bibbs - what brand do you like?

[ibike2]

Hi Everyone... I just registered with TE. I am 32 yrs old, live in California and I have been cycling for over a year.

I am looking to purchase some bibbs. I love my shebeest cycling shorts, but I have been unable to find a pair of shebeest bibbs (maybe they don't make them).

What brand do you recommend? Do you have a preference for longer rides 100-200 miles and shorter rides 25 +/- miles.

Thank you for your help.

[nscrbug]

I have 2 pairs of Pearl Izumi women's PRO bibshorts. Comfort-wise, they're great. I LOVE not having an elastic waistband binding into my waist...I like how the bibs kind of hold my "not-so-tight" abs in place. I also like the no-gripper legs...very comfortable. What I do NOT like about them...the chamois. It just doesn't feel right to me. It's big, bulky, and bunches up in the front (on me). I wear a size medium and aside from the chamois, it fits perfect...I can't imagine fitting into a small. Don't know what it is about that pad, but it feels like it smashes everything up front. The pad looks to be one solid piece throughout the crotch area, unlike the men's version, which has a "channel" that runs down the center. I actually tried a pair of my DH's shorts to see if I felt a difference...and I DID feel a slight relief of pressure in my soft tissue area wearing a men's short. Just something you might want to take into consideration.

I know there are other brands of women's bibs out there, so hopefully there are other ladies who have tried some of them and can comment. I'd be interested in hearing some feedback on some other brands, too.

[GLC1968]

In general, I'm not a bib gal. I never had 'binding' issues with regular shorts and knowing my long torso issues, I didn't feel the need to try them.

That said, I finally tried a pair earlier this spring that I really, really like. The chamois virtually disappears and yet protects me perfectly. The fabric of the short is sleek and smooth and very, very comfortable. Gore makes really top notch stuff and these shorts are no exception. And, best of all, you don't need to undress to pee - you just unzip!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_WXENWO.html

I know they are crazy expensive, but I plan to wear these until they fall apart on me (and knowing Gore, that'll be a LONG time!).

[nscrbug]

In general, I'm not a bib gal. I never had 'binding' issues with regular shorts and knowing my long torso issues, I didn't feel the need to try them.

That said, I finally tried a pair earlier this spring that I really, really like. The chamois virtually disappears and yet protects me perfectly. The fabric of the short is sleek and smooth and very, very comfortable. Gore makes really top notch stuff and these shorts are no exception. And, best of all, you don't need to undress to pee - you just unzip!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGB_WXENWO.html

I know they are crazy expensive, but I plan to wear these until they fall apart on me (and knowing Gore, that'll be a LONG time!).

Oooooh...now those Gore bibs sound fantastic! You're not kidding about the CRAZY price...I'll have to hoard some pennies to buy a pair of those.

[Gowest]

I tried these - wow they are nice - no leg bulging, very comfy - but I had to send them back!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGI_WBIBFRCA.html

If you are tall - these are NOT for you. I am 5' 8" size 8. I ordered a large because I am tall - well that was not enough. They dipped down almost as low as a string bikini in the front A good 5 inches below my belly button. Needless to say my husband was like - wow - sexy...but not for riding! Some of my race cut jerseys covered the tops of the bibs by 1/4 inch

If you are not tall - I would highly recommend these.

[Catrin]

I tried these - wow they are nice - no leg bulging, very comfy - but I had to send them back!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodGI_WBIBFRCA.html

If you are tall - these are NOT for you. I am 5' 8" size 8. I ordered a large because I am tall - well that was not enough. They dipped down almost as low as a string bikini in the front A good 5 inches below my belly button. Needless to say my husband was like - wow - sexy...but not for riding! Some of my race cut jerseys covered the tops of the bibs by 1/4 inch

If you are not tall - I would highly recommend these.

What did you think of the chamois? Were you able to try them on a ride at all? If so, how easy were they to get in/out of at potty stops?

I am not tall....but wouldn't they dip down further if someone has a short torso? It has been a long day on short sleep so the answer is probably staring me in the face...

[nscrbug]

Has anyone tried the Giordana Laser bibshort? Reason I ask is because I noticed on the RoadID website, that they are selling a pair of bibshorts made my Giordana with the same chamois pad that is in their Laser bibshort...for $69.99. That is CHEAP for bibshorts! Granted it has the RoadID logo splashed all over the legs, but I'm okay with that..considering the price. But I'm curious about that chamois - it's the WMC3-O.F chamois...so if anyone has tried it, please post some feedback.

Linda

[ibike2]

Those Gore Bibbs do look nice, very convenient to just unzip.

Does anyone have a pair of the Giordana FR Carbon Bib Shorts?
How do you like those, chamois, etc..?

I would definately be interested in knowing what you think the Giordana Laser Bib Shorts, chamois, as well.

BTW: Thanks you all for your imput.

[Gowest]

See my comment above regarding these bibs.

The chamois seemed super comfortable and very ergonomic - not bulky. But I did not ride in them as I am returning them. I had no worries about the chamois though.

Low in the front is worse for taller girls as the distance btwn your pubic bone and belly button is usually shorter (not to be graphic)

These bibs fit me like a pair of junior low rise jeans!

debi

[wavedancer]

I like the PI drop tail bibs. Chamois is comfortable for me on 35-40 mile rides and the option to drop the tail to pee is great!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_0...l#ReviewHeader

[Selkie]

The best bib shorts are the Assos --- they adjust to accommodate torso length. However, they are an investment (a worthy one, if you're a serious rider, particularly if you're an endurance cyclist). I give them five out of five stars in every category (fit, styling, fabric, quality, chamois, comfort, etc).

These http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSU_39390F.html are great and a bit more modestly priced, relatively speaking. The chamois is not minimal but it's not like a big bad 1970s maxi-pad, either. Good for longer rides. My only beef w/these shorts is the fabric---I like my shorts more supportive in terms of fabric compression. Some of this might be a vanity sizing thing--I am petite (not anorexic thin, muscular but small boned and fit) and it's getting increasingly more difficult to find stuff that fits. But I digress. That said, the Sugoi shorts are fine in terms of fit and support. I own three pairs of these, which shows how much I like them.

I don't have issues w/un-bibbing if I have to answer the call of nature, so I'm not going to try the drop tail style bibs. FWIW, I always wear a base layer on top, even in summer.

[Catrin]

I like the PI drop tail bibs. Chamois is comfortable for me on 35-40 mile rides and the option to drop the tail to pee is great!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodPI_0...l#ReviewHeader

I am considering these, even though I wanted to get away from PI chamois. I did learn that it has the same chamois in my one pair of PI shorts in which I like the chamois. As far as distance is concerned I guess that my current shorts is a good test of the chamois as it is the same one.

I still like the Giordana Laser Bibs though, and with TE's generous return/replacement policy I may start with these and if I don't like them then replace with the PI drop-bibs.

I was told by someone at TE that the PI drop-bibs have extra material in the back to accommodate the drop-bib design. Do you notice that extra material in any way?

[oz rider]

I have a pair of Giordana Body Clone bibs which are nicely made and very comfortable. The chamois is sort of medium size - thinner than Assos - but I don't know whether it's the same as the Laser chamois.

And +1 for Assos for long distance. Although I've just got the new model knicks and I'm not sure the chamois is an improvement. Could be new bike/position issues, so it will take a few more rides to know for sure.

[wavedancer]

I was told by someone at TE that the PI drop-bibs have extra material in the back to accommodate the drop-bib design. Do you notice that extra material in any way?

it is just a light, soft, stretchy mesh material that tucks in the back. I don't notice it at all.