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Why bib shorts rather than just shorts?

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Why bib shorts rather than just shorts?

Old 07-24-20, 02:08 AM
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ZHVelo
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Why bib shorts rather than just shorts?

Why do people ride bib sorts?

I have only shorts, never have any problem with them, can't imagine having those weird straps over my shoulder under my jersey, not to mention bib shorts seem to be ridiculously more expensive compared to shorts given that all they add is a little bit of fabric that isn't even the most important part of the garment.
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Old 07-24-20, 02:13 AM
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Much more comfortable, no waist band digging in for hours on end. There may be a case of better fit as well, the straps keep shorts in place but primarily it's a comfort thing.
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Old 07-24-20, 02:16 AM
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Really? The straps would make me uncomfortable as hell, but ok I can see what you mean about pressure from the waistband.
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Old 07-24-20, 02:34 AM
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Well all you can do is try a pair, might feel strange rather than uncomfortable at first with the straps but soon forget about them and believe me MUCH more comfortable over a period of time.

However, apparently some people have different preferences(who'd have thought) so you may prefer just shorts.
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Old 07-24-20, 03:18 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
Why do people ride bib sorts?

I have only shorts, never have any problem with them, can't imagine having those weird straps over my shoulder under my jersey, not to mention bib shorts seem to be ridiculously more expensive compared to shorts given that all they add is a little bit of fabric that isn't even the most important part of the garment.
They keep my boys snug, no how much i may squirm, move or sweat on the bike.
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Old 07-24-20, 04:42 AM
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On long rides, the bibs are better. Shorts are very dependent on fit and that means the padding positioning will change on you. More a vertical movement than horizontal. I think that's why the shorts people who don't seem to care about the padding, can go shorts without any problems.

On the Grand Tours, you won't find one rider who will go shorts. It will be bibs. Even then, their bibs are custom made when it comes to the padding. It's not about bowing to the manufacturer who is sponsoring the team, its about taking every advantage and fit benefit as possible. Most, if not all, paddings are designed and made in Italy, but you will find copies in the Far East.
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Old 07-24-20, 05:53 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
Why do people ride bib sorts?

I have only shorts, never have any problem with them, can't imagine having those weird straps over my shoulder under my jersey, not to mention bib shorts seem to be ridiculously more expensive compared to shorts given that all they add is a little bit of fabric that isn't even the most important part of the garment.
some people complain of the waistband rolling down and being uncomfortable.

depends on physionomy and If you have a beer belly or not
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Old 07-24-20, 06:04 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
The straps would make me uncomfortable as hell...
You can’t really say that until you’ve tried them. I used to think the same thing until I tried. I’ll never go back to NOT BIBS again.

I compare it to riding with a CamelBak. When I first started touring I couldn’t imagine using one. Thought it would be very uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. Then I toured in Andalucia, where it was sometimes difficult to get water for long, hilly stretches. Got to a big city and bought one. Found that it was uncomfortable at all. Now, I never tour without one.
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Old 07-24-20, 06:11 AM
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I was an anti bib guy for a long time...then tried a pair. Now I won't ride without them as opposed to regular shorts. They are very comfortable and keep it all in place. The fit is just much better IMO.
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Old 07-24-20, 06:18 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
Really? The straps would make me uncomfortable as hell, but ok I can see what you mean about pressure from the waistband.
Have you tried them? I don't notice the straps. The waistband bothers me though. Maybe not in short rides, but it's extremely uncomfortable on long rides. I wouldn't want to ride for 10 hours with shorts.
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Old 07-24-20, 06:46 AM
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You should try bibs, then decide for yourself. I resisted them for years but was converted with my first pair. With waist shorts I would have to make adjustments at each stop. With bibs, no adjustments needed for the entire ride. Just keep the straps under your jersey....
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Old 07-24-20, 07:17 AM
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All things being equal in the quality department, I concur. A good pair of bibs are superior in every way except cost.
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Old 07-24-20, 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
Why do people ride bib sorts?

