Why bib shorts rather than just shorts?
#26
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Don't assume bibs are better. I have tried several brands of bibs (Assos and Pearl Izumi Pro). I don't like them. Shorts are more comfortable for me. They are worth trying though.
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I also thought that way for a long time, but eventually tried some.
Now that's what I reach for for any substantial outdoor riding, so they appear to be better somehow.
Now that's what I reach for for any substantial outdoor riding, so they appear to be better somehow.
#28
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My problem with most bibs is that if I get something that fits my lower body, the straps are too tight. I have an abnormal torso though...
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Bibs also guarantee no sunburn line on your lower back on longer rides. Shorts can ride down and jerseys up, over time.
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Depends.
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#33
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I'm equally comfortable with shorts and bibs. Probably a difference in physique, waist length, etc. If the pad is good and the overall fit doesn't sag, I don't care whether I'm wearing shorts or bibs.
If anything bibs can be annoying if the suspenders don't stretch enough. I like the affordable Black Bibs but the suspenders don't stretch much, so to pee I need to slip the jersey sleeve and suspender off one shoulder. The even cheaper Spotti bib suspenders stretch much better -- no need to partially disrobe -- and the suspender snaps back without sagging. Great bargain in a basic bib.
If anything bibs can be annoying if the suspenders don't stretch enough. I like the affordable Black Bibs but the suspenders don't stretch much, so to pee I need to slip the jersey sleeve and suspender off one shoulder. The even cheaper Spotti bib suspenders stretch much better -- no need to partially disrobe -- and the suspender snaps back without sagging. Great bargain in a basic bib.
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for me it's comfort. I've worn shorts for when I started riding and it was great until I discovered the bibs. the straps don't bother me as much as my fat rolls making the waist band on my shorts roll over a few times forming a rope digging into my waist.
as an added bonus. . they make me look skinnier.
as an added bonus. . they make me look skinnier.
#37
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Time was I would just go for a ride and enjoy it. Then one day someone suggested I'd get more out of my ride with clipless pedals. So I was gifted some pedals and found what I was missing. Then as ride distances increased a Brooks saddle was in order to help with discomfort of increased time and distance and this worked out very well. So finely I tried bib shorts when std shorts and bike shorts just did not cut it, much to my joy they are the best all day fit. SO I won't ride without SPD's, my Brooks B67. or Bib Short ever. It is the way to go IMHO. YMMV. yada yada.
#39
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Rephrased question: Why not not-shorts rather than just not-bibs?
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For women or if you're touring or doing some long-distance rides, I can see how bibs might occasionally pose a challenge, but I can't identify with the problem, otherwise. Super-sensitive stomach? Overly adventurous eater? Poor diet? Wake, coffee, morning BM, done - no issue.
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Maybe it just a brand issue, I find my bibs are more generous with the inseam material length than any shorts I have ever owned. I prefer a longer inseam.
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I certainly would not remove my bibs before going to the toilet. That might result in criminal charges.
While touring I have had to pull over into the woods to pinch a loaf on several occasions. Bib's don't pose a problem, especially if you wear full-zip jerseys. As for No. 1, you simply pull the front down. If I am in a deserted area I will relieve myself by the side of the road while straddling the bike.
While touring I have had to pull over into the woods to pinch a loaf on several occasions. Bib's don't pose a problem, especially if you wear full-zip jerseys. As for No. 1, you simply pull the front down. If I am in a deserted area I will relieve myself by the side of the road while straddling the bike.
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same reason I wear nice lycra like stretchy boxer briefs vs. tighty whitey cotton under garments.
just better.
just better.
#45
Full Member
I ride with some middle-age and older guys with larger bellies, who fear that shorts would not stay on for very long.
Never having been able to pinch more than an inch or two on my own abdomen, I prefer the fit (and lower cost)
of shorts.
Never having been able to pinch more than an inch or two on my own abdomen, I prefer the fit (and lower cost)
of shorts.
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oh yeah. . when you wear bibs. . you don't go to the bathroom ever. you drop ALL the kids at the pool first, refill it, then put your bib on and enjoy 4+hrs of riding. all joking aside, the one drawback to bibs is the toilet trips. didn't realize how horrible it was until it was day 2 of my 7 day ALC ride and I put on a bib (this was my first ALC ride) and the next day I was going "wtf am I gonna do now". if you layered it on right, you just remove the straps, if you're like me and wear your straps under your jersey, well then you're stripping down in a port-a-potty.
however, as horrifying as I make it sound like to go to the toilet in a bib, I'd still wear a bib over shorts any day. 8mile ride, or 80 mile ride, I go full bib.
however, as horrifying as I make it sound like to go to the toilet in a bib, I'd still wear a bib over shorts any day. 8mile ride, or 80 mile ride, I go full bib.