Pearl Izumi Microsensor Bib's
#1
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Pearl Izumi Microsensor Bib's
Ok..... I'm looking for some advice. I bought 2 pair of Performance Elite Bib's back in August when I got into cycling. They have worked out ok but I don't have any frame of reference since I haven't owned any other bibs. Since August I've lost 35 lbs and they are now too large. So I'm trying to determine if I should bite the bullet and pay $139 for the Pearl Izumi Microsensor bib's or stick with the Performance ones. Are they that much better than the performance brand bibs?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Can you find a pair of the Ultrasensor bibs? These are PI's second to the top of the line, the Ultegra, if you will. I bought a pair last year at the LBS for $79 and they are the best I've ever worn. Excellent, excellent value.
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I've found the Santini Twist Gel bibs to be far better than my PI 3D microsensor bibs. At $90 they are damn good buy. I've done century rides in them without any comfort issues at all. The PIs feel like they shoved a brick in the back the padding is so large. Bibs are a very personal thing though so YMMV.
www.bicyclinghub.com is a good place for the Santini's.
www.bicyclinghub.com is a good place for the Santini's.
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Originally Posted by PolishPostal
Ok..... I'm looking for some advice. I bought 2 pair of Performance Elite Bib's back in August when I got into cycling. They have worked out ok but I don't have any frame of reference since I haven't owned any other bibs. Since August I've lost 35 lbs and they are now too large. So I'm trying to determine if I should bite the bullet and pay $139 for the Pearl Izumi Microsensor bib's or stick with the Performance ones. Are they that much better than the performance brand bibs?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Originally Posted by Hipcycler
I like Girodana stuff.
#7
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I like in order of favorite to least favorite
Bellwether Bibs
Bergamo bibs
Perfomance Ultra Bibs
Performance Gel bibs
These are the only 4 I have tried. For me their is a very small difference between the Bellwether and the bergamo. A slightly bigger difference between the bergamo and Ultra. A huge difference between the Ultra and the gel bibs.
I like the Gel bibs ok but now only use them for shorter rides or if they are the only pair clean.
Bellwether Bibs
Bergamo bibs
Perfomance Ultra Bibs
Performance Gel bibs
These are the only 4 I have tried. For me their is a very small difference between the Bellwether and the bergamo. A slightly bigger difference between the bergamo and Ultra. A huge difference between the Ultra and the gel bibs.
I like the Gel bibs ok but now only use them for shorter rides or if they are the only pair clean.
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Glad to hear this. Just got today a set of matching Giodana bibs and jersey from Competition Cyclist at a great price although they do say "Pinerarello" but are cool looking.
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I use the Performance Elite and I've done a few 6 hour rides in them. I use lotion on them for rides but they work fine for me. It depends on what you like, if you like them I wouldn't pay more money for brand names. If not then try others.
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Originally Posted by wannaride
Glad to hear this. Just got today a set of matching Giodana bibs and jersey from Competition Cyclist at a great price although they do say "Pinerarello" but are cool looking.
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Originally Posted by PolishPostal
Ok..... I'm looking for some advice. I bought 2 pair of Performance Elite Bib's back in August when I got into cycling. They have worked out ok but I don't have any frame of reference since I haven't owned any other bibs. Since August I've lost 35 lbs and they are now too large. So I'm trying to determine if I should bite the bullet and pay $139 for the Pearl Izumi Microsensor bib's or stick with the Performance ones. Are they that much better than the performance brand bibs?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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#12
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Originally Posted by Hipcycler
Lets see em...
#13
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Originally Posted by wannaride
Here they are. My only concern is whether I'm going get sunburned while riding the Century (okay the metric century in my case).
Put on some sunblock and enjoy the ride!!
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Originally Posted by PolishPostal
Ok..... I'm looking for some advice. I bought 2 pair of Performance Elite Bib's back in August when I got into cycling. They have worked out ok but I don't have any frame of reference since I haven't owned any other bibs. Since August I've lost 35 lbs and they are now too large. So I'm trying to determine if I should bite the bullet and pay $139 for the Pearl Izumi Microsensor bib's or stick with the Performance ones. Are they that much better than the performance brand bibs?
Thanks.
Thanks.
I'd start there with evaluating bibs.
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Originally Posted by Dchiefransom
Put on some sunblock and enjoy the ride!!
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I have a pair of Ultrasensor bibs from PI and they are great but my favorite are the Voler bibs that my team wears. They actually feel better IMO. I also own a pair of the Santini not the twist ones but the next one down and they are not quite right if you know what I mean.
