Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - My Falconi Review

Okay so I bit the bullet and bought a pair of those Falconi bib shorts from love2pedal. I have always ridden with regular running shorts and could go about two hours before the discomfort set in. The LBS's in our area don't exactly cater to the clyde so it was good finding thes on this site.

First, the ordering was extremely simple and the shipping was super fast. A+

Second, the fit was great in the waist and the straps while snug did not tug. The only issue was that they were loose on the thighs (my hams and quads are pretty defined so was a bit surprised). The padding was light but quality. A

Third, the ride was awesome. I went out on a four hour ride on the Cape and my seat never bothered me, they didn't ride up, they were perfect. My back was killing me at the end but that's just a need to strengthen the core. A++

Overall, these were a great value for the $ and I would highly recommend them.

Hope this helps somebody else out.

I'm trying to find the discount code that was posted here at one point. Search isn't helping.

Is there still a discount for love2pedal for bikeforums clydes?

You can and always go 2 hours in running shorts? Then this is not a very meaningful comparison or review. If I go 5 minutes in running shorts, I'm hurtin'!:eek:

You'd have to compare them to other cycling shorts for a good comparison. Otherwise I'd be more interested in the running shorts!:p

you were looking for this thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=530258&page=3

Thank you.

You are a way better searcher than me.

I've worn them on 33, 21, 31 and 56 mile rides. In between I've worn a couple of other much more expensive name-brand (LG) cycling shorts. I find the Falconis to be about as comfortable as my other shorts. I still get some fanny fatigue around 30 miles, but I get that with all my shorts. Still breaking in the rear end after 800 miles in the past 2 months. They aren't as luxurious, but I do like wearing a bib. I'd still buy another pair.

I bought two pair of the bibs a while back. I wear them every day I ride, which is almost every day. I can't compare to other brands because these are the only bibs I have ever bought. One thing I do notice on them is the shoulder straps don't stay in place when I am off the bike (they have a tendency to slide down). While in the riding position this is not an issue, but I have wondered more than a few times if this is normal with other brands of bibs.

Hello,

Thanks for the kind words regarding the bibs.

Here is the $5 discount code for anyone else who may have a use for it. Good for $5 off any order-just enter in the Promo Code box during checkout.

CLYD

The small print: Our system only allows one coupon code per order (ie: you can't use a bunch of different coupon codes to get a bigger discount on a single order)

Regards, Dan

I don't want to hijack the thread-- I'm planning to buy the bibs covered by the review, once I shed a few more pounds-- but I'm wondering why other possible solutions (http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=22) to backside discomfort often seemed to be shunned by more seasoned riders.

If anyone cares to clue me in, I'd be grateful.

Zippy welcome to the thread. Your question is a good one. I have tried various lotions and creams if that is what you are referrring to and quite frankly for me they were messy and just rubbed off against the lining of my running shorts and then I was back to chafing.

The bibs just worked for me the first time I used them and the past two weeks since without the mess or the the eventual chafing that occurred. Just my personal opinion.

As for comparing these to other bibs as another poster suggested, why? These were the best priced, right-sized bib that I saw and ordered. Once I tried them I could go four hours (my own limit not the bib shorts) and not have any issues and be able to do it all over again the next day. Why should I have to compare it to other bib shorts to make this a valid review? I'm a clyde and I'm cheap. If something cheap works...go with it.

The saddle I linked to (http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=22) is a gel-topped saddle. It's what I have on the bike I'm riding. At this point, I'm not doing 20+ mile rides; I did about 12 miles this morning, and that is typical. But I wear heavy sweat shorts, not bibs or MTB shorts. To the best of my knowledge, I haven't experienced any chafing, just backside aches, near the end of the ride. But I don't see any seasoned riders endorsing this kind of saddle, so I was wondering.

The saddle I linked to (http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=22) is a gel-topped saddle. It's what I have on the bike I'm riding. At this point, I'm not doing 20+ mile rides; I did about 12 miles this morning, and that is typical. But I wear heavy sweat shorts, not bibs or MTB shorts. To the best of my knowledge, I haven't experienced any chafing, just backside aches, near the end of the ride. But I don't see any seasoned riders endorsing this kind of saddle, so I was wondering.

