to bib or not to bib

[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!"