b-jet

What I need is a nice quality pair of bib shorts for longer rides (40-100 miles.) The problem is that I am short (5' 6", male) overweight (190's) with long torso, short legs, and generaly quite a large frame. The dilema I have is each one of my proportions puts me in a different size. So, say I would like a 9-10 inch inseam, that might put me in a medium or a large short, but then if you go by waist or hip size it could put me in XL. I currently have Nashbar bibs (size L or XL, can't read label) which have too short an inseam, and slide off my shoulders, but fit otherwise. I also have PI Ultra Sensors, which are XL, but are way too big, the legs come right on top of my knee, and the chamois is too big, bunches up, and chafes. So the questions is, which measurement should be the most important. I figure it's better to err on the small side. Should I compromise between inseam and waist size? The most important things to me are a chamois that is comfy, but not bulky, and that they come a couple inches above my knees. I have been looking at the Voler, Castelli, and Perf Ultra. Anyone who is short and stocky have any suggestions? Help would be greatly appreciated. (oh, and any LBS with more than Nike or PI is at least a 100 mile drive away.) Here are two sizing charts I have been looking at:
Velowear Sizing

World Cycling Productions

BaadDawg

I am 5'10" 205lbs, long torso shortish legs.

Giordana xxl (euro size 6) fit me nice in both bibs and jersey. The jersey is a bit loose, once I ordered a size 5 also by Giordana and it was way too tight.

Ordered a piar of xxl Santini bibs (cheap closeout pair) to see if they are sized well for me. If so I will try more from them if I like what I get.

You gotta find a store that has a good selection and try stuff on. If you find a company that fits then you can either buy it from the store or order it mail order or Ebay.

Every company has different sizing. Some companies also have different sizing within their own brands.

Dubbayoo

I'm 5'8, 240 and I'm okay with Performance Elite Bibs, think they were on sale for $40'ish. For a thicker chamois you might want the Perf Century. I think that chamois is too bulky though.

Corsaire

One word: SPIUK

They fit is rather small.

www.spiuk.com

cctexas

I am 200lbs, 5 8.5

I have are pair of santinis that are longer than anything and they are cut too tight. I have a XXL and they have never fit right. Shame because the Chaimos is awesome.

I have a pair of castelli kiss bishorts that aren't overly long and the material is real nice, almost soft. Great for very hot conditions down here in South Texas.

I am going to try a set of Giordanas. I really like their jerseys. XL in them fits me nicely.

Have 2 voler jerseys - definitely a little more roomy, almost club cut.

Let us know what you find out.

Inseam length on the bibs would be nice....

late

Hi,
I have a couple suggestions. If you go Voler, start with the 2X.
They make nice stuff. I like the Performance Ultimate, but it too runs small, so go 2x. Castelli makes very nice stuff, but expensive for what you get. My take on them
is that you might as well go for the YPro if you are going to do something foolish.

PI stuff hits the top of my knee as well, which is a royal PIA because I like their stuff.

Btw, Performance has an excellent return policy. grab some of these before they disappear. Try the 2x, but you can order a xl as well if you;re feeling lucky. If I lose some more weight, I definitely would like to get a couple pair. The first year they made them the 2x was huge. The next year the 2x had shrunk about 3 sizes and I couldn't get them more than halfway up my thighs. I'm not a small guy...
But this is a good deal, there is also a coupon floating around somewhere...
Ahh, 6001702 gets you 10%.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=1120

AnthonyG

My suggestion is to try bibs and knicks that are cut for women! Seriously it works for me as womens cut seem to suit wider hips and chest were as mens cut seem to suit tall skinny dudes only. I can fit in a mens small, although they're very tight and a mens medium is too long for me. A womens medium seems to work the best for me.

Regards, Anthony

dekalbSTEEL

here are my two suggestions;

1. buy from a store where you can try them on. get the ones that fit you best in the legs and waist. take them to a seamstress and have the bib straps taken in to fit on top.

2. Don't laugh at this one.... try the women's model. they are usually shorter in the inseam. I did this with regular bike shorts for my 12 year old son. men's were too long on his thighs, but the women's version fit him perfectly, and they are just plain black, so no one can tell the difference.

good luck.