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 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 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.

[dinbuffalo]

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

[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.

[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.

That does sound a little risky...

[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.

[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.

[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.