tajar66

Just do it you will not regret it. I am 5'9" about 260. I have a roof over my tool and big thighs. I bought a pair of PI shorts that failed and took the trade to buy bibs. I am sold on bibs.

dagray

Started with Aerotech bibs in 4X then a pair of Navaro (REI) bibs which didn't fit quite right due to my shape, down to a pair of Aerotech 3X bibs, and now I swear by Bellwether bibs.

Oh and Bellwether are European sizing and I am in a 2XL at 6'3" and 350 pounds.

I love bibs as my belly doesn't cause the top to roll down as it does with shorts, and I have lost much of my rear end and my belly just by riding.

jimmie65

I much prefer bibs over shorts, but sometimes it's just too damn hot for bibs. I usually wear L or XL in shorts, but my 2 sets of bibs (Pearl Izumis) are XL and XXL. (6' tall, 40-42" waist, XXL in shirts).

FRC928

After reading this thread last week I took the plunge and ordered a set of bibs. Rode yesterday with them for the first time, and I'm sold on them! So much more comfortable than regular bike shorts. Thanks again to the people here for great info.

copperfind

Amazing what a difference, I was shocked.

ill.clyde

Another convert!

Nooner

6'/220lb -- I'm still on the fence in switching to lycra shorts from baggies (mountain biker by heart & new to roadie), maybe I should skip the attempt on the shorts and just give a bib a try.
Still on the fence tho.

ill.clyde

Honestly, I would ... I'm 6'3, 290 currently ... and I wouldn't wear anything but bibs, and the shorts I've purchased in the past are now just used on the indoor trainer in the winter

copperfind

I would recommend 110% if you not comfy in only bike shorts you can put loose shorts over them... I did this a good part of my first few weeks back on the bike then I got tired of the fabric getting hung up getting off and on the bike.

I am now starting my shopping for bib tights with fall weather on its way here.

dr_lha

Ditto. I haven't put on a pair of cycling shorts since outdoor riding weather arrived.

cyclist2000

I use both, I like bibs but for long days in the saddle I like shorts more.

dr_lha

Out of interest, why? I find the lack of elastic at the waist to be a relief on long rides.

sdmc530

Yep, here too! I tried a pair, can't wait to cycle out my shorts for more bibs.

Sillyak

Embrace the Lycra. 0 chafing, 0 discomfort. Even with shorts over top of cycling shorts I was not overly comfortable. I ditched everything, but the Lycra, and it was a world of difference.

cyclist2000

I like the way bibs feel too but on long all day rides I find using the toilet very inconvenient. Especially then I need to use a port-a-pot. I don't like that I need to remove my shirt to take a dump and possibly dropping something into the pot (eww). Full zip jerseys help but I since I don't have a problem with shorts then why not use them when this situation could arise. I use bibs or shorts on my daily ~2 hour rides but when I am in the saddle for days on a tour I will bring shorts for the long days and bibs for the short days.

I have been cycling shorts for over 30 (got my first pair in 1984) and using cycling bibs for over 20 years and my opinion has been formed from many years of use.

dr_lha

Fair enough!

I guess this is a bodily functions issue, I tend to not need to take #2 during rides, even long ones! Peeing in bibs isn't an issue, just pull down the front.

cyclist2000

Yes all of our bodies are different and function with their own minds and on their own schedule.

one of the shorts that I have are Assos and they don't have elastic around the whole short but a piece at the back. They are very comfortable. They also look strange at first. Many Clydes cannot wear these since the largest size is for a waist of approximately 40 inches.

dmanders

I LOVE my ASSOS bibs. I wear size XLG in the cento line, which is a "comfort" fit. There is even one size larger called TIR. I have worn many shorts and bibs over the years and these are the best for me by far. Pricey though. I am 6'3" and 210.

Nooner

I've heard all the positive opinions from forum members on wearing bibs and lycra shorts, and it's helping me off the fence.
I had to chuckle a bit on your reference to baggies getting hung up on the saddle.
It is a real issue sometimes while riding MTB too.
I might have to start with some baggies over the lycra and take it from there.

I've always raced with baggies, and tights just feel really funny to me.
Next month I'm riding in the Baja Bike Race (Tecate to Ensenada 73 miles 4000+ ft), and I see my race baggies still there by the bike wardrobe... smiling at me.
They think they are automatically going again, but I'm not so sure now.

copperfind

If I go off road on the MTB I still put baggies on over my bike shorts, several reasons... More pockets (need more crap MTBing that you really don't need as much road biking, like first aid kit), I like to protect my expensive bike shorts (they don't hold up well to prickers, sticks, and wipeouts) last but not least, it just looks right on a MTBer.

cyclist2000

I'm 6'-3" and 225-230ish, I wear TIR. I have some of the bibs too. Assos, Gore and Pearl Izumi are my favorite brands of bottoms. I like the Assos and PI for jerseys, for hot days, casual wear I like some of the Fox jerseys since the are made of polyester and look like a cotton tee shirt.

superpletch

bibs are the best. with shorts I would always get the waistline roll. before i tried bibs i would wear mountain bike shorts with suspenders under my jersey. now i have several pair of bibs, the only problem is I rub a hole on my inner thigh. (another thread). anyone else have a similar problem? I'm 6' and started at about 255lbs, now about 230lbs and dropping. just ordered a pair of long winter bibs for the first time. rock the bibs!

NOLABIKER

Anyone have any issues with chaffing on your chest with wearing bibs?

bigbiker1

I just ordered a pair of Aerotech bibs, I am skeptical but we will see.

copperfind

You will be a convert too