Road Cycling - Which Bibs?

I noticed on the new Pearl Izumi print add, that they break their bibs down into categories. Race (Heliarc, Microsensor), train (Ultrasensor, Attack) and comfort. Does that mean the cheapest ones are going to be the most comfortable for long rides? I dont race, but, I have struggled lately with comfort on 60+ mile rides. Thoughts? I have been riding in Pearl Izumi for years...and none of my shorts/bibs have the new 3D inserts.

the differences between a good bib and a bad bib are in 3 area:

- comfort
- durability
- looks :)

I use the better (read expensive) bibs (Assos, and heliarc) for long rides of 60 miles or more.. I have a couple of cheaper bibs which I use for everyday riding..

Right now I have two pair, one Bellwether and one Canari. Of the two, the Canari's are more comfortable on long rides, but the Bellwethers are not that bad. I plan on buying pair of Giordano Tenax bibs as Bicycling rated them just as good as the high end Assos and a bunch of $$$ cheaper.

I personally have 5 pairs of bibs I love them all but my favorites are my Voler's I have 2 pairs and wouldn't blink to get another pair. I have Santini, Biemme, and Pearl Izumi.

The most comfortable bibs I own are Assos.

I own four pairs of Castelli bibs. I bought two that were not too expensive and two that were. The later two are super comfortable. However, even the cheaper ones are nice bibs. Don't ask me the names of them, I haven't a clue.

I just got a pair of the Heliarc bibs after using the Microsensor for the last couple of years. Not much improvement, but they were already good bibs to start with. I also have some Castelli Progetto bibs that are lousy in comparison. They are comfortable but have real durability issues compared to the Pearl Izumi stuff.

If you are going to spend on some expensive bibs they should last.

And finally to answer your question the more you spend the morecomfortable the short. Fused of Flatlock stitching and more durable better chamois.

You might give Etxe Ondo a try, (available at www.bicyclinghub.com (http://www.bicyclinghub.com) ) I find that
the simple chamois (no fancy 3d, cut outs etc.) which looks/feels like real chamois
is very comfortable. Their prices are not outrageous like some of the Assos and
Pearls are getting.
Some folks have complained about wear, I've had mine for 2 years without a problem.

Marty

You might give Etxe Ondo a try, (available at www.bicyclinghub.com (http://www.bicyclinghub.com) ) I find that
the simple chamois (no fancy 3d, cut outs etc.) which looks/feels like real chamois
is very comfortable. Their prices are not outrageous like some of the Assos and
Pearls are getting.
Some folks have complained about wear, I've had mine for 2 years without a problem.

Marty

they are comfy but I have 5 pair and everyone has the stiching comming loose. I have only had them since november.

I've gotta go along with Marty.
I have 5 pairs of Voler bibs and thought they were great.
A few weeks ago I bought 3 pairs of Etxe Ondo (http://www.bicyclinghub.com/bicyclinghub/etonmabi.html) bibs based on Marty's recommendation. What a difference in comfort! The styling ain't bad either. :) My wife says they even look more comfortable than the Voler bibs. ;)
Try the Etxe Ondo. I think you'll be VERY happy with them. I am.

they are comfy but I have 5 pair and everyone has the stiching comming loose. I have only had them since november.
Do you hand wash them or throw them in the washer?

steveknight,

Are the seams letting go? I've got multiple pairs both bibs and shorts and
have no issue with quality.
Where did you buy them? have you talked to the shop about it?
What model bib Olympic? Marke?

Marty

steveknight,

Are the seams letting go? I've got multiple pairs both bibs and shorts and
have no issue with quality.
Where did you buy them? have you talked to the shop about it?
What model bib Olympic? Marke?

Marty
I got them here http://www.bicyclinghub.com/shorts1.html
and I think they are the 94.00 pair though the lineup has chaged a bit it looks like. we have a front loader so that is pretty gental and they get washed once a week. every pair has the smae seams comming apart.

I'd talk to Doug at Bicycling Hub. He is a pretty straight shooter
and took care of me on a problem with a pair of shorts my wife got.
At 6 or 7 months use they should NOT come apart.

Marty

Has anyone tried Performance elite bibs? They are pretty inexpensive, compared to the other brands, and have received good reviews in roadbikereview.com You can get 2 for the price of a 1 pearl izumi. What do you all think?? Im a beginner and dont ride 50+ miles yet.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=18520

After all the hype on this board I bought some Assos bibs a few weeks ago. Ya they are nice, but not all that great. I think they cut the legs a little short (my tan line is showing). Not worth the money for sure. The Performace Century are nearly as good at a fraction of the price.

And finally to answer your question the more you spend the morecomfortable the short. Fused of Flatlock stitching and more durable better chamois.


This is one of the basic truisms of life, to which there are a few exception. But, if Assos cost well over $200 and you can get a pair of Giordana Tenax for $110 that are rated just as comfortable, you have to decide if the Assos will last twice as lont as the Tenax.

I am right now wrestling with myself on spending $200+ for a pair of Assos, but cannot reconcile it when my $75 Canari's are quite comfortable. I know they would be wonderful, but, while I am not tight with my wallett, I can be prudent.....especially when my wife is watching......

I bought the Performance Ultra bibs about two weeks ago now. I've done about 250 miles since and noticed the stitching coming loose around the chamois pad. I do wash them on gentle and often as they ae my only pair. It's only in one small area and doesn't affect the fit at all. If it gets any worse I'm going to restitch it though (a.k.a. get one of my sisters/mom to restitch them). Otherwise, I've found them to be extremely comfortable. I can finally sit in one spot on my seat for an extended period of time without starting to worry about my ...er... boys. These are my first pair of bibs/biking shorts so take this as such.


Has anyone tried Performance elite bibs? They are pretty inexpensive, compared to the other brands, and have received good reviews in roadbikereview.com You can get 2 for the price of a 1 pearl izumi. What do you all think?? Im a beginner and dont ride 50+ miles yet.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=18520

This is one of the basic truisms of life, to which there are a few exception. But, if Assos cost well over $200 and you can get a pair of Giordana Tenax for $110 that are rated just as comfortable, you have to decide if the Assos will last twice as lont as the Tenax.

I am right now wrestling with myself on spending $200+ for a pair of Assos, but cannot reconcile it when my $75 Canari's are quite comfortable. I know they would be wonderful, but, while I am not tight with my wallett, I can be prudent.....especially when my wife is watching......

the problem with Assos is they are not real durable. I bought a pair on clearence then did research. and there was a lot of complaints about that isse that they wore out fast. myself I noticed a lot of pilling right away. Plus for me they have too much padding. I had some crotch rubbing because of it.