How tight should bib shorts be?

chrisaonabike

Bit of a muppet question here, I'm completely new to bibs.

I've bought two pairs of DHB Aeron Pro bib shorts - one Medium, one Large, with a view to sending one back. I don't want to keep both, I'd rather get another one of the right size.

According to the size guide, I'm bang in the middle of medium, however, although obviously the Medium feels a bit tighter, they could both be said to fit ok.

So how tight should bib shorts be? Sorry if this is a bit vague - if it's any help, getting into the Medium one was a bit of a struggle but once it was all in place I could stand up Ok, although the straps were definitely a bit stretched. Whereas the Large was easy to get into, and the bottom of the leg slightly flappy until I pulled it up around my thigh, at which point it was a snug fit and no wrinkles.

I seem to be arguing myself into the Large, but I'd appreciate any experienced views as to whether they loosen up over time, whether a bit of compression is a good thing (I'm used to compression tops, for instance), and indeed whether they're only supposed to be comfortable in the bent over riding posture.

Cheers, need to decide which one to keep tonight or first thing tomorrow if possible, since I'm having a bike fit in the morning and need to wear shorts!

big_p

tighter than this........




but not so tight that they do this..........

Bozman

You should be able to see your veins.

bianchimoon

ChrisAOnABike wrote:

Bit of a muppet question here, I'm completely new to bibs.

I've bought two pairs of DHB Aeron Pro bib shorts - one Medium, one Large, with a view to sending one back. I don't want to keep both, I'd rather get another one of the right size.

According to the size guide, I'm bang in the middle of medium, however, although obviously the Medium feels a bit tighter, they could both be said to fit ok.

So how tight should bib shorts be? Sorry if this is a bit vague - if it's any help, getting into the Medium one was a bit of a struggle but once it was all in place I could stand up Ok, although the straps were definitely a bit stretched. Whereas the Large was easy to get into, and the bottom of the leg slightly flappy until I pulled it up around my thigh, at which point it was a snug fit and no wrinkles.

I seem to be arguing myself into the Large, but I'd appreciate any experienced views as to whether they loosen up over time, whether a bit of compression is a good thing (I'm used to compression tops, for instance), and indeed whether they're only supposed to be comfortable in the bent over riding posture.

Cheers, need to decide which one to keep tonight or first thing tomorrow if possible, since I'm having a bike fit in the morning and need to wear shorts!

Sounds like you're in the middle, are you expecting to lose any weight from cycling? if so tighter pair if not larger pair

gethinceri

Bozman wrote:

You should be able to see your veins.

Through the shorts.

navrig

If you get a couple lumps in your throat they are too tight.

smidsy

IME they do not loosen. Also check how they feel in your cycling position not just stood up in front of the mirror.

Bozman

Gethinceri wrote:

Bozman wrote:

You should be able to see your veins.

Through the shorts.

Yes, but just on your thighs though.

the playing mantis

nice. i feel sorry for the poor sod who buys the ones you send back...

note to self, do not buy a pair of DHB Aeron Pro bib shorts!

on a serious note, i would suggest the pair that are most comfortable on your jatz crackers.

chrisaonabike

the playing mantis wrote:

nice. i feel sorry for the poor sod who buys the ones you send back...
note to self, do not buy a pair of DHB Aeron Pro bib shorts!

It's ok, I had me pants on. I know you guys like the feel of chamois cream on yer knackers, but that's a bridge too far for me.

Nowt wrong with a nice tight pair of pants to keep everything in its place, they only need washing once a month.

I've gone for the large ones, so any of you medium chappies out there, watch out for a bit of stretching on the next pair you order.

Omar Little

generally bibs that fit good will feel a bit tight when standing up but just right went in the riding position

Anonymous

I would have said large as medium sounded a bit too tight on shoulders.
You may lose weight, but you ain't gonna shrink just yet! Would not say that they stretch with wear IME.

They should feel a bit tight to get into, but not once on (snug yes, but not tight) even when standing. I would define tight as being noticable all the time, and I do not feel you should be aware of the straps digging in while sitting in the cafe or out of the saddle on a climb.

I am generally a large in most things, but being 6'1" some of my bibs are XXL, especially Italian ones.

secretsam

"Snug" but not tight. I forget I'm wearing mine; so much so that one day I went out and I wasn't actually wearing them. The Police were surprisingly understanding...

il_principe

ChrisAOnABike wrote:

the playing mantis wrote:

nice. i feel sorry for the poor sod who buys the ones you send back...
note to self, do not buy a pair of DHB Aeron Pro bib shorts!

It's ok, I had me pants on. I know you guys like the feel of chamois cream on yer knackers, but that's a bridge too far for me.

Nowt wrong with a nice tight pair of pants to keep everything in its place, they only need washing once a month.

You'll soon change your tune.

nferrar

Sounds like it depends mostly on the bib straps, you should get into a riding position and see if the medium still feel a bit tight - if they do I'd go with the large as it could get irritating after a while. If the straps are OK once in a riding position then stick with medium unless they're also changing the pitch of your voice...

team47b

Mrs T just said you should be able to tell religion :shock:

swede54

Doesn't sound like either size fits properly, try another manufacturer.

goonz

As mentioned whatever size doesnt turn your legs purple will do.

chrisaonabike

Thanks all, I went for the large ones in the end. The rubbery bit at the bottom of the leg didn't flap at all once I pulled it up to the right height, and it was perfectly comfy, albeit only on a turbo at a bike fit for a while.

If it helps anyone, I have a 40" chest, 32" waist, and I'm 5'9".

larmurf

SecretSam wrote:

"Snug" but not tight. I forget I'm wearing mine; so much so that one day I went out and I wasn't actually wearing them. The Police were surprisingly understanding...

Is it open day or have they let you out ..??

keef66

ChrisAOnABike wrote:

Nowt wrong with a nice tight pair of pants to keep everything in its place, they only need washing once a month.

If you feel the need for underwear to keep your genitalia in place, it suggests your shorts are too big.

All my kit feels a bit tight as I put it on, but feels fine on the bike.

smoggysteve

To the OP. I got a paircof these bibs at xmas. They do feel quite baggy from the waist up compared to other dhb bibs. Also I ended up sending mine back after the ankle zip fell apart on the first time of unzipping. Shoddy quality

hsiaolc

ChrisAOnABike wrote:

Thanks all, I went for the large ones in the end. The rubbery bit at the bottom of the leg didn't flap at all once I pulled it up to the right height, and it was perfectly comfy, albeit only on a turbo at a bike fit for a while.

If it helps anyone, I have a 40" chest, 32" waist, and I'm 5'9".

I am not sure how you arrived at larger. I am 42" Chest, 35" waist and I am only 57 and I wear large. You definitely should be a medium.

You also mentioned you are used to compression tops then the slight compression on the legs you will prefer as well.

I have few DHB range and all in large size for any of their tights.

StillGoing

Depends who the manufacturer is. I used to wear Large in Castelli and Giordana, but I wear Small or Medium in Champion Systems.

larmurf

philthy3 wrote:

Depends who the manufacturer is.

Very much so and as I found with Gore, the different types by the same manufacturer..!!