MSC

Hi all,

I'm looking for recommendations on a quality pair of bibs that doesn't break the bank. I'm using Performance Ultra and Elite shorts right now that have worn fine and been fairly comfortable for two seasons, but it's time to upgrade and I don't want to spend a fortune. I've searched around the forums and the web and come across the following possibilities:

Santini CX: https://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=de...=30&SKU=CL1312 (and review here: https://www.golod.com/2005/07/santini...orts-reviewed/)

Santini T-Gel: https://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30...ils&sku=CL1512

Sugoi Ultimate: https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=1120

Bellwether Elite Race: https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...?p=BEBMT&st=bw

ProbikeKit house brand (ProRace Delux Bib): https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=C7385

Performance Ultra: https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...6&srccode=2047

Louis Garneau Mat Signature bib: https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

Right now, it seems like the Santinis, especially the Twist Gel, are the best deal. Anyone have thoughts on the Santinis, the other brands/models, or anything I've missed. My sense from reading various reviews is that the quality/comfort/performance difference between finding a deal at ~$75 and spending $100-130 is minimal, and I can't afford to go up to the top-end Assos, Castelli, etc. that run $150 plus. So, recommendations on the best "bang for the buck" and comfort/quality in this price range would be very helpful.

MSC

cheeseflavor

These are pretty decent. Got a couple of pair, and they're worth the money and not expensive at all. However, my favorite bib at the moment comes from these guys. $30. Comfortable and they wear great. Good pad also.

Take care,

Steve

slotibartfast

This has been my favorite pair of bibs for the past 2 seasons. They'll go on sale periodically for 49.95, so watch the site.

https://www.velowear.com/product_deta...110103+BLK+XSM

superdex

I have a pair of Santini bib knickers that I wish were shorts so I could wear them all the time. Stupid comfy for the price.

Tommyp

I personally think that this is one of the better deals out there.

https://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...ajor=4&minor=7

https://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...ajor=4&minor=7

Both are Nalini, a simple synthetic chamois (get some chamois cream) but are well made. I'd hate to admit that I've crashed a few times in the 'fieldsensor,' but there was no damage. You should get a fair amount miles out of them.
Good luck with your search!

johnny99

I use Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor and Attack bibs. Got them for around $50 each (on sale for the Ultrasensors). They last thousands of miles each and are very comfortable on century rides.

Dead Roman

Those are what i have. And a 60 dollar canari bib. Im gonna have to say i like the falconis alot more than the canari. It takes a minute to get the falconis on an get the boys situated right, but once your comfy they are just right.

domestique

+1 For Nalini, Santini, and Sugoi shorts..... all well made.

-1 For the PBK Pro race dome bibs.... did not fit well, cheap thin chamois rode up butt.

I have Santini twist fluid Gel shorts which are AWESOME... but pricey, The quality is top notch on all santini prodcuts. I also have a pair of Nalini fieldsensor and they last and last (I too crashed once and slid on my butt, and had no rips). Sugoi is also good, but I could never find a pair that was cheap enough to try out.

I would personally go with the Santini bibs as they are very well made.

*Italian bibs need to be ordered a size larger! (Im 5'10" 145 pounds and wear a size large in Nalini, and Santini). Follow the sizing charts very closely!

HAMMER MAN

assos, I have two pair. Outstanding workmanship and a great product.
Yes in my opinon it is worth the money

botto 

you do realize that you're bibs are supposed to be snug, not urban baggy, right?

i'm 5'9 and around 152-155 lbs and i wear mediums in most brands, apart from Pearl Izumi, where I buy smalls because of their ridiculous sizing system.

rthomse

+1 for the Sugoi .Got them at Performance on sale plus buyers points for 42.00 out the door.Very comfy

Surferbruce

castelli's kiss model is a good deal. a bit more $ and get some bergamos, my current faves.

domestique

For my height Large is the reccomended size for Nalini, Santini, ASSOS, Campganolo, Giordanna...
what size do you wear in ASSOS? I wear a size large in them as well. I don't like my bibs digging into my shoulders.... and especially not cramming the boys!

pelotonracer

Never heard of one.

oboeguy

FWIW, not that I've had many brand of shorts / bibs other than Performance brand... I finally got a deal on the Ultras. I delayed trying them out until recently (I wanted them "fresh" and unstretched for a century this weekend) and wow! they are fantastic! The pad feels like it's not even there, in a good way, and the compression, at least until they stretch out, is great. My brother who has worn quite a few different sorts of bibs and shorts and also has a set (of the bib knicker variety) agrees that they are the best he's ever worn.

Lithuania

what makes those expensive ($200+) bibs so expensive?

belowzero

Latest materials technology and design, elastic power for the muscles and good ventillation moisture removal.

also don't forget your paying for a quality product, quality brand & name. They're a good idea if every second counts as an elite athlete it will improve performance but if you don't have the money the average joe blo probably won't notice much effect just comfort wise.

domestique

With smart shopping you don't have to pay anywhere close to 200 bucks for bibs that work just as well......

In a week I will write up a bib review where I bought and tested, Campagnolo Raytech bibs (89.99), Santini Fluid Twist Gel bibs(129.99), Assos F1. Uno bibs (124.99), and Giordana Silverline Bibs (90.00). All of which are top notch....

Miller2

I have Performance Ultra bibs as well. I'm very pleased.

Blastinbob

www.worldcycling.com/merchant.mvc?Affiliate=BikeBestBuys&Screen=PROD&Product_code=CST05L404"
Worldcycling.com had lots of Castelli Y-Pro 3 bibs last week but they are running out fast. These are by far my favorite bib shorts.

Doggus

Lowest Ive seen on the 06 Castelli YPro3 bibs - $150. I like the $100 tag better though.

Blastinbob

Last week they had all sizes and colors of the 05's for $122.00.

MSC

Hi all,

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I'm glad to hear others like the Performance Ultras - I like my shorts and my first thought was to go for the bibs. On the other hand, it might be worth trying something new, and you've all pointed out some great deals (wow, $100 for Castelli Y-Pro is tempting). After more reading, it seems like the Santini sizing won't fit me well - I'm 5'9" 165 which puts me in between sizes. So I'm now thinking Performance, Sugoi, or maybe Nalini - PBK has these on sale:

https://www.probikekit.com/supersize....9edec83510d106

Any of you who suggested Nalini use these?

Domestique, I'll look forward to your multi-short review.

MSC

'nother

Velowear++

Good stuff, inexpensive.

UmneyDurak

+1 on Velowear. I have two Velo bibs, and Performance bibs. I like Velowear way more, and they cost less. The performance get saggy when they get wet. Plus the padding on them is pure crap.