What's the supposed benefit vs normal padded shorts?
They stay in place, they don't dig in around your waist, you don't get a sunburnt strip on the road bike, they are way more comfortable.
As above.
Don't work their way down your arse, leaving a big gap between them and your jersey. No tight elestic cutting into your waist when bent over all roadie like. Both less important on an MTB.
All the above really. They just work better, though the different is less on an MTB.
Nothing more need be said. Granted, I don’t mtb much, but on the road I can’t imagine wearing anything but bibs.
If you need a poo, what could be better than stripping virtually naked in an unheated loo block in January?
Worth it for me despite this for the benefits listed above.
They hold the pad in place better, there is no constriction around the waist, no gap between shorts & jersey, more comfortable.
If you need a poo, what could be better than stripping virtually naked in an unheated loo block in January?
I normally put my Jersey back on if its going to be a long one
Do you have some sort of internal tape measure?
Ah you know of its going to be a long time...
Do you have some sort of internal tape measure?
That's what the tapeworm is for.
Thank you Martin. I was hoping somebody would close that one off. Much obliged.
Fair enough. Mostly just a comfort thing then.
I've never had an issue with normal ones under my baggies and I'm not a roadie.
My gf just ordered some to try as she's doing a bit more road at the moment, but after trying them she's sticking to normal shorts.
Thank you Martin. I was hoping somebody would crimp that one off. Much obliged.
ftfy
For the ladies it's a bit more of an issue, they do some that unclip to aide a non naked toilet stop.
Mostly just a comfort thing then.
I’ve never had an issue with normal ones under my baggies and I’m not a roadie.
There is not an issue and better 🙂 you will never know what you are missing till you try them!
You lost me at under baggies.
The only reason I'd be wearing baggies over my lycra is if It was wet and I wanted waterproofs
I always thought they were some kind of initiation rite into the dark side and shaving of leg hair etc? I have a pair which I only ever get out if it's really really really cold, like less than 2c & snowing etc, rare on the SE coast. Didn't wear them this Winter I don't think. They aid digestion too, as they keep your stomach & lower back excessively warm.
I always thought they were some kind of initiation rite into the dark side and shaving of leg hair etc? I have a pair which I only ever get out if it’s really really really cold, like less than 2c & snowing etc, rare on the SE coast. Didn’t wear them this Winter I don’t think. They aid digestion too, as they keep your stomach & lower back excessively warm.
I think you bought the wrong product. See that big race through baking hot France in the middle of summer? They’re all wearing bibs....
Yep low front mesh back for most of the year
Depends on your arse shape tbh. I have a large one so non-bib lycras sometime slip down, which means the pad slides forwards so it's not on my sit bones any more and I lose support for my ball sack. This mostly happens if I walk around, it tends to settle down when I'm riding. Less of an issue with baggies if they have clipped in liners, since they have a waist drawcord or belt.
I actually don't like bibs that much because the straps can get sweaty, but it's worth it for pad security.
I’ve never found bibs comfortable maybe it’s a short leg long torso thing. But then I never have encountered the problems people mention for non bibs
Maybe I have a weird body shape but i’ve never got on with bibs- I find the shoulder straps too restrictng. The Rapha core shorts are comfortable and don’t have any of the issues above. “Only” £70 as well.
Not sure tbh. I used to get gut ache on long rides, turns out the cause was energy drink mix not waist shorts. If you need the strapping to hold a pad in place, fair enough, I suppose there's 2 options - get a comfier saddle so you don't need the pad, or bibs.
You can always wear the bib part over your shirt - it makes going to the woods much faster.....
Always wear them just find them comfy with less faff. Not a fan of bags so have specialized SWAT ones. I'll wear base layer and then bib straps over the top so a avoiding the need for total nakedness.
Some of the female specific ones have different strap designs to help with anatomical comfort related issues.
Yeah, I pretty much always wear a base layer of some sort, so straps over that. The RaceFace Stash bib-liners are very vented too.
if you get bib shorts that fit correctly, that means length & a pad that suits you anatomically it feels like you aren't wearing any but obviously in a good way as they support you in the right places. I've found a few thst do this and a lot that don't. price is no guarantee of comfort. I've had expensive ASSOS bibs that were flaunted as "the most comfortable you can buy" that I hated & some I paid £15 for that were my go to pair for long rides.
