Ok, ok, so I decided to try the bib thing, 'cause, well, you know, I want to be part of the club and everything. Wore them today for the first time. Halfway through the ride I'm getting these sensations, not unpleasant at all, and I chalk it up to the new jersey I'm wearing. About ten miles later, I'm getting really uncomfortable, but kind of ignoring it, you know, not really sure what's wrong, until it finally hits me.

"Dang!" I shouted. "My nipples hurt!!!"

's a good thing the security guard at the girls' school across the street was about eighty years old or I would have been in trouble. I looked up from rubbing my nipples and saw her coming, walker wheels smokin', but she didn't have a chance. Left her in my dust. Heh, heh, heh. Love blowing the doors off super seniors.

(For any of you who are really slow and need help following, the bib straps were rubbing on my nipples.)

So, anyway, the was I see it, I have a few options:

1. Just tough it out until my nipples get callouses. Can't take that many rides, right?
2. Buy a manssiere. (All you twenty-somethings out there, go here: https://www.seinology.com/epguide/104.shtml. You'll still think it's stupid, but hey, at least you'll know what I'm talking about.)
3. Buy a black cummerbund and wear it under my shorts and jersey. That way if my jersey rides up (or my shorts ride down) you won't be blinded by a strip of lily white skin and maybe you'll think I'm wearing bibs.

What would you do?

Sore in Seattle...

Two words.

Base. Layer.

Simply amazing!

what kind of bibs are you using? Not all bibs are created equal. If worse comes to worse, either use Vasoline or tape your nipples. Or you can just use a base layer.Also, if your bibs are too tight, that could be a problem also.

This is one of the reasons that my bibs are sitting in a drawer where they have been for the past five years. I should wear them more often so that I can wear them out faster and toss them. I don't like the should straps either. Most people buy bibs because they don't like the elastic waist band on shorts but I have never had a problem with it.

I will stick with shorts.

if your upper body is moving around enough to cause irritation then there is something wrong with your fit or form.

Bouncing moobs will do that.

I've had no issues with my bibs. Occasionally I get some nipple damage from baggy MTB tops, especially when wet.

I'm guessing your bibs are too small. I did 3.5 hours yesterday and 1.5 hours in the saddle today with no problems. You shouldn't even feel the straps.

yeah, but i prefer the bro.

It happens with some bibs and some fabrics.

Vaseline, Body Glide, or something similar.

Just bought my first pair of bibs today (Cannondale Domestique, on sale at the LBS), and after a 1-hour ride I felt fine. I wasn't sure about wearing a base layer (don't normally unless its cold) so I went without, but I could see how that could definitely help out in the OP's case

..

i love my bibs... but FYI, pearl izumi Elites will give you wicked moose knuckle!!! haha

+100 to the base layer. It can happen with some types of bibs, but I wear a base layer year round, so it takes care of itself.

I don't like the constant pressure on my shoulders from the bibs either. I only use them on shorter rides, otherwise I prefer shorts.

Simple solution. Get some scissors, cut the straps of the bib where they touch the clavicle. This simple yet inexpensive remedy will instantly relieve the pressure on the shoulders and as an added bonus the bib will automatically drop below the sensitive nipple region. Thus ergo problem solved.

I love bibs because I don't feel like I'm mooning everybody behind me for weeks.

Base layer, if you didn't get the memo.

I do love the idea to cut the straps, making you look like some late 80s wannabe punk in overall shorts with the strap down. So retro!

I would think it must be the design of the bibs....I've been wearing bibs only for, geez....twenty-five years and have never ever had that issue. A base layer will certainly take care of that for sure....although, personally, I don't like them. Maybe try a different brand with a different cut....could be all the difference you need.

I think layering your clothing is good for any outdoor situation. Just as long as you don't over/underlayer, it can work wonders.

Nipple skin doesn't callous. Spot bandages are the answer. You can get 100 for a few bucks at CVS, etc.

I don't even notice the straps of my bibs. I think some of you are just wearing the wrong size. When I put mine on, the straps are gently resting on my shoulder, not pulling.

Good lord I never knew this problem existed. Finally an area where the ladies have it easy- sports bras negate all need to worry about this. I'll take having to get half undressed to use the restroom to nipple friction!

Why is everybody so adamant that everybody else wear bibs?

The OP had no problem with shorts, and now everybody is telling him he needs to buy NIPPLE BANDAIDS?

Just wear the damn shorts.

Post pictures or it didn't happen.

Seriously,

A somewhat common problem within the running world as well.

Use a compression top, band aids, Vaseline, https://www.nipguards.com/ etc.

This is why I love this forum so much - there's so much to learn!

I had no idea that "moose knuckle" was actually a meaningful phrase. How out of touch am I???

Nipguards - who'd a thunk it? A whole industry dedicated to protecting athletic male nipples. Gotta get that t-shirt. I'm still not totally convinced the NG thing isn't some sort of joke, like a SNL commercial or something. But I'm not willing to spend $8.95 to find out.

And the best - "nipple skin doesn't callous". How do you even *know* that???!?

Band-Aids - I don't think the little spot BA would do it, seems like it would fall off. But to use bigger ones, I'd have to start shaving my pecs. My girlfriend hated it when I started shaving my head, she rolls her eyes every time I shave my legs...I can't imagine what price I would pay if I started shaving my pecs.

So thanks, everybody, I really appreciate it, but I think I'm going back to the shorts.