sac02

My flame suit is on stand-by. I'm sure I'm going to get it good because of the popularity of the Hammer bibs on this forum, but remember this is just my opinion. Take it or leave it.

I was looking for a high-end set of bibs, ready to spend in the $150 price range. After advice/recommendations from forum members about the Hammer Nutrition bibs, and searching the forums and finding lots of rave reviews, I decided to give them a try.

For me, these bibs do not even surpass the Performance Ultra bibs that are my current #2 bib. I am 5'11.5" tall, 175lbs, 35" waist. On the Hammer sizing chart that puts me near the borderline between M and L bib sizes. Reviews on this forum said the bibs run small, so I ordered a Large.

I consider myself a fairly normally proportioned guy, but I do not like how these bibs fit. I find the elastic leg gripper too tight, but the cut of the fabric in the upper-thigh area much too loose. The size chart for Large says these fit heights up to 6'2", but they feel too small (in the vertical direction) on me - the straps are tight on my shoulders (wider straps with less-thick seams would also help with comfort in the nipple area), and there is pressure in the crotch that is uncomfortable. The pressure relieves somewhat when seated on the bike, but was still noticeable, and a discomfort after 50miles.

The part I dislike most is the chamois, probably not helped by its stitching. I like the firmness of the pad. But - this is going to sound weird - it's too wide in the crotch. It's like someone it holding a 1x2 piece of pine between my legs. The pad also feels noticeably rougher to the touch than any of my other bibs, and has a seam right where my inner thigh and crotch meet. All of this over the course of the 60 mile test ride I did in them added up to abraded skin in my nether-regions. I've had saddle sores occasionally from long rides or forgetting to move around on the saddle regularly, but I've never been rubbed raw like this.

My plan now is to wash them maybe another half-dozen times before riding them again to see if they'll soften up. If that doesn't work out, anybody want to buy a pair of used bibs? Only two rides on them...

Clif Notes: Tried Hammer Nutrition Bibs, didn't like them as much as other forum members do.

Mac

photonick

They're also only $49.99.

sac02

Yes, and I have finally learned my lesson that 3 cheap bibs do not 1 quality bib make.

Mac

Booger

Lack of European brand name aside, Ultras are great shorts.

chipcom 

I love my Ultras...and my Volers. But I've heard that this year's Ultras just ain't the same...anyone able to confirm or deny?

aham23

i have some Hammer bibs on the way and hope to get a solid pair of training bibs, but dont expect anything that i could log significant miles in. as for their bars, i am not a big fan of them. i really like Cliff Bars. now, Hammer Heed, Gels, and Recoverite is da bomb. later.

bwunger

I like mine, but I'm sure there are better bibs out there. I can't say I had any of the problems you're having, but bibs and shorts are pretty personal, and everyone is shaped a bit different. Sounds like they're not quite right for you. I wanted a good bib for the money and think they're great for that and they fit me well. Probably gonna try a pair of Gore Bike Wear bibs next, or if I'm feeling especially rich, maybe some Assos.

Coyote2

Yup, much personal preference in this choice. Everyone raves about Assos bibs, but they don't fit my body. And I found the workmanship in the Assos bibs inferior to the DeMarchis that I usually buy for <$100.

DScott

I can't wear the Hammer bibs for more than about 30 miles before they get uncomfortable, even with chamois cream. They're my "beater" bibs now, for short rides, on the mountain bike, or if nothing else was available.

For the price, I wanted to like them.

uspspro

everyone's different... I like them.

I have 2 Hammers and 1 Assos.

I use the Hammers for my shorter weekday rides, and Assos on the Weekend.

MONGO!

Buy some Assos.

socalrider

you get what you pay for, spend the extra $$ for some assos and you can definitely feel the difference..

I buy bibs like these for shorter rides under 30 miles.. anything longer than that and I wear my assos or santini bibs..

lickbike has assos on sale right now..

https://www.lickbike.com/sectionsubli...E=%27SHORTS%27

CastIron

Depending on the day, I'd put my Hammer bibs up against my Assos bibs for comfort.

MONGO!

Never tried the Hammer but the difference between my Voler and Assos is night and day.

umd

Hammer is Voler. I love my Voler bibs. Never worn Assos but have no problem with Voler so don't really care. Ridden 200 miles in them no problem. Regularly ride all day with no complaints. Now they fit and feel great, but they are not particularly durable...

Bladecatcher

I can neither confirm, nor deny this, but I was told that PI makes all of Performance's shorts/bibs.

MONGO!

I know that Voler makes the Hammer stuff, from the descriptions I think they have different pads to my Voler bibs.

The Voler are ok, not great, the Assos are something else, the fit is awesome, the pad too.

umd

Voler has several different pads. Does anyone with the Hammer bibs want to look and see which pad they put in? I have the "Ion" pad in my Voler bibs. As far as Assos, I'm not willing to pay to find out if there is a difference, and I'm certainly not willing to pay if I find out there is a difference

markro

I'm not sure how new your Hammer bibs are, but my Hammer bibs have the Ion SL pad in them, which is the same pad that comes in the Voler Elite bibs. The $60 Voler bibs have just the Ion pad, which is a bit different than the Ion SL.

I own both Hammer and Voler Elite bibs, both sharing the same pad, but largely prefer the Voler Elites due to different material, quality of construction, and overall fit.

umd

My Voler bibs have Ion SL. Don't have Hammer bibs. They are whatever the team ordered, I don't know if they are "Elites" or not.

MONGO!

I hear ya.
If it ain't broke...

I had three pairs of bibs/shorts, PI, Voler and Nalini, none of them was very comfortable and I was getting saddle sores regularly (especially with the Nalini)
The cost of these three shorts added together is the same as a good pair of Assos.
I took the plunge and got some FI:13 S2 and I'm glad I did.

Buying any new bibs is a gamble but with the Assos the cards are stacked in your favor.

A pair of FI Uno can be had for a little over $150.

Bolo Grubb

The Hammer bibs are my second favorite pair.

First is my old Bellwether bibs, not sure which model as they are a few years old, but holding up well.

behind the bellwether and hammer bibs are performance bibs, Bergamo bibs and santini bibs. I have an older pair of ultra that I really like but either it had the wrong pad to start with or they have changed the pad since I bought the first ones. I do not like my newest Ultras nearly as much as the older ones.

Surferbruce

for me the volers are fine for rides up to 2-3 hours. if i'm going long i grab different ones.

Vireo

you are either high on crack or have imitation Assos

Vireo

not just Assos because their lower end shorts are still pricey and aren't any better than other brands. If you take the plunge go in headfirst get at least mid range or high end. I have worn Assos S2's for years. They are my favorite bibs and I don't ever ride with cream. I am very curious to try their new S5's.