Comfortable & durable bib shorts - don't care about weight or aero
 

Hey All!

I own a pair of Castelli bib shorts (a medium end model, paid ~$120 at a store, not sure which because I was stupid enough to throw away the label).

They do their job, but I'm not fully satisfied. In particular:

(1) The bibs are a little short for my height and carve into my shoulders a bit. I could go up one size, but waist and legs are already fairly wide for me

(2) The leg grippers are not very effective or comfortable. After half an hour riding, they ride up to the point that they become uncomfortable on my thighs - maybe that's because I should have taken one size down?

(3) They feel very flimsy, like the stitching would break if I pulled hard while I slide into them.

I tried more expensive models in stores, but they felt the same, if not worse. I do understand the concerns about weight and aerodynamics, but as a non-competitive cyclist, I'd rather have something that keeps me comfortable. A gripper that slides up and cuts into my quads will slow me down way more than few ounces of extra weight.

Can you recommend models that focus more on comfort and durability rather than light weight or aerodynamics?

Thanks!

In my experience bibs and shorts are not commonly marketed with regard to either weight or aerodynamics. Just try on some until you find ones that fit.

I've been super happy with Cycling Clothing: Mens, Bottoms, Bibs by Voler bibs, plus made in the USA

I have 2 pairs of Assos knickers - lined and unlined. I'm 6', 180lbs. My lined knickers are size large (rationale is I'm a few pounds heavier in the winter...) the others are medium. Very happy with both. Still have my first pair of bibs, Louis Garneau Carbon, 5 years old. They're still in great shape although only good for hot weather.
I recently bought a pair of 7West bibs to complement my LGs. Much more relaxed fit than the Assos (even in medium) but they have a longer leg for the 2017 model (what i have). Have a look at those, they're billed as a 3 season bib and I've worn them in chilly temps with a full leg warmer on 80km rides.

I'm perfectly happy with my Pearl Izumi bibs. I particularly like the PRO chamois, but the Elite is fine as well. I've worn and washed them countless times and they are still great. Only cosmetically, some of the reflective material has started to wear after a few dozen washes. I always hang dry.

Looks for deals on last year (or two) models and reap the savings.

I feel the same way about Castelli in regards to build quality. They fit me better than Pearl Izumi but they're so thin that I feel like I'm going to rip them when hand washing, especially when twisting to squeeze the water out. My old Pearl Izumi pair is still in great shape even after washing so many times that the reflectives have faded.

try Capo -- they're a little longer than castelli ...

I found that capo and castelli both are very low cut in front, have very wide set straps, which are very narrow and hard to position. They both are relatively short shorts. They look great, but don't really fit all that comfortable.

Our team kit is Hincapie and i love the bibs (and the polar winter jackets). The bibs (team kits) can be ordered in long or short length, but the real win is the high front that gives compression and support around the waist (but can still be pulled down for pit stops), the high mesh backs, and the straps which are very well positioned, are wide and easy to position, and have vertical stretch to them. The chamois is nothing special, But I find that to also be exactly on point. Not too thick, not too thin, just very functional piece of kit

I had Izumi shorts before and they were my favorites before the team kit... but I can't rate the bibs as I never had them.

Huge huge thanks All! Registering on this forum was the best idea! :-)

You are super knowledgeable and kind enough to help!

Will look for stores with Voler, Pearl Izumi, Louis Garneau, Assos, Capo and Hincapie. If I find them discounted, I may even get a pair online.

competitive cyclist's capo shorts (these: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/ca...reet-bib-short) are like 2" longer than my castellis (well, they feel that way)... and yeah, the castelli 'free' fit is cut way low in front. their others aren't as low in front. I like my Hincapies, but the shoulder straps are a touch loose for me (and I'm all torso). someone above said it perfectly: keep trying em on till you find a brand you like. That all being said, I heart my Assos. So for me, it's Assos, Castelli and Capo. But that's me.

remember, how the shoulder straps fit standing is different than when you're on the bike.

NWT Hincapie custom stuff (ie team orders) hits ebay pretty steady. Seems like unclaimed, or excess ordered stuff. Check the ebay listings and look at the different designs for straps and waistlines, both across models, and brands.

I personally wear random stuff when commuting or training solo. Shhhh don't tell anyone.

I've had a similar experience with Castelli. Great bibs, but didn't last very long at all.

I'm a big Bellwether fan. They make some really underrated stuff. Check out the Forza bibs. I bought them last summer and used them on my ride across the country. So they started out with 3,000 miles on them and they've been my main shorts for long rides ever since. They're holding up well and the rear hasn't turned see-through yet.

I have an older pair of a model they don't make anymore that I've had for 2-3 years and they are second in line. The back is starting to wear out, but not bad enough to stop wearing yet.

I don't keep track of the mileage on them, but I rode 15,000 miles last year and will ride 12,000 this year and those are the main 2 shorts I wear.

