Advice please on womens shorts/bibs.

nicsport

Hi everyone,

I am new to road biking and after a few months I have decided that my GORE padded bike shorts are not cutting the mustard in the comfort area! They are bulky and cause rubbing.
'
I would appreciate your wisdom on whether women's bibs are better than shorts???
And, what brands & styles are the most comfortable?

Many thanks for your replies.

CakeyPirate

Gah, I hate un-comfy cycling.

How long/far are you spending in the saddle?.

If its just a case of unwanted rubbing then some of this stuff really makes a difference (sometimes goes under the name of embrocation). Ive used it in the past on longer rides but a better solution is probably to get a better fitting pair of shorts as you suggested.

The big win for bib shorts in the comfort area is, because they have the over-the-shoulder straps they do not have an elasticated waist and so are comfier around your middle when sat on a bike. However I dont have boobs so I cant comment on how comfy the straps are going over your chest, but I bet its more comfy than an elasticated waist. (They dont seem to look any worse than a decent sports bra?)

Im using dhb bib shorts at the moment (only around 100 mies a week) and, combined with a saddle that fits my bum, means that my legs limit the length of my rides, not saddle sore

tl;dr - get a pair of bib shorts, they are worth it imo

nicsport

Thanks for your wisdom. At the moment I have been doing about 20 miles a couple of times a week, but did 36 today! Planning to increase further. I don't think it is a saddle issue, I think it is def the shorts as they feel that they are bunching up, hence causing rubbing.

The dhb's appear to have good reviews.

Again thanks for your thoughts.

graniteway

Hi,

I use bib shorts (no elastic digging in waist) and defo would not go back to straight shorts
.My current bibs are Giordana Donna carbon tenax. Superb pad and not bulky.
I do however wear a thong under them and have never had any discomfort, chaffing or any other problem for that matter.

The Donna bibs are on offer on various sites at the moment.

TiBoy

These are very nice and extremly comfortable, my wife had a pair as her 1st lady specific bibs and loves them, I have the ones with the mens pad in and can wear them all day without any issues.

http://www.shuttvr.com/shop/productdeta ... ib-Shorts/

SouthEastLondonCyclist

Another vote for bib shorts. I wear these:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-ladies-aero ... ib-shorts/

and find them really comfy. (And some Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream helps )

anto164

Bibs surely!

I had a quick flick through C+ in tescos today. They've got a feature on female road clothing. Check it out for some reviews etc.

mattshrops

bib shorts always.
Only problem for women tho' is needing a pee while out. could end up having to almost strip off :oops:

shortyman

Hi
I've got both and like the fit comfort of my bibs (winter trousers and summer shorts, both dHB). DHB have a nice range of bib shorts for ladies, just cos we're female, doesn't mean we don't want a choice.
My coment would be to read the sizing as your height becomes a factor in bibs- I've had to go up two dress sizes as I'm 5'9. Depressing to do so (!) but worth it for comfort, and hey, no-one sees the label!
Nicky

stevec205gti

Can't believe there's so few posts with all the 'research' that goes on for this subject in the Cake Stop section....

suzyb

Shorts for me. I'm short but fat so no chance of getting bibs that are even close to fitting me.