Bibshorts
#2
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 5,060
Bikes: Scott Addict R1
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1594 Post(s)
Liked 1,472 Times
in
787 Posts
Bib shorts provide a “lift”, keeping the sensitive man parts safely out of harm’s way.
__________________
Ride, Rest, Repeat
Ride, Rest, Repeat

#3
Full Member
I prefer bibs as once they're on they're on! no need to worry about them slipping down or needing adjusting mid ride.
#4
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,262 Times
in
1,437 Posts
The bib advantage is an more secure overall fit at the waist and abdomen, but I don't find them especially comfortable; I think they're constricting, and they make it harder to take a leak.
Likes For Rolla:
#6
Airplanes, bikes, beer.
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Off the front
Posts: 763
Bikes: Road bikes, mountain bikes, a cx bike, a gravel bike…
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 398 Post(s)
Liked 788 Times
in
339 Posts
I can’t believe this has never been discussed before. If only there was a searchable archive of old threads….
Likes For AdkMtnMonster:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,048
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2170 Post(s)
Liked 1,395 Times
in
888 Posts
Depending on the shape of one's body, non-bib shorts may tend to roll down at the waist. Worst case, you feel like you've got a tourniquet below your belly button. Bib shorts don't roll down. If you've got the right size bibs, they're not constricting.
Some bibs extend the short fabric well up your torso. Those tend to be hot in warmer weather. Other bibs have a mesh up top, and there's not much difference between those and shorts as far as trapping heat next to your body.
Some bibs extend the short fabric well up your torso. Those tend to be hot in warmer weather. Other bibs have a mesh up top, and there's not much difference between those and shorts as far as trapping heat next to your body.
Likes For pdlamb:
#8
Dead but dreaming
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Bay Area, CA (Peninsula)
Posts: 354
Bikes: 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, 2022 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 133 Post(s)
Liked 264 Times
in
152 Posts
Bibs are super comfortable, but I like a tight race fit for all of my clothes. Bibs don't require elastic at your waist.
The bibs I use, PI Pros, are super easy to pull down in the front if I need to take a nature break.
The bibs I use, PI Pros, are super easy to pull down in the front if I need to take a nature break.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Weston, FL
Posts: 116
Bikes: '92 Merlin Extralight, '19 Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 Disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
4 Posts
The first time I tried bibs, several years ago, I was sold. Have not worn shorts since. Good ones work well. No adjusting while riding and they just "feel" better. Have never had a problem taking a piss. If they're hotter in summer, I haven't noticed.it.
Best to try them on. Different brands fit differently. Or, get a recommendation from someone. You "usually" get what you pay for, so be prepared to spend accordingly. Try a pair.
Best to try them on. Different brands fit differently. Or, get a recommendation from someone. You "usually" get what you pay for, so be prepared to spend accordingly. Try a pair.
Last edited by zx9rmal; 07-21-21 at 01:42 PM.
#10
:D
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 6,044
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,122 Times
in
1,426 Posts
I perfer the ones with thin or no padding. Hard to find.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#11
I’m a little Surly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Southern Germany
Posts: 2,142
Bikes: Two Cross Checks and a Karate Monkey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 569 Post(s)
Liked 1,038 Times
in
538 Posts
Bibs don’t show my a$$ crack when wearing normal clothes. Bibs keep the diaper where it belongs, since I have “more to love”. There is no downside to bibs
#12
more daylight today!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 12,236
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5011 Post(s)
Liked 3,520 Times
in
2,443 Posts
At least by starting a new thread, we might maybe sort of get some more current thinking on the issue.
#13
more daylight today!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 12,236
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 43 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5011 Post(s)
Liked 3,520 Times
in
2,443 Posts
I finally bought a pair of bibs last year. I like them, but I can't say that I like them any more or less than the shorts I've been happy with for over 12 years prior.
So for me the only difference is when I step into the restroom or stop on the side of a deserted part of the road or trail.
So for me the only difference is when I step into the restroom or stop on the side of a deserted part of the road or trail.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 1,751
Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 687 Post(s)
Liked 1,568 Times
in
780 Posts
I like bibs. My only complaint is finding a pair with multiple firm compression panels, long 11" inseam, straps that have enough give so my shoulders are not sore, and rugged resilient material for under $150.
