Cycling Bibs -- anyone have a favorite?!

[Batbike]

I want to buy some women's cycling bibs but don't know what to buy. Susan, here at TE, suggested the PI Vertex, which I would be happy to buy based on her suggestion, but they don't have my size. May buy from someplace else, but since not dealing with the great TE service I am reluctant unless I know they are the best to get. So, if you wear bibs, what is your favorite?! THANKS!

[Alex]

I love the LG bibs. So comfortable! The only downside is that the white is a bit sheer.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=18029

Alex

[equus123]

my team kit from a few years ago is from Hincapie. i love their bib shorts. super comfy and i like having the longer leg lengths. they're men's bibs and i like them better because the chamois is more comfortable IMO.

[Batbike]

I love the LG bibs. So comfortable! The only downside is that the white is a bit sheer.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=18029

Alex

Alex, how tall are you?! I ask because I read in a previous discussion that LG are very comfortable for short to average height women. I don't feel I am tall, but I am 5'7", so wanted to compare our heights if you don't mind. Thanks!

[Batbike]

my team kit from a few years ago is from Hincapie. i love their bib shorts. super comfy and i like having the longer leg lengths. they're men's bibs and i like them better because the chamois is more comfortable IMO.

the straps don't bother you in a men's bib?

[Alex]

I'm almost 5' 8" (and I do feel tall)!

Alex

[Batbike]

how sheer? with them being white, gray, and black in the "main area", thinking they would be OK. very tempted to buy -- I like the chamois in them!

do they run large or small? I would size by hips and the small is for a 35 hip; medium 37 hip -- I am a 36 hip. Thinking medium. Any suggestions?

THANKS!

[Alex]

How sheer? Well, I had a bruise on my thigh and I could see it through the white part. I don't think the shorts are immodest, but if you usually wear black shorts, you will be able to tell a difference. I'm not sure I would wear these to the supermarket on the way back from a ride, whereas I wouldn't mind popping into the store in my black PI shorts. YMMV.

As for sizing, I wear a medium in all biking clothes. The shorts part of the LG bibs fits more closely than my PI shorts.

The LG bibs were a gift from DH and I was really amazed at how well-made they are and how nice they feel. My PI shorts are not the top-of-the-line version, and there really is quite a difference.

Alex

[equus123]

nope. i actually don't own a pair of women's bibs. i don't even know what the straps are like as compared to men's. i have boobs (i'm certainly not flat chested in any way) but i've never had a problem or them not being comfortable.

i dunno! lol

[Velobambina]

I have the Descentes, Craft Master Bibs, and the PIs. I like the PIs the best. The chamois in the Descentes isn't for me--too bulky, especially in the front. They are cut small (like Castelli shorts), as are the Crafts, which makes them supportive. I like the Craft bibs but the bib part is more substantial (just not straps but it covers your tummy up to around mid-rib area). Chamois in them is fine, as it isn't too bulky but it's comfortable. Because of the extended bib area, they can get toasty if you wear them in warmer conditions. The PIs are cut more to US size standards (i.e., bigger) but the small fits me fine. I believe that the inseam is a tad longer than the Crafts & Descentes, too. The material isn't as supportive in the PIs, but I found them supportive enough.