I’m in the market for some new cycling bib shorts but want to make sure that whatever I buy is reliable for sometime. So what have you buy that have surpass your expectations in the durability category?
Thank you in advance!
Emmanuel,
Voler Black Label bibs were recommended by an excessively avid cyclist friend as their best gear. I got a pair and after many rides in the last 6 months they still seem brand new, so my personal experience has been impressive but not long.
My 400-mile bibs from desoto have been pretty bombproof.
My 400-mile bibs from desoto have been pretty bombproof.
This… yea I’m impartial but I normally buy new ones before they actually wear out. I think I had to finally get rid of a couple this year after like 10 years because they were turning seethrough.
Another vote for the DeSoto 400-mile bibs. Had them for years with no problems at all. My Hell’s 500 shorts from Cuore is very high quality too.
Assos.
I have one pair that is prob 10 years old, washed countless times, still fine to use.
My 400-mile bibs from desoto have been pretty bombproof.
This… yea I’m impartial but I normally buy new ones before they actually wear out. I think I had to finally get rid of a couple this year after like 10 years because they were turning seethrough.
Same here for desoto. Other brands I had die after 1 year
Yep my 400 mile bib shorts have become my 4,000+ mile bib shorts. The logo is fading away, but apart from that they look and feel exactly like they did when I first bought them.
I have a pair of Decathlon own brand bib shorts of a similar age. I wouldn’t be going out riding a century in them but they’re good for a shorter ride or an indoor trainer session. Significantly more expensive brands have not lasted the course.
I strongly prefer comfortable over durable …
I strongly prefer comfortable over durable …
Desotos 400s are also comfortable…
DeSoto 400mi are excellent and hold up very well.
That being said, the bibs I have from theblackbibs.com are not only cheap and comfortable, but also impressively durable. I’ve been riding several pairs weekly for over 3 years with almost no discernible wear. For $40 a pair ($60 if you want grippy leg bands) they can’t be beat.
My Cuore bibs won’t seem to die. I think they are gold level that they offer.
The Rapha lightweight stuff hasn’t worked well for me. I’ve had pilling where the shorts meet my saddle on multiple pairs after only a few rides. For the price, i expected more durability.
I haven’t owned the black bibs recommended above, but I’ve had other stuff from Starlight (maker of the black bibs). The comfort level seemed good for the cost but the stitching didn’t seem as good as other brands. Maybe they’ve improved.
I bought some nice bontrager bibs and on my 2nd ride with them my wife said it’s time to retire those bibs because i can see your butt. I won’t buy those again.
Mine all seem to wear differently.
- chamois gets compressed
- lycra stretches to see-through
- stitching comes loose
- leg grippers start to deteriorate
Best thing is to find a brand that fits well and feels comfortable, and replace as needed.
After about 4-5 years use a pair of bibs become trainer only usage unless I do something over 2 hours indoors which is rare.
I recently bought a pair of ProBikeKit Crux 2.0 and they are exceptional for the low price. I think I paid $87 CAD ($68 USD).
Personally, I am a big fan of Assos. To be sure, they aren’t cheap, but they are very comfortable and last forever. Have also been riding in Ryzon shorts for a couple of years and am impressed. If I had to choose however, it would be Assos.
Recently decided to train in tri suits only. I own one bike, which is Argon e118 Tri+. Being I’m using an ISM split nose saddle I want a chamois that works for the bike. Minimal padding to reduce bunching and chafing, along with good leg grippers to keep things from moving around. I did a century on the trainer last weekend with no issues and have been training in tri suits exclusively in 2021.
I looked at Assos but many reviews said the moving pad caused bunching and chafing. $260 for inferior design…no thanks.
I looked at Rapha and noticed massive diaper butt. I don’t ride on my ass on a tri bike.
This would be totally different on a road bike.
Wattie Inc. Bibs are GREAT. Wear them whenever I ride over 50 miles at one time.
I’m in the market for some new cycling bib shorts but want to make sure that whatever I buy is reliable for sometime. So what have you buy that have surpass your expectations in the durability category?
Thank you in advance!
Emmanuel,
Sticking strictly to the question of durability, De Soto , but they certainly wouldn’t be my first choice of bibs.
My Pearl Izumi Pursuit Attack shorts are freakishly durable. I have toppled over multiple times and had a crash in them last summer. I was bleeding under the shorts, but they still look brand new. So far no chafing or pilling in the saddle region after a few years, either. They are otherwise basic, but the best value I’ve gotten out of a piece of equipment hands down.
I gotta ask, why the love for bibs? I don’t think I would want something tight on my shoulders
For clothing. I also like being able to tie my shorts. Shorts cost less, are easier to drop in a hurry (no need to unzip shirt to get to shoulder straps) and seem easier to me for adjustments (bit and pieces).
Just curious what all the love is for bibs.