Bib Shorts

bhickey

For the past few years (since starting cycling) I’ve been wearing Gore and Giordana bib shorts – both of which have been fine but are now wearing thin. I’d like to buy some full kit (jersey/bib combo, bearing the marque of one of the pro teams) but much of the correspondence in here highlights Assos as being the bibs to buy. Am I liable to be disappointed if I buy a combo set versus Assos ? should I stick with the pro marque jersey but Assos bottom half ?

Thanks.

Jimbo.

Team jersey + plain shorts =
Team jersey + team shorts = :?

If your usual gear works fine, then why not stick with that? Sure, Assos may be nice (I've never tried it), but there's always the chance you may not like it: everybody's different, and all that.

gregster10217

Depends what you mean by pro, I'm guessing a current team? However, you could do a lot worse than something from prendas, which sell national/team kit by Santini. I have the full Australia national kit and the bibs are fantastic. Very comfy pad, but I've not worn Assos so cannot compare them for you.

nferrar

I wouldn't buy team shorts thinking you're getting the stuff pros use, you'll almost always get cheaper versions printed up the same (same with a lot of tops but it's less of a difference). If you want the team look then I'd go team top and decent non-team shorts (there are other good makes apart from Assos ).

cougie

If you look on ebay - you can find pro kit from Hong Kong for £30 for a top and shorts. OK they may not last as long as the real kit, but you can buy 4 or more sets for that. Short comfort seems fine.

FatLarry

How far do you ride?

I have the full Caisse D'Epargne kit that I absolutely love and it's great for a 25 mile each way commute.

But if I'm riding anything over 50 miles, my bottom only accepts Assos.

skyd0g

+1 on Prendas gear.

Limburger

The Giordana Tenax bibs are supposed to be some of the best you know

ALaPlage

Limburger wrote:

The Giordana Tenax bibs are supposed to be some of the best you know

That's nice to hear as I've just ordered a pair from Parkers Went for the plain black but debated over the red side panel version. Maybe next time. Have had a few long time roadies tell me they are as comfortable as Assos Uno's but £30/£40 cheaper. I'll let you know how I get on with them once I have got them - due a 70 mile ride this coming Sunday so if they are here by then I will be giving them their debut then.

dbb2

I am about to purchase my first bib shorts. But not sure about sizing. I am only 5' 8" but with 48" chest and 38" waist. The size guides would mean me getting a bib for someone about 6' 3". Will the waist and legs be too uncomfortable in smaller sizes? Any suggestions? Please!!!! [/list]

bobtbuilder

dbb2 wrote:

I am about to purchase my first bib shorts. But not sure about sizing. I am only 5' 8" but with 48" chest and 38" waist. The size guides would mean me getting a bib for someone about 6' 3". Will the waist and legs be too uncomfortable in smaller sizes? Any suggestions? Please!!!! [/list]

Speak to Mick or Andy at Prendas and they'll make sure you get something that fits.

Mick explained to me that the waist size is not especially relevant in bib-short sizing. The shorts are extremely stretchy in that area. The biggest difference between sizes is in the leg length.

For example, In Santini I can easily fit into Medium, Large, or XL bibshorts (I have a 33" waist). However, the legs on the XL bibs come down almost to my knee, whereas the medium are way too short and the large size is perfect.

rolf_f

bobtbuilder wrote:

Speak to Mick or Andy at Prendas and they'll make sure you get something that fits.

Mick explained to me that the waist size is not especially relevant in bib-short sizing. The shorts are extremely stretchy in that area. The biggest difference between sizes is in the leg length.

For example, In Santini I can easily fit into Medium, Large, or XL bibshorts (I have a 33" waist). However, the legs on the XL bibs come down almost to my knee, whereas the medium are way too short and the large size is perfect.

Prendas did fail me a bit on that one being unable to make a recommendation. On a trip to Epic, having previously tried Santini small (I'm tall and thin with a relatively shortish torso) and found the should straps too tight, this time I tried medium, large and extra large. All fitted so I compromised on large - I didn't notice massive differences in the length of the shorts but the large is fine either way for me.

kfinlay

I've got these:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... ASTZBBS135

and

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... ASTZJSS160

The short have the new pad which is fab for long runs - I've done 5 hours no probs and the set gives a pro look but won't date like current pro-team ones.

If money no object then these shorts would be awesome:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... ASTZBBS130

Note they are very race fit so may need to go up 2 sizes from your regular clothes - I'm a medium normally but had to get XL in this stuff but it's a great fit and very comfortable.
My only concern is the Castelli logo will crack/breakup over time but otherwise can't fault them so far.

rjh299

kfinlay wrote:

If money no object then these shorts would be awesome:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... ASTZBBS130

They are!