I've never worn bibs before, but just purchased a pair from nashbar. I have a question for those with experience regarding the fit. Online, bibs are listed by waist size. I ordered the size i thought i needed, and without the shoulder straps on, the bibs fit. I have a bit of a hard time getting the straps on, however, and once they are on, the chamis seems to get pulled very tight up against my boys. Is this common with bibs or a sizing issue? Or does the torso length change from brand to brand?

I'm not ripping anything to get the straps on, mind you, it's just that everything seems to get pulled upward more than i'm used to with shorts.

They aren't uncomfortable really, just not comfortable. Is this something that will stretch out a bit over time?

thanks

In my experience, bib straps do fit differently - some are tighter than others despite the waist size being the same. And I haven't had any of my bib straps stretch much if at all. Maybe my Sugoi RS's have stretched a small amount from when they were new (they are starting to fray they've been ridden so much...), but my Giordana's don't seem to have changed a bit. Not sure what yours will do. I suspect the only way you'll ever find out for sure if they'll stretch out is ride them until they fall apart.

And of course there's the possiblitity that if you've never worn bibs, you think they're just a bit tight, and the first time you ask another cyclist about them you get "My God, those are so tight I'm surprised your voice doesn't sound like Mickey Mouse" or "Wow, those are so loose you could carry a basketball in there." Or both.

FWIW, I like my straps tight and pulling the chamois up because my leg motion when pedaling seems to pull the chamois down some, which can open up gaps between my skin and the chamois and cause saddle sores.

I felt the same way when I first got my Sugoi RS's. But keep in mind that your posture on the bike is different than standing upright. I've never had a problem while riding.

I'm 6'4" with a size 36 waist. I currently wear Louis Garneau bibs. According to the size chart I should wear a Lg... but I knew that my height wasn't going to allow that. I went with an XL and don't have any fit issues or chafing. I recently bought some Zoot bibs in an XL too. Hadn't ridden in them yet, but they seem to fit good. YMMV.

My Assos feal that way untill I am in position on the bike, then all is sweet.

have you ridden in them yet? Yes, snug is good. It changes when you're on the bike....

+1, they're not built for standing around in and showing off your goods... On the bike it's all good, unless perhaps you're on a recumbent...