What are they pros and cons of bib shorts? Most of my jerseys ride up my back a little so I am considering getting a pair of, Pearl Izumi Men's Elite In-R-Cool Bib Short. Any thoughts or comments?

Most people find bibs more comfortable. They stay in place better which reduces friction and discomfort especially where the saddle makes contact. You also don't feel tightness around the waist. One major downside is they make going to the bathroom difficult.

+1

I have the PI Elite In-R-Cool bib shorts; I really like them. They're very comfortable. As StanSeven mentioned going to the bathroom is kind of a pain, but you get used to it. If it really bothers you, there are several with a low-cut front that allows you to pull them down enough to take care of "liquid waste elimination".

I prefer bibs and wear these 98% of the time. The 2% was last summer with shorts from Sugoi on a deal to good to pass up. The shorts were nice and easily comfortable, but the waist band was a little tight and rolled over, making it slightly uncomfortable. I also remember pulling them up, they don't stay in place like bibs. I think shorts are good for people with a flat stomach and slender build.

Bibs don't have a waist band, so I find these more comfortable on my medium to large frame. I've read where some people don't like the straps over the shoulders, this could depend on the size of bibs and height of the person. I'm 68" tall, don't even notice the straps while riding. I also like how bibs don't move around, they keep the chamois in place.

As for PI, I like their products, nice gear. I don't have that particular bib, but the reviews are pretty good.

Good luck on whatever you decide......

Bib are great if you have a "12 pack". They keep it covered.

what they said... bathroom breaks are a bit inconvenient because the shirt has to come off, but that isn't a deal breaker.

I am a relatively new convert to bibs. Probably within the past 3 yrs. One of the big reasons I abandoned shorts is the dreaded waist roll. I got tired of them rolling down and not conforming to my body. I don't have a gut but just the riding position made them roll down. When I finally bit the bullet and bought some Assos (on sale of course) it was game over. Nothing but Assos bibs for me.

I have a pair of PI Elite In-R-Cool bibs. VERY comfy.
I've switched to bibs in 2004. As they say, "Once you try bibs, you'll never go back." And I haven't worn bike shorts since 2004.

Cons: At first, the tension on your shoulders is noticeable, you feel like you are wearing a backpack. If they are cut more tri style the urinal visit isn't a big deal, just dip the front or pull up a leg. Otherwise, you'll have to undress. The lack of a waistband can be a negative, at stops I tend to want to hang something on my waistband or slip my travel wallet in there - not a likely option with bibs. And, depending on the design they might be hot on a hot day.

Pros: Everything else. I love going hard with bibs, they hug everything just the right way.

The designs vary, try a few. I've found I much prefer the low cut front, shorter legs. Hi front and long thigh drop feels a little more like a shorty wetsuit.

I just bought a new pair of Pearl Izumi Men's Elite In-R-Cool bibs this week. Very nice.

Advantages: More comfortable fit. Can hide the old 'plumber's crack'.

Disadvantages: Tend to be hotter. The In-R-Cools are better in this respect, but still hotter than shorts.

Peeing although most quality bibs have a flexible front to allow men to take a wizz without too much difficulty.

Pooping. The trick here is to wear jerseys with a full zipper. Makes it much easier and faster to get undressed.

This is a strange one, but just be my body build. After a ride I often take off my jersey and replace it with a t-shirt. I also remove the bib straps and tuck them inside some shorts that I pull over the bibs. Due to the lack of an elastic band, often the bibs will start falling down towards my knees. I definitely do not want to follow this inner-city styling trend!

I have tried several pairs of bibs and found out that bibs are not made for everyone. If you happen to be like me and are unfortunate to have a short torso, you will hate bibs. Every pair I've tried in my size end up being too loose in the shoulders and the bottoms slide down which defeats the purpose of the bibs. Going to the next smaller size, the bottoms are often too tight and the shoulder straps too short. However, if you have a normal sized torso, enjoy your bibs as I hear they are great.

I ride Single Track In These Craft bike shorts,:



They don't bind up or pinch me, walk down my waist or up my legs, they fit so well I don't feel them anywhere and I mean 'ANYWHERE'

I feel no seams, they breathe great and for me they have the perfect amount of compression.
My previous pair of bike shorts, A $90 pair Pearl Izumi's Elite In R cool shorts where very nice, did all of the above very well.....

I should not have tried the Craft's on, the Pearl Izumi's hang In the closet now, have not worn them one time after getting the Craft shorts
I don't have a 12 pac,, Test fitted bibs once,,, No thank you...

