Curious behinds want to know, have you ever tried riding in bibshorts?
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Curious behinds want to know, have you ever tried riding in bibshorts?
The only reason I don't like them is because on long rides when you have to go to the bathroom they're more trouble then they're worth for women. Men have it easy, they don't have to undo everything just to go, but I find it to be a hassle, and otherwise didn't see that much of a difference between regular shorts.
to me the comfort and support is well worth the few extra seconds they add to my pit stop.
I bought my first pair last week and I think I will only buy bibs from now on. They are so comfortable.
ETA: PI has come out with a bib that has a drop tail for easy pit stops.
Would like to try some but not sure about the whole bathroom thing, seems tidious to use. Has anyone tried the new PI droptail style?
Also, are the straps uncomfortable in the chest area? Most men don't have anything hanging around there but for us women, I would think they would squish the boobies or something.
I tried the drop tails on and "practiced" dropping it and it was actually really great. I ended up buying another pair because I liked the chamois better and don't mind having to "un-bib" if needed.
The bibs I ended up buying have a clip on the chest so you can put the straps more over your boobs, or leave it unclipped and have them go to the side. I am small chested, so I don't mind them going over the top.
I am fairly busty and have no discomfort with bib shorts. My biggest complaint on bibs is there aren't enough manufacturers making them! I would prefer to only wear bibs, they are so incredibly comfortable. Yes, they take a few more minutes to potty but to not have a waist band to roll or my tummy hanging over is well worth it. I am not a fan of the womens style with the strap through the boobs, it is not as comfortable to me as the other styles but still better than shorts.
I couldn't tell from the picture how the drop-tail works on those PIs. Is it velcro/stretch the opening?
When I've got to go, I've got to go. :o So bibs are a no-go. :cool: But a drop-tail... maybe.
i love my bib shorts. i may only buy bib shorts since i got them. i like regular shorts too though.
The back of the drop tail bibs are just like regular shorts. It is hard to explain unless you see them. Imagine a pair of bibs, and someone cuts a horizontal line across the back, where normal shorts would rise. You pull them down only in the back, over your bum. Does that make sense? No velcro or anything. It was a very clever design I think.
My PI Symphony Cut shorts fit so perfectly in the front with the flat, non-rolling wide panel over my tummy that I see no need to go for bibs.
I love bibs. I ride in whatever my team gives me, but there is one pair I will buy! LG(louis gareau) makes bibs that unclasp in the front and velcro in the back. So you can undo them and pull the shorts down without taking off your jersey. They are amazing.
Interested, but since I am a champion pee-er, always worried about that factor so haven't tried them yet.
haha... that's hilarious!!Quote:
Originally Posted by greenbeanvw
I wear the ones I have on shorter rides, when I know I won't have to use the bathroom.
I am not sure how they would help make my ride easier...I assume that's the reason.
Most jerseys are the right hem length for me. Waistband in shorts/tights don't cut into my stomach.
I don't get it. I'm only 5'1" and small-boned.
Mmmkay, maybe that's where this needs to start: for those of us who don't wear them, what is the point of bibs?
I was under the impression that they kept the chamois in place better than regular shorts. But the PI drop tail almost seems like it would do the opposite, with no fastening to hold the back end in place.
Waistbands in shorts don't cut into my waist either (my favourite ones rest on my hipbones), and for everyday use I'm happiest in regular shorts. I did buy a pair of bibs after hearing everyone rave about them, and for longer rides when I'll need to eat - and digest - on bike, they're a tad more comfortable. It's not a big difference to me, but I get HUNGRY, and digesting food with a semi-high HR while hunched over isn't the best position :p so the lack of waistband helps a little. They're also a little more comfortable on those days when you're retaining water and suddenly a size larger than the day before...
But for 90 % of my rides being able to whip off my shorts fast to pee is a lot more important.
My husband swears by bibs. I would love to try the PI bibs. I pee often and would want the drop tail option. My problem is that I am only 5' tall and the shorts end up being too long for my comfort level. I prefer a 6" inseam. Anybody know of anything like that?
