Mavic Bibs are So Nice!
 

The Pro's Closet has some Mavic bibs at closeout prices; I bought these two:

Mavic Cosmic Ultimate SL Bib Shorts Total Eclips | The Pro's Closet (theproscloset.com)

Mavic Cosmic Bib Shorts Black/White | The Pro's Closet (theproscloset.com)

"Total Eclipse" is Mavic speak for navy blue. Here are my thoughts comparing the two:

1. The fabric of the Ultimate SL is thinner and more compressive than the Cosmic. Although I bought both in the same size (XXL), the Ultimate SL feels marginally tighter.
2. Both bibs are the same overall length, but the leg gripper of the Ultimate SL is a band extending from the leg, while the leg gripper of the Cosmic is a silicon band under the fabric. They provide similar grip.
3. According to the respective product tags, the Ergo 3D Pro chamois of the Ultimate SL and the Ergo 3D Elite chamois of the Cosmic are the same except for the middle layer, which is Ortholite memory foam in the Ultimate SL and Ortholite foam in the Cosmic. Both pads feel the same to my bum.

The Ultimate SL is fancier than the Cosmic but I do not feel that it is worth the current $52.80 difference between them. (I got the Ultimate SL with a $25 coupon, and I am not sure even that smaller difference is justified.)

Both Mavic bibs are much nicer than the Gore C5 bibs (XL) I bought for $100 each a year ago or the Louis Garneau Optimum shorts (XL) I started with a few years ago. The Mavic chamois are firmer and so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing new bibs during my first ride in each.

So nice I ordered a third model (with another $25 off $100 discount), which also has an Ergo 3D Pro chamois (according to online reviews):

Mavic Allroad Bib Shorts Total Eclipse | The Pro's Closet (theproscloset.com)

These have longer inseams so I can work on the tan lines on my thighs.

Edit: The chamois on this model is an Ergo 3D Pro Endurance chamois, which is thicker than those on the other two. It feels too thick when I pinched it so I probably have to return this bib.

How is sizing?

True European sizing, which means I had to go one size up.

As pointed out above (in post #1), I am XL in Gore bibs and Louis Garneau shorts, but got XXL in the Mavic bibs.

I like Mavic Cosmic bibs so much that I just ordered another (in blue so I can distinguish from the two I already bought):

Mavic Cosmic Bib Shorts Eclipse/White | The Pro's Closet (theproscloset.com)

The shoulder straps are wider and thicker and provide a firmer and more elastic tug to keep the bibs in place. (If you are significantly above average height I imagine they can give you a slight wedgie.)

Now I understand why some reviewers state that the Gore C5 bibs (which have semi-sheer shoulder straps) feel cheap.

So do you like Mavic bib's bro?

Heh heh, yes. My wife might confiscate my credit card if I order a fourth pair?

The Velominati should legislate a new guideline (if not rule) in my honor, about matching one's bibs to one's wheels.

Does the SL have any silicon at all? I'm allergic to the s**t. :twitchy:

Seriously? I don't think so.

Si is the symbol for silicon (Periodic Table - Ptable); SL is the acronym for Super Light.