Slackerprince

Did some searching on BF and price comparing, and these two bibs look like strong contenders for my next pair.
I read that the PI's top goes quite high on the belly, making it a hassle to use the restroom.
Other than that, they get great reviews. I can get them for under $100.
The Ultras are on sale now for $70 at Performance and get great reviews.
Wondering if anyone has experience with these or has any other recommedations for a bib ~$100.
Others that I have used are Giordana (they were great, but I can't remember the model) and a set of PBK (Elite, I think).
Thanks!

S

kingston 

I have used both in the shorts (non-bib) version and prefer the chamois in the performance shorts (smooth) vs. PI (textured).

Dunbar

The PI chamois may look textured but the fabric is smooth. I use the PI Elites and and think there just as good as the Pros. OP, not sure what size you need but there's a seller on ebay selling the Elites for $63/ea shipped right now. I just bought 4 pair at that price. I needed to downsize from L to M.

canam73

I have and like a few pairs of the Ultra's. But for similar money I have and prefer either of these De Marchi's from Nashbar:

De Marchi Pro Bib Shorts

De Marchi Fondo Bib Shorts

I have one pair of PI and I don't like them as much, but I do not know what model they are.

rpenmanparker 

No experience with the PIs, but I am a fan of the Performance Ultras in standard short. I don't buy bibs. Fit well, last a long time, very comfortable. Good value for the price.

BoSoxYacht

I've used both, and both are quite comfortable. The PI bibs have a more durable chamois, and the legs are shorter than the Performance Ultras.

kingston 

We either have different shorts or different definitions of textured.

bruce19

[QUOTE=
Wondering if anyone has experience with these or has any other recommedations for a bib ~$100.

S[/QUOTE]

If you are willing to wait for a bargain and go to $135.......Assos Unos. This season I have ridden only in my Assos. This week I went back to my PI Elite R Cool knickers and now note all their inadequacies. Tossing them along with some others.

JGM411

I have both, the ultras have a bit more compression. Both are good.

Slackerprince

I did see those, but my concern is that if they don't fit right, international return/exchange would be a hassle and expensive.


Assos T FI.Uno_s5 Bib Shorts Black | ASSOS Official Factory Outlet

S

bruce19

I bought mine here: Assos T FI.Uno_S5 Bib Shorts | Competitive Cyclist

Last year when I bought my Assos bibs they still had a full range of sizes. Mine are Large. But, I would agree that sizing and returns could be both pricey and a hassle. And, IMO, none of the sizing charts can be relied on. I bought an Assos jersey in L and it was perfect. A year later I bought a second Assos jersey in L but it was a different model. It was really small. The good news is returns with Competitive Cyclist are pretty easy. BTW I don't have a lot of Assos stuff because of price but if I see a good deal I jump on it. It really is the best for me.

kps88

agreed. the InRCool PRO version is smooth. But the Elite version is not smooth. I own four pair and like them, but my PRO chamois is smooth (red color)

kingston 

Maybe I'll try the PRO. The only thing I don't like about the Elite is the texture on the chamois.

zx9rmal

The PI front is a bit high for pissing purposes. The PB Ultra bibs are a bit long in the leg, but I like them a bit more than the PI and wear them almost exclusively. Excellent value, well put together, and the best return policy.

kps88

PRO is abetter bib. I got the Elites for $63 each,so I got a few. Paid around $99 for the PRO. I would get PRO next time I need/want more bibs.

RonH

I picked up a pair of the PI Elite In-R-Cool bibs last week. Very comfortable fit and ride. The front does go up higher than my De Marchi bibs but I'm keeping them.

Slackerprince

I went to Specialized, Performance and Flying Fish (C'Dale, Felt, etc. dealer)
I tried a ton of bibs on, but went with the Canari Exo bibs.
Store didn't have my size, although I was ready to buy.
Got home and found them $30 cheaper on-line. Can't say I didn't try to support my LBS.
I'll write a ride report later.
Thanks for all the input!!!

S

BoSoxYacht

Both are very comfy, but Perforfmance bibs chamois wears out long before PI's. Perforfmance will replace them though if you think the chamois didn't live up to your expectations though, so there's always that.

Slackerprince

I tried on 4 pairs of Performance bibs, and they all had stray threads and the Ultras had seam stems (continutations of flatlock seams) coming down out of the legs. Looks like very little QC at the factory. I didn't do a thorough inspection, and that was what I noticed just with trying them on.
Otherwise, the Ultras fit pretty well, but they had VERY sheer material running down the sides of the legs and I couldn't imagine how they'd look out on the road with sweat and the sun shining on them.
I tried both the Ultra and Ultra SL, as well as Classic Elite.


S

utahp8ntballer

Huh? What? How are you peeing when you wear bibs? Do you pull them down from the front? I just pull the left leg up a bit and my trouser snake wiggles out and pees with no removal of jersey.

Slackerprince

utahp8ntballer

Work smarter not harder.

Slackerprince

Thanks for the tip.

S

BoSoxYacht

those side panels don't get sheer(but why would you care if they did?). The construction of the bibs is just fine, but the surface of the chamois wears quickly

Slackerprince

I'm sure the function of the side panels is to allow ventilation, but the fabric seemed thin and was perforated and it seems like a snag or something could result in a big hole. Not sure how it would hold up over time. They're probably great, and they get pretty good reviews, but I went with another brand.

s