My shorts most likely stay up because of my shape now..
When I started MTB'ing at 202 pounds my shorts walked down my 37" waist.
Now at 175 pounds and a 33 " waist they stay up.. I guess you've got to be bigger In the Buttocks than In the belly

Once I switched to bibs, I never went back. I have PI Elite bibs and PI PRO bibs. Biggest difference is the cut and fit. Elites fit normal, average, heavy bodies. The PROs are cut slimmer and hug tighter, more of a racer fit. I have tried a few other brands, but always come back to the PI bibs. I would like to try the Assos bibs, but I really can't imagine spending that much money for cycling clothing.

I've worn bibs and regular biking shorts. For me bibs just don't solve a problem that I have. It has never occurred to me that there is a 'waist problem' with shorts. For me bibs are just a bit more trouble for no gain.

But I seem to be in the minority here.

dave

OP,, I'm telling you straight up..

Find and try a pair of Craft shorts, the Elite In R Cool Pearls are nice but no where as comfortable as the Craft shorts.

I just took the Izumi's and the Craft's out of the closet,
In my hands the Pearls feel strong, solid, heavy and fit me tight with lots of compression in all the right places. The pearl's are comfortable throughout the ride.
BUT I want out of them after the ride asap....

In my Hands the Craft's feel strong, solid, LIGHT and airy and they fit me with IMO the perfect amount of compression WITHOUT feeling tight.
The Craft's are noticeably MORE comfortable throughout the ride and I don't feel the need to get out of them as soon as I'm back at the trail head.

Both my shorts are Large and when compared side by side, on top of, waist to waist, leg opening to leg opening that are so so close.

Never tried Craft shorts but I have been wearing PI Attack shorts exclusively for the past 5 years. They actually fit me better and seem to work better for me than the more expensive Elite series. I know a few people that have tried Craft shorts and don't like them or think that they aren't any better or worse than other brand shorts. It's just what you get used to and what works for you.

True, very true, You'r exactly right, But when I hold these two shorts in my hands there is such a profound difference in the material, they way it feels and stretches, the weight, the seams, the crotch pad. They both cost about the same But If I didn't know the price of either pair and some asked me to guess based on how they feel in my hands and how they feel on the bike after an hour of hard riding and sweating.....

I'd reply, "The Pearl Izumi Elite In R Cool must have cost about $50 and are worth that, The Craft shorts must be north of a C-note, ($100) at least."

Not much else to add, except manufacturerers make the shoulder straps different lengths. I have two piars of bibs from Areotech designs, very comfortable on the bike, but walking around, I can tell the shoulder straps could be a bit longer. They tend to pull up around the crotchal area too much. After a while it get tight to uncomfortable to I gotta get these things off now to will my voice ever go down? My PI bibs don't have this problem. I also noticed that they feel a tiny bit warmer on hot days. But they are still no BS, hands down, more comfortable than shorts.

I agree with most of the posts above. I switched to bibs about 4 years ago. For the most part I have worn the PI I-N-R Cool bibs. I did get a pair of PI P.R.O bibs on sale at the PI outlet store last December.

The main benefit in my opinion is they keep the insert in place better, assuming the straps are not uncomfortable. This is most important for long distance cycling, or if you have climbing in your routes and you will be standing to pedal. Every pair I have had as been easy to pull down to take a leak. As for bowel movements, you will have to remove your jersey; full zip is a good suggestion.

Assos

I'm a confirmed bib man myself. For me, I spend my money on Arrowtech units. Made in USA and priced right in line with the imports like P.I. I feel the quality is the best I've had with any kit I've owned.

I've worn cycling clothes since 1975. I have bibs and I wear them. As per above, I pair them with full zip jerseys.

However, I'm another contrarian here. Bibs weigh more than shorts. On warm days the shoulder straps add insulation I don't need. And bibs don't fit me any better than shorts. Plus I can wear jerseys with 3/4 length zippers with shorts for easier restroom breaks than with bibs. So mostly I wear shorts.

yabbut.... pros use bibs too. And none of them have a fat gut and love handles like me.

Why not just take a needle and thread and shorten the straps? (or have your local dry cleaner alter them for $5).
Also, does this happen when you're in the cycling position too? I ask because I've got a relatively short torso (5' 7.75" tall and 32.5" inseam) and I love me some bibs. I've never had any that actually slip out of place while I'm riding even if they're a little loose in the straps when I put them on. I have 5 pair, all different brands, all fit a little differently, and I do prefer the fit and chamois of some over others, but all stay in place while I'm riding.... and all are preferable to even the best shorts I used to ride in.

I dunno,,

I still like to be able to pee,, fast...