Should I go for Bibs?
 

So, I took part of this year's tax refund, and treated myself to a very nice pair of prescription Oakleys, after dealing with clip-ons for too long. And... I'm thinking about a set of bib shorts. The reviews in the threads here are all positive. Now, I'm about six feet, and I presently weigh in at 164, give or take. So, a "Budweiser gut" is not a concern.

So, Bib Wearers, what are the advantages and dis-advantages, if any? One question I have: When you are on a ride, and you are wearing bibs, and nature calls,,, What do you do? :eek:

Bibs are simply more comfortable around the waist. They're less constrictive and don't roll or bunch up. Stopping to pee, it's usual to pull up a leg of the bibs and go that way, even with normal bike shorts. There's no good shortcut for going number 2...other than pulling an Einstein.

They also keep the pad in position; shorts can shift forward so your butt is no longer on the pad. Plus, they keep your privates in place. I will only wear bibless shorts when the ride is short. Key is finding the 'chamois' that is right for you. Compression in the legs is, for me, also desirable.

I take off my jersey, slip out of the 'suspenders', and pull then down to pee. You get used to it.

The advantage is that bibs are simply more comfortable than shorts. So much so that I gave away all, save one pair, of my shorts since switching to bibs. My suggestion on sizing is go to an LBS and try on some different brands prior to buying. Many euro bib mfgs. size their bibs on height rather than waist size.

There are tons of great choices in bibs ranging from Assos, Santini, to Pearl Izumi. Suggest you not buy cheapo China made on scambay or used bibs.

Yes, the nature break can be an issue with bibs but it does not seem to bother most pro riders who wear bibs.

+1 on bibs. I find them significantly more comfortable because of all of the things already mentioned. You'll develop your own style for going to the bathroom. Each spring I go to my LBS to see what kit they have left over from last season and usually find great deals on discontinued items--bibs included.

Cheers!

The advantages have been mentioned and I agree. I don't see the problem people have with stopping to pee. I just pull mine down in front and go. No problem. No need to remove straps or anything complicated. They can be a hassle when you need to poop, though. Full zip jerseys make it easier than ones you have to pull over your head.

One "problem" with bibs -- once you make the change from shorts to bibs you'll never go back. :beer:

If you want to try them and not spend a lot of $$$, try www.voler.com. :thumb:

Definitelly the ONLY problem.

I only keep one pair of shorts now and they have a thick liner that is comfortable for the "Occasional" offroad enduro I might make. Last 6 hour offroad I did was with bibs so even that pair might be going.

+10. Go with bibs!

Good reasons already posted. Performance has nice bibs, and you may want to start with them. I've gone from the lowest cost Performance bibs up to Assos now.

And...DO NOT LOSE THE PRESCRIPTION OAKLEYS!!! This message brought to you by The Voice of Experience.

Just pull the leg up for +1. Number 2 is, however, a major event - especially if you have layers of clothing and jackets in cold weather. I often put my under layer(s) under my bib straps - one less necessary removal. Hopefully - and usually - however, my timing for such events does not require that activity on a bicycle ride. TMI?

For my body buld - (I could be a good Sumo wrestler), they are SO much better than shorts.

I was too cheap to go with bibs despite the advice to the contrary. Finally got a Hammer Kit with Voler bibs. LOVE THEM! I only use the shorts now for short rides. Only 2 things: Remember to put the shoulder straps back on "after" and don't put the straps on OVER you shirt. Both will label you a FRED!

Bibs are the way to go.

Here's another good company:

http://aerotechdesigns.com/bibshort.htm

Sorry to be the lone dissenting vote, but I can't stand bibs when the temperature is over 80. The extra fabric in front and back simply adds another sweat-soaked layer. I put my bibs away when the weather warmed up and I probably won't use them again until late fall.

Honestly I don't find much difference in comfort - the only advantage I see is that with bibs I don't have to worry about a "gap" if my jersey isn't long enough.

I tried my first pair of bibs today. I'm female, and the whole taking off the jersey to use the restroom is not fun. It's okay if you have a nice restroom, not so fun if you're using a nasty public toilet with no place to put your jersey once you take it off.

I found the lack of waistband to be a bit weird. I kept feeling like I needed to pull the shorts up because I couldn't feel the waistband. It was nice that the chamois didn't shift after I got sweaty and the shorts got a bit looser, though.

After about 30 minutes the shoulder straps started to dig in and I kept having to adjust them. Maybe this brand of bibs doesn't fit me well with the straps, but since I've used the bibs I can't return them. I've decided I'll use them on shorter rides where I don't have to worry about a restroom stop. I guess I'm not really impressed with bibs compared to regular shorts.

You have to learn the "port-a-potty pee"

1. Take off jersey
2. Slip bib off right shoulder
3. Slip right arm through (right) bib jersey sleeve.
4. Slip bib off left shoulder.
5. Put left arm through (left) jersey sleeve.
6. Pee
7. Remove jersey
8. Slip bibs back over shoulders, while holding jersey away from everything
9. Put the jersey back on.
10. Exit port-a-potty as if that didn't just take you 10 extra minutes.

I'm 5'7" and weigh 145lbs. I've a pair of bibs that rest comfortably in the back of my bike shorts drawer. I tried them a couple of times didn't see any advantage and now use them only as a last resort. (read-I really need to buy more shorts or, perhaps, do laundry.:rolleyes:)

My opinion is that if you have a defined waist, you don't need bibs.
R

Giving 50+ women advice on peeing... priceless.:D

In most cases, she can exit the potty after step 6 or remove the outer layers and leave them on her bike outside prior to entry both procedures reducing potty residence time.:innocent:

Same with me

I switched to bib shorts a year ago. It is very try the biggest problem is, you wont want to go back to regular shorts.

have both
use bibs only on short ride times - too much hassle on longer rides when pitstops can be problematic and made lengthier by having to doff the tops.
bibs also can be a fit issue - I am short torso/long legs and many bibs are just too loose and shimmy 'down' after some miles cause the strap top is too long/loose. not a problem with shorts.
bibs also hotter on hot days.

if I had to ride one style - shorts with light waist elastic, ultrathin chamois and maybe a drawstring, if available.
Castelli, Giordana and PI are my benchmarks, although I found some Canari to be a great value.
Form the Old days - Aussie - was a great allday bottom.
5' 11" , 165 lbs - workin to drop 8 and gain 8 back...

Compared with the nature call with fishing waders, bibs would be a non-subject ;)

handled the same way one would in a wetsuit? :eek:

Thanks to all for the advice and opinions. I think a set of bibs are in my future. I'll probably go with Pearl Izumi, since such a huge percentage of my existing cycling wardrobe is from them. Their stuff always fits well, and has a strange way of lasting for years.

Won't happen. One thing I have always done well is take care of my specs. Never lost a pair, and I've had them since the 5th grade. (First pair was nerdy, black framed, 1950s bomb scientist glasses. )