What are the advantages / disadvantages of both?

All I own anymore are bib shorts. Way more comfy that "regular" shorts.

Agreed, bibs are much more comfortable then shorts. They do make it a little more difficult to pee as you need to...umm pull the leg open which is not that bad with a little practice. Plus the bibs provent my big belly from hanging out.

Bibs are the sh*t.

I made the switch from shorts to bibs in June. I love 'em. I'll never go back.

There is no elastic or drawstring to cut into your midsection or restrict your breathing.

I like my Campagnolo bibs, but to be honest, I havn't found that big a difference. I think I like them better because they're just a better quality (and more expensive!) overall than the other shorts I have.

Well bibs hold the padding in place much better than normal shorts, and as that region tend to be an important one,this is a plus. Honestly though, if you've never ridden with bibs, don't make the switch unless you can buy a few pairs. I know when I got mine I never wanted to wear shorts again.

With bib-shorts you don't need to worry about "Plumber's Crack"!

I agree that the bib's are more comfy, and have better support. I made the switch at the beginning of this year and won't go back.

Bibs all the way!

Another vote for Bibs and Coolmax!. So comfy I sometimes forget if I have put them on and I`m riding naked. Lol..

Peeing isn't the hard part!

OK, thanks, bibs are the way to go it seems.

Now, second (and more awkward) question: when the weather is decent, is underwear worn?

Nothing should come between you and your chamois!!!

DEMON

Uh oh, here comes the Underwear Nazi!

I've personally never worn bibs, but I think I'd like to try them out--seems like they would prevent the problem of shorts sliding up or down and requiring constant adjustment.

Perfectly innocent question

I've had trouble with various combinations of lower-clothing (walking tights in particular), and want to put an end to the misery of uncomfortable rubbing.

Commando style

Don't forget that there is a hybrid between shorts and bibs: shorts with suspenders (braces). Greg LeMond recommends using suspenders with shorts in his book. That's what I did before I could afford bibs. I still use them with my old shorts. KMart has some simple, sort of industrial suspenders that work great. And here is the hybrid advantage for the guys: you can detach the clips from the front for a standing pit stop.

Rich

I still wear shorts, even though everyone I know wears bibs. The main reason I stay with the shorts is they make it easy to pee, and I go often. As far as the elastic around the tummy thing, I just roll down the shorts and wear them low. Bibs are also a lot more expensive, here anyhow. With Summer being +30ş/86F everyday I don't want anything adding unnecessary heat to my body.

CHEERS.

Mark

I don't want to turn this into a "what is the best brand" argument, but I am thinking about getting bibs so I can be ready when I buy my new bike next May.

I am 6'3", 240lbs, and would like other "normal" sized guys to comment on the fit and feel of the various brands. This has probably been asked several times and I may get slammed for posting without searching, but, hey, I'm lazy!

You only put underwear or jock strap, etc., under your bibs/shorts if you want lots of chaffing and sores. The only thing that should be between you and your chamios is some Chamois Butter, if you use such. Helps stop saddles sores and such.

I find the right shorts to be awesome - never been at all uncomfortable in shorts.

None of my bibs stop me from taking a leak in the normal way (standing that is) they have plenty of flex to pull them down in front. In my experience the only people that prefer shorts to bibs are people that have never tried bibs. It's not that shorts are uncomfortable it's just that bibs are so comfortable.

Precisely!!!! I have one pair of Performance bibs, and have to wash them all the time. Bicycling Magazine had a short one column blurb on this. Mens hips don't keep the shorts up that well, and bibs do with the "suspenders". Before I bought mine, I did get the suggestion to get the "web" type straps. I've found them confortable and cool. Now, if they only made more bib tights........


Trekrider, I think the bibs I have are the Performance Elite Multi-L. I was told that I'd be happiest with the Coolmax shoulder straps, and that was correct. Performance has the Elite Multi-L, and the Ultra Bibs, which both have all material above the normal short as Coolmax. For the urinating problem, I notice the models in the Performance catalog wearing sleeveless T-shirts Under the bib straps, which would allow sliding the straps off the shoulder and going like we would in regular shorts.

Trekrider. I wear bib shorts from www.Probikekit.com I believe they produce their own in house cycle clothing.
The "Coolmax" I purchased from them I can highly recommend