What's good about bib shorts?
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I was like that before I got hit by a truck, and needed a few surgeries to repair intestinal tears. Now it's at least 2 hours (2-3 dumps) before I can go for a ride. It really sucks in the summer because I want to ride at dawn.
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As someone who does have a larger gut, not having the shorts slide down is an issue. bibs also prevent plumber's crack and help keep the bad right where it needs to be.
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And how often are you going #2 while kitted out for a ride? 

#56
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I much prefer bibs for the fit of bibs for compression and staying in place while riding. I never touch my bibs to adjust, once I have them on.
The tough thing has been finding bibs that fit well and are a coat that I like for quality I like.
I'm tall and most bibs are short on the straps.
And bibs, like saddles, must be tried multiple times over long periods so the cost caj add up quickly.
I currently have sets of the Black Bibs Plus because I like the let compression design. They come in a tall version that fits well.
There is absolutely no benefit to shorts for me when cmi compare them to those specific bibs.
The tough thing has been finding bibs that fit well and are a coat that I like for quality I like.
I'm tall and most bibs are short on the straps.
And bibs, like saddles, must be tried multiple times over long periods so the cost caj add up quickly.
I currently have sets of the Black Bibs Plus because I like the let compression design. They come in a tall version that fits well.
There is absolutely no benefit to shorts for me when cmi compare them to those specific bibs.
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#58
Newbie
I wore shorts, including Asos and Descente, for about 2 decades and then switched to bibs last year. I prefer them much better now as there's no longer slippage around the waist area, especially my backside. This helps in cold weather riding. And this year I switched to winter bib tights as well.
#59
just having fun
Bibs are like cleats. I wish I tried them sooner.
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Marathon training will teach you really quickly which foods are ok for the day before a long training session.
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I volunteered to marshall the NYC Century ride, so I had to get up much earlier than normal. I missed my morning constitutional. I ended up going to a port-a-john in a remote neighborhood I didn't know. I ended up bringing half my bike into the little stall with me to deter theft. Then I had to get undressed and dressed with very little space. And I had to do it all with that physical uncomfortable feeling. But I'm not complaining, no.
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It's common enough that it's the basis of a great deal of off-color comedy. It's also one of the reasons I just shrug it off when people tell me to give up coffee for no particularly good reason.
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#65
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Thank you and good night!
And how often are you going #2 while kitted out for a ride? 

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No bibs were harmed.
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I'll see if I can find a photo of the desert roads around here.
I couldn't find one of the 15 mile stretch of road that's about 5 miles from my house. Maybe tomorrow.
Lots of bushes, but not really much cover. Anyway, what would I wipe with?
I couldn't find one of the 15 mile stretch of road that's about 5 miles from my house. Maybe tomorrow.
Lots of bushes, but not really much cover. Anyway, what would I wipe with?
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Like that's not a problem at home...
#73
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Obviously this is a matter of personal preference.
I would make a couple of arguments for trying bibs if you haven't: 1) from observing BF threads over the years, and talking to other cyclists, it appears a very significant majority of people try bibs after using only shorts, stick with bibs; 2) it also appears the vast majority of professional cyclists, people who spend a lot of time in the saddle, wear bibs.
It only costs the price of one good pair of bibs to see if they are for you.
I wore shorts for decades, until I tried bibs about 10 years ago. I would never go back.
I would make a couple of arguments for trying bibs if you haven't: 1) from observing BF threads over the years, and talking to other cyclists, it appears a very significant majority of people try bibs after using only shorts, stick with bibs; 2) it also appears the vast majority of professional cyclists, people who spend a lot of time in the saddle, wear bibs.
It only costs the price of one good pair of bibs to see if they are for you.
I wore shorts for decades, until I tried bibs about 10 years ago. I would never go back.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
#74
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I wear both depending on which pair I pull out for the day when commuting, but on long rides always bib shorts.
in reading comments it seems going to the loo for #2 is an issue, but this seems off. Even on centuries I’ve not had to go #2 more than once, if at all, if I properly train for it (go before I leave the house). #1 is easy by pulling down the front. In winter more of an issue with multiple layers but then again I’m not doing winter centuries. So yes a little more pain in having to take off that partially-loaded summer jersey and strip down partially naked for #2 for 5 minutes but well worth it the rest of the 5+ hours.
in reading comments it seems going to the loo for #2 is an issue, but this seems off. Even on centuries I’ve not had to go #2 more than once, if at all, if I properly train for it (go before I leave the house). #1 is easy by pulling down the front. In winter more of an issue with multiple layers but then again I’m not doing winter centuries. So yes a little more pain in having to take off that partially-loaded summer jersey and strip down partially naked for #2 for 5 minutes but well worth it the rest of the 5+ hours.