We should have the new PI bibs in stock any day now...
I have two bibs. The Assos bib shorts have a bodice (not the buckled ones) so you can unzip a jersey (or go no jersey if you had a better body than me!) on hot days. But the Giordana bibtights are brilliant - may as well be naked they're so comfortable. I wouldn't buy bibs with straps over the boobs; I prefer the central front strap like the Giordanda. But I don't find shorts uncomfortable and will sometimes choose them for long rides that might require the odd tree.
BIBS ++
No elastic in the waist is the real key. Especially on longer rides when I'm taking in a ton of food and water, not having the pinch by the bellybutton as I bloat is KEY.
The real trick is to wear a *full-zip* jersey when you wear bibs, especially if you carry stuff in the back pockets. When you go to pee, there's no worry about dumping all your stuff around the porta-potty. :)
-- gnat!
So I have to ask - where do you put the jersey while trying to potty? I'm hearing the reasoning on bibs (where I hadn't been interested), but I can just see me falling in after sliding around on cleats trying to get sweaty bibs off?? Isn't it like trying to get a wet swimming suit back on?Quote:
Originally Posted by gnat23
The one pair of bib shorts I have are Castelli, they're comfortable (except for that awful kiss pad they invented!), but like I mentioned before, a pain when you have to go to the bathroom. Mine have the two straps that go up and over your shoulders, they're very stretchy, flexible, and soft, so it never feels tight or constricting when you wear them, the straps end up sitting on the outside of each boob. And honestly, you don't even notice them while riding. So, what I end up doing is pulling each strap down while my jersey is still on, getting them back up takes a little more manuevering. In my regular clothes I'm often the type who will take my bra off at home without taking my shirt off, so it's the same idea as that. If you can master that you can master bibs haha... The benefit is no constricting waist band, but my other favorite pair of shorts are Assos, and they have a wide and flexible waistband and are honestly just as comfortable as my Castelli bib (with a better pad of course!)!
I wouldn't mind trying bib knickers — it's interesting to read how comfortable bibs are. Thanks for this poll and discussion.
If you live in the sweltering inferno of the south and wear sleeveless alot bibs don't matter for peeing. Just slide the straps out the arm hole, kinda like taking a bra off without taking off your shirt. :)
Jersey goes on a hook or wrapped around the door handle or, in an I-Don't-Care kick, on the handlebars while I strut around in my sports bra.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blueberry
I don't find bibs any harder to take off than normal bike shorts. Slip off the straps and fold over the top of the spandex-part to peel down. When done, just roll it back up and wiggle back under the straps.
The other benefit, which I forgot to mention, is walking around in sports bra, bibs, and cleats, but tugging on the bib-straps with your thumbs like suspenders and doing a little vaudeville dance. (Works better on women for some reason)
-- gnat!
Has anyone tried the PI bib shorts that have the little strap that connects the bib straps? http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_0475.html It looks to me like this would perhaps be right under the breasts - surely not OVER them :eek:
I tried the PI bibs and the Sugoi RSE bibs, with the little strap thing, and they both fell right on top of my chest, not under.
Yikes - that is good to know. I know someone that I can order PI stuff at a 40% discount and am debating between several items. Can the strappy thing be removed I wonder? The 40% discount is ever so much more affordable than TE bib shorts (sorry TE)...Quote:
Originally Posted by greenbeanvw
I find baselayers are good for that, too, particularly since I'm not quite brave enough to do any strutting in just a sports bra. Bra + base + bibstraps + full-zip jersey = works out fine for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by gnat23
Yes, I love how they feel, but on the tandem I spend a fair bit of time looking down and...well...if those ancient thighs were covered by fabric... they might look less... um... cottage cheesy. How the mind wanders...
Can you direct me to the bib capris?