If that saddle works for you, that's all that matters.

For myself, I know that large gel saddles don't work on longer rides. The width of the saddle means that the longer you sit on it pedaling, the more likely you are to end up chafing. In addition, the gel padding tends to put a lot of pressure on your soft tissue which can lead to numbness and other... blood-flow related problems. Once rides reach 15-20 miles or more, I find that a slightly harder saddle works better especially when combined with a decent pair of shorts. Unlike sweat shorts, lycra bicycling shorts wick moisture away from the skin to prevent chafing and the padded chamois helps to keep the saddle comfortable.

I normally don't have issues wearing cargo shorts, jeans or work clothes (once commuted wearing nomex coveralls). I rode 108 miles in cargo shorts.

My only concession recently has been non padded, moisture wicking compression shorts under my normal shorts. More a matter of keeping drier and keeping the "boys" in place and out of the way.

My saddle though is one of those Brooks B17 Imperial prototypes we were asked to test over a year ago (yes, they used my review on the Brooks website).

Zippy this may sound strange to you but a Brooks is a hard leather saddle. Not soft at all. For long distance riding there is no finer saddle to put between your legs. I've had more problems with the soft gel saddles that are okay for a short distance but become more uncomfortable over the long haul due to pinching, and numbness. No problems with the hard Brooks.

Pretty much the way it works is:

For chillin' in front of the tv or computer a nice soft chair is great. The most comfortable fit.

For being active, riding your bike over long miles, a nice stiff bicycle seat with little padding is the best.

By the way when I get some things settled out I will probably spring for some of those Falconi bibs.

I also just ordered a pair of the falconi bibs tonight. Used the CLYD discount (Thanks!).

Sorry zippy, I missed the link in ur message. That being said I have never been a fan of the gel seat personally but I have only used it extensively on my MTB. For me the hard seat and bib seems to be the best set up.

BTW...I think that Sstorkel said it best "whatever works for you"

Great shorts and jerseys. My favorite. I just may order 2 more of each because that's all I want to wear.

The saddle I linked to (http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=22) is a gel-topped saddle. It's what I have on the bike I'm riding. At this point, I'm not doing 20+ mile rides; I did about 12 miles this morning, and that is typical. But I wear heavy sweat shorts, not bibs or MTB shorts. To the best of my knowledge, I haven't experienced any chafing, just backside aches, near the end of the ride. But I don't see any seasoned riders endorsing this kind of saddle, so I was wondering.
I found that gel saddles and gel shorts feel great for short rides. When I got over 20 miles and up over 50 the gel REALLY got to feel bad. I now use the 'hard leather' brooks saddle and a standard pad.

Great shorts and jerseys. My favorite. I just may order 2 more of each because that's all I want to wear.

+1. I like pedaling down the road in my Falconi bibshorts and Primal 30th Anniversary Grateful Dead jersey!

Question for others...I've been using the standard dry wick tops but no pockets is a big drawback. Any suggestions on the jersey?

Question for others...I've been using the standard dry wick tops but no pockets is a big drawback. Any suggestions on the jersey?

In the past, I was a big fan of Primal Wear (http://www.primalwear.com/) jerseys. When I started buying them, they had some nice geometric designs with 2-3 colors. More interesting than the boring single-color jerseys, but not as over the top as some. Quality is excellent and their sizing chart seems pretty accurate. Retail prices are high, but I buy with coupons or during sales when their prices are more reasonable. Lately, I haven't been as impressed with their designs, however.

I found that gel saddles and gel shorts feel great for short rides. When I got over 20 miles and up over 50 the gel REALLY got to feel bad. I now use the 'hard leather' brooks saddle and a standard pad.


What brand gel shorts did you ride? I tried Performance some years back. They were ok for 50 miles but later they really skimped on the insert and they were terrible even for short rides.

Now Trico shorts sold at Supergo ($50) worked great for me. I could do 100 miles an still my tushy was baby soft!:D

Of course Performance took over Supergo then Trico shorts vanished!:mad:..They were 5 times better than the $100 Pear Izumi Ultra Sensors I had at the time.

Got my Falconi bibs from Love2Pedal today. They fit great and are very comfortable. Looking forward to trying them out. Can't beat the price.

