Falconi bibs and Love2Pedal jersey.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3585140772_9dde3fdfc8_b.jpg

That Surly seems to suit you, thinking of an upgrade?

I had a nice test ride of 37 miles on Saturday here:

Part One (http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=426415) and Part Two (http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=426574)

The better half of it was pretty fast, with a really strong tailwind. At first I thought that the padding was lacking based on my standard baggy MTB shorts that are very thickly padded. However, this proved to not be an issue at all and I agree with the Historian that the padding seems to be sufficient, as I did not experience any discomfort at all - they fit excellent and felt great!

Overall, I find these bid shorts to be an excellent value yet I will still have to see how the hold up over the long run. I do expect them to do well though as I will be alternating them with my MTB shorts, depending on the type of ride. Top notch customer service and quick shipping also made it a pleasure to do business with http://www.love2pedal.com/, and I will not hesitate to purchase from them in the future. :thumb: :thumb:

I have two pair of the riding shorts they offer. For the 40-50.00 (? I don't remember) they were (together!) a great value. Good fit, not horrible to look at on me, and ample pad and coolmax. Whats not to love?

Thanks for the reviews on the bibs!

I have made some mockups where the bib is portion comes up a little lower on the stomach than the current model and will test ride them to see how they feel. But most likely I will keep the current version. The current version is very comfortable and we have many repeat customers for them so I don't want to mess up a good thing.

The little logo on the leg can be made in a few different ways. Heat transfer, direct print, glued on silicone logo or sewn on silicone logo. All of them (no matter what brand) can (but don't always) deteriorate-there is no method that is guaranteed to always look good for the life of the shorts/bibs. The reason we chose the sewn on logo, is if it starts to go bad, it can just be removed easily by cutting the threads and removing the logo entirely with no harm to the garment.

The other types of logo treatment, when they go bad, don't come off entirely so you may just have part of the logo missing and some still on the garment. Your shorts may say "earl izum" or "Sugo" and you are stuck with it. In the case of the glued on logo, it is tough to remove all the adhesive if the logo comes off.

Remember, we still offer readers of this forum a $5 discount off any order--just use the CLYD promo code during checkout.

Dan

HI,
I was looking for a sizing chart on the web page,
PS I bought a jersey from you on ebay, lot of the guys i ride with are Senior and they love
my Old Fart Jersey with the Big Wheel.
Doug

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/82000016/images/4/suarez.cycling.jersey.old.fart.front.jpg

belated comment: whoops as he notices sizing chart on page , geeze thanks

Here you go:

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/82000016/Images/7/suarez_size_chartcaffeine.jpg

Most of the listings also have actual chest measurements in them too.

Dan

just ordered a set... with a brooks saddle on order and my blackbottoms shorts having a poorly located chamos seam (seam sits right under my sit bone) I figured i'd take the gamble on the bibs...

hopefuly they'll work for me :)

Any tall people here use these bibs? I'm just about to make the plunge to cycling shorts and bibs just seem to make the most sense. I didn't see a 'tall' size, I'm 6'4" and long in the trunk. Normal clothes do the homer simpson gut hanging out below the shirt thing for me if I'm not wearing a tall size.

Any tall people here use these bibs? I'm just about to make the plunge to cycling shorts and bibs just seem to make the most sense. I didn't see a 'tall' size, I'm 6'4" and long in the trunk. Normal clothes do the homer simpson gut hanging out below the shirt thing for me if I'm not wearing a tall size.

I'm 6'4" and 250#, the XXL size bibs work fine for me.

I bought the 2 for xxx bibs when I first got into biking last year. I now have nearly 2k miles under my belt (and the chamois) and they're doing great. The only complaint (ha!) I have is since I've lost more weight, they're really loose on me. I can almost slip out of them hopping up and down. (They're XXXL)

There is a little beading (? where the fabric knots up a bit) on the chamois, but otherwise still very well constructed.

I will be getting some more in a smaller size. :)

Cool, thanks I'm just about to pull the trigger on some decent riding shorts. The chafing on my last ride really emphasized the point that if I'm going to keep doing this I'll need to get better gear. Now to loose 35 lbs... man I would love to be 250 again.

The best bib out there for real Clydesdales was the Performance bike Gel bibs. They came in sizes up to a XXXL.

The gel chamois makes all the difference if you're a real Clydesdale. Bibs are a must with any real weight. They are so much more comfortable than the shorts riding down.

