Smorgasbord42

Nashbar is selling the De Marchi Contour Racing Bib Tights for $112 (after 10% discount).
The list price is about $300. Called Nashbar, and they're from the 2006 model year, which is DeMarchi's 60th anniversary.

Are these a good deal? I realize that we're running out of cold days this season, but I have had days where my knee warmers really weren't enough and because of that I didn't ride on even colder days. I have a couple DeMarchi jerseys that I really really like, so I'm thinking their tights might be pretty darn good, too. Nashbar's return policy is pretty good.

Anyone have any experiences with them? What size is appropriate for someone who's 5'11", 175lbs, with a 34" waist? That would seem to be a Large.

jemoryl

I love my regular DeMarchi Contour bib shorts, so it looks like a good deal. I'm about your size (an inch taller) and take an XL (euro 5) in DeMarchi (and Santini, EtxeOndo, etc.. and euro stuff in general) so be careful with the Large. Otherwise I can go with large in PI, Sugoi, Voler and other N. American brands.

johnny99

I have a pair of DeMarchi Race bib shorts from Nashbar. They are some really nice bibs for $40. They are made in Italy and have the traditional Italian fit.

I also bought some DeMarchi Contour bib knickers from Nashbar. I had to send them back because the fit was so weird. They were made in Hungary or something and the fit was much baggier than the Race bibs.

Don't know if that helps you with your tights.

Smorgasbord42

Thanks. I found this sizing chart, which says that a Large is for 5.8' to 6.1' with regular build. Nashbar says that a Large is for 32"-34" waist. I do wear an XL in the jerseys (DeMarchi runs small, as you say), so now I have conflicting size information - the chart and inside label tell me to go for Large, but your experience would be to go for an XL.

Coyote2

Demarchi does not run small. I have three pair of their bibs, all size Medium (and marked "Medium - 28"-31") and all fit my 30"-31" waist just fine, not even that snug.

If you are 175lbs with a 34# waist you are probably a size Large -- unless you are among the many BF posters who wear cycling garments that fit like rappers' jeans, i.e., hanging down around the knees.

Smorgasbord42

I believe DeMarchi's printed size (32"-34" waist), but am a little worried about height - both of the straps and of the legs - these are tights with straps. It's weird that DeMarchi's site doesn't have any sizing information. At Assos's site, they have a sizing chart, for which I am also a Large. Interesting that a note on the chart says: "ASSOS apparel is cut anatomically without restricting movement in the tuck position. Bibs might therefore pull when standing upright - this is normal."

So, more and more it's looking like a Large will be OK (even tho I'm definitely an XL in jerseys), but I am a tad concerned about leg and strap lengths.....

Racer Ex 

De Marchi is great stuff, that a bargain.

celticfrost

I bought a pair of Demarchi Contour Pros for $99 about 2 years ago (can't remember where from, I think from World Cycling Prouctions who doesn't sell them anymore) and a week later I bought another pair. Compared to Assos, Castelli and Giordana (other brands I like), the Contour Pros kind of represent the sweet spot as they've been durable, comfortable and not too expensive.

FWIW I'm 5'11.5" and have been between 172-195lbs and a large Demarchi has been a great fit. In comparison my large Assos are a tad tighter, but also fit great when on the bike.

Smorgasbord42

Ding-ding-ding! We're about the same size, so a Large is, in fact, what I should get. Thanks.

I like Castelli, too. I have a pair of their YPro Bib shorts that I wear all the time, also in Large, and those fit great and are very comfortable.

celticfrost

This is getting kind of weird.... but I have a size large pair of Castelli YPros as well. They're ubercomfortable for any ride less than ~4 hours, but not as durable as Assos, Demarchi or Giordana.

jemoryl

Well, based on what some others say you might take the large - try it on with undies and you should be able to return it to Nashbar if it doesn't fit. Having tried on several other DeMarchi items and the fit seemed quite consistent (for me, XL) but maybe the tights run large? I can say that my Santini Windtex bibtights are just barely big enough in XL - if they were any tighter in the calves (!) I'd need to go to XXL, which amazes me @ 6' 0" and around 175 lbs.

Smorgasbord42

Oh well, I ordered the Large size earlier today. Guess I'll wait until it comes and see how it fits. My guess is that I'll be fine in the waist and leg circumference. What concerns me is whether my legs are too long for the stirrups and/or the bib straps are too tight over my shoulders, although I guess the latter needs to be judged when on the bike. Just how snug do you want those bib straps?

Smorgasbord42

The Large arrived today. While the only DeMarchi size chart I could find said it fits from 5.8 to 6.1 feet (what a curious combination of decimal and Imperial units), I find that at 5'11" it's a bit tight in leg length. Maybe it'll be different actually riding the bike instead of just sitting on it this evening, but I think I might need an XL just to get the legs longer. But, then I'd be concerned that the waist would be too large and maybe the chamois too big as well (it's pretty big as it is).

Nashbar's got a pretty good return policy, but I'd rather not actually wear the thing for a real ride and then have to return it because of fit. Suggestions?

jemoryl

It sounds like you are right on the line between L and XL. How stretchy is the fabric and how much is it streched around the waist in the L? I might be tempted to go with the XL....

Smorgasbord42

The fabric is pretty stretchy. The waist isn't very stretched (feels perfect that way, actually), the suspenders are stretched (but less in the riding position on the bike), and the legs are pretty stretched. As I walk around the house, the chamois area drops - I end up having to pull up on the hips to get it back in place before I get on the bike. I'm assuming that when I'm on the bike the chamois will stay put from my weight on the saddle, but it seems like the legs are just a bit short.