Bought my first pair of bibs and went for my first ride in them yesterday. Found a pair of Crafts on line. I really like em, very comfy and the pad is great! Popped em in the washer on gentle cycle hung em to dry. They are ready to go this morning! My evolution into cycling continues...

Bibs are great.

Not to long after I got my road bike, I borrowed an LG bib from a friend of mine to try out before buying some and I just couldn't get used to the straps going over the shoulders. The bib was a medium, which is what I wear, so it wasn't too small because the bottom part fit just right. For whatever reason, they just kept tugging on my shoulders and were very uncomfortable. I spent the entire ride shrugging my shoulders trying to get them in a comfortable position but with no success. I also didn't like the shoulder straps rubbing across my chest every time I moved. I guess they aren't for everyone. I'll stick with my PI Attack shorts for now.

+1 to that... on super hot days I may use shorts but 98% of the time it's bibs for me.

This may well be due to a brand or size issue. I would not abandon bibs based on one experience with them.

One if my bibs is mesh uppers.

Good point.... I have some newer PI Elite bibs that seem to be just fine in the heat. They have mesh tops and fabric on the legs that is very good for cooling.

And... in coolish weather (we have a lot of that) the extra fabric on some of my bibs is really great for keeping the lower torso warm enough.

On cold days I like the fact that the rise on the back of the bibs is like a second base layer. But I am finally losing enough weight that shorts aren't so much of a problem, so I will probably have a mix as the bibs wear out.

Yeah you and me both. I've contemplated buying them over the years but I have no problem with the Voler shorts I wear most of the time. Besides, its hot down here in Florida most of the time and I need lots and lots of ventilation. The straps would be an issue to me as I usually just wear a cotton tank top or muscle shirt, something that doesnt 'cling' to me. Cycling jerseys just cost too much, and I'm a minimalist when it comes to clothes and bike riding.

but thats just me

The only issues I have with my bibs is when I'm off the bike. My voice goes up a it, if you know what I mean. Other wise, bibs are great.

Different brands seem to fit differently even in the same size. I have some nashbar bibs that seem tight, Same size Voler fits fine. Same size Giant bibs are loose. Specialized bibs fit tight in the straps and Pearl Zumi seem just right.

My favorite bibs right now are Castelli Velossicimo. Great fit, great pad, not too thick, the lycra is soft and works great hot or cold.

Blimey--All this new fangled stuff getting into the cycling drawer--Makes you wonder how you ever got by with a pair of trainers- sports shorts and a T shirt.

I haven't given up totally on the idea of bibs, but due to the first, not so good, experience that I had with a pair that I borrowed, it isn't on my list of things to do in the very near future. At the price that a decent bibs go for, it would get pretty expensive to try several pair only to find out that I don't like any of them.

Here's the secret with bibs:

Those of us with a God-given aerodynamic aero-belly (think 1953 Buick) generally love them.

Those of you cursed with a flat tummy can't figure out why the aero-bellies love them.

And, that's it in a nutshell.

Bibs are great. Once you try them you'll never go back to shorts.
I started with Voler bibs in 2003. Got a deal on some Etxe Ondo bibs in 2004/5. Love them. In 2008 I got another deal on DeMarchi bibs.
After doing a little cleaning and tossing in September I now have 5 pairs of DeMarchi (4 new) and 3 pairs of Etxe Ondo bibs.



If you look at the size charts for most bibs, the size is based on height, not weight or waist size. If the straps were digging in then you probably needed the next larger size.

Not for everyone is true. I have performance elite and Hammer's set I got with a large order. The straps kill me. Once on a century ride (Tour de Safford) I had to stop, at about 70 miles or so take off my jersey, pull off my straps and put on jersey again. I just couldn't stand the strain on my shoulders anymore. Besides I get along with regular shorts just fine. Why complicate things?

I fought wearing bibs for a long time. Talk about being stupid. After my first ride with them I realized riding would have been much more comfortable with them all those long years. Today, I like bibs so much that if I'm going on a casual ride with friend who will all be wearing street clothes, I'll wear street clothes too, but with bibs underneath them.

Search all the different bike forums, lots of threads discussing bibs.

I did take the time reading, since the difference in riding comfort is greatly influenced in clothing choices. As for bibs, I believe the biggest issue for most people is the straps. Take two people, both weighing 200lbs with an 36" waist. One is 5' 8" inches and the other 6' 2", and according to the size chart, both need the XL. Except how can the same size bib fit both people equally with a 6" height difference? I think here in lies the problem and why some people either love or hate bibs. Depending on the manufacturer, the bib material and cut, strap lengths vary and it's very important to find what works for your waist size and height. Read the reviews and see what others are recommending for your body size.

As for me, I'm 5'8" and have bibs from 3 different manufacturers. The difference in strap comfort is not bad since I'm not very tall. One is perfect, another loose and the 3rd is between the first and second. For someone taller, they're going to view these bibs differently.

Unless you can find bibs locally, your taking a gamble buying off the net, so read reviews and look for a good return policy.

I am a shorts kind of guy. My only complaint with bibs is the feeling of the shoulder straps slipping down(whether they actually do or don't). They kinda bother me. I have good muscles from my neck to shoulders that taper downward and that makes for that feeling. Oh well.
The other thing I don't like is the extra layer on my chest and belly. In the summer it is HOT here and that extra layer is a bit much sometimes. Don't like the feeling of something clinging to my belly. I'll take shorts, thank you very much. But if you like bibs, great!

I first got a pair of bibs in 2010. I have 3 pairs now, 2 PI Elite and 1 Performance Ultra.

I like them best when climbing (does this call for another post in the hill climbing thread....), but, love the fact I am not pulling up shorts all the time.

Those commenting about uncomfortable straps, etc. are you just wearing the bib w/ a jersey? Maybe try it with a baselayer undershirt underneath so the contact points don't go raw. Good baselayers have the potential to keep you cooler than just a jersey on hot days.

I have trouble fitting into them. I think it's because there are two dimensions....waist and length. At 5'9" and 185 lbs. with a 35" waist and 43" chest I find that if I buy based on waist size the length is too long and if I buy by length the waist is a tad small. Then again I'm comfortable with shorts. I do have two pair of PI Tri suits and they fit me very well. Unfortunately the chamois gets me about 30-40 mi. and then feels a little too "minimal" for me.

Anyone here wear Assos and are they really worth the price?

I have a pair of Castelli bibs, and I hate them. It turns taking a leak into a major production. I have to take off my jacket, take off my jersey, take down the straps, finally extract the dangly bit, do the deed, and then reverse the whole process. I have worn the bibs once, probably never will again.

EDIT: I guess I could try Jim Hobson's "Hunch and Flop". If I don't get arrested it looks like it could be great fun:

https://www.jimhodgson.com/2010/08/19...-hunch-n-flop/

Hmmm... thats a good point! I haven't had to take a leak yet; going to have to strategize for when that situation arises. But my Crafts fit perfect.