Bibs...
#1
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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
Tell me, do you prefer bibbs or shorts? It's all road riding, btw if that matters
#2
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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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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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100% bibs- they stay in place. if i were a woman with hips, shorts could work fine since they stay up better.
#5
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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>
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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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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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.
#9
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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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#10
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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.
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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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.

Last edited by CAT7RDR; 04-27-21 at 06:27 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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Bibs. Much much more comfortable. Tried them once and never looked back.
#16
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Great responses guys. Thanks! I think i'll scope out a decent pair and give them a try.
#18
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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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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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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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#21
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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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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.
#23
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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
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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#25
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