Have you ever tried bibshorts?

[shootingstar]

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.

[OakLeaf]

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.

[lph]

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 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.

[cindyrides]

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?

[administrator]

We should have the new PI bibs in stock any day now...

[oz rider]

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.

[gnat23]

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!

[Blueberry]

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.

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?

[XMcShiftersonX]

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!)!

[kjay]

I wouldn't mind trying bib knickers — it's interesting to read how comfortable bibs are. Thanks for this poll and discussion.

[Aggie_Ama]

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.

[gnat23]

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?

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.

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!

[Catrin]

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

[rubywagon]

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.

[Catrin]

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)...