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ebay... i picked up a pair of PI's UltraSensor shorts new with tag for $20 on ebay. retail would've been $79. i see Microsensor shorts and bib shorts for sale on ebay all the time.
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW
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As Macman said, bibs are a personal thing, but I tried quite a few pair over the past 2.5 years.
I have the PI microsensors and they are very good. They are very well made (as you would expect from most PI products) and the chamois is comfortable. Got a very good deal from an ebay retailer. Of the 3 pair I cycle through most, these are #3 (but that's pretty good, as there were many others that never made the cut).
Second favorite is the Assos Mille. These are terrific shorts, but you should expect nothing less than terrific at the prices Assos charges. These went on sale a while ago at cbike. I am very happy with them and I would recommend them if you get a good deal. They are cut kind of like a ski racing speed suit (comfortable in a tuck); very comfortable when on the bike, but not much for standing erect and walking upright.
My favorites by a long margin are the DeMarchi contour plus. Same elastomer chamois as the Assos, with a very comfortable and well made bib short. These are the bibs I choose for long rides. I highly recommend them.
I also tried the Santini twist gel. I think the chamois is one of the best, but I couldn't get comfortable with the bibs. I guess I'm just not the right shape for the Santini's. Also, the fabric seamed thinner than my other favorites.
I had a few different Performance brand shorts, I never liked any of them. The ultra gel (a gift, that was quickly returned) were ridiculously heavy and felt like a giant diaper. I think the other model is 'enduro' (not quite sure). The chamois is too thin and tends to bunch up and the seams are very uncomfortable for any length of time. The best thing I can say about the Performance brands is they are inexpensive.
Just my $.02.
I have the PI microsensors and they are very good. They are very well made (as you would expect from most PI products) and the chamois is comfortable. Got a very good deal from an ebay retailer. Of the 3 pair I cycle through most, these are #3 (but that's pretty good, as there were many others that never made the cut).
Second favorite is the Assos Mille. These are terrific shorts, but you should expect nothing less than terrific at the prices Assos charges. These went on sale a while ago at cbike. I am very happy with them and I would recommend them if you get a good deal. They are cut kind of like a ski racing speed suit (comfortable in a tuck); very comfortable when on the bike, but not much for standing erect and walking upright.
My favorites by a long margin are the DeMarchi contour plus. Same elastomer chamois as the Assos, with a very comfortable and well made bib short. These are the bibs I choose for long rides. I highly recommend them.
I also tried the Santini twist gel. I think the chamois is one of the best, but I couldn't get comfortable with the bibs. I guess I'm just not the right shape for the Santini's. Also, the fabric seamed thinner than my other favorites.
I had a few different Performance brand shorts, I never liked any of them. The ultra gel (a gift, that was quickly returned) were ridiculously heavy and felt like a giant diaper. I think the other model is 'enduro' (not quite sure). The chamois is too thin and tends to bunch up and the seams are very uncomfortable for any length of time. The best thing I can say about the Performance brands is they are inexpensive.
Just my $.02.
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Originally Posted by MacMan
I've found the Santini Twist Gel bibs to be far better than my PI 3D microsensor bibs. At $90 they are damn good buy. I've done century rides in them without any comfort issues at all. The PIs feel like they shoved a brick in the back the padding is so large. Bibs are a very personal thing though so YMMV.
#20
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Originally Posted by rudenoiz
Second favorite is the Assos Mille.
My favorites by a long margin are the DeMarchi contour plus.
My favorites by a long margin are the DeMarchi contour plus.
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Originally Posted by Stjtoday
Santini Twist Gel's sell for $149.99, that price I can have Castelli's which are a sweet short.
https://www.bicyclinghub.com/bibshorts.html
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Pearl's are good, don't them as a racing short as I find the crease in the shammy pinches when I stand, but otherwise very comfortable and I like the fabric alot.
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Originally Posted by skydive69
I concur with that, and rate my Giordanas on an equal with the PI Microsensors. AAMOF, the Girodanas fit slightly better, are better styled (I have a great set of white ones with red and black piping), but offer the same comfort level. They were over a hundred bucks however.
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Just wanted to give a quick update. After feedback in this thread I ended up going with the Voler bibs. I like them much more than my performance bibs after just a couple of rides. And the price definitly beats the PI's about 2 for 1.
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PP: That's interesting. Somehow I got on Voler's email list and I've been tempted to buy a pair of their bibs since their prices are pretty good. I think I may have to order a pair for my next bib purchase.
How does the sizing compare? Is it consistent with PI?
How does the sizing compare? Is it consistent with PI?