Who makes the best bibshort apart from Assos?
 

I know that Assos are the ****e, but they are too damn expensive!

Who comes in 2nd place? I don't mind a silver medal if it saves me $$$$

Define "best". There are many variables to consider.

Personally I like Nalini bibshorts. They are the most comfortable that I have used. They have an old fashioned simple chamois but it works very well. They are very stretchy so they don't become too tight around the thighs and i appreciate them not being too tight in the crotch area. They're not that expensive either and come in great team colours.

On the down side their lightweight fabric makes them not so durable compared to others but overall I like them a lot.

Regards, Anthony

Pearl, Descente, Garneau. The Decente chamois in the Optima bibs is the best I've ever worn.

I have a pair of Cannondale bibs (their best ones) and love them too.

The better the bib the more panels and the more panels the better it fits...and obviously the chamois improves as you go up a manufacturer's line.

i, personally cant stand the fit/cut of Assos. i've 5 pair of Giordana that i rotate thru. its about all i wear.

Best isn't defined by most expensive...

Bingo. Proper position, saddle selection and tire pressure are key. When all of those variables are lined up, I find the type of bibshort isn't all that important.

In descending order:

1. Assos
2. Descent Strata X series
3. Giordana Forma Series

Just my opinion in riding for many many years. The quality of assos just cannot be beat by anyone, anywhere at any time. I really like Descent's starta X shorts for their chamois which is top shelf.

Castelli

http://www.castelli-us.com/ps-773-1-free-bibshort.aspx

Couple that haven't been mentioned yet...the Demarchi Contour Racing bibs are very nice, also, a bit harder to find, but I have to say the quality and chamois of my Campagnolo Racing bib knickers/shorts is as nice as anything I've seen...(but I don't own any assos stuff)

wayne

+1, Love mine ;)

I really like my Hammer bibs, made by Voler...priced right, nice chamois, comfortable enough for a century....looks like they're out of stock until the new 2008's come in.

http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HN...,Cycling#info1

OK...I'm an Assos pundit...

I can't help but mention that a quick search finds that the Descente and Castelli bibs mentioned above cost as much as the low-midrange Assos...That being the case, if you're going to spend the money, go Assos.

However, what the OP asked for was best bibs that don't cost as much as Assos.

The best bibs I ever owned that cost less than Assos were PI Microsensor's, but once I spent the extra $10-20 to get Assos FI.Uno's, I relegated my Micrsensors to "emergency, I forgot to wash my Uno's" status.

I recently bought some Castelli's with the Kiss bib trying to be cheap, and boy was I sorry.

+1

Giordana Silverline bibs are the best I've tried.

Etxeondo

I would rather have one pair of Assos than 2 pairs of anything else. A close second for me though are my Specialized Pro bibs. They are very comfortable with a great feeling pad.

Giordana.

Giordana silverline. They are at the same price point as the high end volers I also have (oxymoron?). Low end giordana> high end voler. However, the volers are decent as well.

Oshkosh B'gosh.

Louis Garneau makes great bibshorts. I have three pairs, from the almost-top to bottom of line models, and they're all really comfy.

JJ

Which of these makers (or which of their models) has the *LEAST* padding. I find too much chamois annoying.

I won't agree that they are the best. BUt they are probably the best value. I have 4 pairs and when looking throught the bib drawer, I almot always pass by Hincapie and PI bibs to get them.

I prefer the Specialized Pro bibs, but the price is,nt much less the the Assos. I have a pair of Assos and dont like the fit. Specialized are much more comfy for me.

I learned to read the descriptions of the various models from each manufacturer a little closer, instead of just shopping by reputation. I have a pair of more expensive assos that I wear less than the cheaper castelli. When I bought them, I didn't realize the f1.13 from assos had a thinner pad than some of their other models. That pair ended up to be great for shorter rides (less than 40 miles), but I always wear the castelli cronos for anything longer than 40 miles. I'm fairly new to cycling, so I'm still trying different brands, but so far the castelli cronos work best for me.

competitive cyclist seems to think the new craft ergo bibshorts are the bee's knees...

"If you're looking for an alternative to esteemed worlds of Assos or Giordana, you need to check out the Craft Ergo. In the competition of "Best Bibs Money Can Buy", Craft has a legit contender here."

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...395&MODE=&TFC=