Bibs vs Shorts

Bigfreddieboy
Bigfreddieboy Posts: 6
edited April 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi All,

I am casual cyclist and have always used shorts and on a budget, but was considering purchasing a new "gel" pair for this summer where I plan to take part in some sportives 80-100+ mile distance.

However I had noticed some gel bibs and wondered what the advantages they had over shorts and is the gel type much more comfortable than padding, I would say my current funkier panel shorts are about two years old and I find them adequate.

Any info / advice on bibs vs shorts and gel padding much appreciated, tks.

Comments

  • cattytown
    cattytown Posts: 647
    Bibs are considered more comfortable as there is no waistband trying to hold the shorts up.

    Paul.
    Giant Defy 2
    Large bloke getting smaller :-)
  • carrock
    carrock Posts: 1,103
    cattytown wrote:
    Bibs are considered more comfortable as there is no waistband trying to hold the shorts up.

    Paul.

    +1

    Also you have the added advantage of looking like a 1970s wrestler
  • notlongnow
    notlongnow Posts: 176
    carrock wrote:
    cattytown wrote:
    Bibs are considered more comfortable as there is no waistband trying to hold the shorts up.

    Paul.
    This

    +1

    Also you have the added advantage of looking like a 1970s wrestler
    Big daddy or Giant haystacks :D
  • dodgerdog
    dodgerdog Posts: 292
    Bibs every time as the high back prevents draughts since there is no gap between top and shorts.
    Allez Triple (hairy with mudguards) - FCN 4
    Ribble Gran Fondo
  • longy
    longy Posts: 74
    I've just switched to bibs for the first time - I bought some Funkier gel bibs. I really like them. They're more comfortable, there's no chance of a gap at the back, they are slimming (I need that kind of help) and your kids (if you have them) will find them hilarious.
  • Bigfreddieboy
    Bigfreddieboy Posts: 6
    Hi All,

    Thanks a lot for your replies, I am now convinced to buy bibs and the gel type to, I also look forward to a combined usage for cycling and my new sport as an all in wrestler, although I am struggling to come up with a suitable wrestling name for myself.
  • cattytown
    cattytown Posts: 647
    Why not post a picture of yourself and we can see if we can come up with a name for you :-)

    Paul.
    Giant Defy 2
    Large bloke getting smaller :-)
  • apreading
    apreading Posts: 4,535
    I never had/have a problem with the fact that normal shorts tie around your waist and none ever fell down. However, some jerseys come up a little short and the bibs do prevent a cold gap at the lower back if that is the case.

    The biggest reason that I went to bibs though was for the padding. While you can get normal shorts with padding, the best padding (castelli/Assos etc) only seems to be available in the form of bibs. When doing 80/100 miles, you want the best padding. I can do 50 miles without any padding at all but much more than that and I need some and I find that cheap padding only works for the first hour or so then is so squashed as to be ineffective. The best padding is still working when you reach the mileage that you need it!

    Strangely, females can get the best shorts with or without bibs (from Castelli for example) but they dont seem to offer this for men.

    Just make sure that you dont go for bibs that feel comfortable standing up - the shoulder straps should pull a bit when standing as they are designed to be comfortable when bent over on the bike.
  • slowsider
    slowsider Posts: 197
    Bigfreddieboy wrote:
    Hi All,

    Thanks a lot for your replies, I am now convinced to buy bibs and the gel type to, I also look forward to a combined usage for cycling and my new sport as an all in wrestler, although I am struggling to come up with a suitable wrestling name for myself.


    Bigfreddieboy would seem ideal :mrgreen:
  • ronnierocket
    ronnierocket Posts: 172
    A minor point with bibs is that if you need a No 2 at the beginning of a sportive e.g. it is a real pain to have to take you all your jerseys etc... off especially if you have a few layers!
  • cattytown
    cattytown Posts: 647
    Maybe for ladies Bibs are less of a clear benefit as the straps get a less predictable position?

    Paul.
    Giant Defy 2
    Large bloke getting smaller :-)
  • navrig
    navrig Posts: 1,352
    ronnierocket wrote:
    A minor point with bibs is that if you need a No 2 at the beginning of a sportive e.g. it is a real pain to have to take you all your jerseys etc... off especially if you have a few layers!

    Even worse in the middle of a sportive. So glad the 2nd food station on the Sportive Kinross was next to a friendly pub :oops:
  • longy
    longy Posts: 74
    cattytown wrote:
    Maybe for ladies Bibs are less of a clear benefit as the straps get a less predictable position?

    Paul.

    There are special lady bibs with a front strap down the middle. I saw a picture and went all wobbly.
  • cattytown
    cattytown Posts: 647
    Jost googled. If I saw the same pics as you, and you went wobbly there's something wrong with you :-)
    Giant Defy 2
    Large bloke getting smaller :-)

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