Laughing at myself over this
 

I’m currently focused on training to at least attempt my first double century this October in Clovis. I’ve completed 8-9? Centuries in the past two years and feel ready to try something a bit tougher. I’ve never worn proper cycling shorts as I could not find a pair that seemed comfortable so resorted to whatever “gym” shorts I could find.
A friend who’s done numerous doubles suggested bibs which are not unknown to me I simply never considered them. I found a nice set of Pearl Izumi’s and was sold !! Still getting a chuckle that it took me this long to get on board with such an effective cycling item😄😄😄😄

I can’t imagine not wearing cycling shorts but it’s understandable how challenging it might be to find the right fit. PI makes good stuff. Enjoy the double. You’ll do well if the weather cooperates.

Certainly I've been using proper cycling shorts and attire longer, but I too was a little leery of them and purposely did not want to look like all the rest as that felt like capitulation! However it is one of those things that once you do, then you wonder why you waited so long. My journey from bike shorts to bibs was a little of the same thing, though personally I'm fine with either. I don't have the fit issues some others seem to allude too.

Probably one of the biggest thing I had to laugh at myself for was using friction shifters on the downtube so long thinking nothing could be better. Then about 2107 I put 105 5800 on a '91 Paramount frame and those days were over and new ones beginning.... steel to carbon, rim brake to disc brake, cable pulled to electronic shifting, cable pulled to hydraulic brakes.... boy I've laughed at myself a lot for my mistaken beliefs! <grin>

I have laughed at myself so much over little things - it's not funny anymore.

Every time I think about buying a bike with all the new bells and whistles - to enjoy riding more - I laugh at myself. If I wanted to ride harder, faster, or significantly tougher terrain it might make sense.

Good luck with the double. :thumb:
That's quite a great feat if you enjoy it enough to want to do it again.
It's still quite a feat even if you have to slog through the last 50miles.

Clipless pedals? for efficiency over big miles

Welcome to the bibs team:), and good luck on your double century. Stay safe and have fun.

I rarely wear cycling shorts. My general rule is, 20 miles or less I'll just wear running shorts. Beyond 20 miles I'll wear cycling shorts. But most of my rides are 20 miles or less. I know what it's like to wear cycling shorts, but I'm completely comfortable in running shorts.

Give them a try.

Personally, I’m not generally fond of them, as I have a longish torso, and the tension in the straps cramps the boys. They’re also a hassle at bathroom stops. But they do tend to fit most people well and are generally preferred.

Enjoy the double! I’ve done quite a few, and I think you’ll really enjoy it. Most people hit a low point at about 130 miles then get a second wind from there. Start early and take your time.

Which double are you doing?

A double century. I can't imagine. Best to you - I hope it goes well.

That's not a bug, that's a feature.

If your "boys" tend to hang low, it's a very important feature.

I have a pair of bibs from Kucharik (sadly, no longer in business) that has a 'privacy flap' - basically a horizontal overlapping flap that stays closed by itself (no zipper) and makes bathroom stops so much easier! It's absolutely brilliant, and I sometimes wonder why other bib makers don't copy the design.
EDIT: the flap is for #1 stops only. You still have to remove your jersey and drop 'em for a #2 stop. :o

I had some jerseys from Kucharik. So comfortable, like wearing a favorite old tee shirt. Still have some toe warmers. The website is still going. Are you sure they are out? I had heard that, too.

We used to make a run to his shop every 6 months or so. Great spot, especially if you’re into wool.

Yes, they have retired and no longer are making anything new. The website is basically selling out whatever stock they have left.

That explains the limited selection of colors and sizes. Lots of wool there.

The cost of Bibs has gone down. Years ago they were to expensive to be an economical purchase. I ended up sewing suspenders to my bike shorts just to keep them from slipping down below my gut.

It's nice to hear somebody finding a bike related purchase they are satisfied with...