Jarrett2

I've been using the Bontrager Race Bib Shorts for the last few years. They are just what my LBS (back then) had in stock. I've also tried the Specialized Roubaix RBX model, the Aerotech Top Shelf model and I think the Ultra model from Performance bike, but I found myself always using the Bontragers.

I sort of impulse bought some Pearl Izumi Elites yesterday, but haven't ridden in them yet. The pad looks thicker than the Bontrager race pad and with less abrasive stitching. They also have a pro model that they didn't have in stock that has a much thinner pad on it. They said the pro shorts are for longer distances, but I'm wondering how the thinner pad would be better though.

Before just running out and grabbing another 3 pair of the Bontragers, I'm wondering what else is out there that's worth looking at? What do you use? How thick is the pad in it?

dr_lha

My favorites are Garneau club bibs, which are custom design for my Cycling club. I've never been able figure out what the generic version is, because they always seem different.

I've got a pair of 2015 Performance Ultra bibs, which are great, but they changed the design for later years and the newer ones don't fit me.

ahanulec

I have only ever used two different Voler bibs, Jet and Simplicity and another pair from Hill Killer.
I really like the Voler kit best. The material is so stretchy that I never have a problem with pressure points along the shoulder nor having shifting issues.
Dispute being a tall size, the Hill Killer bibs do not provide enough sizing in the shoulder straps to be comfortable.

pdlamb

If you like them, buy some more quickly. Designs change (and pads get thicker) faster than a mere mortal can keep up with.

dr_lha

I learned this to my detriment with the Performance bibs. I should have bought a few more pairs when I got these on sale.

Jarrett2

That's the tough part. I need to put a bunch of miles on them to see if they are worth getting more.

Gravel.Grinder

Louis Garneau Fit Sensor 2 shorts fit great. Good compression and the straps go over the nips +1.

Jarrett2

Did my first test ride with the Pearl Izumi Elite bib shorts last night and they passed with flying colors. I need to do a longer ride with them this weekend to see how they feel. If they are good, I might just go ahead and order 2 more pair of these.

jsigone

Capo to me has the best pads and use them for longer rides. I have some castelli stuff and sugios, both are good but Capo material is better even on jerseys. My club kits are custom built from Voler with their 6+ hour pads and they work very well.

I've had good luck with PI stuff in the past

TrojanHorse

The performance ultra bibs have HUGE thick pads IMO. I always feel weird in them and so they get relegated to short (20 mi) weekday rides. Craft also make some very good American sized cycling clothing.

I never really liked the PI Elite stuff for bibs but I haven't worn any for 5+ years, so apply salt.

My favorites, although calling them "clyde" is a stretch, is Castelli free race aero with their progetto whatever it is bib.

Assos Fi Mille bibs are also very comfy (and very generously sized and have THE most comfortable shoulder straps) Currently on sale at excel sports in boulder for 138 or so.

The only bibs I own that I truly dislike are my sugoi bibs. GO figure.

PatrickR400

D2D Road Cycling Clothing

Fits great, and the chamois is amazing

rgconner

I like the Sensor 3's, but it is performance only model.

rlp

I really like my Voler "black label", they are a bit expensive but this is one of those contact points that spending some $$ pays off.

fietsbob

Try Kucharek , sewn in US, Offering many options , including a fly like opening to pee through,
without taking the straps down &, taking the jersey off to do that.

dagray

I like my Bellwether in 2x, but they are a club and not a race cut.

Jarrett2

Did 45 in the PI Elite's today and they were good. Think I'll order some more.

JagR

Does anyone have experience w/the FIZIK LINK bib shorts? I ride an ALLIANTE (BULL) saddle and am curious to find out if they work well together? Comfort? Quality?

donalson

boure classic bib shorts... why?... because the chamois sits where it should... I've had a few other pairs of shorts and bibs (falconi, aerotech design, and another brand I can't recall)... I'm not sure what is off with my fit/proportions other than I have a big rear end... but I run into the issue that most chamois end up having the rear most seam sitting right under my sit bones... OUCH... I talked to Boure and discussed my fit issues, for a small upcharge they will custom sew shorts/bibs for me; we decided we'd start with the largest size they had just for a base line and go from there... they ended up being great needing no changes.

next time I'm due for another set of bibs I'll prob try some other brands... but that'll be a little while

cyclist2000

Brands that I like for bibs are Gore and Assos. For shorts I like Assos and PI.

Podagrower

I had to wait to respond to this post, but it was worth the wait. I have Sugoi and Pearl shorts, I have bibs from Hillkiller and Aerotech. The Sugoi shorts are what my butt prefers, but their 2X bibs are not big enough for me-the bottom portion fits, but the straps are elastic band stretched to the max and feel like they are going to comically shoot off at any second (I am long waisted at 6'1 and a 30" inseam).

So I took the Sugoi RS Pro bibs to a seamstress and had 8" added to the straps. A 45 mile ride in 90+ degree heat that stretched into a 6 1/2 hour marathon with 6 flats between 8 riders had me ready to complain about many things, but my bibs were not one of those things. They feel as good as my RS pro shorts, with all the added goodness of bibs. I was actually smart enough to get 2 pairs modified, so with rotating the ones I don't love for short rides, I should be good for a while.

JagR

Rapha

Podagrower

And now I can add Primal Prisma bibs to what I will recommend. Slapped on a brand new pair without even washing them and did 55 miles without complaint yesterday. They offer 3X, which fit me pretty much perfectly.

Doxeyweb

Performance brand bibs have starved me well over the years. Not bad prices on the elites..