Chamois problem?
 

I have a basic Black Bib that fits well but I wanted to buy a higher tier bib not long ago. I bought a Primal Helix, mainly for the logo. I think it is supposed to be a better bib but I recently had an issue.
I have worn it several times with no problems but recently I got chafed pretty bad. It may not be the chamois but I have a few questions.
The chamois feels larger than on my black bib- like I stuffed a towel on my shorts. It is really noticeable when I am walking around. Is this normal? Is it just a Primal thing?
I have lost a little weight since buying them but not a huge amount.
If a bib and chamois are too large can that cause problems? I am wondering if it can bunch up and put pressure in spots.
I bought some chamois cream that may help.
If the basic Black Bib fits better should I just stay with them and get a higher tier Black Bib?

So

I have a pair of Black Bib Ultimates, I’ve come to the conclusion that they are a little too large. Using a saddle that is very thin at the front (Berk) the pad is a little bulky and loose and actually gets caught on the front of the saddle and chafes, with a saddle that is thicker at the front S-Works Power Pro I don’t get the chafing but am still bothered by the bulky padding. I also use Castelli Expresso Bibs size XL vs the BBs in large. They fit a good bit tighter and everything stays put and is happy regardless of which saddle I’m on. The Castellis cost double the cost of the BBs but I just bought more Castellis.

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Shorts and bibs are like shoes and seats. Very personal. If the Black Bibs work, why change? Maybe buy one pair of the nicer ones and see if it is worth the extra money. And now you know that shorts that can double as diapers don't work for you, simplifying the search.

Yes, too big can cause issues. For me, too big shorts means my personals not staying where they belong. That will get me long before I see a rash from a chamois fold. But again, what works for me probably isn't what works for you.

I read a review of the Primal Helix bibs. One complaint was the chamois was too big but I want to check here.

The Primal feels bulky in front but the pad under my sit bones feels good.

First, ignore how the bibs feel off the bike. They're designed to be comfortable on the bike in riding position.

Second, yes bib chamois design/construction can vary, and some can be a misfit with your particular anatomy. There is one well-regarded brand of bibs that I just can't wear, because the chamois design rubs me raw - the first time I tried them I was on a longish ride and I was literally bleeding by the end of the ride. There's nothing wrong with the bibs, its just that they don't fit with my anatomy.

Third, I prefer thinner chamois, personally, but there are many people who do just fine with thicker pads. I am pretty heavy below the waist, with little to no thigh gap and a big butt, so thicker pads tend to bunch up in some areas and cause abrasions. I doubt that's a hard and fast rule, though. Unfortunately, IME the only way to determine if a bib fits you is empirically. This can get expensive if you have a finicky tuchas, but I dont't know of a way around it. I've been lucky, there's only the one brand I have to steer clear of (so far), but then I'm pretty conservative and tend to stick to brands with which I've had good experiences.

Fourth, fit can vary as weight/fitness varies. I have various sized bibs, both between brands/models (i.e. size M in brand/model A fits smaller than size M in brand/model B) and within brands/models (i.e. I have size M and S in brand/model A) so that I can switch to the appropriate size as my weight/fitness changes. The size differences aren't radical, but they can make a significant difference in comfort during a ride. In general, as I lose weight, I have to pay more attention when getting into my bibs to make sure the pad, grippers, straps, etc. are positioned properly. If the bib fits tightly, then this is usually less of an issue for me.

(Note: this post makes it sound like I have a ton of bibs, but when I say I have bibs with various fits, I mean that the bulk of my bibs fit me at my standard weight/fitness, but I have a couple for when I am at an unusual level of weight and/or fitness.)

Thank you. I will try my Primal bibs again and pay attention to adjusting it into position.

This. Bibs and short should fit like a second skin, so that they move with your body.

OP mentions chafing, which sounds like the bibs must be a bit loose somewhere, allowing them to move relative to the body. With my bibs, I get wear on the outside of them legs where the thigh slides past the nose of the saddle, but I DON'T get chafing on my skin.

You might also try lube if you don't already. I have a variety of bibs and they do not all fit the same. Ones that are slightly too large have not caused me any problems but that's me. 79pmooney nailed it about bibs/shorts being like saddles and shoes. Fit is a real personal thing.

Can you wax instead of lube your bibs? Asking for a friend.

The biggest problem I’ve had with bibs is creases, not thickness.

Shorts like thr black bibs have a segmented chamois, so this creates creases if you’re skinny. I’ve had those creases basically cut in to me.

Regardless of shape or thickness, you have to be sure that the chamois is sitting flat against your butt. If it has to fold or rumple up to fit your derrière, it’s going to bother you on a long enough ride.

Aww come on now this isn't the 41! You almost cost me a keyboard. :beer:

Thanks. My Primal did feel bulky so it may have folded a little. When I try it again, probably tomorrow, I will make sure it’s snug and positioned correctly.

My very first bibs were the BB regular and the chamois was just too thin. I now only wear it on short rides. My next bib was the Primal Helix (I believe) and I love them. The chamois are good for long rides and that's what I'm looking for. When you put them on, the difference is obvious and that translates to comfort on the bike. I've now tried Castelli Espresso and LeCol Sport Bib II. I believe they are on par w/ the Castelli and just slightly better than the Le Col

Bike shorts are like saddles - everyone needs to figure out their preference, often through trial and error, unfortunately.

Kinda like cycling shoes.

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My Primal bibs are Helix, I think.
The chamois is thicker than my basic BBs and they feel like they are better quality.
I may have just not had them pulled up and caused a fold.

Like others have said, they feel weird standing, but that's not the point at all. Getting bibs is an expensive experiment like shoes. Unfortunately, no way around it if you want to enjoy the sport and feel comfortable.

One or more of the following seems to be true for me:

1. Pads are getting thicker, so they tend to rub more.

2. Makers are using coarser threads to sew the chamois on.

3. My older skin is more sensitive down there.

I'll hit the front and sides of my chamois with Body Glide or chamois cream before I put them on. That seems to take care of all three. But do be sure to pull the shorts up snug before you start riding.

I rode 12 miles today with no discomfort. I wore my Primal bibs and made sure they were pulled up snug. I also used Chamois Butt’r.
I slightly lowered my saddle and tipped the nose down a little.
Whatever it was seems to be taken care of. It might even have been the seat on the stationary bike at the gym.

Great to hear! Hopefully it's still good on longer rides. I have also found tipping the saddle a bit forward helps. My fitter also confirmed this. When I ride the communal peloton bike at work, I don't adjust the saddle angle (it's flat) and feel uncomfortable in less than 30 minutes. I bear through it but it is a factor.

most of the stuff i end up keeping and using has gone through a bit of a break in period.

just gotta show 'em who's boss!