I placed my order today.

Thank you for the discount.

I only bought one pair because I hope to need a smaller size soon.

I recently bought 2 pair. Based on the sizing chart I went 4x. They fit fine around the gut and the straps are fine, but the legs are not tight around my thighs. Now I'm just starting so I certainly don't have "developed anything" yet.

Am I better off keeping the pair I have opened yet and not worrying about the flappy legs or seeing if it's possible to exchange the one pair for 3x and see if the legs tighten up?

Bruce

I recently bought 2 pair. Based on the sizing chart I went 4x. They fit fine around the gut and the straps are fine, but the legs are not tight around my thighs. Now I'm just starting so I certainly don't have "developed anything" yet.

Am I better off keeping the pair I have opened yet and not worrying about the flappy legs or seeing if it's possible to exchange the one pair for 3x and see if the legs tighten up?

Bruce

I'm 290 with a 46 inch waist on a good day. I ordered the 4x and had the same issue you do. I swapped them for the 3x and found them a much better fit.

Am I better off keeping the pair I have opened yet and not worrying about the flappy legs or seeing if it's possible to exchange the one pair for 3x and see if the legs tighten up?

Why not ask this question of Dan @ Love2Pedal? Seems like he'd be the guy to know how the 3X fits as compared to the 4X and he seems to be really helpful whenever I've contacted him...

Mine arrived today. (Actually, they arrived Saturday, but I had them sent to my office, so I received them this morning.)

A cursory look-over makes them look solid, but I haven't tried them on yet.

Dan at Love2Pedal has great communication with his customers.

Actually I figured the best thing to do was keep these 2 pairs and just order 2 more in 3XL. :lol:

Bruce

I rode 71.5 miles on Saturday in my Falconis and had a very comfortable ride. No problems at all. I continue to be impressed with them, particularly for the price. I just ordered a pair of Assos F.I. Mille S5 bibs. I'll report back how the Falconis compare. I realize it may not be a fair comparison, as I could buy 8 or 9 pairs of Falconis for the same price, but it should be interesting.

I rode 71.5 miles on Saturday in my Falconis and had a very comfortable ride. No problems at all. I continue to be impressed with them, particularly for the price. I just ordered a pair of Assos F.I. Mille S5 bibs. I'll report back how the Falconis compare. I realize it may not be a fair comparison, as I could buy 8 or 9 pairs of Falconis for the same price, but it should be interesting.This is gona' be good! Please don't forget to update us.

I had my falconis out on a 48 mile ride and a 25 mile ride last weekend. I felt great afterward.

I don't have high-end stuff to compare to, but I was very comfortable.

Took a spill in some loose gravel wearing my $80 Sugoi bibs. Shredded the right leg (shorts and me).

Been riding solely in my 2 for $56 Falconi bibs and haven't missed the Sugois at all.

First time I took off my Falconi's, my finger got caught on the silicon logo and ripped it off. Thankfully, it was designed to do that and it went off cleanly. I don't like logos on my stuff (why'd I get in to cycling??), so that's actually a plus for me! I've washed and worn them a few times now and must say that I'm very happy with them. I am completely sold on the bibs instead of regular shorts.

I wore them for 2 hours / 25 miles on Sunday and was pretty comfortable, despite the saddle that can otherwise be uncomfortable. As the weather cools, I'm going to want to find some bib pants too. Falconi / love2pedal needs to get in to that business!

Here's my first report on the Falconis versus the Assos Mille bibs. I rode 64 miles in the Assos today. I rode the same ride earlier this month after I got the Falconis. The Assos fit me much snugger than the Falconis and they certainly look nicer. They are clearly made with better quality fabric. I didn't get my usual 15-20 mile soreness with the Assos. They felt great through most of the ride. However, after 55 or so miles, I did get a little discomfort, although shifting in the saddle helped. I'd have to say, I prefer the Assos to the Falconis. But, this is not a slam on the Falconis. For the price, there is no comparison. The Falconis are a very comfortable bib and I'm happy to ride in them any time. At one eighth the cost of the Assos, the Falconis are a great bargain. I'm in for more.

Guys,

I appreciate the business and also posting your reviews!!!

Dan