I'm also shocked at the amount of riders we get in the shop who do loads of road miles in the saddle who wear boxers or briefs under their shorts. no wonder it's uncomfortable!
I’ve never found bibs comfortable maybe it’s a short leg long torso thing. But then I never have encountered the problems people mention for non bibs
Same here. Also, I don't do long road rides, so don't really have the roadie need.
much prefer bib shorts over just shorts, just easier around the waist. The way I size may mean that they are otherwise too tight just where I don't want it..
@scotroutes - base layer under bibs ? what are you thinking of man?! 😉
base layer under bibs ?
this is entirely normal
They're great in the winter for MTB as they add that little bit of extra warmth - especially if your jersey is flapping around.
I've got some cheap 3/4 length ones from planet-x last winter - well worth it.
First commute of the year in my bib shorts instead of bib tights this morning (plus knee warmers obvs) as its finally warmed up enough. No knee warmers on the way home as its predicted to be 15 degrees....love proper comfortable kit me.
@scotroutes – base layer under bibs ? what are you thinking of man?! 😉
My nipples hurt just thinking about the bibs under the baselayer.....
are you rob C olivers opposite/nemisis Scotroutes 😀
People where bibs under their baselayers? That's just weird, it's like there's a hint in the name "baselayer"
As above regarding holding holding them up. Also the back straps are good for stuffing in a small jacket/phone in a sandwich bag if you don't do a proper jersey with pockets.
I’m also shocked at the amount of riders we get in the shop who do loads of road miles in the saddle who wear boxers or briefs under their shorts. no wonder it’s uncomfortable
It is actually possible to cycle a long distance without wearing specific clothing & without any discomfort either.
Its possible to run a marathon in a deep sea diving suit....but why would you unless for charity!
The only reason I’d be wearing baggies over my lycra is if It was wet and I wanted waterproofs
I do off road all the time, adds a layer of protection and the baggies being made of tougher material protect expensive bib shorts.
Can't ride with just baggies even lined ones, there just not tight enough to keep everything under control and out of danger 😟
It is actually possible to cycle a long distance without wearing specific clothing & without any discomfort either.
Exactly. I don't ride road, just MTB, I wear baggies & normal style boxxers underneath, cannot stand anything with a pad & have no comfort issues at all.
I've tried loads of different liners, bibs, pads, etc & none have been as comfortable as without.
baselayer, then bibs then jersey over that. the baselayer needs to be next to the skin to do it's job.
but you don't want the bibs on show so if the base layer is your only layer then over the top (but why would you, just wear a LS or SS jersey because they have pockets for carrying bananas).
I’m also shocked at the amount of riders we get in the shop who do loads of road miles in the saddle who wear boxers or briefs under their shorts.
Why. Boxers work fine for me up to around three hundred miles. Sweaty, gnutchy, padded lycra next to my gnads..yuck.. No thanks.
Bibs over base every time!
It is actually possible to cycle a long distance without wearing specific clothing & without any discomfort either.
Why. Boxers work fine for me up to around three hundred miles. Sweaty, gnutchy, padded lycra next to my gnads..yuck.. No thanks.
Different folks... I ride a fair bit in London in normal clothes but if I'm putting any real time in the saddle I'll wear undershorts. I can pretty much guarantee saddle sores otherwise. Bibs stay in place better and IME work better with baggies over the top as you dont hvae two waist bands interfering with each other.
I'm tall so long body - some brands are comfortable, some arent. Depends on how much stretch there is in the bib. My go-to shorts are the ZipVit.
It is actually possible to cycle a long distance without wearing specific clothing & without any discomfort either.
You mean like riding 200 miles in jeans and some trainers? I would find a lot of discomfort doing that even if you wouldn't.
My gf just ordered some to try as she’s doing a bit more road at the moment, but after trying them she’s sticking to normal shorts.
There are many, many designs of bibs and non bibs. But nothing is going to give total comfort on a long road ride, the main benefit is that they just stay put, never really had the chamois moving much in my pre-bib days. They do help it avoid creasing though, and a crease anywhere is uncomfortable - in fact the reason for the chamois is just to avoid creases in the saddle area.
