Fifty Plus (50+) - Shorts, Bibs, and Tights

I am wrapping up my seventh decade by getting back into bikes. I have always been of the opinion that it is easier to get started in an activity with the right, and best, gear. It is harder to learn and discouraging on cheap poorly performing gear. It is easier to learn to play a guitar with a Martin than with a Harmony. So I bought a Cannondale Adventure with an IGH, and determined to buy just as little as I could get away with in terms of accessories. It turned out that my butt was the limiting factor. I bought some liner shorts, but the shorts I wore over them twisted my boys, so I went to shorts with no over shorts(you understand that we older, fuller figured gentlemen think twice about tights, etc.) Somebody recently told me I really needed to get into bibs because they were somehow better. My question is why are they better? Should I really try them, or are shorts adequate? Pearl's shorts are in the $30 +/- range but bibs get up into $115 and better. I don't mind spending the money if I understand why they are a step forward.

Looking for your wisdom.

Bibs are awesome. I haven't worn any of my shorts since the first time riding in bibs. For me, not having a waistband is so much more comfortable. And check out Love2Pedal. Their Falconi bibs are great and not much more than you paid for shorts.

It is all a matter of taste. I like Bibs because they stay up and in place like I want them to. If I had a flat stomach and narrow waist maybe it wouldn't matter. However not all Bibs are created equal and until you find the opes you like it is hard to say what you will prefer. To me Bibs hold the Chamois in place better and that makes them more comfortable. I believe if all plumbers were required to wear bibs there would be fewer Plumber jokes.

I'm just opposite, I moved from bibs to shorts. I just never have a problem with them and I do lots of riding. They seem cooler since no straps, they are easier to handle when peeing, and don't roll at the waist....at least for me. The Sugoi RS / RSE and Gore Xenon shorts are terrific. Giordana is very good too. If I get any fatter then I might start having a problem at the waist but for now, I never think about them on a ride. Pretty much transparent.

Having said this, nothing wrong with bibs and they are very popular. If you have not tried them then perhaps you should. So much of cycling equipment and apparel is personal preference. Just have to try it.

Bibs are a PITA when you need to use the restroom, but there is a slimming effect, and the straps keep them in place better for less chance of buttcrackage.

PI bibs rule.

Circumvent the potty issue by wearing jerseys with full length zippers.

Yea, but those make my gut look all poochy. :D

PI bibs rule.

Circumvent the potty issue by wearing jerseys with full length zippers.

+1

The only jersey I like or want to wear are the full zipper variety.

I only recently started wearing lycra bicycle shorts and now have some bibs in the mix. I can definitely say I like the bibs quite a bit, but don't know I'd say I like bibs more than shorts other than the fact they hide my middle-aged bulges a bit better than shorts.

try aerotechdesigns.com. Their house brand of bib is very reasonably priced, comes in large(r) sizes and is of very reasonable quality.

I own and wear both bibs and shorts as well as bib tights and tights, I like the chamois for its effective comfort, I got used to them in the 70's and just ride with them as a habit now. Bibs stay up better and no plumber's crack, I don't have that problem with shorts but I know of many that do. Cycling specific shorts or tights or knickers just feel better than regular shorts or pants and no underwear to bunch up on your boys or behind. You don't have to pay a king's ransome, I have some expensive kit but the Bike Nashbar kit works as well for me, no complaints about its quality.

Welcome to 50+ and back to cycling, great to have more "life experienced" riders here to steer us straight.

Bill

Bibs are a PITA when you need to use the restroom, but there is a slimming effect, and the straps keep them in place better for less chance of buttcrackage.

Only for #2 if you're a male. Practice the fine art of pulling down and hanging it over. :D

Yea, but those make my gut look all poochy. :D
Pfft. Everything makes my gut look poochy.

Shorts in real hot weather.... bibs/bibknickers otherwise. +5 (or whatever) on the full zip jerseys. Welcome Clawed! :thumb:

Now look what you started, Clawed.

You know you can also get the bib effect by losing the drawstring and wearing clip-on suspender with your shorts.

You can spend a fortune on the finest short/bibs and the perfect saddle and whatever, but your butt is still going to hurt until you get enough time in the saddle. Just ride your bike.

<edit to add>: That said, good shorts or bibs do make things nicer once you break in your bottom. I like bibs myself, but YMMV. $30 shorts are OK, but they generally get better as the price goes up. Bibs of similar quality will run a little higher, but not much. Finding the brand that works best for you is a crap shoot. We are all different.

I'm also one who, in the three-seasons, prefers shorts to bibs. I'm not particularly "girth-enhanced", so maybe that's part of it. Mainly though, I don't want or need another insulating layer over my middle in the warm weather.

In winter, I strongly prefer unpadded bib tights. I'm particular about pads and there are fewer choices in tights. Regular tights over regular shorts leaves me with two elastic waistbands squeezing my middle. With unpadded bibs, I just wear them over my favorite shorts and that's that. Although it also puts an extra layer over the boys, which is good in winter.

As I said, I'm particular about pads. Remember, there are two definitions of pad at work here. What everyone usually thinks about is pad as cushion. The other definition, pad as absorbent, is the reason they were put into cycling shorts in the first place.

I don't like thick pads. They feel awkward to me and they actually *increase* chafing on the inside of my legs, where they move along the side of the saddle. They also use lots of foam rubber which sucks up sweat like a sponge, but doesn't seem to release it anywhere, so I get swamp crotch.

