pepperbelly

i need to buy a decent pair of bibs or shorts. I am not a competitive rider and can't afford or justify top end gear. I am also turning 65 soon.
I road cycle on my 2012 Specialized Roubaix.
I have been away from riding after gaining weight. I have been doing low carb/keto since the end of January and have lost 40 pounds so far but I still have more to
lose vefore I will be happy.
I have been riding an upright stationary bike at the gym for 30 minutes a day 5 or 6 days a week. I am going to start going longer each session.
I know brands change over time and what used to be good isn’t now.
I recently saw a pair of Pearl Izumi Interval(I think) bibs for $99. I have read some reviews, goid and bad, but I trust opinions here more.
Ate these worth getting or is there something better in that price range?
Would shorts be as good?

urbanknight

A lot of people here really like The Black Bibs with a low price tag and comfort to match top brands https://theblackbibs.com/

I like them a lot, but like Neo Pro even better https://neoprocycling.com/

Hope that helps!

Eric F 

NeoPro > Black Bibs…IMO.

I have 2 pair of NeoPro bibs that I wear regularly. I prefer them over my $100 Voler bibs (which I think are okay).

cyclezen

Also, Specialized has their RBX bibs & Shorts on signficant sale. Shorts are $42 & Bibs are $54... I have the shorts and like them a lot. Great cut and no saggy stuff. Quality materials and construction. Just got the Bib and also great.
BUT, they are a 'Continental' fit. meaning if you're expecting a wide range fit at any size - not gonna be. MED is an honest 33, possible 34 if you have slim legs.
I would say 'size up' on these for those carrying a bunch of 'muscle'.
Ride On
Yuri

pepperbelly

I am carrying “other than muscle”
I have always been a big guy but the last 3 years of work I was a supervisor and I retired in the summer of ‘20. I got soft and round. I am dieting and lising weight steadily but I am looking to lose more. I’m down 40 pounds- 265 down from 305. My goal is 200 or under.
I don’t think euro sizing will be good for me. An XXL or 3XL fits now but I am moving down from 3X to XXL.
I want to ride outdoors so the scenery changes, although I do like watching Chive TV and ESPN riding indoors in the a/c.

DangerousDanR

I am also a large person. My favorite is a British company called "Fat Lad at the Back". Not cheap, but not too bad. And it fits me now, and they have sizes that will fit if I loose 40 pounds like I should.

Steve B.

Not Pearl Izumi. The last pair I got were of a dirt cheap construction. They used to put seamed edges on the shoulder straps, allowed them to lay flat. The recent design is just a piece of lycra, they bunch up and dig into the skin. Last pair for me, I'll move to AeroTech after these wear out,

CAT7RDR

If you are not in a hurry, I scroll ebay for deals.
Just ordered a pair of new Endura Pro SL bibshorts for $85 that are $200 full retail.
https://us.endurasport.com/pro-sl-bi.../12926355.html

pepperbelly

That is why I asked here. Thank you.

pepperbelly

The black bib looks interesting. How is the sizing? I am tempted to order a pair tonight.
The neopro has me puzzled. They are unisex? Men and women are built different and have different proportions.

jaxgtr

Not heard of them before. I got a pair of the Black Bibs to try and I like them, but I would like to try another brand as a compare. Will give these a shot.

shelbyfv

I like the dhb bibs from Chain Reaction. They fit true to their size chart, seem well made and are inexpensive. However, returns suck. I got complacent after buying their bibs for a couple of years and ordered several jerseys. No fit. They make the return process seem easy but it's been over a month, no refund. Plus mailing anything now is $20. In retrospect I wish I'd just swapped them to friends for 6 packs.

jaxgtr

I found the Black Bibs sizing to be pretty true. I generally wear an XL and their XL fit me, although, I thought their shoulder straps a little on the short side. I have short legs and arms compared to my torso length, so if you have a longer torso, you might look at the version with the longer shoulder straps. I did find their bibs to be very comfortable though and would order again.

staehpj1

I have not found that strap construction to be a problem. No bunching issue for me. I run a finger under each strap once when putting them on and they are fine for the duration. I like the Pearl Izumi brand.

urbanknight

Yeah, I wear the same size as I do in most other brands.

cyclezen

Great Work! Keep it up, and you'll get there!
I'll also echo not going for Pearl Izumi. I rode PI exclusively, for almost 3 decades, but the latest kit is way below the grade - IMO
Ride On
Yuri

Steve B.

They definitely went cheap for the same price. No thanks

Wildwood 

Available in larger sizes.

2023 Graffiti Weedy Go Green Bibs- M 13x W 12x – ONE LOVE CYCLING

SpeedyBlueBiker

I have been riding mainly in Performance Bike Gel Shorts. Back when they had brick and mortar stores there was one near me so I would pop in and check out many different types. I like the Gel shorts best because over time they don't lose their cushioning properties like other shorts do. When they went out of business, well closing all the stores and going online only, I picked up about four pair for around 50-60% off. I'm still using them! Anyway, they work for me. YMMV

Wildwood 

I find gel pads in shorts and gloves have a short useful lifespan. But maybe these products have gotten better since I last bought anything 'gel' - about 8+ years ago. Do they even still produce gel pads for shorts?

pepperbelly

What does the M 13x W 12x mean?

Wildwood 

I have no idea, the M X & W X is used on many products.
I like the pad, leg grippers and the straps (feel and placement).

the website has a "Chat" capability -try that.

pepperbelly

I ordered a pair of Black Bibs. They cost half of the Izumi bibs. I will post here and let you know if I like them as much as some of y’alldo.

rc5781

Try some athletic shorts from Uniqlo. I love mine.

Germany_chris

https://aerotechdesigns.com/ is my go to for clothing