Best Bib Shorts
#1
Thread Starter
Banned.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 123
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From: Woodlands Tx
Bikes: 2001 Cannondale R2000 with over 70,000 miles on it
Best Bib Shorts
After riding for almost 13 years I know what I consider the most comfortable bib out there, at least for myself but I was curious everyone else's thoughts.
I've tried a lot of different brands, Canari, Pearl Izumi, Assos, Giordana, and Nike.
Canari was my first experience when I first got into cycling. For the price they were very comfortable and durable. Not too bad considering most don't consider them a big name brand.
Pearl Izumi is by far the most durable I've had. Throw them in the washer, even the dryer at times and they never seem to wear out or lose their fit. Unfortunately they aren't the most comfortable.
Assos, ahh the king. By far the most comfortable bib shorts I've ever worn. They're especially good for long trips and the chamois never seems to move out of place. The negative side is they are the priciest.
The Giordana Laser bib is what I wear most the time. They're almost as comfortable as the Assos and less painful on the pocketbook. The only drawback is they aren't as durable as I expected. They require hand washing or they need to be placed in a wash bag when washed in the washing machine. I didn't know this and just threw them in the washer. After several months I noticed the stitching coming loose but not to fear, bikesomewhere.com had no problem with exchanging them for a brand new pair.
Nike, not impressed at all. I have a pair practically brand new that I use for teaching spinning classes. The leg grippers don't work and the stitching grabs into my side.
So let’s hear it, what's your favorite brand?
Sarge
P.S. If you wear shorts don't bother replying. Regular shorts should be banned...HA!
I've tried a lot of different brands, Canari, Pearl Izumi, Assos, Giordana, and Nike.
Canari was my first experience when I first got into cycling. For the price they were very comfortable and durable. Not too bad considering most don't consider them a big name brand.
Pearl Izumi is by far the most durable I've had. Throw them in the washer, even the dryer at times and they never seem to wear out or lose their fit. Unfortunately they aren't the most comfortable.
Assos, ahh the king. By far the most comfortable bib shorts I've ever worn. They're especially good for long trips and the chamois never seems to move out of place. The negative side is they are the priciest.
The Giordana Laser bib is what I wear most the time. They're almost as comfortable as the Assos and less painful on the pocketbook. The only drawback is they aren't as durable as I expected. They require hand washing or they need to be placed in a wash bag when washed in the washing machine. I didn't know this and just threw them in the washer. After several months I noticed the stitching coming loose but not to fear, bikesomewhere.com had no problem with exchanging them for a brand new pair.
Nike, not impressed at all. I have a pair practically brand new that I use for teaching spinning classes. The leg grippers don't work and the stitching grabs into my side.
So let’s hear it, what's your favorite brand?
Sarge
P.S. If you wear shorts don't bother replying. Regular shorts should be banned...HA!
Last edited by Sgt. Spillco; 06-11-09 at 03:36 PM.
#4
Thread Starter
Banned.
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Woodlands Tx
Bikes: 2001 Cannondale R2000 with over 70,000 miles on it
The Performance bib has been voted best bib under $100 for the last two years by Bicycling magazine. I hear they're a good bang for the buck!
#5
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2007 Orbea Onix, 2007 Windsor The Hour, 2008 Kona Jake
If I could have these PI top of the line bibs for $50 or the Assos FI.Uno bottom of the line bibs for $150, I would take the Assos every time. You read that right, I would rather have 1 pair of Assos than 3 pairs of PI for the same cost.
The moral of the story is...don't buy Assos unless you are prepared to never settle for less again.
#6
Thread Starter
Banned.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 123
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From: Woodlands Tx
Bikes: 2001 Cannondale R2000 with over 70,000 miles on it
They're not bad, until you try Assos. I said shorts above, but I mean bibs. They're about 3 years old, so this comment doesn't apply to the new PI bibs, but...
If I could have these PI top of the line bibs for $50 or the Assos FI.Uno bottom of the line bibs for $150, I would take the Assos every time. You read that right, I would rather have 1 pair of Assos than 3 pairs of PI for the same cost.
The moral of the story is...don't buy Assos unless you are prepared to never settle for less again.
If I could have these PI top of the line bibs for $50 or the Assos FI.Uno bottom of the line bibs for $150, I would take the Assos every time. You read that right, I would rather have 1 pair of Assos than 3 pairs of PI for the same cost.
The moral of the story is...don't buy Assos unless you are prepared to never settle for less again.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: over by there
Exactly why I've tried to stick to the ignorance-is-bliss approach to bibs/shorts. I haven't gone past the $130 range in my search for my favorite shorts, and of the various brands I've tried, the Performance Ultras seem to work the best for me overall.
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 259
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From: Sugar Land, TX (outside Houston)
Bikes: '08 Specialized Allez Elite, Trek 7200, Specialized Hardrock
I've really liked the PI Slice Ultrasensor bibs. They are the first ones I tried and fit really well and are comfortable, so I haven't tried anything else.