She could try others, but I imagine tits are a bit more of an issue than for men and bib shorts, plus the weeing thing (though all the women I ride with seem to either be constantly dehydrated or have bladders of steel). And if she's happy with what she's wearing then that's fine. I'm not sure I'd bother if I always rode with baggies.
Is RDs point not about folk wearing boxers under bibshorts? Surely nobody does that?
I’m also shocked at the amount of riders we get in the shop who do loads of road miles in the saddle who wear boxers or briefs under their shorts.
Why. Boxers work fine for me up to around three hundred miles. Sweaty, gnutchy, padded lycra next to my gnads..yuck.. No thanks
See previous comment about the original intention of the chamois. Boxers underneath defeat this. And unless you're wearing yesterday's chamois (in which case you'd probably be wearing yesterday's boxers too) all boxers do is give a bit more room for fester to develop surely?
And your bum doesn't look as nice if you wear underwear with bibshorts.
But nothing is going to give total comfort on a long road ride
You haven't worn the right ones then, the ones I wear I can happily (well as happily as you can) race a 24hr solo in them and won't change them unless they're soaked.
And unless you’re wearing yesterday’s chamois (in which case you’d probably be wearing yesterday’s boxers to
Don't have any shorts with inserts in em
You mean like riding 200 miles in jeans and some trainers?
I've never done that much mileage in a day, but happily done regular centuries and up to 150 in one day and over 700 miles in a week bitd in rugby shorts and the old Dunlop greenflash with no ill effects. I seem to have more problems with lycra shorts these days than I can remember ever having problems in the past.
Bib shorts flatten my stomach and accentuate my bottom. it's a win win 😉
As far as mtb goes I wouldn't dream of wearing bib shorts ..
If I was hung like Linford or Errol and could loop it over the top I might well consider them ..but alas I'm not and I'm at an age that when I need to go ..I need to go bloody quick
Even with full-blown (so to speak) sports/winter winky I can still get over the top. Technique is more important than reach.
Failing that, go down the way.
obviously the base layer / bib shorts is a keenly fought skirmish.
If they're full winter tights / buckle and the rest, then yes.
But for neater 3/4 wear, usual base layers tend to have seams that get caught in wrong place, or bunch up, cleaner lines if bibs then base layer. It's a close enough fit as it is at the moment!
bib shorts are so yesterday, skin suit ftw it's all about the aero init!
There was a Madison Genesis team skinsuit knocking around in the office if you fancy it Klunk? Size small.
Bib shorts flatten my stomach and accentuate my bottom. it’s a win win 😉
Bib shorts do the reverse for me, they lift and highlight my belly like boobs in a bra!
Another bib-hater here. I get more discomfort from bib shoulder straps than a shorts waistband, which I don't really feel at all. Plus bibs are hotter and sweatier than a shorts/jersey combo, not to mention the faff of going to the bog. Bib tights OK in winter for a bit more warmth around the lower back.
Plus bibs are hotter and sweatier than a shorts/jersey combo, not to mention the faff of going to the bog. Bib tights OK in winter for a bit more warmth around the lower back.
For all those struggling to go to the bog or overheating actually tried summer weigh bib shorts? Low front, light weight mesh back, well vented. Was the garment of choice down in Oz
Peeing whilst wearing bib shorts is easy, and I'm no John Holmes.
@Mister P, with that username I should hope so.
bib shorts are so yesterday, skin suit ftw it’s all about the aero init!
I have worn a very slinky tri-suit in the past. Sadly the pad was rubbish (I was going to say crap but that might give the wrong impression).
Anyway I wear bib shorts or 3/4 or tights on the road and the same under baggies on MTB. Perfectly comfortable and I have no trouble dragging the fronts down to pop my non-too-massive member over the top for a wee.
I have worn a very slinky tri-suit in the past. Sadly the pad was rubbish (I was going to say crap but that might give the wrong impression).
A tri-suit is different again, the pad is a lot thinner so it doesn't attempt to drown you when swimming in it
Size small.
lol
Why. Boxers work fine for me up to around three hundred miles. Sweaty, gnutchy, padded lycra next to my gnads..yuck.. No thanks.
boxers and a chamois? that's a horrible combination. you have boxers that don't get sweaty or bunch up your arse crack?
scotroutes
Member
Is RDs point not about folk wearing boxers under bibshorts? Surely nobody does that?
exactly, but why let what was actually written get in the way of a reply?
