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Bibs...

Old 04-27-21, 11:44 AM
  #1  
Badbird2000
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Bibs...

Ok, so since i bought my first road bike when i was 13 (Fuji, downtube shifters, steel frame) i have worn bike shorts. I started back riding road last year at the tender age of 47.. debating buying a pair of bibbs. Is there that much difference in comfort? I'm not opposed at all.. just curious. Would like to stay around $100, if that would get me something decent quality-wise. I'm a size 32/32, so guessing medium, although i figure that would vary by manufacturer.

Tell me, do you prefer bibbs or shorts? It's all road riding, btw if that matters
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Old 04-27-21, 12:13 PM
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eric1971
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Bibs stay in place better and are more comfortable. No waistband to cut into you. I would never go back to shorts. Assos are the best.
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Old 04-27-21, 01:08 PM
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You're not going to know what you prefer until you try them - some that try bibs go back to shorts, but it seems that the majority of enthusiasts prefer bibs.
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Old 04-27-21, 01:14 PM
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mstateglfr 
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100% bibs- they stay in place. if i were a woman with hips, shorts could work fine since they stay up better.
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Old 04-27-21, 01:24 PM
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I've used shorts for at least ten years. Everyone I know says bibbs are better, even my son.

I bought some last year and they fit nicely.

I can't tell the difference when I'm riding. Only when I get ready to pee do I notice anything different. <grin>
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Old 04-27-21, 02:15 PM
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I think you'll hear a lot of opinions on this topic and most will say bibbs. I tried a pair and don't really care for them. There's something about the panel covering my stomach that doesn't feel right to me. Maybe I just need to lose my gut. In any event I'm back to shorts with no problems.
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Old 04-27-21, 02:30 PM
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After 5 years in shorts, I decided to try bibs. I like that there is no shifting at all. Also, The one spot that always seemed to get sore with shorts doesn't with bibs. I'm not going back. I use the cheapest Black Bibs.
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Old 04-27-21, 02:37 PM
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+1 for bibs, especially for road riding.
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Old 04-27-21, 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by MidTNBrad View Post
I think you'll hear a lot of opinions on this topic and most will say bibbs. I tried a pair and don't really care for them. There's something about the panel covering my stomach that doesn't feel right to me. Maybe I just need to lose my gut. In any event I'm back to shorts with no problems.
I am the opposite, I like bibs because I need that panel to support my gut.
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Old 04-27-21, 05:22 PM
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Good cheap bibs from The Black Bibs. I have two pair that I alternate. Well under $100 each.
Great bibs from Assos. I was gifted a pair and they are great. MSRP was around $250.

Last edited by cb400bill; 04-27-21 at 06:12 PM.
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Old 04-27-21, 06:19 PM
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I'll be honest, I like bibs but bibs do not like me and they wear out in a year rotating four pairs and a couple pairs of shorts. YMMV but I DO NOT care what the Roadie community thinks of me when I am wearing MTB shorts over my bibs. Damn I am not made of $$$ for f'ing Lycra that wears out quickly. My posterior is worn enough that I will eventually go off Lycra completely. It is time to man up and wear materials that hold up to a freaking bike ride.

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Old 04-27-21, 07:13 PM
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Bibs all day every day. Baggies over them for mtb. I'll be 58 tomorrow and I've owned precisely 1 pr of regular shorts in my life. And I ended up using cycling suspenders w/ them.
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Old 04-27-21, 08:02 PM
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Shorts for years, finally tried some bibs. Now wear mostly bibs.
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Old 04-28-21, 08:08 AM
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Bibs. Much much more comfortable. Tried them once and never looked back.
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Old 04-28-21, 08:18 AM
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I wear bibs exclusively, but I honestly feel no difference. I am skinny if that matters.
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Old 04-28-21, 01:06 PM
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Great responses guys. Thanks! I think i'll scope out a decent pair and give them a try.
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Old 04-28-21, 01:56 PM
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Bibs all the way. I never looked back after my first pair.
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Old 04-28-21, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by MidTNBrad View Post
I think you'll hear a lot of opinions on this topic and most will say bibbs. I tried a pair and don't really care for them. There's something about the panel covering my stomach that doesn't feel right to me. Maybe I just need to lose my gut. In any event I'm back to shorts with no problems.
You know.. there are lots of bibs where the front doesn't even get to being over your stomach (ie. coming up to roughly the same place as shorts would) . They're lower cut (and actually preferred for bathroom breaks)
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Old 04-29-21, 02:27 AM
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Go with bibs and you’ll never go back to shorts. I made the switch to bibs around six years ago and couldn’t be happier (more comfortable). Getting the right fit is key here. I highly recommend Asso bibs. Although, pricey you get what you pay for.
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Old 04-29-21, 06:49 AM
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Shorts don't cause me any discomfort at all. Not only do I not find non-shorts necessary, I find the shoulder straps to be uncomfortable and the bathroom thing just too much trouble.
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Old 04-29-21, 06:55 AM
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Bibs, shorts no bueno. I'll go on record for the Black bibs project. Excellent, excellent, quality and comfort.
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Old 04-29-21, 02:14 PM
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The problem with cycling gear is that fit is very individual. I've had everything from PI to Castelli to Assos and it's Assos that works for me. But, someone else might find that a less expensive brand works better for them. In general I prefer bibs to shorts.
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Old 04-30-21, 01:31 PM
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My go-to supplier for bibs and jerseys is "made in California" Voler.

High quality stuff that fits well and looks decent.

Here's a nice basic set of bibs from Voler, on sale. Try them out at a cheap price:

Voler M's Jet Classic Bib Short
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Old 04-30-21, 03:23 PM
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Bibs. HATE those tight waistbands. Hate 'em.
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Old 04-30-21, 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Badbird2000 View Post
Great responses guys. Thanks! I think i'll scope out a decent pair and give them a try.
Black bibs are nice and a reasonable price. Just bought the mid grade ones. They are some of my favorite shorts.

Dave
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