Deciding on lycra shorts...

Like most I did not use bibs for years, then tried them and now a convert. I think that the lack of a waistband is the biggest benefit. It makes it much more comfortable not having it dig into your gut, especially since road riding puts you in a more hunched over position.

The shoulder straps ensure that the shorts dont shift around/ride up or down. Also no worries about plumber's crack....

 

^^agreed. Also the straps aid in wicking a little. The biggest thing about the bib is it makes one almost like they are riding like a pro and it looks cool.

 

I never tried bibs either because it seems like a major hassle to take a leak. I assume you have to take off your jersey to get to the goods, correct?

 

For guys: 2 ways

1) you can pull up your jersey, pull down the top of the bibs and bend over a bit.

2) pull up one leg (there are stories of tour riders doing this while riding)

Not as easy as shorts but I still think the overall benefits of bibs are worth it.

 

^^Agreed however the minor inconveniences the bib provide are nothing compared to the major comfort they provide.

 

Pearl Izumi is nowhere

Craft, Master Short - awesome comfort and can be found for 90-110$$

 

+1 on the bibs!

 

anti- pearl izumi

don't get the ultrasensors unless you want to look like you're wearing a diaper and you like pulling the waistband up to your chest.

 

I would seriously recommend trying out the "Performance Ultra" shorts/bibs first before laying down $70+ for a premium brand.

I've tried other more expensive shorts and I keep coming back to the Performance Ultra fabric. The fabric is more mesh like than the traditional lycra. It breathes sooo much better than my other bike shorts. It also seems to be more comfortable cause the fabric is not as confining. Unfortunately, the seams do seem a bit fragile.

 

Do most of the non-bib shorts come up pretty high on your waist? I'm guessing thats to help them stay up. Not that I need any help with that.

 

I talked trash for YEARS about lycra. Sure enough I bought a road bike and the other roadies would beat me up for wearing baggies. Sick of having my lunch money stolen and my attire ridiculed I took the wife with me to Performance to pick up some lycra shorts. After she was done laughing she commented that they don't actually look bad. Fast forward a month later and after a Performance Ultra bib, a Sugio RS, and now an Assos Mille S5 I'm never going back.

The Performance Ultra is great for the price. Just don't try an Assos bib because chances are you'll want more then one.

On a side note remember not to wash Velcro with your bibs. :lol:

 

bibs are a headache if you do longer rides, plus they add extra heat in this mild heatwave we are having.

 

The PI Slice Ultrasensor short is a great choice and get's great reviews. Many people re-buy that short.

The good news is, it comes in a bib as well. The Slice Ultrasensor bib.

Both are available at REI

http://www.rei.com/product/765080

http://www.rei.com/product/768615

 

I'm a chick rider, but I have to agree with the comments about Performance shorts. When I started cycling, a (male) friend in-the-know (avid cyclist and Ironman) recommended Performance shorts for doing the job at an affordable price. And 5 yrs later, some the first shorts I got there are my faves (chamois comfort and look/feel of the shorts material). I used them during the MS Ride last year without a single complaint.

If you look at Perf shorts, do NOT choose the cheapest ones. Pay a little more-- you and your...body...will be happy. I think Bicycling Mag gave the thumbs up on the P bib shorts, too.

 

I got a pair of Castelli Chronos and a pair of Cycle World (Squadra) bibs. Another vote for the comfort. Coming from mountain bikes...it was a bit awkward donning the lycra for the first time...but I'll never go baggy on a road bike ever again.

If you look into the Castelli stuff...keep in mind that they run small

Lastly...don't forget the taint cream.\\/

 

I went to Performance 3 days ago, and found these bibs were on sale, plus I could use a 15% off coupon, plus I get an addional 10% credit with my Performance Club card, I had to buy "em!!!! Tried them out on a 60 miler yesterday, and they worked great. Not having to tug up the azz end or having them cut into my gut was great. I'm sold on bibs now. Thnaks for the posts:beer:

 

I have become a big fan of bibs especially for longer rides. My favorite shorts are my Louis Garneau Lycra Power 2 shorts. I would liked to have gotten the bibs as well.


I am hoping to get the Assos F1 Mille S5 bibs. These are Assos' long distance bib and highly recommended by long distance riders. I've read consistently good reviews over on the Long Distance Cycling board on BikeForums. They are pricey but again highly recommended.

Review here

 

Pros?

Any TDF riders wearing bibs? :?:

 

I have first hand knowledge that every top pro I saw changing in the "green room" after the Pasadena stage of the Tour de California was wearing bibs.

 

Yes just watch and PRO race and eventually the riders will unzip their jerseys to expose their manly chest, HRM, and bib straps.

I rode last night with a pair of PI shorts since i have gotten my bib and i dont remember adjusting the shorts that much before the bib.