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 189
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times
in
60 Posts

Likes For fredlord:
#16
Over the hill
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 23,750
Bikes: Giant Defy
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 688 Post(s)
Liked 750 Times
in
450 Posts
As a pencil thin teen, I didn't care between shorts and bibs. When I grew up and out, I got annoyed that my gut spills over the waistband of shorts. Bibs solve that.
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minas Ithil
Posts: 9,335
Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2431 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
389 Posts
I wear bib shorts but my winter insulated ones aren't bibs. I don't want the straps on those because sometimes I'll pull over and take off my baselayer when I warm up and it's quicker.
#18
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Thailand
Posts: 239
Bikes: Bianchi Infinito CV, Trek X- CAL 29er HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times
in
44 Posts
Bib shorts fit is the key here. I joined the bib cycling team years ago and was pleasantly surprised from day one. Assos bib shorts are more expensive than some but well worth it.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 4,417
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2149 Post(s)
Liked 2,287 Times
in
1,463 Posts
For long fast road rides I find them pretty much essential. Nothing IME is more comfortable when you are mashing the pedals for hours at a time. They are less important for more casual rides and not so great if you are stopping for long breaks etc along the way.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gulf Breeze, FL
Posts: 4,128
Bikes: Rossetti Vertigo
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 229 Post(s)
Liked 119 Times
in
70 Posts
If you aren't sure, get a pair of these. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 $30 on Amazon. I have two pair of Castelli and one Pearl Izumi, and this cheap one from Amazon is not bad. Got it a couple of weeks ago and am impressed so far. If you don't want to drop $100+ on brand name bibs, give it a try. I refused to wear bibs for a long time, but once I did it was a game changer.
#21
:D
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 6,044
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,122 Times
in
1,426 Posts
If you aren't sure, get a pair of these. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 $30 on Amazon. I have two pair of Castelli and one Pearl Izumi, and this cheap one from Amazon is not bad. Got it a couple of weeks ago and am impressed so far. If you don't want to drop $100+ on brand name bibs, give it a try. I refused to wear bibs for a long time, but once I did it was a game changer.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
#22
meh
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hopkins, MN
Posts: 4,632
Bikes: 21 CoMotion Java; 21 Bianchi Infinito; 17 Breezer Radar Pro; 15 Surly Pugsley; 13 Felt Z85; 11 Globe Daily; 09 Kona Dew Drop; 96 Mondonico
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1074 Post(s)
Liked 936 Times
in
487 Posts
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 3,571
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 611 Post(s)
Liked 963 Times
in
625 Posts
Until recently Bib shorts were a real investment for people who could afford them. So if we could not afford bib shorts we would sew some suspenders on to regular bike shorts made out of double face satin ribbon. Bib shorts can keep you private parts in proper alignment. They also keep the top of the shorts from pilling up in that roll of fat at your waist line. Now days there is only about a 10 USD to 20 USD difference in cost between economical Bib and regular cycle shorts. Much better...
Economical Mens Bike Shorts about 20 USD
Economical Mens Bib Sorts about 35 USD
Note: As to the thought of repeating subjects from old threads, why not? Things change. Years ago a set of Bib's could cost 150 USD. Now days they are much cheaper. Ok... Now on to that new thread on Chain Lube or a Comfortable Seat.... Ha
Economical Mens Bike Shorts about 20 USD
Economical Mens Bib Sorts about 35 USD
Note: As to the thought of repeating subjects from old threads, why not? Things change. Years ago a set of Bib's could cost 150 USD. Now days they are much cheaper. Ok... Now on to that new thread on Chain Lube or a Comfortable Seat.... Ha
__________________
No matter where your at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gulf Breeze, FL
Posts: 4,128
Bikes: Rossetti Vertigo
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 229 Post(s)
Liked 119 Times
in
70 Posts
It's actually a pretty decent pad and the spandex part is not bad. Quite a bit thinner than my Castellis, but I'm OK with that. Also, the legs are a bit shorter, which I like. The Castelli legs tend to be pretty long. I'd say it was good money spent. I'd recommend them for someone on the fence about bibs.
#25
:D
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 6,044
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,122 Times
in
1,426 Posts
It's actually a pretty decent pad and the spandex part is not bad. Quite a bit thinner than my Castellis, but I'm OK with that. Also, the legs are a bit shorter, which I like. The Castelli legs tend to be pretty long. I'd say it was good money spent. I'd recommend them for someone on the fence about bibs.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!