In order of preference - Assos Mille S5, PI Pro's, and Performance Ultra's. I never believed the hype on Assos, then was looking at one of the overseas cycling retailers (Chain Reaction) about 1 1/2 yrs ago and they had a great sale on the Mille's. I bought a pair, and yes it DOES make a difference. They are my "go to" bibs for the more technical and difficult rides with lots of vertical and / or distance. The flatter pad does a better job of cushioning me bum, reducing sore spots, and not irritating those "extra" folds of skin left over from former tub o' goo days. PI's are also very comfortable, and I use the Performance Ultra's for training, shorter distance and flatter events.

You can be sure I'll be wearing the Assos on the Death Ride in July. I'd try to buy the Assos bibs when on sale (now have 2 pair), but I guarantee your bottom will think you're the "top" if you do!

My club uses Voler so unlike saddles, we do not get to choose. And I have seen very few racers show up and race in anything other than a team kit unless there was a compelling reason not too and that is not because they prefer Assos or PI. The Voler Trilogy pad seems okay. It strikes me as similar to Goldilock's porridge. And I do not have any fish or porridge in my bibs. I have a couple of PI pro bibs. They have more material and the pad seems thicker, very soft but not necessarily firmer. The ideal pad does not compress all the way and the fabric is very soft. The new Voler trilogy pad seems good but time will tell how well it lasts.

This year I have a problem with the medium Voler bibs being a bit too small in the thighs but perfect everywhere else. A large would be too big.

I just ordered a pair of Pearl Izumi P.R.O. In-R-Cool bibs from Amazon. I hope they are good since they cost almost twice as much as Performance Ultra II.

I use my Assos the same way and for the same types of rides as you. Even though it feels like you're sitting on a mega-diaper I never think about my bum after I'm well into the ride. One thing that I notice that may be more specific to me is that my base layer always seems to creep up and out of the front of my bibs. I don't think it's the base layer because it stays put when I wear my Castelli bibs.. It's annoying enough to make me think twice about getting more Assos bibs.

My brother suggested the same thing. On his recommendation I picked up a pair of Pearl Izumi Tri shorts and he was correct, they have enough padding for comfort without the bulk and I like that the leg material is a bit shorter as well.

I have both bibs and shorts. The bibs stay up better, but shorts are easier to pee in.

I prefer to pee out of mine. I've never had a problem pulling down the front of my bibs far enough to relieve myself. But bibs can be a hassle for other restroom functions.

Once I went to bibs I have not worn shorts again. On hot sweaty rides the shorts sag. The bibs stay in place. Performance Ultra have a descent price with good quality. All bike clothing is overpriced.

I like my Pro PIs. There are several features about the pro version that is very nice. There are more panels of material sewn together such that there is more support and better fit. The material offers less aero drag. We now have the same material on our Voler team kits. There is more material meaning it come up higher (on me) in the waist and in the back. The chamois is very soft material and pretty firm. Now that Voler has the new chamois pad, I doubt that I will buy more PI or others. I got my PI clothes from the PI outlet in Park City, UT. Once you know your size, you can call them and check for sales.

I must be an odd one as I have never had bibs that were comfortable over the shoulders. That constant pull on the shoulders just gets to me and I can't stand it after a while. In the century before the last one I thought I would try a new pair again and by mile 70 or so I stopped, took off my jersey and pulled the shoulder straps off, put back on my jersey and finished the ride in comfort again. Other than that they are OK.

Many short how excess padding that causes problems. Try Boure' <www.boure.com> shorts sold on their web site or in Boulder Co. USA. I use the "Pro" bibs that have a very flat pad. Very high quality construction. Sizes run a litlr on the small side but not much. Return policy is great.

Wayne, my only connection to the company is as a satisfied customer.

Just for giggles, ask this question over on the Clydes forum.
I'm 'over 50 and...overweight.
Bibs conjure up thoughts of the mayor in the wizard of oz.

Try Boure. The straps are soft wide and stretchy.
I usually get the Elite, the Pro is extremely thin.

The Pro shorts/bibs work great on a Brooks, but it's not actually a pad.
It just prevents friction.

Thanks for all the feedback. For some odd reason regular shorts work super for me-but I will admit it was trial and error finding the right manufacturer and I've stayed with their product line. Plus regular cycling shorts are cheaper and cooler so I do not see any advantage for bibs over regular shorts--for me.

Some of us are both Clydesdales AND 50+ and do not shy away from wearing bibs at all. I really love my Hincapies but find several other brands satisfactory as well. I much prefer them to shorts.

+1

So far that's my only "problem" with bibbs. Other than that, I love 'em. My wife thinks they look like a wrestling singlet.

I'm still flabbergasted by how often I encounter the "once you try bibs you'll never go back to shorts" mindset from some riders. I like my bibs well enough, but I have yet to find a pair that doesn't make my midsection too warm in relation to whatever temps I'm dressed for. Plus, unless I'm wearing a full-zip jersey -- which, sadly, I have way too few of -- it is a royal PIA to go to the bathroom! To me they're really not any more comfortable than my favorite shorts. Or even my not-quite-favorite shorts.

In short (ha! no pun intended) I don't quite get the Bib Love. So that's my issue.