bibs or shorts?
 

who of you prefer bibs ( think thats the correct name for shorts with shoulder straps right?) or common shorts and why?

I just got my first pair of bibs as an x-mas gift. I like them much more than the shorts I have been riding in all year. They don't ever creep down, the seam at the top doesn't feel as awkward.....I just find them much more comfortable than shorts. Check out the roadie forum and search this topic, it has been discussed there at least once, probably more often than that.

That said, I'm still going to use up the $75 shorts I bought. But they will definetly be replaced with bibs.

Both. Bibs are more comfy, but tend to be a pain. Seems like the shoulder straps are always short. But on long rides, they are the best choice. But most of the time I just throw on a pair of shorts.
It's easier, and you never get straps in the john :eek:

bibs

I like the bibs because they don't creep down (especially courteous to the person behind you in the pace line) and they're more comfortable around the waist. I always wear them in the winter because the bib top makes them a little bit warmer, especially in the low back area. Besides, one of my former teammates was notorious for starting at the back of a paceline, grabbing people's shorts, pulling them down, and hooking them under the saddle. He had fun seeing how far he could get up the paceline before people in front caught on to what was happening. :eek: I think the local bike shop's sales of bib shorts sailed that summer. However, if it is really hot and humid in the summer (over 90 degrees) I sometimes switch back to the regular shorts since they're cooler.

I like the comfort of my bibs but, for men around 50 y/o or so, they can become, er, problematic. Shorts are, in those circumstances, much more convenient and get folks back on the road much quicker. Being 55, I speak from some experience. And I ride with a friend, a prostate cancer survivor, who, on some rides, has to stop every 3-4 miles. If he wore bibs, we'd still be waiting for him!

I'm a radical prostatectomy survivor who can relate to the stopping frequently during rides. However, I also wear bibs and nothing but bibs. If you buy them the right size, they are not a problem urinating; it just takes a lot of practice on your technique. ;)

-Dennis

Bibs are much more comfortable for me, as I'm a rather heavy guy. Most of them are cut low enough in the front that you can scooch your "self" out to go to the bathroom without having to undress. Not having a waistband is the biggest advantage, especially if it's cool out and I need to layer up other clothes on top of the bibs. The only problem is that sometimes the shoulder straps want to slide down, but it's easy enough to fix them.

Bibs! Once you go bibs you never go back ;) No waistband and it keeps everything where it should be is the best.

Bibs rule - after I got my first pair, I wound up buying a few more. Much more comfortable - no binding at the waist. The choice of serious cyclists.

A good pair of shorts seem to be just as comfortable as bibs, but without the hassle. If you are heavy however, you may like bibs better.

I switched to bibs in June 2003. I bought a pair of Voler bib. Liked them so much I bought 4 more pairs (2 black, gray, blue). After reading lotek's comments about Etxe Ondo bibs, I had to try them. Wow! Much more comfortable. I have black, navy, and charcoal. :beer:

Anyway as they say, "Once you try bibs you'll never go back to shorts."

Because I've never mastered a satisfactory technique, I'd ask you how you manage, Dennis, but this is a family-oriented forum!

I have to disagree: For example, apples to apples - Pearl Izumi Microsensor bibs versus PI Microsensor shorts in the same size. Bibs much more comfortable, straps fit perfectly, and easy to pee without removing. If you are hammering along at about 28 mph for extended periods and think that shorts are just as comfortable as bibs in a good aero position, you must have tried some cheapo bibs!