Cycling shorts for a cyclist with a big stomach
 

Some time ago I strated a thread about buying a fitness bike. I didn't get any replies, but in the meantime I changed my mind and decided I want to buy a road bike. I still have to wait untill the end of the month to have the money, but I'm already thinking about what accessories to buy to start out. Most important for me are a helmet and bike shorts. The latter being a bit of a problem since I'm a bit overweight...

I searched this forum, I searched Google, but I only found threads about bike shorts for really obese people. In my case; I'm 5'8" and around 198 lbs. However, my face, arms and legs are kind of regular, with most of the fat sitting around waist/stomach. I have a typical "beerbelly" (which is ironic, since I don't even drink beer!), and since regular bike shorts are worn under the navel, they will probably roll off (I alway wear pants with the waist right under my stomach, wich offcourse wouldn't be possible with bike shorts).

So I've been looking at bibs, but I don't know if the material is stretchy enough for my stomach, while sitting normally around my crotch/hips/legs..? My thighs are around 34.5", while my waist is 46.9, so is it possible for me to wear bibs, or should I look for an alternative? Or are there maybe regular bikeshorts that sit around the navel?

You should ask this in the Clydesdale subforum.

Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)

This thread might help?

http://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdale...lyde-rear.html Don't bump it though it's an oldie.

Here are some more.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bibs...sm=93&ie=UTF-8

You could always go to a bike shop and try on some bibs. I don't like shorts since they tend to roll down around the belly even on me and I'm a skinny guy.

Ah, didn't notice that subforum, thanks!


Maybe a moderator could move this thread..?

Try on some large sized bibs.

Pearl Izumi bibs should be available by you, give them a try.

I've seen some Pearl Izumi stuff on some webshop, so I'll have a look at them, thanks. One stupid question, though; when fitting bibs, it's done wearing underwear, right..?

But in short; so it is actually possible to wear bibs with my body type?

Yes. In point of fact, bibs will be far better than shorts, which will have a tendency to roll down your belly.

Right. Not when wearing them to ride though.

Would be my pleasure.

I'm 6'2", 235 lbs. My excess weight is in my "beer" belly, too. I have both bibs and shorts, and much prefer the bibs. I think you'll be just fine. I agree, go try some on. And yes, wear the underwear to try them on, and NOT after you own them!

BTW, while "technically" you don't qualify as a Clyde (you're 2 pounds shy of joining the club!), your proportion at 5'8" is probably the same as several of us at 6' plus, so I suspect there will be good advice here for you. Welcome.

Ok, thanks for the help all! :)

this. i wear shorts, but by the time I get done with a short ride it has rolled over a few times and feels like having a bungee cord wrapped around my waist. i'm getting a set of bibs soon

Trying on in store? Wear underwear. Any other time? No underwear. The pad IS your underwear. Just get in the habit of throwing your bibs in the shower with you after you ride. I also recommend buying two pair, so you have a pair ready in case your first pair is styll drying.

Final note - good bibs are worth the price tag. Cheap bibs are a crap shoot, and bad cheap bibs can make an otherwise pleasant ride barely tolerable. Stick with the name brands til you develop a preference.

Check out Aerotech Designs... They have a variety of shorts and bibs for moderately large riders, and a few options for even larger riders. Their own brand is American made, and seems to be good quality, at least my pair of bibs. They also carry other brands.

I'm your size. I've worn Pearl Izumi's bibs XL from 250 Lbs down to 195. I also wear Garneau triathlon shorts and actually prefer them for rides of less than 30 miles. The preference is minor, just not having the hassle of bibs.

The scary part about the shorts is me, and my belly, coming out of the water wearing just the shorts and the required swim cap..... ouch :)

I wanted to add that after 4 years of use on the PIs I just ordered new bibs. So I guess that is my preference. If I could only have one, I'd choose bibs.

Likewise. I wish I had found bibs earlier. I have both and I only wear the shorts when the bibs are all dirty.

All of the products (shorts/bibs/jerseys) I have from Aero Tech Designs are very comfortable, fit well and are just plain well-made!

Their apparel is made right here in the USA . . . And from all that I read & hear they are a small family-owned enterprise that actively supports the biking community.

Web:
Aero Tech Designs | Cycling Apparel, Bike Shorts, Bibs, Bike Jerseys

Recent Biz Journal Article:
Coraopolis bicycle clothing venture Aero Tech Designs flourishes | TribLIVE

+1 on bibs.

+2 on Pearl Izumi, though they're pricey

Once you go bib you never go back.

I love my aerotech bibbs! I'm heavier than I was when I last rode 20 years ago and the shorts rolled down bad back then. I just need to order a second set so I always have something fresh to wear.

Don't worry, your shorts won't ride up........ Your belly will keep them down where they belong..............

I second (fourth? sixth?) the recommendation for Aerotech. I found them about 6 years ago and now wear only their shorts. The quality and service is good, and the impression I get from browsing sites is that they're well-priced for what you get.

Couldn't find any Aerotech bike clothing. I think Aerotech isn't available in Europe. I could get some Pearl Izumi's online, but the LBS where I bought my bike (finally have it!) sells accessories from BBB, and the employee told me they have larger sizes too. I still have to wait for this month's salary though, because the little money I have left now will be used for gloves, wich are my top priority after the first two rides ;)

After reading this thread, I finally broke down and ordered a set of Aerotech bibs. Today was my first day riding with them. Holy hell, why did I wait so long?!!? These things are great.

Welcome to the enlightened :thumb: