I only got the bibs a few months ago, after being convinced by a friend who has been using them for a long time and swears by them. I rotate through a bunch of kit i have accumulated over the years, so they've only been out 4-5 times so far, but i am very pleased with them. The Assos shoulder straps are better as are the colors, but these are a step up over the various $100 Castellis and Giordanas that i have accumulated.

As far as "standard black bibs" go, i think i have found my new go-to (barring, of course, any long term quality issues).

No experience with their jerseys, however - looking at them on the website, they didnt really seem all that nice, TBH.

I’ve been wearing Garneau bibs since I started riding, my LBS sold them, so it’s what I bought. They’re comfortable and don’t wear out (still on a 6 year old pair).

Its also possible that my ass doesn’t know any better and I’m missing out.

I guess I am a exception as I do not buy expensive bibs but rather the $35-$45 range. Sometimes even cheaper. I do agree this is a very subjective opinion and as stated, the saddle is a bigger issue to me and has been over my over two decades of cycling. That being said, I have always liked a Terry saddle. So as to not steal the thread, I buy bibs that most would scoff at.

My perspective - you get what you pay for.

Most bibs are probably way overpriced, but if you want comfort, spend more. I have yet to find the more expensive bibs less comfortable than a cheaper option.

I like GORE stuff

This

Someone sell me on the expensive bibs. I’ve recently dropped a large amount on a Protos with DA so my wife would be happy if I spent more.

The most expensive bibs I’ve had are like 40$ “Funkier” brand. They are better than the Merlin brand I had before which I thought were fine at the time. I also recently bought some Nalini off Merlin for 18$. Not much padding, but are ok and better than Merlin brand.

Will I notice the same difference if I stepped up to some Castelli? I can’t see paying 200+ for assos? But I’m willing to listen if they’re that much better.

They are so much more than much better.
But most importantly, once you get a pair you get access to the $200+ bib sub forum.
There we teach you how to color coordinate and accessorize your bicycle. How to correctly shave your legs. And ofc how to properly hand wash your bibs in bottled water heated up to exactly 62 degrees. Among other necessary cycling procedures.
I will probably have my access revoked just for divulging this :(

I was using $30-40 bibs before joining my team and getting hooked on Castelli Free Aero Race bibs, the difference is night and day. You can often find the Free Races around $100 on sale, def worth it, imo.

What about sizing? I’m 5”10” 173-176lbs

I have some Castelli jackets/long sleeve jerseys that seem to run small. One is a Castelli rain jacket size large that barely fits and it’s tight.

My xl jacket fits well.

suggestions on bib size ?

Yeeeeeesssss!! Scored again! #winning

Im placing my order(s) as I type this.

I'm 6'2" and 185lbs. Large fits snug, but comfortably.

Castelli sizing def runs small. I'm 6' 185lbs with big legs and wear Large bibs, as Noodle mentioned, snug, but comfortable. Gotta watch their jersey sizing too, I'm a Large in their Training and Podio jerseys, but an XL in their race fit jerseys like the Climber. I went with a L in the San Remo suit so the legs/pad would fit properly, but the top is super tight, which is ok, since that's the point of a speedsuit.

+1 their Race jerseys run small(and a little short)

Even an XL Giro 102 jersey isn't quite as long as I would like.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...67a7335c_o.jpg

Weirdly, I am 6' and 180lb, and wear a M in Assos, Castelli and others (and a L jersey). I have a very short torso, and i find the L size gives my boys a little more wiggle room to move around. It is snug around the thighs but nothing exceptionally so.

Getting the effing skinsuit on - ugh, dont get me started. I need to rope in my wife, the neighbors and my dog to get that damn thing on, and always dread the day the zipper is going to pop around my chest.

Good example of how differently people of the same height/weight can be built. I'm long torso and short big legs (32" inseam). Thankfully we had a full Castelli fit kit for the team, so I was able to try everything on and figure out my sizes before buying. Medium bibs were a no go with my thighs lol

I wish Castelli would do split sizing for the San Remo, if I could get L bottom with an XL top, I'd wear that thing every day!!

^^^ Word!

For what it is worth I am a fan of the Rapha Core line of bibs. I have Castelli and Giordana as well as Perl Izumi and the random $30 bibs off of Amazon (Prazeleski or some such) from when I first started cycling 6 months ago and was not sure how I would like it or if I would stick with it (thousands of dollars later and my N+1 is currently kicking in hard and my 3 bikes seem like not enough... lol). I like the Castelli bibs but the size differences and fit is wildly different between lines and I have heard even between years/generations. I use the cheap bibs for trainer days and the Rapha Core Bibs have been my go to for outside. I live in Sunny, Hot, and Humid Florida if climate matters to your decision. I have been a fan of the Rapha Core Cargo Bibs because they have 2 side mesh pockets that lie flat, but I really like the 2 pockets in the back above the pad (they are covered by the jersey and sit about where your mid-lumbar region is). These great for putting your phone, wallet, keys, etc and not working about them getting airborne from the jersey pockets. The Giordana bibs are FR-C and nice as well. But, at $150 for the Rapha bibs vs $250+ for most Castelli and like brands I have no problem with buying the Raphas.

I am ~5'10 178lbs and wear XL in most of the Castelli Bibs (L to XL in jerseys), M to L in Rapha Core Line, and M to L in Pearl Izumi, XL in Giordana

I can't give concrete examples of what makes more expensive bibs better. All I can tell you is that every time I've bought nicer bibs, I have had absolutely 0 interest in going back to the cheaper ones.

I bought some castelli knickers and had to exchange them for a large. At 5'-6" and 140, I shouldn't need a large. Even the large was snug, much like a small in some brands.

How's the bib sizing for someone with a 30-31 waist and 140 lbs?

Same here.. 6'2" and ~185, though I wear an XL.. I think I need this for strap length (only 33" inseam)

that would make sense. I have a short torso.

Another vote for Castelli Free Aero Race :thumb:

Sounds like either small or medium. I'm 5'7" 160lb and I'm wearing a medium. It's supposed to be tight :lol:

Florida here too. :50:
Do you buy bibs and jerseys with SPF?
*sorry for hijacking this thread
Whats the most comfortable jersey you own for the summer?