Homebrew01

In all these years, this has never been an issue with any shorts I've worn. I have 3 pairs of bibs, but still prefer shorts. Too bad many jerseys are cut so short now-a-days, causing biker butt.
(end of grumpy old-timer rant)

hurley.girl

You do know that all the pros wear bibs, right?

I was never bothered by shorts until I tried bibs. Now I can't stand the way regular shorts feel and wear nothing but bibs.

guadzilla

Not being flip, but isnt that (fabric and chamois) pretty much the entire bib short? Or do you mean that the material is different but doesnt feel different on the bike?

Thanks,
V.

kf9yr

I just bought a pair of Assos F1.13_S5 bib shorts in November. I've only used regular shorts in the past. I didn't have problems with gut hanging over or plumbers butt, etc, just wanted to see what all the hoopla was with Assos bib shorts. The Assos naming standards are confusing but the shorts are very very comfortable. I've worn them on a 109 mile ride and had no issues with pain or numbness. I've since bought some of the Pearl Izumi Pro bib shorts and they are comfortable for 40-60 mile rides as well but not as comfortable when you go over that.

Mine were around $400 after taxes at the LBS so be prepared for sticker shock. If you think about it you probably waste more than $400 on some dubious activities/things during the year and a pain-free crotch after a century is worth the money for me...

Bobsled

As a recent convert to bib shorts, let me tell you they are way better than shorts for all the reasons already explained. The straps "disappear" once you're on the bike and you don't even feel they're there. Only thing is going to the bathroom. I use the Giordana silverline bibshorts and love them. I think I paid like $60 for them from Ribble. Give them a shot.

bikerjp

I was in the same boat but found some PI bibs on sale at REI and grabbed a pair. I'm not too fond of how they accentuate my still not trim gut, but comfort-wise they rock. I'm 6'3" and large fits my butt but they are maybe a tad short on the straps. Still, I don't really notice any of this while riding and that is really the goal in my mind. I have shorts and still wear them but wear the bibs most of the time now. I think I paid about $90 for the PI elites.

FLvector

My go to bibs have been from Voler with the Ion SL pad. They have a variety of choices and frequently have sales. And no shipping costs.

alexvpaq

hum, let's say, After passing a guy showing off his crack to the whole world. I was pretty much glad I spent the extra cash on bibs.

Anyway, bibs aren't pulling on your shoulder, they fit like a glove you do not even feel like you have something on, it's like a second skin and people aren't making fun of your crack.

try some.

pgjackson

$400??!!! That's more than my bike cost. Until someone pays me to be a cyclist, I can't see ever justifying a $400 pair of pants.

pgjackson

I don't have that problem. My pants stay in place.

Mansram01

Try the Castelli Ergo Tre Bibs. They're on Amazon for $51. You do have to order a size larger since they run small. I know it's a dollar over your budget but it's gonna be hard finding a good name brand bib for anything less. The Performance Ultra II"s are awesome too.

hhnngg1

The Performance bike bibs (Ultra or their others) are good enough for serious use. I also have compared to Assos F1 Uno and while the Uno is definitely built better, I've had zero problems with riding on the Performance bibs, and no difference in comfort.

I wouldn't spend less than $50 for bibs if you're riding long (3+ hrs). You'll definitely appreciate the good padding and form factor at that duration.

If you're just doing rides of 90 mins or less, you could probably get by with el cheapos, but they wouldn't be doing you much better than a padless short.

rdl456

Best Bib Shorts I own are Giordana, and Sportful (made by Castelli oddly enough). Worst Bib Shorts I own are some Castelli Ergo Tre, a Castelli Cervelo TDF bib I paid $70 for and a Mavic Espoir bib I paid $60 for. Tempted to put them through my shredder for being so poorly designed. I don't buy into the "straps have to be snug standing up" fit. My Giordana, Sportful, and even low end Pearl Izumi all fit correctly, chamois is perfectly placed and doesnt move. Straps are comfortable standing up too. I wear both but bib shorts just feel more comfortable.

kf9yr

I'm single and pay the mortgage on time so I don't have to justify the cost of my bike gear...

I wouldn't pay $400 for a pair of Italian shoes or a belt (well I have for my ex-wife but wouldn't spend that for my clothes).

There is a difference in quality, fit and comfort between the different levels of shorts I have. I still wear the cheap $40-60 dollar shorts on a quick 1 hour ride but I can afford to wear better ones on longer/harder rides.

I bought really nice bikes for my kids and really nice bike computers so they can track their rides on line. Some would say it's a waste of money but I really enjoy going out and riding with them and they are both fit, active kids that get good grades and don't have obesity or eating problems.

Spend what you can afford on shorts but there are more expensive options that will save your butt some agony...

insidious meme

Psst.. you wear the straps UNDER the jersey.

StanSeven

Bibs really become noticably more comfortable than shorts when you spend several hours in the saddle. If I'm going on a 1 or 2 hour ride, I usually go with shorts. But if I plan on doing a long ride, I pick bibs just because the tight waist of shorts gets annoying and irratating after a couple hours.

Pedal Plebe

I converted from shorts to bib shorts and have never looked back. They are much better for the reasons listed, and are worth the extra cash

ILUVUK

good deals are out there. you just have to be patient. i bought my giordana silverlines (R.I.P.) from sierratradingpost.com for $50. those very comfortable bibs were a steal at that price. the only time i will wear shorts these days is on the trainer. only bibs for the road. they really are that much better than shorts.

cmurphy

I'll never bike in anything but bibs. They're so much more better all around. They RULE

Spiduhman

Voler is/was clearing out their "recycle" line (recycled fibers methinks, to my mailbox for < $50, retail over twice't); as club kit is Voler, and I like it o.k., but not so much the pad, I tried the thinner more resilient pad for the new pair, now my 2nd fave.

1st favourite still is the Capo, but the material is about shot. The pad is still perfect.

Points being, shop and ye shall find retail/2, and the better products are ...better.

GP

There's a clothing company in Vista that has two warehouse sales a year. The last one was in December so you're SOL until late spring. Email Jami@Canari.com and ask to be put on the email list for notification.

K. Olsen

Bib's remind me to much of this...

alexvpaq

Good for you, you wont have to explain to your GF what's up with the tanline on your butt.

v70cat

I have more expensive bib shorts but have found the Performance bib shorts the best for the money.

mathwheels

ride with a pair of shorts falling down in the crack area your entire ride then let me know if you worry about straps over your shoulders.

I know from experience. Even after being told to buy bibs on my first bike/gear buying trip I didn't and regretted it a week into owning shorts.

BUY BIBS!