[Closed] Are all bib shorts created equal?

Guess it all rather personal
But my fav are lusso pro gel should be about 50-60

Also have/had Spesh pro sl Spesh rbx pro casttelli and a fair few others

But the cheaper lusso are better for me

I've got a pair a Rapha Classics and a pair of Rapha Cross 3/4, had them years, i wear Touring shorts over the top (I'm not racing) - not sure how they would wear out

Depend how much you value your arse.
I rode 5-6 times a week for most of last year.I had a few issues with saddle sores using fs260's (never an issue before) until I swapped to the Sl's.Then peachy.So I'd say no.

I had a few issues with saddle sores using fs260's (never an issue before)

This is my experience on Endura too, even the top end shorts.

I've been through some properly awful shorts of all price ranges so if you find something that works for you it is worth stocking up 😀

Anything with a Castelli X2 pad seems to work for me although there aren't really any bargains to be had on them lately unless you are a funny size.

Sportful Total Comfort Pro is also a nice pad although the main outer material is a little delicate for MTB.

No bib shiorts aren't created equal, but more expensive doesn't necessarily mean more comfy.
That said, I tend to use cheaper shorts for my commute as it's fairly short. Check out the DHB range

not at all, the quality of the pad in some I looked at was not appealing to say the least. I'm happy with the comfort in my better ones.

For commuting use a clean pair every day to help avoid saddle sores. Then a few cheaper pairs vs one good pair can come in useful.
I have a mixture, from Aldi to endura fs260 and I much prefer the enduros, but for 45 minutes each way the Aldi ones are ok.

I've got the On-One Raceline and they are a bloody lovely bib for £15. Pad is fine, now the best and arguably a touch wide but perfectly good. The cut and material is where they win, they feel like a quality product and fit beautifully. I'm was really impressed.

From your list I would ignore the Endura jobs and either pick on-one or Assos/Rapha.

And definitely, definitely a clean pair every day.

I recently started using some of them Howie's ones. Other threads have seemed to universally like them, which is also my experience. Fit really nice, great pad.

For commuting I'd get a few pairs of the Planet X bibs at that price.

If you want something posher, the DHB Aeron Pro are top notch and way cheaper than Assos etc.

Had some expensive Mavic ones (£90 or so)
Wore them once, They were awful. Nearly see-through thin lycra with lots of seams, and the pad was massive, felt like wearing a nappy.

Howies FTW.

The new [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/endura-fs260-pro-sl-bibshorts/rp-prod121312 ]endura fs260 pro[/url] shorts with the 3 alternative pad widths are rather good,

+1 on the DHB Aeron Pro

Depends on how far your commute is?

I only commute about 3-4 miles each way, so normally don't bother with proper cycling shorts. I've used FS260s a lot for normal riding and cx racing and never had an issue with saddle sores. I've recently bought a pair of the Howies bibs and get on well with them.

I don't get on with Endura full stop. I get sore every time.

Short liners: Spesh or Altura pro gel work for me.

Bibs: I've liked my DHB Vaeon's, and I have some full length Mavic roubaix type that are awesome. I have some planet x 365 3/4's - and one is great, the other a bit iffy. They do have a differently shaped pad to most and feel wrong until you're riding when there's a sudden understanding.

For my commute though, Decathlon compression running tights. Used daily, cost about twenty quid, still going strong 18mo later. I do have a Bel Air on my commute bike though. They're well ventilated so don't need a pad for anti sweat chafe purposes. IMO if you are looking for pads in shorts for saddle comfort, you have the wrong saddle for your personal behind.

Another Howies user here, very happy.

Howies. Got the normal bibs which are great so recently got a pair of the 3/4s which are even better

Had some expensive Mavic ones (£90 or so)
Wore them once, They were awful.

Agreed! Had some very expensive Mavic bib shorts recently and they were even worse than the top end Endura shorts that cut me to shreds!

High price doesn't necessarily equal good shorts but some pricier options really are a cut above the cheaper ones

Cheers, I think I'll give the on one shorts a punt. I can always return then if they don't fit.

I prefer my Mavics over my Assos, I've never got on with Endura though.
Everyone's different.

Re. Howies bibs - how does the sizing work? I'm 6'1 with 32" waist and gangly legs: will S-M be long enough?

howies bibs v good, have the 3/4 for winter and shorts for summer , i'm 5 ft 10 and the large size fit fine.

I have the howies 3/4 and they are really good/comfortable but I wouldn't describe them as a winter short. Material is pretty thin and no weather resistance to them.

I'm 6'1 with 32" waist and gangly legs: will S-M be long enough?

I bought a pair of hideously expensive Assos S5 mille etc etc bib shorts in 2010. I've used them on road and since 2012 mainly MTB. They've been patched from falls but have seen off 2 pairs of bib 3/4s from endura and gore in that time. Conservatively I reckon they've done 5,000 miles in all weathers. They look to have the same again left in them.

So actually they've worked out my cheapest bib shorts as well as being my most comfortable.

I've got some Endura liners which have been fine, although they now cause me loads of pain..

In terms of bibs, I like Polaris (I've two pairs, one seems better than the other) but I've got a pair of Castelli Race coming for my birthday in a few weeks 🙂

ir_bandito - Member

Yes!
I'm same height/waist/proportion and S-M is perfect. Large would be too large, and saggy lycra isn't a good look....

Muchos gracias.

Howies 3/4 5ft 10 32 waist and the S/M were to small sent them back replacement large pair should be with me tomorrow!

We both have the Howies shorts, they are great. Do find them quite warm though - not sure I'll be wearing them in the depth of summer (if it turns up). Fab shorts though, could wear them all day. Wish they did a womens 3/4s.

Only thing is on both our pairs, the inner seam near the chamois went after 6 months. My Mum is handy with a flashy sewing machine and sorted them out for us and I emailed Howies to let them know who said they would pass it on to product development.

I got a pair of bib shorts off ebay for 8 quid. Surprisingly ok. I'd get some more if I was commuting a lot, but those days are behind me.

Sugoi RS bib shorts for me. Had a few pairs over the last ten years and wouldn't try anything else at the moment.

http://roadcyclinguk.com/gear/sugoi-rs-bib-short-review.html#hoyVYqoaEM84BClA.97