Quote Originally Posted by pooks
Why?

What are the benefits of bibs? When would you wear them?
I think pretty much all pros wear them. If you missed the riders with unzipped jerseys at the Tour, check any webstore that sells authentic team uniforms. They usually come with bibshorts, not regular shorts.

In addition to what Eden mentioned...

They allow you to have a snug (yet comfortable) fit on your shorts, which is important so your chamois pad will remain in place. I think most pros also wear base layers under their jerseys (thermal base layer in winter and cooling/wicking base layer in the summer) so the bibs help to keep that in place as well.

Regarding nipple rub: I've heard male riders complain about this when they wear jerseys alone, too. I think base layers are the only solution, if they have that problem.

I also think that they're more flattering than regular shorts, especially if you have any kind of pudginess to hide.

I would wear them anytime... if I could find them! Well-designed women's bibshorts are hard to find. If you do decide to go that route, just make sure that the straps are set wide enough apart so that they go around your chest, not right over your boobs. I have some men's Louis Garneau bibshorts (part of a team uniform) and the straps go right over my boobs. It looks really weird and isn't very comfortable.

Cari