@scotroutes – base layer under bibs ? what are you thinking of man?! 😉
Wifebeater sleeveless base layer under bib straps. It's a strong look Callum and not everyone can pull it off like me.
I think bib shorts are very much a marmite thing, I'm not a fan but then I don't have issues with ill fitting cycling shorts. I can only see the downsides to bibs, every time I need a piss.
I can't believe this even a debate. I went to bibs 20 years ago and never looked back. Eat more fibre and shit BEFORE the ride. On the few occasions I do have an unscheduled movement, it's not that big a deal. A few years ago I discovered SWAT bibs and now wear bibs with pockets exclusively. I haven't worn a pack or bum bag since. Way more stable than a hip pack or Jersey pockets, I can carry a 1l bottle, snacks, phone and wind jacket quite comfortably.
Pretty much always wear bibs, shorts in summer, shorts and leg warmers in spring/autumn, full length bibs in winter. I've some Endura bib shorts with a thin pad for summer. The worst pads are the Endura click liner ones for baggies, way too heavy and the extra support material makes everything really sweaty. My thighs are big enough that baggies are a misnomer! The only advantage for me to baggies is extra protection if I'm riding through vegetation - briars and lycra aren't a good mix.
My bum seems to suit either the cheap DHB bibs from Wiggle or the expensive Assos. But bum => chamois is just one interface, there's also chamois => saddle. I've some bib shorts that are fine on one bike but not on another purely because that's got a different saddle.
I wear big shorts for commmuting to work, they're just convenient
But for my bikepacking trips of up to 3 days and 2 nights I wear my normal under armour boxerjock boxer shorts and they work just great. I wear them as everyday boxers
Bibs keep the shorts from moving around.
Used a winter bib, no shorts and leggings combo anymore. More comfy and don’t stand up straight too quickly unless you don’t want kids.
Poop before a ride or going out is good advice up there!
I used to wear padded shirts under my baggies. I went on to use bib shorts, and they are way more comfortable. No waistband is a big plus. However, I have, for over a year now, just gone to using the longer legged running boxer shorts from Decathlon. I've done 30 mile off road rides without any problems, but I think it's more luck than judgement!
Basically, shorts need to have tension around the waistband in order to keep them in place and this can be uncomfortable. This is more of a problem for sporty road riders who are bending their lower back and contorting their waist to get an aero position. Also more of a problem for riders with softer bellies who are more prone to muffin topping.
Bib shorts use sholder straps to keep the shorts in place, so eliminating tension around the waistband - however if the straps are too long or short this can cause a problem of the shorts being too loose or wedgie respectively.
Going for a piss wearing bib shorts is a right faff, especially in winter, which is the only time of year I’d consider wearing them; the straps are under a mid layer, possibly a fleece as well if it’s really bitching cold, then a jacket and hydration pack. Not forgetting that it’s winter and everything is shrivelling up to stay as close to my internal body heat.
My guess is that all of you who wear bibs in the colder months either have a colostomy bag in your camelbak or you just piss in your shorts. 😉
Wrong title - it should be regular shorts what's the point?
Bibs are de facto.
How often are people going to the toilet?
On an average 2-4 hour ride I might not go once, and if I do it's likely to be at a coffee stop.
Bib shorts. What’s the point?
Help you blend in if you encounter a Gay Pride march while out riding your bicycle?
Help you blend in if you encounter a Gay Pride march while out riding your bicycle?
Ah I'm sorry you can't make them look as good as us.
Meanwhile Colin. - is tartan wallpaper mandatory in Aviemore ? Every house I've ever been in there has at least some tartan wallpaper !
Going for a piss wearing bib shorts is a right faff
Pull down the front of the shorts. Pee. Difficult to see how much less faff there could be.
Bib shorts are designed to be comfortable for doing a lot of pedalling, and they are the first choice for many people that do a lot of pedalling. Some people prefer not to wear them, for various reasons, but they are not really very complicated to use.
Dismissing bib shorts due to the one pair your tried is like saying that shoes are rubbish based on a pair your tried on in a shop once....there are many different makes, sizes and shapes.
