Shorts - to bib or not to bib?

Tegglington

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have started looking at cycle shorts since my commute has become uncomfortable as of late (not bad, only started be uncomfortable after 3 years!)

Now to bib short or not to bib short is the question. As a complete noob in this lycra cladded field (normally just some baggy nike shorts) what is the main difference between a bib short and a normal short? is it just a matter of comfort? (bib shorts dont fall down as often??)

Just after some general advice really. Will be buying from Decathlon as i dont have the pennies to afford much else at the moment. Any issues or experiences with Decathlon products? From a general search of the forum they seem to be pretty good for the price???

thanks all, happy and safe riding!

Warren

planeetx

If you're riding a lot then I'd go for Bib Shorts - the main advantage is that they're always in the right place

If you're using non-bib shorts then if they're not properly pulled up then they can snag on the saddle as you lift yourself in/out of it :oops: . The only downside is if you have to stop mid-ride for a call of nature - you'll find yourself pulling all sorts of weird looking yoga moves in order to get yourself 'arranged' for the task in hand

I rode with non-bibs for years, but after my first pair of bibs - I wouldn't go back...

edhornby

if you have been commuting for 3yrs and it's only recently become uncomfortable then it may be something other than shorts... how long is your commute and do you do ride daily?

however lycra shorts with a pad are great, bibs are better than waistband as they stay in place rather than slipping about and exposing the lower back but slightly less practical

however Aldi do inexpensive waistband ones once a year usually around May

rickyrider

Bib shorts every time. So much more comfortable than regular shorts for reasons highlighted above.

Tegglington

5.3 miles each way for 3 years, every day.
New bike last september (finally convinced the boss to sign up to the C2W scheme)
I too wondered what else might be causing it, I put it down to the trousers I was wearing over the winter, the better half works for a sportswear company (unfortunately they don't do cycle gear) and got my some light thermal trail running gear. they worked a treat! light, warm and pretty waterproof but they arent the most comfortable, so need to start looking at comfort.

Looking at some Decathlon bibs to ease me in and £24.99 is in my price range

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/flat-bib-sho ... 52267.html

apreading

If they have the right size, these are better: http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bib-shorts-7 ... 5842.html# Much nicer pad and fit - they were more expensive but reduced.

Tegglington

Thank you sir, I shall indeed look out for those!

thistle_

For longs (or 3/4) go for bibs or you risk unintentional moonings. For shorts I find a decent fitting pair of non bib shorts are fine, as they are not covering your lower leg which pulls them down faster.

With cheaper shorts I have to keep making sure they are pulled up as I'm riding along

denzzz28

5.3 miles is not a long ride TBH so i wouldnt bother wearing a more expensive bib shorts. I buy cheap muddy fox and decathlon cycling shorts for my daily commute and they are good enough for me. they are that cheap that have loads of them so i dont wear the same one everyday. I sometimes use them for long sportive rides and they still work fine and i dont have sore bums. of course for long rides though i would wear bibs as they will be much comfortable especially in the waist area, its just a pain when you want to go to the toilet as you need to take your top off (not good when you are out in the open half naked).

I am just curious as to why after 3 years of cycling you suddenly have a sore bum?? if you are using the same bike then with the same saddle then the saddle might have lost its cushion so you probably need to change it. or maybe you want to try those suspension seat post. i have them on my commuter and its very nice for those nasty London roads.

denzzz28

sorry i did not see the thread were you said that you have a new bike.

as i have said you might need to change your saddle. if you just developed the sore bum after the new bike then im guessing the new bike has something to do with it and one thing can think of is the saddle. check the shape of your old saddle and compare it with the new one.

shouldbeinbed

Decathlon bib longs are fine for my commute, as are aldi waistband lycra shorts. The bibs give a bit more wind protection to the belly.

Headhuunter

I've got bibs and normal shorts. The only advantage of bibs I find is that there's no risk of you ending up with a bare bit of back if an when the shorts slip down or your jersey gets hoiked up. Bibs are a nightmare to go for a pee in, you basically almost have to comletely undress or work out a way of getting your willy out of one of the leg holes.

For a short ride, say less than 20 miles, I would probably just get some cheap old Decathlon shorts an avoid the expense of bibs. If you're going on long club rides then bibs are more logical but I would be careful selecting which ones to go for - the pad is probably the most important thing to consider. I've got cheap Decathlon shorts which I use on the commute but I would never use them on a club ride, the pad is simply too uncomfortable

Try these sites for half decent bibs and shorts
http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/sports-c ... ib-shorts/
http://www.supercycleclothing.com/bib-shorts-261-c.asp
http://www.prendas.co.uk/list.asp?typ=typ&ID=5

Lycra Man

I find bib shorts to be far more comforable than waist shorts, which have a tight wasitband that digs in.

I have several pairs of Decathlon bib shorts and they are my most comfortable ones. I wear them for my regular 15 mile commute, and 200k Audax rides. (It is not that difficult to have a pee behind a hedge on a long ride. You can pull the front down to get access.)

Lycra Man

Tegglington

Thank you all for your replies.

I ordered these shorts yesterday afternoon and picked them up last night.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bib-shorts-7 ... 65842.html

I have never had a more comfortable cycle ride in my life, how did I ever commute for 3 years without them I am now asking myself!

Thanks all for your help, greatly appreciated. now then.... what's next to buy!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

while i'm on teh subject of B-Twin a Decathlon, has anybody had oen of their bikes? they look ratehr good in the shop, and are dirt cheap, but do they last over time?

king_jeffers

I recently gave in and purchased a pair of bib shorts, my Mrs was in stitches when I showed the new bike look - its like a deluxe mankini. Still very comfortable, might start wearing them round the house :-)