Extreme discomfort on your shoulders? Sounds like you either were wearing bibs that were too small for you or just really poorly made ones. There's no reason that the shoulder straps on bibs should dig into your shoulders unless you're trying to squeeze too much flesh into them. Nor is there any reason that a two inch wide strap made of wicking nylon material should make you overheat. A decent pair of bibs will have a lower cut in the front (some can come up fairly high over the lower abdomen) and a "racer back" design preferably with a mesh fabric.

Seriously, go to a brick & mortar bike shop and do the Goldilocks Test until you find ones that fit you. Some brands (European ones usually) run smaller so ignore the fact that you may have to go to a large or xtra-large.

Don't order them online blindly in an attempt to "try them out and see what the hype is about" until you know which brands work for you.

Is this thread still going?

Amazing.

The reason people like bibs: they keep the chammy in place better, they are more comfortable. If you do not find this to be the case, it's likely you're doing it wrong. But, for everyone's sake, if you LOVE bike shorts and are offended by the vast majority of people preferring bibs, KEEP POSTING. I'm nearly converted back to shorts by tales of your uncomfortable shoulder straps.

Same here. I had two pair of pretty decent shorts (LG) and then tried some Sugoi bibs. Actually I ordered three different varieties from Performance, liked the Sugoi and returned the rest (I used UNDERWEAR when trying them, don't worry). I liked the bibs so much, I resented when I had to use the shorts (I wash after every ride, therefore need at least 2-3 pair to keep a decent rotation going while I assemble a load of cycling clothes to wash).

So, having read such good reviews of Performance Ultra II and Elite bibs I bought a pair of each when performance had a weekend discount AND a buy one get one for 1/2 price. I intended to decide which I liked best and return the other and get a second pair of the one I liked best. Even though they're quite different, I ended up liking both - they are different for sure, but both work for me. I'd have to say that both are equal or better in appearance and general quality to the Sugoi even though they cost quite a bit less. Although the Sugoi are just fine, if all three are clean and ready to go, I pick the Ultra II and Elite in that order (or reverse the order if it's especially hot because the Elite are a little cooler/lighter weight).

I strongly recommend to anyone to give bibs a try, if nothing else for curiousity. And, the best way to try if you don't have a lot to try on locally is order 2-3 different pair from Performance and return the unwanted ones. The Performance brand (at least the Ultra II and Elite) are excellent and a good price.

i just heard that they reduce waist pressure and keep them from rolling and folding and w/e