That price is tempting.
This kit (using the same bib - free with purchase) so much more.
Capo Royal Street 2.0 Jersey - Men's | Competitive Cyclist

Hmmm.......

I use mesh bags designed to wash delicate items and use Woolite in the washing machine on the hand wash setting. Walmart and Target sell small mesh containers used to wash women's underwear. These work fantastic.

Lots of manufacturers recommend not twisting or wringing. High end Tyr and Speedo bathing suits are this way.


-Tim-

Had no idea they were still around. My first pair of long tights were made by bellwether. So was my first jersey. Bought them both in the mid to late 80s.

Performacne Bikes. First

Greetings all,

I like Pearl Izumi bibs and have used them over the years. But you need to understand how the Pearl Izumi line works and this will help you understand why---even with other manufacturers---the most expensive ones are not necessarily the most durable ones and this is by design.

Pearl Izumi has three general lines: Select, Elite and Pro. The Select line is their "value" line for novices and casual riders. It is designed for less fit riders so the cut is a little bigger and the bibs have very little if any compression fit. Their durability is average. The Elite line is for more serious riders who are assumed to be more fit. And it also tries to catch the budget-minded pro. The cut is tighter for a fitter rider and the bibs will have a medium compression fit. The materials will be better than the Select line. Usually, the Elite line is the most durable and many "pro" features trickle down to it over the years. Their pads are very comfortable. The Pro line is, as you'd guess, for the professional cyclists---or advanced amateurs. The bibs will have a full-on compression fit for a very athletic body type and the "latest" and "greatest" materials will be used. For summer clothing, this means the lightest materials with the best cooling properties. As a result, the Pro bibs will appear to be lighter and will, in fact, be slightly less durable than their Elite line. But this tradeoff was intentional in order to provide a better bib for competitive racing. And the pads in the Pro bibs are the absolute best. I've never used a chamois any better than the ones in the Pro Pearl Izumi shorts and bibs.

Another factor that effects durability is the compression fit. The more the bibs are designed to provide compression (to support long, intense muscular exertion), the quicker they will wear out because the elastic materials have the shortest lifespan. After a few thousand miles, you'll begin to notice that your pro bibs aren't quite as "tight" as they use to be. Eventually, you have to replace them in order to get a new pair with fresh fabric that hasn't relaxed its elasticity over time.

These differences in design cause lots and lots of confusion in the market. Some novices who started with entry-level Select bibs may think "I'll buy Pro bibs so they'll last longer". When they get them, they are angry because they fit too tight and, if they use them a lot, they may not be as durable. They purchased the wrong bibs and did not understand their design. They were made for someone with low bodyfat who would be doing extreme exertion and needed a compression fit. They were made to offer competitive advantages that unintentionally made them less durable for multi-year high mileage.

So, when you shop for bibs, keep these differences in mind because Pearl Izumi is not the only cycling clothing manufacturer that does this---it's just the one that I'm most familiar with. Honestly assess what will work best for your application and, if you decide to purchase outside your present body fitness level, be prepared to upsize or downsize accordingly based on the cut and compression level that the bibs were design for.

Kind regards, RoadLight

^ excellent observations.

I'm a big fan of Voler's bibs. Great fit. Very comfortable. Excellent workmanship. I use them for rides of less than 2 hours duration. They last a very long time.

For rides from 2 to 24 hours, I go with Assos Cento bib shorts. Way more expensive than I like, but they get me to the end of long rides very comfortably and they last for years. I've got two pair that get a lot of use -- both 3 years old (probably 7500 miles on each pair) and still in great shape. The only downside (besides price): While the Assos chamois is placed perfectly for endurance rides, it's not in a great location for sitting upright on a trainer.

Ribble has great prices on Assos.

Assos T Equipe S7 Bib Shorts - Bib Shorts & Shorts - Ribble Cycles

and bookmark this: https://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/

It just ain't worth it to worry about longevity. I have been machine washing and drying cycling clothes for more than 30 years and have never felt they failed prematurely. Regular detergent, regular cycle, no special bag. It just doesn't have to be so hard. Also never had sores or infection due to bacterial contamination. The washing machine takes care of all that.

There is nothing special or difficult about putting stuff in a bag and twisting the dial on the front of the washing machine.

I was just offering a suggestion to the guy, that's all. It's not the end of the world.



-Tim-

You just have to try them on, of course. Find an online vendor with a liberal return policy so you can do that.

Add to your list the Performance house brand. They're not expensive, but I have a pair each of their Elite and Ultra bibs and have been very happy with their durability and comfort. They have distinctively different chamois and material, but both work great for me. They're both several years old and going strong, but I have no idea if they've changed the chamois since then. Just suggesting them because you can order them and even ride them and return them if you don't like them - Performance has a pretty much total satisfaction guarantee. At least they used to.

No, you're right. It's not. DSFDF. Just trying to simplify life is all.