Bib Shorts - the good, the bad and the downright confused!

[CharlieH]

Ladies,

I am completely new to cycling (my other mode of transport is a horse) but have decided to take it up in order to cycle next year from coast to coast to raise money for the air ambulance.

I have been advised that bib shorts are the way forward but have no ideas about brand, types and also issues such as how they fit round sports bras, etc.

Any advice very much appreciated!

Charlie

[chryss]

Hi Charlie, first of all good to see a new face -- I'm quite new myself. Second, I apologize, I've never worn bib shorts, but the way you're asking your question pushes me to ask back:

1. What kind of bike are you riding and how long are your rides now? Plus how long do you anticipate they will be when you do your coast-to-coast?
2. What are you wearing now? How is it insufficient?
3. What problem exactly are you expecting to solve by wearing bib shorts?

[CharlieH]

Hi Chryss,

Apologies for the late reply. When I said I'm new to cycling I really did mean it! I have only just bought my first road bike and am in the process of buying all the relevant bits of kit to get up an running (sorry, cycling). For the coast to coast I think we will be doing around 60 miles a day for three days and as a group we will be building up to this over 12 months.

I had heard that bib shorts are better as you don't have a waist band digging into you when you ride, which sounds good, but my questions are more about the practicability in terms of toilet breaks, braces style straps versus one strap down the chest and also how sports bras fit into all this!

There may well not be all that much difference but would be good to get some advice before I buy.
Thank you!
Charlie

[nscrbug]

In regards to your "toilet break" question...they do make bibs for women that incorporate a "drop tail" to make potty breaks quicker and easier. Some of these drop tail bibs utilize a rear buckle (Descente), some use a zipper (Gore), and some just pull down in the rear (Pearl Izumi). Prices vary greatly depending on brand. And wearing a sports bra with a bibshort is not an issue...obviously the bra goes on first, then the bibshort/straps, then whatever top or jersey you wear over it. If you get a drop tail version, you won't even be worrying about the straps at all, since you'll only be pulling down the bottoms. And yes, it is way more comfortable not having anything dig or bind into your waist...at least IMO.

Linda

[NadiaMac]

another bib option: wear a full zip jersey and just take it off for pee breaks. not ideal for cold weather but works well when it's warmer out.

another option: there are regular shorts that have higher softer waistbands that are designed to improve comfort (no band digging into the gut) and have a more flattering appearance (bibs tend to be a bit more slimming, at least for those of us with soft underbellies). I've never tried these out, but may be worth looking into.

[ny biker]

FWIW, I've never worn bib shorts and don't have a problem with the waistband of my shorts being uncomfortable.

[nscrbug]

FWIW, I've never worn bib shorts and don't have a problem with the waistband of my shorts being uncomfortable.

Well...it's probably more of an issue for those of us that carry a bit more "fluff" around the middle. The waistband on some of my shorts just sort of sinks into my tummy roll and begins to dig and bind, leaving a nice mark after I'm done riding. I particularly have problems with shorts that have a drawstring...VERY uncomfortable. For those gals that are trimmer and aren't carrying any extra padding around the tummy, I can see where this would not be an issue. I will give some "props" to the some of the newer styles of shorts that have a non-elastic, wide yoga-type waistband...I have a few pairs of these and they are much better than my shorts with regular elastic waistbands.

[Becky]

another bib option: wear a full zip jersey and just take it off for pee breaks. not ideal for cold weather but works well when it's warmer out.

This. I've done it with 3/4 zip jerseys too, but it's easier with full zip, especially with stuff in the jersey pockets.

[ny biker]

Well...it's probably more of an issue for those of us that carry a bit more "fluff" around the middle. The waistband on some of my shorts just sort of sinks into my tummy roll and begins to dig and bind, leaving a nice mark after I'm done riding. I particularly have problems with shorts that have a drawstring...VERY uncomfortable. For those gals that are trimmer and aren't carrying any extra padding around the tummy, I can see where this would not be an issue. I will give some "props" to the some of the newer styles of shorts that have a non-elastic, wide yoga-type waistband...I have a few pairs of these and they are much better than my shorts with regular elastic waistbands.

My favorite bike shorts came with a drawstring. I took it out. Couldn't see the point.

[marni]

persornally although I have a bit of fluff around the middle (old age sag) I prefer drawstrings in my shorts. They aren't very common anymore and it's been an adjustment to go without them, They gave me a sense of security.