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Has anyone had any experience with Pearl Izumi bib shorts? I currently wear PI shorts and am looking to get my first pair of bib shorts. PI's have worked well for me but I understand bib shorts can be a different ball game.
Thoughts for that first pair of bib shorts? Also, I know bib shorts aren't cheap but I probably won't be buying anything north of $150.
womens only seem to come at $150-- the mens version with quest chamois is $65 on their website - might be worth ordering the mens version and seeing how it fits you in the critical areas - i wear pi quest and elite chamois in womens shorts, but my bibs are the smallest male size and they are just fine too - and TONS cheaper-- both male and female chamois are good to ride on... just a thought if you are not in a great hurry to get them - you could return the mens version if you try on and it feels weird on you - downside is you couldnt do a trial ride of course... but they ARE so much cheaper....
I don't have any experience with PI bib shorts. I do have several pairs of their shorts and have found the padding recently too much. I have purchased 3 pair of bib shorts from www.velowear.com and love them. The chamois is just enough and the price won't break the bank. Hope that helps.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/i...tymaui/bib.jpg
I bought the Louis Garneau Air Gel bib from Team Estrogen for $99.99 and love it! The only downfall obviously is having to pee outdoors. So I wear a sleeveless jersey and pull the suspender straps down. I'm wearing a sports bra so even if I had to take the jersey off I am not bare considering your bottom half is when you squat down.
Fortunately the urge to pee is greatly diminished on long rides. A friend of mine pulls the shorts leg over to one side, but it seems you need loose shorts to do that or skinny legs.
I find the bib shorts give me a lot of support in the core and it is so comfortable to wear and ride in. Not to mention it smooths out most of your unwanted lumps. Wearing it makes me feel more peppy and put together.
I don't find the bib shorts hot to wear and I live in Hawaii. The bib I bought is all mesh on the colored parts so that may be why. One thing I regret is buying one with white on it because I have grease stains that aren't coming out despite many attempts.
The PI bib shorts did not work well for me at all, but I think it's mostly because I don't like the chammy.
My most expensive pair of shorts, the one I like to wear the least. :( I just wear them when it's really cold and I want my back covered for a short ride.
I discovered today that there is actually a PI factory store relatively close to me where I can actually try on some women's bibs, including previous models that will be much cheaper. I swear, locating a bib short for women in an actual store is like a search for buried treasure.
Hopefully I will have some luck. Thanks for the suggestions all. If the PI don't work out, I now have some ideas. :)
I bought my first pair last month. They are last years model and have the Pro chamois. They were originally $150 or so but I got them at a special deal at an outlet store for like $60. Am considering buying more I love them SO SO SO much.
The bib makes a huge difference! No bunching up around my waist! Also they are cut slimmer than the regular shorts. Normally the XS shorts climb up on me after a while. These are nice and snug. If you like your normal size you might consider trying on 1 larger just to make sure about the leg openings etc.
Also, I am a 32A with a petite torso so they work great on me without the staps being too tight or falling down or anything. I also don't really seem to ever have to pee on the bike so I don't have the usual bib issues...
I've not yet purchased bib shorts, but when I was looking around recently, I was made aware of another "fit" issue for women to consider.
I'm large chested and was told to consider "where" the suspenders will hit you as a comfort/fit issue. Do the straps sit on top of your breasts, to the outside, to the inside? I was told that different women's manufacturers approach this problem differently and that I might need to try a few to find the best fit. I haven't done that yet, so I have no personal insights.
Anyway, just thought I'd throw that into the mix...
If you're longish from shoulder to crotch make sure the straps are longish too, otherwise it can be uncomfortable. and if you have one, your wiseguy teenaged daughter might start singing 'Sally the Camel.'
On the PI the staps hit outside your boobs. The strap length is just about right on me with a little to spare but I am very petite.