I have only shorts, never have any problem with them, can't imagine having those weird straps over my shoulder under my jersey, not to mention bib shorts seem to be ridiculously more expensive compared to shorts given that all they add is a little bit of fabric that isn't even the most important part of the garment.
Totally agree, I have a long torso as opposed to long legs so the straps annoy the crap out of me. Also I'm not overweight. But then I tend to be a maverick anyway.
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Old 07-24-20, 07:24 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
Why do people ride bib sorts?
Because they've actually tried them and, more often than not, they're more comfortable. Maybe you're a shorts guy, but the odds aren't good. Only one way for you to find out, though.
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Old 07-24-20, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
You can’t really say that until you’ve tried them. I used to think the same thing until I tried. I’ll never go back to NOT BIBS again.
I've tried them. Not happening for me. Even though I hear there are some modern versions now that offer longer straps I still struggle to find a reason to change, suffering no discomfort in shorts. So there's one thing my daddy taught me many moons ago . . . if it ain't broke leave it the f alone.
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Old 07-24-20, 07:41 AM
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Originally Posted by SurferCyclist
Much more comfortable, no waist band digging in for hours on end. There may be a case of better fit as well, the straps keep shorts in place but primarily it's a comfort thing.
Exactly this. and the straps have come a Long way even in the last 5 years. Sometimes I forget I'm wearing bibs. Assos are my current favorites, but higher models of LeCol, Gore, and Craft are also great. I used to like the Pearl Izumi Pros but they changed their short material which is fine for shorter rides, but don't handle the sweat of longer rides as well as the others.
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Old 07-24-20, 08:06 AM
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For men, bibs keep everything in place better.
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Old 07-24-20, 08:25 AM
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My recommendation for the OP is to give them a try.
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Old 07-24-20, 08:38 AM
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The only answer here is to ride a Brooks saddle and forget about chamois. No bibs, no bike shorts.

<runs away and doesn’t look back>
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Old 07-24-20, 09:55 AM
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The only way to know is to give them a try. Maybe the OP has a friend of similar size he could borrow a pair from and take a ride. Myself, I am a shorts guy. Tried bibs and run into sizing issues. Maybe if they had some with adjustable straps. In general, I have sizing issues with cycling clothing anyway. Other than to try them, here's the best advice I can give if you are getting off the shelf and not custom made.

Think of the 2 most famous cyclists named Chris. Chris Froome and Chris Hoy. Both are 6'1" but have builds on the opposite end of the spectrum.

If you are built like Froome, you might like the fit of bibs better. If you built closer to Hoy, you might prefer shorts. That's my experience, anyway.
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Old 07-24-20, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
You can’t really say that until you’ve tried them. I used to think the same thing until I tried. I’ll never go back to NOT BIBS again.

I compare it to riding with a CamelBak. When I first started touring I couldn’t imagine using one. Thought it would be very uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. Then I toured in Andalucia, where it was sometimes difficult to get water for long, hilly stretches. Got to a big city and bought one. Found that it was uncomfortable at all. Now, I never tour without one.
yes, this thread has convinced me to get bib shorts the next time I need new shorts. Trying can't hurt.
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Old 07-24-20, 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
yes, this thread has convinced me to get bib shorts the next time I need new shorts. Trying can't hurt.
And here I was going to ask if this was a divisive topic.

Count me in the pro-bibs camp.
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Old 07-24-20, 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by ZHVelo
yes, this thread has convinced me to get bib shorts the next time I need new shorts. Trying can't hurt.
I was in a rush and neglected to write that I was skeptical myself. Thought they would be uncomfortable and hot. Eventually bought a pair with my REI dividend. Now they are all I wear. Should have learned a lesson from my CamelBak experience and tried the earlier.
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Old 07-24-20, 11:55 AM
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If you don't have a gut, you can get the comfort and "support" of bibs with far more convenience (and a few dollars saved) with clip-on suspenders. Bonus - the bathroom trips are far easier - huge plus if you are at a multi-day event. I've never had a gut. I hear the waist band on shorts is so onerous. I find suspenders quickly stretch them a little and I do not notice them at all. Rode 65 miles yesterday and thought about the shorts once. "Comfortable!"

Second bonus - when the straps stretch out (they will, suspenders or bibs), adjusting the suspenders a touch tighter is child's play. The boys stay happy.
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Old 07-24-20, 12:36 PM
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I think most Pros don't race in bibs anymore, though they do still train with them
But for the ultimate in comfort, speed, expense, Speedsuits are the Pro way these days
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