And the fork of course.

Some of these comments are a classic case of "since I have them they must be the best."

Two decades or more ago I purchased some cycling specific suspenders. They are thin, elastic, adjustable in tension and in world championship colors. I have used them on countless number of shorts, with the waistband loose, for all those years. Since shorts cost much less than bibs, the savings has been substantial, without a sacrifice in comfort.

Having said that, I also own bib shorts. And they are comfortable, but no more so than the shorts & suspenders. And far less flexible. Unhooking the suspenders and pulling down your shorts to pee is way easier than the machinations needed using bibs.

I wish I could find a backup pair of cycling-specific suspenders. Any leads on that?

Steve

"Bin there - done that"
For two years I rode using baggy shorts and suspenders. Eventually I found these sidewinder truckers suspenders. They are fantastic! I wore the suspenders next to my skin (under my jersey) The straps are flesh coloured and are very soft (like bandage webbing). Because there are only two clips (one at each side), it's very easy to drop your shorts (!) and hook up again without disturbing your tops.

https://www.suspenders.com/hipclip.htm

I recommend them highly. However, I have since bought three pairs of bib shorts and my life has new meaning

One of my pairs of cold-weather cycling tights work best with suspenders. I wear a thin base layer, suspenders over the base layer, and a wool jersey and maybe even a jacket over that, depending on how cold it is.

If you laugh at me when I'm wearing suspenders on a cold day, I'll squirt you with my water bottle*


* only works above freezing

It is easier to pee when wearing a good pair of bibbs than any other riding shorts I have worn.

Now if you are working hard enough on the bike- No need to pee.

Long rides in summer and I am taking at least 1 litre of liquid an hour. Difference in a long ride is I know I will have to put effort in and do. Those short 40 to 50 mile rides are at a lower pace and not quite so much liquid taken on board. Problem rides are the short 20 milers- but they also involve a cafe stop with at least one cup of coffee so before leaving the cafe- its time to use the loo.

It is no problem at all to pull the front of bibs down to pee, or to pull up the leg. The problem is when you have more serious business to attend to. I can see where suspenders would be much less hassle in those situations.

I have lost about 30 bls since last May and hope to drop another 10-15 before the end of this April. Will have to replace my bike shorts, and will probably be trying bibs this time.

That ain't right!

Smart.

Before bibs were invented, we removed the elastic waistbands from our wool shorts and sewed suspender buttons into them. Well, us lazy guys just used the clip-ons. I've even got a photo of Eddy, the Great One, lounging post-race, jersey off, his shorts held up by suspenders.

But you have to wear them UNDER the jersey.

No, 'cuz when the shorts slide, the pad goes out of place. Combined with the Depends, it can be a real comfort problem!

I just don't like the two-jersey thing - the summer's pretty hot 'round these parts! Maybe there's an athletic suspender designed to be next to the skin, or with no metal to corrode due to sweat?

Ol'Cat, can you post that pic? or scan it and PM it?

i beleive biker395 took this pic

Don't know where the Merckx photo went, but here's a consolation prize--Raymond Poulidor having his morning cuppa whatever before suiting up, his shorts with suspenders draped over the bed; and Rik Van Looy suiting up with the help of teammate Edgar Sorgeloos, obviously a very super domestique.
poulidors morning joe.jpg
van looy & sorgeloos.jpg