Road Cycling - Bibs vs shorts, which do you prefer and why

Bibs vs shorts, which do you prefer and why?

I just bought 2 different pair of bibs and right not sure sure which I like better.

Bibs are more comfortable. That is all.

For lobster, bibs are better.

Bibs. They just feel better for me.

Shorts

not again with the shorts debate.......

[sigh]

As long as I dont have to wear underware underneath it, I'm fine.

Shorts....my baby uses bibs

I'd like to try bibs, but for the life of me I can;t get a straight answer on sizing. Waist, chest, height. What if your one of those oddities, built like a fireplug?

I like bibs a lot better - more comfortable and secure - plus no worries about people wondering if your day job is plumbing...

dobber - I guess I could fit into that "fireplug" description. I've had good luck with Pearl Izumis, size large. Every manufacturer's stuff fits differently (PI stuff tends to run large), so make sure you try 'em on first!

I can't figure out what the bib is supposed to be for. Is it strictly comfort, or do they serve a different purpose? Do chicks wear them, is it a guy thing? I am clueless about the bib thing. Wanna fill me in?

I can't figure out what the bib is supposed to be for. Is it strictly comfort, or do they serve a different purpose? Do chicks wear them, is it a guy thing? I am clueless about the bib thing. Wanna fill me in?


the shoulder straps hold the shorts up, moving the "weight" from an elastic band around your waist, to over your shoulders. It is a comfort thing.

Men and women wear them.

Bib are the only way to go for ride comfort. All the pro kit is bibs I haven't seen a pro short for years and years.

For sizing World Cylcing Productions at www.worldcycling.com has in the catalog or at least they use to have a great cross sizing chart(s) Each brand is different. I have picked up a lot of gear from them over the years and they are very helpful.

Cheers

I think they're mostly a guy thing based on what I've seen "out there" and the lack of women's selection I've seen in bike shops/on-line (yes, I had a reason to be looking ;)). Makes sense I guess, it could probably get uncomfortable for the ladies where the straps go, but I could be wrong.

Anyway, ed073 got it right - it's mostly about comfort. I like them for that very reason and the aforementioned "security" they offer (nobody likes to see crack)...

speaking of what I don't like to see...some of those shorts leave nothing to the imagination. And I have a good imagination. Not only that, but bright sunlight on a spandex rear...hello see through. I can only hope that my jersey covers it!!

Used to wear shorts, now only wear bibs. Much more comfortable for me on longer rides. Don't have any discomfort whether I just ate or not. Don't think, just ride...

long rides=bibs
short rides=shorts

I wear shorts mostly out of convenience, but bibs just feel better... much much much more confortable... no elastic waistband jabbing me in the gut for miles and miles

jeff

To me, the most significant factor is the chamois and overall fit.
I do think bibs warmer if hot, but in cooler weather I enjoy bibs.. The shorts I have, I just don't feel that uncomfortable about the waist... If my category were on the poll, I would overall call them a draw. maybe, a slight preference for bibs if the weather is right..

There is a reason why the people who ride bikes for a living use bibs. That should answer your question.
If the pros wanted shorts they could have them. They do not want them.
Personally, I have not worn shorts since about 1990ish...and would not wear a pair if you gave them to me.

I'd like to try bibs, but for the life of me I can;t get a straight answer on sizing. Waist, chest, height. What if your one of those oddities, built like a fireplug?
Try Voler (http://www.velowear.com) bibs. The price is right and the sizing charts are accurate.
I have 5 pairs of their bibs, but my favorites are Etxe Ondo (http://www.bicyclinghub.com/bicyclinghub/etonmabi.html) bibs. :beer: REALLY comfortable!

I just purchased my first pair of bibs this month. They are a big improvement over shorts. IMHO

I tried bibs but in Aus in 40c its cooler in shorts so the bibs get dusted off in the cooler months.....

I can't believe anyone who has tried bibs continues to wear shorts. I was told the expression that once you use bibs you will never go back, and that was certainly the case for me.

I can't believe anyone who has tried bibs continues to wear shorts. I was told the expression that once you use bibs you will never go back, and that was certainly the case for me.


Maybe it is just a case of getting used to the straps. And perhaps trying different brands of bibs to see if another brand is alot better then my current ones.

I do agree the bibs stay in place better, but the price can make it hard to try them.

I bought my first pair of bibs this year and refuse to wear shorts again. The waist band on shorts bugs the life out of me. Alas, during my unplanned trip to shock trauma last weekend, they had to cut my poor bibs and newest jersey into a thousand pieces. I will be buying more when i'm back in the saddle.

Bibs rule because crack kills!

Shorts- easy to pee in a hurry, cooler, less expensive. I don't have a problem with fit and comfort on long rides. A must for mountain biking.
Bibs- nice in cooler weather, more expensive, can be tough to pee. I've had a difficult time getting the right fit because of the shoulder straps and my long torso.

I buy expensive shorts and cheap bibs. ????

I was watching the 04 Tour and there are quite a few pros wearing the shorts. You can tell when they have their shirts open.

I was watching the 04 Tour and there are quite a few pros wearing the shorts. You can tell when they have their shirts open.

You just cannot see the shoulder straps.

Here is an example...his bib strap is in the shade of the jersey (http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour04.php?id=photos/2004/tour04/stage12/JD_tdf04_stg12_7)

see, i'm a snob so i'm sorta afraid to try bibs.

among the things that are now off limits to me because i've experienced higher quality:

• jarred spaghetti sauce
• hybrid grocery store tomatoes
• performance century shorts
• budget aluminum frames

the list goes on and on.

there's a peruvian chicken place across the street that my friends swear by but i know this place out in the burbs that's way better so i just can't get excited about the place near me.

if i fell for bibs i'd be on my ass broke. wait, i'm _already on my ass broke!

Bibs for one reason only - my wife calls it my "strong man" outfit. Silly her.

55/Rad