to bib or not to bib

[dinbuffalo]

Hi Everyone,
I'm semi-new to road cycling (in my 2nd season), and will be doing a 62.5 miler in June. Suddenly, I have the desire for comfort! Mainly in the form of compression and heavenly clouds of chamois. Are bibs any better?

[bellissima]

I personally only use bib shorts. know it takes more time and is a bit more of a pain when taking a nature break but for me is worth it as I really like the fit and comfort of bibs.

[dinbuffalo]

I've looked at the kind with a snap in the back for easy "pit stops", and also tried to find reviews. Not a lot of reviews out there - no one mentioning whether straps slip, or if that snap in the back really makes it easier or not. I have a short torso without a lot of shoulder....I can't even find a store locally that sells women-specific bibs in order to try on a pair!

[Owlie]

I wear regular bike shorts. Not bibs. Why? 1) I'm poor and can't afford the extra $$ that bibs cost, and 2)I don't really want to disrobe if I have to pee.

I realize that there are advantages to using bibs (like the chamois doesn't migrate), but I can't get past those two reasons for not buying/wearing them.

Pearl Izumi has drop-tail bibs with a zipper, if you're interested:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_11211110.html

[silver]

I love!!!! my bib tights(I have the Gore windstoppers)! And I think I would love bib shorts. But I don't have any bib shorts.

I already have several regular shorts and bib shorts are expensive. Also, when I wear bibs I want only jerseys that unzip all the way, easier to get off to "potty". all my winter gear is like that, but my summer stuff is not.

I haven't read good reviews on the drop tail bib's but would be willing to try to type that has a clip in the front.

[nscrbug]

I wear regular bike shorts. Not bibs. Why? 1) I'm poor and can't afford the extra $$ that bibs cost, and 2)I don't really want to disrobe if I have to pee.

I realize that there are advantages to using bibs (like the chamois doesn't migrate), but I can't get past those two reasons for not buying/wearing them.

Pearl Izumi has drop-tail bibs with a zipper, if you're interested:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_11211110.html

Actually the PI drop-tail bibs do NOT have a zipper. Basically, it's just a piece of material that "tucks" into the back of the shorts. When you have to go potty, you just gently pull down the shorts. However, if you're in a big hurry to drop your drawers, I can see the potential for ripping them...so be careful and pull them down gently. I have this pair of bibs, but haven't worn them on a ride yet. I'm still debating whether or not I want to return them because of the potential to rip the shorts thing.

[nscrbug]

I love!!!! my bib tights(I have the Gore windstoppers)! And I think I would love bib shorts. But I don't have any bib shorts.

I already have several regular shorts and bib shorts are expensive. Also, when I wear bibs I want only jerseys that unzip all the way, easier to get off to "potty". all my winter gear is like that, but my summer stuff is not.

I haven't read good reviews on the drop tail bib's but would be willing to try to type that has a clip in the front.

silver...are these (http://www.realcyclist.com/gore-bike-wear-liquid-windstopper-bibtight-w-cham-womens) the Gore bibtights that you have? How is the sizing on them? I was thinking of getting these to use for this winter at this great price.

[Owlie]

Actually the PI drop-tail bibs do NOT have a zipper. Basically, it's just a piece of material that "tucks" into the back of the shorts. When you have to go potty, you just gently pull down the shorts. However, if you're in a big hurry to drop your drawers, I can see the potential for ripping them...so be careful and pull them down gently. I have this pair of bibs, but haven't worn them on a ride yet. I'm still debating whether or not I want to return them because of the potential to rip the shorts thing.

Thanks for the correction...my brain must be out of the office today. :o

That does sound a little risky...:eek:

[silver]

silver...are these (http://www.realcyclist.com/gore-bike-wear-liquid-windstopper-bibtight-w-cham-womens) the Gore bibtights that you have? How is the sizing on them? I was thinking of getting these to use for this winter at this great price.

Yes! And that's a great deal! They are really great! Sizing....I'll have to say I ordered both the small and the medium. I usually wore medium shorts at the time and needed the small tights. So that means....they run big? ... I'm on the tall side and will say that the small was a little short on me... I usually wear some knee compression socks under them just to make sure no skin shows between my tights and my socks. But the bib straps are fine. (I'm probably more normal height torso and long legs)

[nscrbug]

Yes! And that's a great deal! They are really great! Sizing....I'll have to say I ordered both the small and the medium. I usually wore medium shorts at the time and needed the small tights. So that means....they run big? ... I'm on the tall side and will say that the small was a little short on me... I usually wear some knee compression socks under them just to make sure no skin shows between my tights and my socks. But the bib straps are fine. (I'm probably more normal height torso and long legs)

Thanks! I just ordered a pair. :D At 50% off, I simply couldn't pass 'em up. I ended up ordering a size Large, since I do have a pair of Gore Ozon Shorts in a Large...so I hope I got the right size.

Linda

[dinbuffalo]

Thanks! Good stuff to keep in mind....the jury's still out (and the funds, too).

[aicabsolut]

Bibs are the best! I get decent clothing prices through my team. The custom orders are also the only way I can find my size in bibs.

I used to have non-bib winter tights, because those are easier to find, but I finally splurged on some winter bib tights and will never go back.

[jessmarimba]

Do any of you long-torsoed folks have bibs that you like? I can't wear normal one-piece bathing suits b/c they're too short so I've always been afraid of trying bibs...

[ridebikeme]

I have a long torso, and have worn the Giordana Tenax bib shorts now for a couple of years. I LOVVVVE them and will definitely buy a few more pair when the opportunity arises. :D

[TrekTheKaty]

I have a great option. I used to wear SheBeest shorts, but they've changed their style/fabric :( I returned them and ordered the Louis Garneau Neo Power shorts (thanks for the staff pick!)

