JakiChan

I've been wearing PI stuff pretty much my entire time on the bike. I'm right in between 1x and 2x. My body shape is kind of difficult to deal with - while I am at 235lb I still have a lot of fat around my gut and thighs. I wear a size 42" jean, for example, and not every style of Levi will fit - I can't fit in to 42" 501s, for example.

I worry that 2x is a little too loose and that 1x is a bit too tight. I'm hoping/trying to keep moving down and I don't want to waste money on gear that I'm going to shrink out of. But I also don't want to bust a seam out there.

So does anyone have advice on how to handle this? I need to get some more bibs (I have one pair right now). I'd love to have 2 pairs so that I can wear bibs on both my Saturday and Sunday rides. I just can't decide if I should keep going with 2X or give 1X a try.

jsigone

find bibs that are cut lower then PIs that way you can order what size your lower half needs. I like Castelli and Giordana for that reason.

https://www.realcyclist.com/giordana-...ing-short-mens

https://www.realcyclist.com/castelli-...t-mens-cst0794

JakiChan

Castelli goes even smaller than PI when I tried them on. Their 2x is like PIs 1x. I haven't tried Giordana.

jsigone

I have to order one size up in euro stuff. Other then that it fits like a glove and castelli pads are the best my butt have felt, even after long hot days. I refuse to pay $90 for a voler bib shorts from my club when I can get castelli bibs for the same price or around that ballpark. Keep an eye out on chainlove for better deals when Realcyclists is unloading a model for cheaper then they list it.

if you have to wear 3x euro, RC some has some castellis at a better price

https://www.realcyclist.com/castelli-free-bibshort-mens

https://www.realcyclist.com/castelli-...-bibshort-mens

TrojanHorse

Craft would be another good brand for you to keep your eyes on - and the sizing is similar to PI. I wear XL bibs and shorts and the Giordanas are DEFINITELY snugger & more supportive (which I like). Also, pearl izumi elite shorts fit me looser than their pro shorts.

I like bike shorts to be tight and supportive though.

TrojanHorse

Actually, there's a pair of craft bibs on Chain Love RIGHT NOW! For $59 you just can't go wrong. I have that pair and I like 'em.

mikehattan

I'm similar to you in that I'm in between XL and XXL bibs. I settled on XXL because they are easier to pull down during bio breaks.

bassjones

If you buy from aerotechdesigns order the size you normally buy in casual clothes. I wear the same size in all my cycling stuff as my non cycling clothes.

JakiChan

I'm wearing a 2X in PI Elite right now. I'm all for supportive, I just don't want them to bust. So at this point, given that craft bottoms seem to stop at 1X and about 38" waist, I think they're a no go. Too bad - I love their baselayers.

bigfred 

Don't know if you're talking about PI Attack, Elite or Pro lines but, if Attack, check out other PI lines. I've also noticed that the more performance oriented bibs are cut leaner than the recreational ones.

I also have some Campy Sports Wear bibs in an 3x that run just a touch smaller than PI's elite or pro 2xl. The Campy stuff can frequently be found on sale on Chain Reaction.

sstorkel

Shrinking out of your clothing and having to buy new stuff is the best feeling in the world! I'd suggest buying the 1X size if you really think you're going to lose weight. Remember: bibs should fit snug.

You might also think about buying less expensive bibs. Then you won't be as upset if you shrink out of them. I'm a big fan of the bibs sold by Love2Pedal.com. I have about six pairs of their two-for-$64 Falconi Deluxe bibs. Unfortunately, it looks like their inventory on the Falconi Deluxe is a bit low at the moment. You might email Dan and ask when he'll have more. These are the best "house brand" bibs that I've found. FWIW, I wear that Falconis as much or more than my $250/pair Assos Mille bibs...