PatrickGSR94

Specifically, longer commutes, I'm talking over 10 miles each way, more like 15-20 each way.

I do 31 round trip twice a week. Sometimes I get tired of the bike shorts getting all bunched up around the waist. I've thought about trying bibs but can't bring myself to spend the cash on a pair, and I haven't seen any for less than $60-$70.

I very occasionally do longer weekend rides in the 30-40 mile range, but most of my weekend riding is more like 15-20 miles at a time. Just trying to decide if bibs would be worth the price or not, when probably 2/3 of my overall bike miles are commuting, at 15 mile trips each.

thrllskr

I switched to bibs a few years back. They are expensive, they are comfortable, and they are convenient. I find they are great when I need to put on cycling pants for spring, fall, and winter. I don't have to fiddle with shorts or sitting position now that I have switched to bibs.

PatrickGSR94

Curious what you mean by not fiddling with sitting position?

Any particular type or brand of bibs you prefer?

alan s 

Bibs are great for all weather except when it's really hot. The extra layer reduces cooling. You can still wear them just as shorts without putting the straps over your shoulders for better cooling, but it defeats the purpose of bibs. I find bibs more comfortable than shorts, except for going to the bathroom.

dru_

I will echo the predominant sentiment.

A. Bibs are more comfortable
B. You can get bib 'base' layers that you can wear under regular pants or shorts if you desire
C. The straps can be a bit warm

All of that said, I ride on a very stiff Fizik Airione, and most days ride in triathlon gear with the far less padded chamois' they use. I find that the freedom of motion off the bike warrants the less padding. However, the difference between a properly fit/setup bike and one that is just a centimeter off can make a the difference between a hard saddle and minimal padding being comfortable and a plush seat with max padding being unbearable. These little fit issues can annoy in a myriad of different ways, but bunching shorts is absolutely one of them. I might look hard at fit and setup of the seat in relation to pedal and handlebar distance and angles to get you body into a better position.

caloso

I gave up on non-bib shorts years ago.

gsa103

Bibs are the solution to bunching shorts problems. They're also a distinctly you get what you pay for item. The sweet spot is probably around ~$200 MSRP (usually $130-160) on sale. As for the extra layer being warm, that's part of the you get what you pay for. High end bibs have extremely light wicking uppers. Cheaper bibs use more standard Lycra that's not very breathable.

My favorite bibs are definitely Assos, pricey but very comfortable.

tarwheel 

I wear bibs for all of my cycling and have done so for years. Once you get some bibs, it's hard to go back to regular shorts. The only advantage to shorts is that they cost less.

thrllskr

Fiddling - after I have to stop at a light, or I have stand up and sit down again, or if I need to make some adjustments with baggage on the seat, and all those things. The bibs stay up and in place. I never have to fiddle, I can stand up, sit down, stop, start, and no problems.

I am a tall guy so I prefer Performance. They make a XXL that fits me great. The padding is excellent and they make a couple different types. I use the "ultra" and ONLY buy they when they are having a killer deal.

alan s 

I use PI bibs, so I guess I'm cheap. The bib uppers are mesh, but shorts are still a little better for high temps and high humidity.

PatrickGSR94

Great suggestions, thanks all.

the sci guy 

I've never had a shorts bunching problem and I only wear shorts. I have 3 pairs of lululemon's pacebreaker shorts, and they are perfect for riding. maybe your shorts aren't the right size (too small?)

Leebo

Don't own any bibs. Bunching of shorts around waist? I use my mt biking shorts, work great and fit fine.

PatrickGSR94

When the heat index is nearly 110 degrees because of humidity, anything baggy just sucks. That and you also tend to get a big@$$ wet spot on your crotch that looks like you wet your pants.

Like most dudes other than elite racer types, I have a bit of a gut I can't seem to get rid of. So yes, shorts tend to bunch up, and no they are definitely not too big.

KenshiBiker

+1

I don't even find bibs more uncomfortable when it's hot; of course, when it's 110 deg F outside, it's hot no matter what you're wearing (or not wearing). At this point, my shorts have all been relegated to trainer duty.

Edit: I've been using bibs (shorts in the summer, tights in the winter) for my 14.5-mile (each way unless I take the long way) commute for the last couple of years. Only time I would consider doing otherwise is if my commute was so short I was wearing street clothes.

Leebo

Well, here in MA my baggies work just fine, YRMV. So, mine have a minimal pad and then are loose fitting, so they breathe and don't get too sweaty. I use Fox and Nema brands. For a minimalist ride try nylon running/hiking shorts and some polypro knit boxers. If you have to have padded shots, they sell just the padded part, then layer over some flyweight shorts. Bibs need another layer over top, correct? Not my style. I tried lycra shorts, too" uncomfortable"

alan s 

I thought we were talking about bibs, and not racing kit. So yes, you have to wear a jersey over the bibs. Well, you don't HAVE to, but please do.

CommuteCommando

I almost never ride anywhere without bibs.

modernjess

Bibs 100% FTW for long rides. But my commute is not lengthy enough to need any sort of padded shorts. I'll keep my bibs clean and ready for the weekends or the long after work rides.

RidingMatthew

i wear bibs for all my riding. commuting, road rides, and even mountain biking.
I bought some at performance bike. I have two pairs of these and one pair of these the ultras seem cooler but they are both pretty comfortable.

ill.clyde

Always bibs ... for the reasons stated above. My faves are PI

noglider 

Bibs are nice for me, too. I don't know what bunching up around the waist is. But cycling shorts with a waist can squeeze my waist pretty hard, and it can even lead to a stomach ache. Is that what bunching up is? Anyway, bibs eliminate that for me.

but with that said, I don't wear cycling specific clothing often. I don't really need it. Sometimes I like it

TransitBiker

I think i'd die from heat wearing anything tight fitting.

- Andy

ill.clyde

You'd be surprised. A good pair of bibs breathes wonderfully and you almost forget you're wearing them.

wphamilton

I commute for a half hour, 45 minutes at the most, so I don't worry about cycling clothes on those rides. Around two hours I'd rather have cycling shorts or bibs - but to be honest I don't feel much difference in comfort between the two. Depends on the specific fit of the shorts I'd guess.