cuda2k

Time for a few new pairs of bibs for the season, and I've always seemed to be between the Medium and Large sizes, and more often than not gone up to the Large. Now that I'm really focused on dropping these remaining pounds I want to get rid of to get back to my target weight, I'm hesitant to buy more of the Large size that will hopefully really be too big in a few months time. However I need bibs that will fit and not cause problems right now. So, what's the safer bet, go up a size or down when you're right on the line.

For what it's worth, sizing says Medium is 32-34, Large 36-38 and I'm wearing a 34" pant size.

WhyFi

I think that your body type is going to play in to it, as well - where are you going to lose the weight, and how will that be relevant now and later? I have large legs and glutes, so much so that they're the limiting factor, not my waist (I always have to "size up" in terms of the waist measurement). For me, dropping 15 lbs wouldn't significantly affect my legs/glutes and so wouldn't affect my bib sizing.

DropDeadFred

you go up.

NRZ

Try them on. I have XL LG bibs that are tight and XL Cannondale bibs that are almost loose. For the record I like the LG bibs more but the Cannondales will be really nice on hot days as they are much more breathable.

Right Said Fred

I'm in the same position and about the same size. I recently tried on M and L Pearl Izumi bibs and didn't really notice a big difference in fit, so I went with the M and they have been great. Bottom line, you have to try them on, not guess from a size chart.

renton

I'm also exactly the same size as you and I had the same dilemma. I went with L but I wish I didn't. The bibs tend to bunch up a lot and I constantly have to pull them down. Next time I'll go with an M.

JTGraphics

You really do need to try them on manufactures will not be all the same. I have some ASSOS bibs and I was at the Med. upper limit so I bought Med. they were just to tight and now us a LG, bib from ASSOS.
I think some I can use a Med. others LG
Go test fit to see what you need before buying

Campag4life

Its a tough choice...and varies by manufacturer. Plus...there is strap height, leg opening dia...waist size etc.
Loose sucks and too tight sucks...and ain't easy to find that happy medium.

Adrianinkc

Like others have said it depends on brand. With that said, I do prefer a tight fit. Nothing worse than a bunched up chamois.

Indyv8a

I tried some Castelli bibs once. I have about a 34" waist and would haved needed an XL. I wear a medium in Pearl Izumi.

RT

What brand? I size down, learned this the hard way. Santini fits my body type just right, Performance bibs are sized on the large side for me, DeMarchi is a little big, and anything Nashbar makes is about two sizes bigger than advertised. Nice material, poorly crafted.

I wear Med Performance Ultra, XL Santini and Lg DeMarchi. Go figure. 6'1" 195 lbs, built like a hockey player, and going down in weight, which is why I size down.

himespau 

It depends on the brand (and sometimes the model). I've found european brands tend to be require a size larger even if the waist measurement is what I usually wear. I don't know why, but I've read that in Europe a 36 is usually ~36 inches while in England it's usually 36.5-37 inches and in the US it's more like 38-40 inches. So my supposedly 36" waist jeans are probably much wider and then if I go on that for sizing, I end up undersized. At 6'2 or 3, I also have to consider my height. Sometimes bibs marked for my waist (and that fit ok in that dimension) can be too short and really hurt my shoulders. I have a pair of Castelli bibs that I really liked in all size dimensions and bought another bib of the same brand, but different style, and it was obviously made for someone 4 or more inches shorter than I. Feels uncomfortably tight when riding in an aero position and is even more uncomfortable (almost to the point of pain) when walking for much time.

cuda2k

Good points all. The ones I'm looking at specifically at the moment are the Performance Elites, but also the PI Elites. I've got two pairs of the Performance bibs now (I can only assume both are large, sizing has long gone from the tags), tried on the PI and Performance, both felt about the same between the sizes, the Large was more inline with what I'm used to, but I've had issues in recent months with some chaffing / saddle sores and considered the possibility that the slightly too-big bib shorts were part of the issue. Increased chamois cream has helped, but I'm due to update the bike gear anyways, thus the question.

rangerdavid

I size down for more of a compression fit. But I wear Voler bibs, and that's what they recommend.

rangerdavid

Actually just re-read your post. You aren't between sizes. At 34 you're a medium. 35 would be between sizes.

Adrianinkc

I know from experience running a loose fitting chamois will cause this. Get some DZ nuts, heal up and get the right size.

Nachoman

When I'm in between sizes, in cycling clothing, I always size down.

Campag4life

cuda...will give you a tip which is only my opinion. I jumped on the Performance Ultra Bib bandwagon when the recent Performance sale hit. They were about 50 bux or so. Regretted it and returned them. Tried them on and hated them. Hated the material, fit. I thought they are awful.

The commonly referred to theme about getting what you pay for with bibs I believe is true. Yes we try to deny it and look for deals but in my experience it seems to apply. I like PI stuff. There are Assos guys here that wouldn't wear it. I have some PI elite bibs that have served me well. A step better? PI P.R.O. bibs. Just scored some on ebay for $95...they are much nicer than the elites which I find to be good.
So...if you can find a new discounted PI P.R.O. bibs on ebay, I say go that route. Normally they retail for $150-170 or so.

Hope that helps. Few things matter as much as riding comfort for me at least.

Campag4life

+1. And the operative point is loose fitting. Good fitting in my experience doesn't have to be super tight. Bibs with good fabric have a lot of memory and will keep the chamois in place without having a death grip on your stuff. I believe in part this is what makes good bibs worth it. The material has a lot of give and is flexible and not uncomfortable under compression as with cheaper bibs.

cuda2k

You don't always make the best bit of sense, but here, I see your point. While I don't dislike the Performance stuff, I've never had any better and thus don't know what I'm missing. Sounds like with the $$$ I've now to wrapped up in this sport/hobby, it's about time I do. Funny thing is that my wife who rides her townie about twice a year has a pair of PI shorts and I don't. Go figure.