Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Bib Recommendations....again

I know this topic has been covered in other forums at other times, but I figured that since there is a whole new world of cycling bibs, I would ask it again.

Does anyone have a recommendation for good long distance cycling bibs? I am thinking about double century distance bibs. I need something comfy. I have been riding some nashbar, and canari shorts until now, and they are both of the $30 variety. They dont fit tight all over, I want something that can hold my "business" in one place.

Here is what I am wondering:
1. What are some good bibs in the $100 range.
2. Should I get gel?
3. Can you recommend something with good "business" coverage in the front? I have noticed that there are a number of cycling shorts that dont really cover the front well, which results in my riding partners having to look at the outline of my "business" at water stops.
4. What the heck should I look for? There are so many materials, chamois, grippers, etc.

Thanks!

Oh, if it makes any difference, I am riding a Brooks B17 Imperial Saddle, which I find ridiculously comfortable. I think my main issue is finding shorts that wont rub in strange places, and that fit tight everywhere so that my "business" doesnt flop around.

I've been quite pleased with the Bergamo Bibs offered by Hammer Nutrition.

http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT&CAT=CLTH&PROD.ID=8301&OMI=10050,10047&AMI=10050&uir=product.category,CLTH,Clothing&offer=

1. What are some good bibs in the $100 range.
In that range, I like the Performance Ultra.

2. Should I get gel?
I wouldn't. The gel pads I've seen are all bulky and not breathable, so you end up with swamp-crotch after 20 minutes in the summer sun.

3. Can you recommend something with good "business" coverage in the front? I have noticed that there are a number of cycling shorts that dont really cover the front well, which results in my riding partners having to look at the outline of my "business" at water stops.
Tell your friends to quit staring at your junk. Or ask 'em out on a date. Depends on which way you swing.

4. What the heck should I look for? There are so many materials, chamois, grippers, etc
Since you like your Brooks saddle, I'll suggest going with a minimal padding; something really just there to wick moisture and offer a little bit of cushion to the sit bones during a 10+ hour day. For material, if you're riding in warm weather you should look for bibs with a mesh upper section so you aren't sweating buckets in the heat. Also, wider shoulder straps keep them from digging in. For grippers, I prefer the beaded silicone grippers to the solid strip. There's some breathability with the beaded type, and if you sweat a lot you're less likely to develop sensitivity around that area.

If you wear an X Large or XX Large Competitve Cyclist (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-apparel/2009-competitive-cyclist-team-bib-shorts-4895.16.1.html) has their 2009 Team Bib Shorts on Sale for $40 down from $120 right now. They are made by Giordana.

General consensus seems to be Performance Ultra Bib for the budget short, Pearl Izumi Ultra Slice is a big fav and around the mid range, the high zoot model is the Assos F1 and held as the holy grail for bibs. Also rans include: Sugino, Bergamo (already mentioned), Voler Elite, Boure Elite, and likely a few others.

I have some DeMarchi Bibs I got from Nashbar I like but they are kind of whatever. I mainly ride some Squadra bibs from my team. Why? Because when I wear them they pay for my rides. They were like $80 and get the job done.

Check out velowear.com . Good stuff, decent pricing and a great return policy.

If you wear an X Large or XX Large Competitve Cyclist (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-apparel/2009-competitive-cyclist-team-bib-shorts-4895.16.1.html) has their 2009 Team Bib Shorts on Sale for $40 down from $120 right now. They are made by Giordana.

Holy cow, that's an awesome deal. The MC-3 O.F. padding doesn't look like it's too bulky, either (which is my primary complaint with the PI P.R.O. 3D padding. Thanks for the heads up on these!

Also rans include: Sugino, Bergamo (already mentioned), Voler Elite, Boure Elite, and likely a few others.


Did you perchance mean SUGOI (Canadian clothing mfr) instead of SUGINO (Japanese crankset maker).

SP
Bend, OR

Yeah what he said. :)

I've had a couple of pairs of Sugoi recently and found them pretty good. Used them for days 1 and 3 on the recent Sydney Melbourne Alpine 1200km. On multi day rides I try to wear different brand knicks each day. Different pressure points

Never tried any of the Pearl Izumi but they're on my list to try next time I need another pair.

Sugoi or Cappo bibs are both very nice and come in @ $150

Does anyone have any experience with those Competitive Cycling Bibs?
I'm thinking about ordering a pair of those.

I know it's not in your price range, but I bought a pair of assos (whatever the cheapest one was) and love them. I'll never buy anything else again. Generally they are great for all the reasons you will find on other threads, but even if all things were equal, I would buy them again because of the front coverage.

I'm not as worried about what gets seen as I am with comfort. The assos chamois comes up farther in the front than anything else I have seen or worn and eliminates several complaints I had about other bibs.

That said, someone here may be able to recommend another manufacturer whose chamois extends as far north, but whose price is more attractive.

I just used the Ibex Arrivee wool bib shorts for the first time this weekend for a 12 hour mountain bike race. Wow. I was very impressed with the bib. No monkey butt funkyness at all. I could see how these could be a bit warm for warm-hot summer ride depending on how well they breath. For a cool winter ride they were excellent. Very glad I got them. They were on sale for $90 from Tree Fort (http://www.treefortbikes.com/190_333222340578__Arrivee-Wool-Bib-Shorts.html).

I highly recommend SUGOI bibs. by far the best I ever had. With more than 2000 miles on my present pair I am totally satisfied. Not gel padded (I don't like gel padding personally) but they hold my "business" perfectly. Good luck! Oh, they cost me $125.00 in 2008.