You could even leave the strap clip thingamajig attached and just fold them under, if you didn't want to cut/resew.Quote:
Originally Posted by Catrin
Good idea - they look fine otherwise - and when else can I get such a deal for them? I didn't even think about just folding them under - talk about over-thinking :pQuote:
Originally Posted by greenbeanvw
Well, after reading most of the posts I'm still on the fence. I have heard that Bibs are extremely comfortable, but always from men. It's nice to hear women rave about them. And, like so many, I am the Queen of peeing on the side of the road. In fact, I'm so good at it I amaze people with how fast and discreetly I can do it. Plus, it's usually a matter of "gotta go NOW". The longer I ride, the more I find the "signal" gets sent as rubber legs while riding and practically wetting myself when I get caught by a light. All of which make me wary of adding another complication.
In my search of Bib options I have been drawn to the "stap between the girls" style. I'm bigger busted and they sit further apart, so I figured it would be easier to wear than starps down the sides. This may also stem from my struggle to keep anything on my shoulders too.
So now what I want to know is: does a full-zip jersey help in the whole potty break scenario? Do bibs tend to keep you warmer, cooler, or it makes no difference? (I live in Southern AZ, in a few months I'll be riding in temps of 80-90 in the morning) Has anyone tried Descente C6 bibs? I don't like PI, chamoises are too thick, am also considering Giordana & Etxe Ondo, any opinions or advices? Also, I'm 5'3", 134# and in my late 40's so this will probably be like giving your mom advice on her cycling clothing, verses your girlfriends.
I look forward to all the input and advice you women have to offer me!
I tried some from Giordana and they were a bit short for my torso. I'm long torso, and short legs. Another pair I tried, and happened to be on sale / clearance at the time for extra incentive, were these...
http://www.velowear.com/products/1120188BLK2XL.aspx
They fit like a glove. Just long enough, without cutting into my shoulders. BUT, I just still couldn't wrap my mind around being that bundeled up.
I had considered wearing bibs, crop sports bra, and a mesh top for hotter rides. But the idea of an extra layer of fabric covering my torso just do it for me.
And the waist band thing, maybe it's my long torso, but I hate a non-elastic waist band also. They slide down as you ride, and just feel un-supportive.
I like everything "locked & locked" tight. I don't like anything loose because it feels like my clothes are going to fall off on the ride and I might end up nekkid.:eek:
I wish I could figure out how to love em though.
When I wore bibs, I worked out my own system for nature calls. I'm not a pee on the side of the road gal, I usually end up hitting my foot, so this is for porta potties and real honest to goodness flush toilet facilities.
Unzip the jersey, pull my arms out, wear jersey like a necklace. Slide bib straps off shoulder and pull 'em down. Take care of business, pull 'em up, slide straps back, re-orient jersey.
I wish they had bib running tights..
I pretty much always wear a full zip jersey if wearing bibs. Normal jerseys make it all the more likely that the phone will end up in the porcelain. I just wish jersey manufacturers (or stockists) would make more women's jerseys with full zips.Quote:
Originally Posted by supercutie
I think bibs are marginally warmer. Even my Assos bibshorts which are summer weight fabric seem warmer, but it's as simple as leaving the jersey open to compensate.
My Giordana donna roubaix bibs are lovely, but the chamois isn't as thick as Assos. I love the straps - soft, no buckles, stretchy. Haven't tried the others you're considering. I'm short too (shorter than you) and the bibs are no problem.
I LOVE BIBS!!!
I never really thought about the waistband of shorts being too constrictive until I bought bibs. Then I went for a ride, and up the first long hill, I thought, OMG, I can BREATHE! I will never go back to shorts.
I have worn both strap styles (center and traditional). I have even worn both at the same time (Assos tights over shorts). I don't really have a preference, though I guess the center one is nicer in the winter when I don't want to take off my many top layers. The normal twin strap style I guess is nicer when it's warmer, because I can unzip the jersey and have a little more air flow. Otherwise, my biggest gripe with the center ones that I have are kind of tight, because they are women's and are short, and I usually prefer men's gear for strap length comfort. The center clasp popped open on me on a ride, probably because I have them stretched to the max.
I've decided to go with one of TE's bib shorts rather than PIs - these look more comfy and cooler in the long-term than the kind that PI sells. The cost is rather higher though :eek: However I don't need them next week!