to bib or not to bib

[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.

[silver]

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.

Yes! And that's a great deal! They are really great! Sizing....I'll have to say I ordered both the small and the medium. I usually wore medium shorts at the time and needed the small tights. So that means....they run big? ... I'm on the tall side and will say that the small was a little short on me... I usually wear some knee compression socks under them just to make sure no skin shows between my tights and my socks. But the bib straps are fine. (I'm probably more normal height torso and long legs)

[nscrbug]

Yes! And that's a great deal! They are really great! Sizing....I'll have to say I ordered both the small and the medium. I usually wore medium shorts at the time and needed the small tights. So that means....they run big? ... I'm on the tall side and will say that the small was a little short on me... I usually wear some knee compression socks under them just to make sure no skin shows between my tights and my socks. But the bib straps are fine. (I'm probably more normal height torso and long legs)

Thanks! I just ordered a pair. At 50% off, I simply couldn't pass 'em up. I ended up ordering a size Large, since I do have a pair of Gore Ozon Shorts in a Large...so I hope I got the right size.

Linda

[dinbuffalo]

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

[aicabsolut]

Bibs are the best! I get decent clothing prices through my team. The custom orders are also the only way I can find my size in bibs.

I used to have non-bib winter tights, because those are easier to find, but I finally splurged on some winter bib tights and will never go back.

[jessmarimba]

Do any of you long-torsoed folks have bibs that you like? I can't wear normal one-piece bathing suits b/c they're too short so I've always been afraid of trying bibs...

[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...

[Catrin]

Thanks for the correction...my brain must be out of the office today.

That does sound a little risky...

I have two of these and there haven't been any problem with ripping the fabric. I REALLY like my drop-tail bibs and they actually mean I WILL visit a corn field or bushes if I need to do so - am less likely to do that with regular shorts.

The 2011 PI drop-tail bib shorts have been redesigned and they are much easier to use/pull down than the 2010 version.

[bluebug32]

I switched to mainly bibs this year and love them. Yes, the bathroom thing is a pain, but I've found it less awkward to just wear a light baselayer so I can remove my jersey before hitting a porta potty. Full zip helps for that.

Voler.com tends to have cheap (like $30) bibs on sale that are samples for their teams. For that price, I figured they were worth a try and I quickly discovered how much better I could breath and move with them on.

[nscrbug]

I have two of these and there haven't been any problem with ripping the fabric. I REALLY like my drop-tail bibs and they actually mean I WILL visit a corn field or bushes if I need to do so - am less likely to do that with regular shorts.

The 2011 PI drop-tail bib shorts have been redesigned and they are much easier to use/pull down than the 2010 version.

Yes, mine are the 2011 drop tails...but I don't have a pair of the 2010 version so I have nothing to compare them to. They still seem like they would be easy to rip...at least during my own personal "simulation" tests where I put them on and then pretended to pull them down. I can't seem to pull the shorts down far enough to comfortably "sit", which makes me think that if I pulled them any further they might rip.

[Catrin]

Yes, mine are the 2011 drop tails...but I don't have a pair of the 2010 version so I have nothing to compare them to. They still seem like they would be easy to rip...at least during my own personal "simulation" tests where I put them on and then pretended to pull them down. I can't seem to pull the shorts down far enough to comfortably "sit", which makes me think that if I pulled them any further they might rip.

They do take a little practice, but have had no problem using them at home or at a porta-potty. At least that has been my experience...the corn isn't growing yet so haven't yet tried them in a corn field or in the bushes just yet.

[dinbuffalo]

Well, I went with purchasing a higher-end short - LG Neo Power shorts, after reading all your excellent replies and the reviews of the product. Awesome shorts, and cheaper than bibs. Did the 62.5 miles (plus a 12 mile "peloton" for top fundraisers) with those shorts and Mad Alchemy La Femme chamois creme, and I was a happy camper! As I peeled off the shorts at the 50 mile pit stop, I thought, "Sure am glad I'm not wearing bibs!"