At 6'7" I always have to have my bibs lengthened with some lycra, because they aren't designed for a very tall frame. The value on Performance bibs is off the charts. On sale you can pick up their best stuff for around $50 bucks, you can always pick up a lower end set for around $35. To tell you how impressed I am with the Performance bib line, I like them more than some of my old Mercatone Uno team issue bibs (no longer fit).

Go figure a 6'7" 375lb cyclist who always wanted to be Marco Pantani...

Mtnbke,

Experiences do vary a lot it seems.
I cannot agree on the Performance Gel bibs/shorts . For me, the Performance gel chamois makes the worst bike shorts or bibs I ever encountered. The chamois is way too thick - so thick that you have to adjust the saddle height for these bibs. The chamois is non-breathable, despite a few breathing holes in there, it does not absorb any sweat whatsoever; in short it gets very quickly unpleasant. These things are good for 20 mile rides only, and for such short rides I do not need any bike shorts or bibs anyhow. :crash:

I have one XXL version to give away, let me know and supply the postage. Very good condition, other than that the chamois is a nightmare. But do not say later on, that I have not warned you.

The reviews on this thread made them sound pretty good and for the price I thought I'd give them a try. I just recieved a pair in the mail today and am waiting to try them for the first time this weekend. A little about me: I am 50 yrs young and am currently 254lbs. down from 292lbs just a year ago. I have only used the padded cycling shorts in the past and trying bibs is a new step for me. It's taken some time and a lot of trial and error but I am slowly getting to the types of clothes that work for me. I ride roughly 80 miles a week in training rides and longer on the weekends but have only started doing the Day-Tours this year. I am heading to the Collin Classic here in McKinney, TX this weekend to try the new bibs on a good long ride and also test out the setup on the saddle on my bike. My ride: 2006 Specialized Roubaix Elete triple. Currently with a Velocity Deep-V rear Wheel ( The Alex 300 I had on it finally got so out of true that it was un rideable.) 32 spoke 3 way weave. A Deep-V is on order for the front to make it look even. Current saddle is a Specialized Avatar 155mm. When I bought the saddle I was fitted and setup at My LBS but have not had a chance to try everything out due to being out of town for the past two weeks. Will let ya' know how everything goes

I have also just pulled the trigger on a couple of these. I already have some of the baggy biking shorts. I really liked those when they were new, but they don't seem to shrink with me as I lose weight, so they aren't as snug as they used to be ;)

I am a loose 36" waist right now, so I ordered the large which are allegedly 34-36 in waist size. Time will tell when they get here.

Another thing I purchased recently, also from Love2Pedal, is the SweatGutr headband. The description of these things is kind of disgusting, but if you sweat a lot and hate the soggy sweat bands, these things are the shiznit! I wore it for the first time today and it was totally awesome. I didn't get any sweat in my eyes at all, and when I was finished I just whipped it off and didn't have some saturated piece of cloth to wring out and wash.

Mtnbke,

Experiences do vary a lot it seems.
I cannot agree on the Performance Gel bibs/shorts . For me, the Performance gel chamois makes the worst bike shorts or bibs I ever encountered. The chamois is way too thick - so thick that you have to adjust the saddle height for these bibs. The chamois is non-breathable, despite a few breathing holes in there, it does not absorb any sweat whatsoever; in short it gets very quickly unpleasant. These things are good for 20 mile rides only, and for such short rides I do not need any bike shorts or bibs anyhow. :crash:

I have one XXL version to give away, let me know and supply the postage. Very good condition, other than that the chamois is a nightmare. But do not say later on, that I have not warned you.

I wouldn't fit an XXL anymore, and I've already got an XXL that I can't wear. However, I was lucky enough to get in an order for the XXXL before they pulled 'em off the line.

I guess we have different preferences in what we're looking for in bibs. I love the Performance gel pad for long rides (metric century). For something short I'll use some cheapie Nashbar shorts I have. However, I get sore and regret it around mile 25. I suspect you're considerably lighter than I am.

I really miss my Mercatone Uno bibs.

I look ridiculous in them. Like this, only taller...

just got em... chamos looks pretty nice for the price, the material is on the thinner side (blackbottoms where much heavier lycra which I like feels nice not having the binding around the waist although we'll see how the straps work out... just in the quick try on they seemed to want to roll up a bit... overall fit was about right to maybe a little big...

a good ride will tell me if the chamos is in the right location... i'm hopeful