hexron

I've been hesitant to get back into biking shorts/bibs for a while. I'm 6'7" / 225 and have a hard time finding a good fit. Until Feb I was primarily commuting - and now I'm riding less often but much longer rides. I've found that a combo of UA Boxerjock and nice shorts were the most comfy for my commute rides - but now I l'm looking at making an investment in Rapha/Assos bibs.

I tried Sugoi, PI and Aero Tech shorts and bib shorts and found with each one I could not get a comfy spot for my twig and berries. I tried chamois butter - but I cannot understand how you get your twig end not to rub against the outside stitching of the pad. Will the pad on a pair of expensive Rapha bibs have less abrasive stitching and be more comfy?

Also - I'm leaning toward Rapha cause it looks like they come with a free return shipping label - is this true? I'd like to buy like four or five bibs and see which one fits best since I can't decide between L and XL. Has anyone else returned stuff to Rapha? Or is this a bad idea?

Larry77

I have both Rapha and Assos bibs, tights and shorts. I used to like Assos better than Rapha, but my newer Assos, with the two sides that aren't stitched, are not as good as my other chamois. Now my "go to" bibs are Rapha (or surprisingly my DHB's from wiggle.com are extremely comfortable-would choose before my Assos).

I think a lot of this is personal preference but my list right now in order of preference would be:

#1) Rapha (last couple lines have been great!)
#2) DHB from Wiggle (surprisingly amazed by their "higher-end" kits--their great prices with high quality put
them very high on the list)
#3) Assos (newer gear is not as good as previous version in my opinion)
#4) Giordana (my first "good" set of bis/shorts/tights, would definitely recommend)
#5) Castelli (be careful what you buy, cheaper stuff is crap, higher lines are very good)
#6) Performance Bike (their "pro" line, I've never tried their very cheap lines)
#7) Pearle Izumi (a lot of variation with their gear, higher-end stuff is very comfortable)

All from personal experience

hexron

Thanks so much - what Rapha shorts do you have? Thanks for the ranking! I'd like to experiment with dhb/Wiggle but their return policy makes buying clothes for me not a good idea...

Masque

WesternBikeWorks' house brand, ProCorsa, has one called the McKenzie Pass which I love. 14 panels, I think? Incredible value. Would put it up against Assos and Rapha.

I would dig a slightly thinner chamois, but for the endless rides I have a garish Pearl Izumi one for that.

Larry77

My current favorites are my Rapha "PRO TEAM BIB SHORTS II", I don't think I paid the nearly $300 they have listed on their site thought, I think I paid around $200 because of a sale...

gsa103

Assos short typically have a much larger pad, it goes much higher in front, and may help with issues.

Dan333SP

I have a friend who is 6'6" and about that weight, I believe he has both rapha and assos. I'll message him and see what size/fit advice he may have.

cthenn

Troll alert!

You mean "upgrading price to Rapha/Assos"

RShantz

This is true. I think the Assos bibs have more room in the front.

milacs

I've owned both Assos/Rapha entry-level options. The Rapha core bibs are noticeably better in terms of overall feel; I really dug the compression and how the chamois fit (which varies person to person anyways).

KenR

I am 5'9" and 190+ and fit comfortably into the XLG Assos T-cento bib. Not quite sure if, at 6'7", even the TIR bib wouldn't be a bit tight. But if you do fit, it is a nice bib. Might be worth a try.

tko365

Look at the Assos T.Cento_S7 and what Assos calls the 'KuKu Penthouse'. I wear this bib on centuries.

Nachoman

True. I'm in between sizes also so I always buy two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit.

rgconner

Similar weight and torso as you, really like the Lou Garnaeu pro bibs from Performance.

Did 70.5 miles Sunday, no issues.

rpenmanparker 

But what about the twig and berries? No one is dealing with that issue.

Sy Reene

Just picked up a 2nd pair of PI PRO bib shorts. For any STP coupon recipients (weekly 20% off), these are a great deal IMO. Straightforward and non-intrusive minimal thickness chamois.. ymmv
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. In-R-Cool® Cycling Bib Shorts (For Men) - Save 41%

rgconner

It is probably a fit issue, but the dude wants new bibs, so we are helping him out.

bruce19

Interesting. I am 5'9" and 190 lbs. I wear a L in Assos and they fit me perfectly. Wonder how that happens.

I love Assos bibs. Have never had Rapha gear. Will have to try one of these days.

KenR

I tried XL but straps were very tight on me, even when in biking position. However, XL is fine for me on the SS_Mille jersey.

bruce19

I've noticed that different Assos jerseys fit in different sizes for me.

KenR

Yes, the SS_Mille is more generously proportioned than the others. I don't even consider the race oriented ones because of my size. However, I am less generously proportioned than my avatar would suggest...