Cycling shorts, Bib vs. Regular. Which do

bikelife · 04-25-2007, 05:27 PM

you prefer for training and why please? I do 500 - 700 km (~300 - 450 miles) a month at 25 to 35 kph. I have always used elastic waist band cycling shorts but am now experiencing some irritation at the elastic contact points due to particularly hot conditions locally. Would appreciate your shared experience. Would the bib design help? Are there any disadvantages? Thanks.

Jimbalaya · 04-25-2007, 05:38 PM

Bibs are a lot more comfortable, but they're a pain when you stop to pee. DeSoto Sports has some pretty comfortable low-rise cycling shorts -- have a look at their site

Jay P · 04-25-2007, 05:49 PM

BIb shorts are the best. In my experience they are more comfortable, period. On a 10 miles spin or 100 mile group ride, bib shorts remove the waistband and therefore reduce irritation. Many of them are made with wicking uppers to allow easier cooling in the heat. Pearl Izumi makes a nice short, but they are very expensive. Sugoi is not a bad value.

Lucky legs · 04-25-2007, 06:45 PM

Bibs are a whole lot more comfortable than shorts. I like the Santini bibs, mainly because the chamois is very good, but I did try some Demarchis on once, which I think would be excellent, but they were too expensive.

CanTexan · 04-25-2007, 07:09 PM

Personally, I favor the shorts over the bibs. This is primarily because I find the bibs restrict my breathing, particularly when I'm tucked down for aerodynamics. (By the way, my normal speed is around 20-22 mph = 32-35 kmh)I've never had a problem with local (i.e. waistline) irritation from the shorts ... and I've been averaging around 200 miles (320 km) a week for more than two years.My favorite shorts are the Pearl Izumi Ultrasensors (a little bit of cost, but the comfort is definitely worth it). I've also tended toward the Pearl Izumi Attacks, but I have other issues with them - the longer inseam length bothers me behind the knee on longer (50+ mile) rides, especially in hotter weather.

uncleneal · 04-26-2007, 07:53 AM

my preference = bibsmore comfortable, last longer, and even though they are a "pain" when you need to use the restroom, they give me a bit more confidence in sprinting and such (because you don't have to worry about the shorts rolling down and exposing to the person behind you! hahaha)

MadMonkey · 04-26-2007, 01:11 PM

I prefer regular shorts. I live and race in the northeast us. Nothing sucks more than going to a december cyclocross race well below freezing, getting ready, then having to take a dump. You have to COMPLETELY DISROBE in the portajon in order to get the bibs down. HELLLOOO, IT'S TEN FREAKIN' DEGREES OUT AND I'M NAKED!!!!!!OK, it took ten years of CC racing to figure out that you don't pull up the straps until the second to last layer, but still, it's a freaking pain. Also, I tend to run alot cooler without the bib, though I see where you're coming from with the waistband.

Bird Boy · 04-26-2007, 09:26 PM

bib - so your nuts don't pop out

Bob W · 04-27-2007, 04:20 AM

I prefer bibs, because I'm, um, portly. Waistbands on regular shorts tend to roll over under my belly. I do about 50 miles a week around 12 or 15 mph. If you're thin, bibs may not have any advantage for you.But if you have irritation, just buy one pair of bibs and see whether you prefer them. As previously mentioned, the main disadvantage is when you have to take them off.