I have never tried bibs, so I can't comment on them.

Also, most of my rides are less than about 2 hours, and I haven't done any long rides since I purchased the Pearl Izumi shorts - so I can't say much about that either. Once you start riding with padded shorts (or bibs), you'll never want to ride without them...at least that's my experience.

I should also add that I'm a 270lb clydesdale...and I wear basketball-type shorts over my bike shorts. I won't want to scar people too badly. There are certain things you just can't un-see. I don't want to be one of them.