Looking to replace my Capo Nico bibs that had stitching fall apart after a year

I am 5'6" and about 130lbs

Want nice bibs but don't need the absolute top end

Like a substantial chamois but without being very bulky

Like way Capo fit me but not their durability

Castelli have worked for me at the medium end of their line
Never tried Assos

Any thoughts?

Assos are good but you will pay a premium. You may want to see if there are any sales on leftover S5 models from last year.

I have found PI to be a good bang for the buck. Good quality at a reasonable price. I've recently converted to Assos but only if I can find them at a good sale price. IMO they are the best and I rarely wear my PIs anymore. But, you can be very happy with PI.

Move up the Capo line and the quality improves notably. Don't have to go all the way to the highest end stuff with them to reap the benefits. And you already know that you like the way they fit. Then you don't have to spend for Assos, even though that's all I'll use on the longest rides any more.

I purchased a some Assos bibs last fall, and they are nice, but not worth the $$$ (IMO).

My favorite bibs are PI P.R.O. Bibs. They fit me better than the Assos I had(the EMTs cut them off my body), and are reasonably affordable. PI Elite bibs are nice if you are looking to spend a little less.

Performance Ultra bibs are nice if money is tight. Actually they are very comfortable, but not very long lasting. Performance will replace them when they wear out, so there's that.

My friend bought me a pair of lightweight Rapha bib shorts for Xmas present I was pleasantly surprised.

Keep that friend, but show him/her better bibs.

Buying Rapha cycling clothes is like buying Calvin Klein jeans.

It's not crap, but you paid to much.

It was a present

As far as good bang for the buck, I've been very happy with Voler's bib. I usually wait for a sale or look whats in their outlet section, but not many good discounts lately. Probably a good thing since I'm pretty well stocked. Take a look at these.

Go to your LBS.
Try on every pair of bibs in your price range.
Buy the ones that fit the best.

Sounds like you may have gotten Assos bibs too small. They definitely run small. They are by far the best I've ever had, and I've had so many (not PI PRO though). Not gonna get them cheap, but you can get them for a bit less here: Discount ASSOS Cycling Clothing Sale - Cheapest Prices Online | ASSOS Official Factory Outlet . I have fallen in love with the Mille bibs, but lots of people prefer the fi.13. These are from the now-discontinued S5 line, but trust me, they're amazing.

Interesting. I had my first Assos jersey cut off me by EMTs last July when I crashed and ended up having my cervical spine fused. It was the second time I had worn it. The EMTs got to me and asked if I was in pain. I said "No." Then they said they were going to have to cut my jersey off. That's when I said, "Now I'm in pain."

the Assos bibs fit well, but EMTs love to destroy any clothing they can. I've lost far too many jerseys and bibs this way.

I crashed this year and EMTs cut off my Garmin Heart Rate Strap, less than 2 inches from the clip that could have been unhooked faster than hoisting a pair of surgical scissors. Not to mention my jersey and bibs. Plus a bill for a $900 cab ride that I don't remember.

Hey guys, if you need an EMT, then bib quality/comfort is the least of your worries.

$900???

Once I was forced to take a 15 minute, $24,000.00 flight to the trauma center. I did get a reach-around during the flight.

Very happy with Voler Black Labels; Performance Ultra SL are similarly nice as well. Both remain comfy for me after 4-5 hr rides.

I have used more expensive bibs but I always come back to these as my favorite pair. I usually wait for a sale and get them for about $70

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...38_-1___204701

I love Castelli Men's Free Aero Race Bib Shorts. I just bought my second pair, and I like them more than my Body Paint bibs. On sale around $159.

I have been real happy with PI and Garneau. I even like my Zimco bibs I bought on Ebay. I am a price shopper. Did not like Nashbar branded ones. Just my 2cents from the lower end of the price range!

Returning two pair of Castelli after about ten rides each because of thin Lycra and stitching coming apart. Santini is built to last, fits well, and is my go-to.
[MENTION=371660]modelmartin[/MENTION] - Good to hear a good review, albeit brief on the Zimco. Have considered them in the past. Also agree on Nashbar. Odd fit, chamois placement puts junk on display.

Nice, I'm definitely getting those when I have the $$

I'll need to check these out at the Garneau Factory Outlet later this summer.