After fistula surgery. What comfy bib shorts

Best pad I've ridden is Stolen Goat / Bioracer Epic Bibs. Pad is thicker or denser than any other pad I'm used to so is my go-to for long road days and gravel days.

The general material of the short is very supportive/compressive too if that's a factor.

Not cheap sadly but I *think* they use the same pad in cheaper models.

Bioracer make and sell them but they also make them for Stolen Goat who are perhaps easier to deal with.

As someone who currently owns 2 pairs of Endura shorts liner, and a big blister on my arse, I'm following this with interest!

Rapha core was a revelation for me. Big thick pad with no silly fancy contours (that just end up causing friction!)

They felt tight around the 'nads the first two rides though! But 4+ years on both pairs have been faultless

The Decathlon bibs have a good thickness pad and at a reasonable price. Worth a look I reckon.

I switched to more expensive bibs when I had the same surgery. Cheap stuff and liners just move about too much, you need a decent fit that will stay put.

Even now years later, I suffer if I grab cheap liners 'cos I haven't been organised enough to wash my bibs.

Sportful Total Comfort if you want the cushiest seat pad

For me the only shorts are Assos. But you need to find them on sale unless you have deep pockets.

Thanks for the recommendations. Loads to look at.

Was thinking around £100 but may need to dig deeper by the looks of it.

There is a world of difference between the Endura liners that come free with their shorts, and their actual bib/liner shorts. They even do different widths of pad within the same outer short style. Plus they do a no quibble guarantee so you can send them back even if they're not comfy: https://www.endurasport.com/support/satisfaction-guarantee.list

I think you'd need to buy from them rather than wiggle etc though.

It might be more important that the shape and fit is right, rather than whopping thick padding. No padding will ever be as soft and delicate as your undercarriage, so potentially something that fits round it rather than into it will be more comfortable. Probably worth doing yourself a saddle width check too, to make sure your sit bones are supporting you rather than your perineum.

Castelli pads are really comfortable and thicker than endura and pearl izumi i've had in the past. There are loads of sale items on merlin and sport pursuit.
They size up really small mind.

Assos mille gt summer gto c2 bibs have the thickest pad I've come across - and they are pretty comfy! Not cheap but sound like they could be the sort of bib you are looking for.

Have had several rounds of fistula surgery relating to Crohn’s disease. Had very long term chronic fistula with a Seton suture (probably best not to Google…) Main issue for me was how quiet or active the fistula was at any given time. Thankfully it’s been pretty well behaved recently.
Never found any particular difference between padded shorts so long as they fitted well. Current favourites are Link, purchased from Start Fitness - not expensive but super comfortable.
Best of luck and hope everything heals up well.

Second Dovebiker and Sportful Total Comfort, most comfy pair i've used and been fine for 24 hours + on a road saddle.

And Rapha have a 20% discount ('SAVE20') on shorts at the moment...

Thanks again, good idea getting a saddle width check Hannah, I'll look into it. As you say I need a good fit rather than a massive pad.

@andyecc, luckily it was a lower fistula so no need for any more treatment. As you say it's either no problem or really sore.

Actually if you're looking to experiment on the cheap I've got some Rapha Core shorts I'd do for £20 P&P. Size large, good for 34-35" around the belly button and 41" around the widest part of hips.

They've got some pulling and thread damage on the seat where a velcro tab rubbed them during a ride, but they've got tonnes of life left in them. Personally I just didn't get on with the pad (at the front weirdly, very plush under the sit bones).

PM if any use 👍

My Lusso bibshorts have never given any grief in that department.

I have found Assos work best (expensive but last, can use under MTB shorts when they start to become a bit transparent with age) and also think about your saddle.

Thanks again all. As I only use a mountain bike the shorts will be under baggies.

Happy with my saddle. Sdg bel-air. Find it really comfy