I found nirvana with the thin, microfiber pad in Aerotech Design's Pro Bike Short (http://aerotechdesigns.com/menshort.htm#mens8P). It doesn't make me pedal bow-legged, it moves with me not against me along the inside of the leg, and it wicks like the dickens. I stay cool, dry, and comfortable. They feel like I'm not wearin' nuttin'. I don't even use chamois cream any more. I don't need it with these shorts. Best of all, at $40 a pair, they're fairly cheap.

Given my torso is slightly longer than most people of my height, I like bibs year round. A jersey that fits we will leave some exposed skin in the back when I'm in the drops. Out of respect for those riding behind me (usually just a temporary thing until they pass), I wear bibs.

Only for #2 if you're a male. Practice the fine art of pulling down and hanging it over. :D

That works for some people. As for me ... ever see that "shrinkage" Seinfeld episode? :o

That works for some people. As for me ... ever see that "shrinkage" Seinfeld episode? :o

Concentrate on the "pulling down" part of the process. Lycra stretches.

I bought some liner shorts, but the shorts I wore over them twisted my boys, so I went to shorts with no over shorts(you understand that we older, fuller figured gentlemen think twice about tights, etc.) Somebody recently told me I really needed to get into bibs because they were somehow better. My question is why are they better?

As a "fuller figured" gentleman myself, bibs solve a problem with many shorts: the rolling waistband. At some girth, the waistband of bike shorts flops over, then over again, until your belly is painfully constricted. Bibs don't.

If you've not experienced that problem, you can save the extra $20/pair, and keep riding in shorts until you've become accustomed to hours on the bike saddle.

I switched to bib shorts about 3 years ago. They are best for long rides (the insert stays in place better) and if you stand frequently. Of course it all comes down to person preference.

Shorts vs bibs is kinda like boxers vs briefs. It depends on your preferences, anatomy, and sensibilities.

I prefer bibs over the shorts but whichever you choose, don't buy the cheapest ones. YOu might be prepared to go through a few pairs before you find the amount and type of padding that works best for you. a PI bib is my current favorite (most comfortable on long rides).

i like bibs, both shorts and tights in cooler weather.
i like them because they don't slide down in you move in the saddle and when you get off and on your bike you don't have to pull them up all of the time

Go to a recumbent. When you are all laid back on a bent wearing simply rugby shorts as I do, your aero belly doesnt look so big, and of course you are comfortable.

http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Mens-Touring-Shorts.html

Shorts with a chamois but no padding avoiding that we diaper feeling.

I'll be the outlier here but I got some clearance no-brand bibs from Nashbar and I really like them. No problems of fit, comfort, etc. I'm fine riding in hiking shorts also so take that for what it's worth - I personally think that the whole focus on the right equipment is overblown with respect to riding apparel.

Looking for your wisdom.

There is a reason why some of us spend the money for cycling clothing and looking good ain't it.

Bibs are the Martin of cycling clothing.

I'll be the outlier here but I got some clearance no-brand bibs from Nashbar and I really like them. No problems of fit, comfort, etc. I'm fine riding in hiking shorts also so take that for what it's worth - I personally think that the whole focus on the right equipment is overblown with respect to riding apparel.

+1001

If it feels good do it:thumb:

My personal preference is for shorts in summer, shorts with leg warmers in temps from about 45 to 65, thermal tights in temps from about 25 to 45, and thermal tights + long pants 15 to 25.

I'm 5" 8' and 157 lbs ... not skinny, but no paunch, either. After much experimentation, I've found that mid or high range Pearl Izumis are most comfortable for me, fit me well, and last for years. I did shop a lot and only bought 'em when they were on sale.

There is a reason why some of us spend the money for cycling clothing and looking good ain't it.

Bibs are the Martin of cycling clothing.

The Martin of cycle clothing? Wha...?

I appreciate all the observations. The answer is , "You gotta try them." But I also appreciate the brand names and sources mentioned. I will be getting on ordering some bibs tonight.

Thanks again. Is BF a great resource or what?

Not too many years ago and Price was the factor that swayed me on most of my purchases and that included shorts. Then I changed over to bibs and I prefer them. I only have one pair of shorts and they are the type with with a thick padded liner that feels like a Diaper when I wear them. They do have their use though on the very long rides I used to do. However I used to make certain that shorts or bibs fitted and there was a shop in London that I used to go to with a good array of Bibs and a changing room. Try before you buy is still my motto.

Then about 4 years ago I went upmarket and Bought a pair of Giordana "Tenax" bibs. Boy what a difference. This was comfort to the extreme and I now have 3 pairs Of Giordana bibs that fit perfectly. But I have just restarted at the Gym and cycling shorts (Or bibs) are ideal for all the exercises I do. Not going to wear out the good ones so dug out my "Old" clothing. That S/S Jersey that is a lurid purple and the cheap bibs. I Now know why I pay for good quality clothing.

Not too many years ago and Price was the factor that swayed me on most of my purchases and that included shorts. Then I changed over to bibs and I prefer them. I only have one pair of shorts and they are the type with with a thick padded liner that feels like a Diaper when I wear them. They do have their use though on the very long rides I used to do. However I used to make certain that shorts or bibs fitted and there was a shop in London that I used to go to with a good array of Bibs and a changing room. Try before you buy is still my motto...
Just please wear underwear when you try them...now after you buy them, ride them sine sub ubi(without underwear).