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1050369.html

It's hard to see in the pic, but they don't have elastic--just very snug, higher-than-normal waist band. Highly recommend them!

[aicabsolut]

I am also too long in the torso for one piece bathing suits, but I haven't had any problem with bibs. I tend to wear men's, though, for other fit reasons, so even in XS sizes, the straps fit. Newer Voler stuff has ridiculously stretchy straps, so if you are wary, I'd recommend that brand.

I'd say my Giordanna bibs are a little bit short, though they are ok in the riding position. Champion are snug but not too tight. I don't feel the Voler ones at all, but they don't do much good keeping things snug when the rest of the shorts start to stretch out after a while.

My women's Assos tights bib straps are quite short even on the longest loop (the bibs on these detach with a Y shape in the front, and there are 3 loops in the front to choose from to connect the strap). I've had the Assos come undone once on a ride, which was more comfy for my gut but not so comfy for my neck (from the Y shape that goes over your head). I have really skinny calves so I went with the slim fitting small size. Maybe if I could go up to medium they'd fit taller? They fit better after wearing a few times because I think they stretched out in the butt so I can pull them up a little higher.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the correction...my brain must be out of the office today. :o

That does sound a little risky...:eek:

I have two of these and there haven't been any problem with ripping the fabric. I REALLY like my drop-tail bibs and they actually mean I WILL visit a corn field or bushes if I need to do so - am less likely to do that with regular shorts.

The 2011 PI drop-tail bib shorts have been redesigned and they are much easier to use/pull down than the 2010 version.

[bluebug32]

I switched to mainly bibs this year and love them. Yes, the bathroom thing is a pain, but I've found it less awkward to just wear a light baselayer so I can remove my jersey before hitting a porta potty. Full zip helps for that.

Voler.com tends to have cheap (like $30) bibs on sale that are samples for their teams. For that price, I figured they were worth a try and I quickly discovered how much better I could breath and move with them on.

[nscrbug]

I have two of these and there haven't been any problem with ripping the fabric. I REALLY like my drop-tail bibs and they actually mean I WILL visit a corn field or bushes if I need to do so - am less likely to do that with regular shorts.

The 2011 PI drop-tail bib shorts have been redesigned and they are much easier to use/pull down than the 2010 version.

Yes, mine are the 2011 drop tails...but I don't have a pair of the 2010 version so I have nothing to compare them to. They still seem like they would be easy to rip...at least during my own personal "simulation" tests where I put them on and then pretended to pull them down. I can't seem to pull the shorts down far enough to comfortably "sit", which makes me think that if I pulled them any further they might rip.

[Catrin]

Yes, mine are the 2011 drop tails...but I don't have a pair of the 2010 version so I have nothing to compare them to. They still seem like they would be easy to rip...at least during my own personal "simulation" tests where I put them on and then pretended to pull them down. I can't seem to pull the shorts down far enough to comfortably "sit", which makes me think that if I pulled them any further they might rip.

They do take a little practice, but have had no problem using them at home or at a porta-potty. At least that has been my experience...the corn isn't growing yet so haven't yet tried them in a corn field or in the bushes just yet.

[dinbuffalo]

Well, I went with purchasing a higher-end short - LG Neo Power shorts, after reading all your excellent replies and the reviews of the product. Awesome shorts, and cheaper than bibs. Did the 62.5 miles (plus a 12 mile "peloton" for top fundraisers) with those shorts and Mad Alchemy La Femme chamois creme, and I was a happy camper! As I peeled off the shorts at the 50 mile pit stop, I thought, "Sure am glad I'm not wearing bibs!" :D

[TxDoc]

Hi Everyone,
I'm semi-new to road cycling (in my 2nd season), and will be doing a 62.5 miler in June. Suddenly, I have the desire for comfort! Mainly in the form of compression and heavenly clouds of chamois. Are bibs any better?

I don't know about compression or chamois quality (most chamois feel comfortable to me) - but in my opinion bibs in general are more comfortable because they have no waist elastic band.

[Catrin]

I love my drop-tail PI bibs! Not only is there no waistband, but the drop-tail makes it easier for me to answer calls of nature. I seem to be more resistant to taking care of business with regular shorts.

I've also found that while I do like Terry chamois, for rides longer than 1.5 hours I really need PI 3D chamois.

[Aggie_Ama]

After I got my first pair of bibs I was a convert! Yes on long rides it does take a little longer to potty but I don't have to deal with the annoyance of shorts the roll or bind due to the elastic waist. Plus you just develop the technique of getting them off. When my friend got hers as part of her team kit she knew why I had been telling her for so long she had to try them. Another convert.

[Norse]

I have the 2010 PI drop bibs and like them a lot but may have to try the 2011 because I would not mind if they were just a tad easier to "pull away." :o I have not had any fears of ripping them.

[Catrin]

I have the 2010 PI drop bibs and like them a lot but may have to try the 2011 because I would not mind if they were just a tad easier to "pull away." :o I have not had any fears of ripping them.

The 2011 version appear to be cut just a tad smaller than the 2010 in case that matters. At least the small size appears to be.

[bellissima]

After using bibs on races regular shorts just didn't feel good. I prefer to take more time answering the calls of nature, than loosing the bibs awesome fit. ;)

[suzbyrd]

I really like the Twin Six women's bibs I got from fatcyclist.com (the ones Fatty sells as xmas gifts). I think they cost around $80....worth every penny! I can hardly stand to wear shorts any more when the bibs are dirty.