Bib Convert
 

After the chamois in two paris of PI shorts had begun to rip out, I decided to take the advice of so many here on the forums and try Performance bib shorts. Because they were on sale, I bought a pair of the Century gel bibs and a pair of the Elite bibs. Though I like the fabric on the PI shorts much better, the performance bibs, at two for about the price of one pair of PI shorts, are extrememly comfortable. I especially like losing the waistband. The chamois in the Elite bibs is as comfortable as the PI chamois. I am still deciding if I like the gel chamois. At first it is comfortable as all get out, but on a long, hot, sweaty ride this weekend it became awfully squirmy at about the 30-mile mark. It did not become uncomfortable, but I think it absorbed enough moisture to endow it with a high "squish quotient" (I'd really rather not think about this any more). I'll decide whether I like it after a few long rides when the temperature isn't pushing 100 degrees F.

Hooray, another convert. :beer:

I don't know how much you paid for the Performance bibs, but have you looked at the Voler bibs?
I tried 2 pairs in June and loved them (they were on sale too). Bought 3 mores pairs a few weeks later. I have 2 black, 2 gray, and 1 blue pair.

That's all I'll wear now. No more regular cycing shorts for me. :)

Once you try them - you can never go back.:D

Welcome to the world of comfortable cycling, and
no waistbands!

Check out Etxe-Ondo, really nice chamois and very well
made, there are deals out there if you look for em.


Marty

I've been wearing the Performance Elite bibs for a couple of years now. I like them a lot. They don't go on sale often, but if you get the catalogs there's usually a "2-for" sale once a year.

My oldest pair has been worn for at least 2500 miles and laundered at least a hundred times. It's still in good shape, and the chamois hasn't deteriorated.

RichC

I just bought Century Gel as my second bibs at Performance in July. It was in-store special at $39.99 +Tax. I have been wearing my old ones(also Century but no Gel) for years and feel much more comfortable because of stretched out leg holes. I'm trying to break-in the new ones. I much prefer bibs over shorts.

Yesterday, I took my new PI bibs on their first long ride and experienced, well almost experienced some chaffing. I didn't like it at all and maybe it was isolated.
I do like the feel of bibs though and hope the PIs work.
Shorts are still very comfortable to me though and I can't see giving them up all together.