No need to go into details if you don’t have the time, though I’ll read them if you do. I’d like to buy a couple sets of bibs for the new year and the damn things are pricey so I want to get some that’ll last. I’m fairly high mileage, expecting to see about 20 hours a week over the next several months. I’ve ridden in $110 Descente’s and $90 on sale Pearl Izumi Microsensors. I’ve had a history of problems with saddle sores, though I’ve gotten better about stripping off the bibs immediately after the rides and I use Assos Chamois cream with the witch hazel voodoo stuff. I get the feeling I can do better than either of the bibs I’ve ridden in. I’d rather not spend more than $150 per pair, unless they are “must have” bibs, though I’m not sure those exist. You might respond real quick like this, with the brands you’ve ridden and the “money-bib” in green… Thanks, my ass’ll 'preciate it.
I have used the Hincapie bibs quite a bit last year and really enjoyed them. I don’t know if they are ‘must haves’, but they felt awfully nice. I want to try the Pearl Izumi bib - I haven’t yet so I can’t compare them to the HIncapie…but the Hincapie was excellent.
Craft bibs … very good bib short, and only about $100. I like em a lot.
Castelli … also, very very good bib short, the lycra is like lingerie. Quite a bit more expensive than the Crafts, and not much better. Watch sizing, my experience is these run a little big.
I tried the Hincapie power shorts this past summer (not bibs) and was SORELY disappointed. Let’s just say the numbness was so bad that I actually convinced the shop to take them back even after I rode them a half dozen times. The point is that shorts and saddles are very individualistic. Shorts that might make me feel like I’m floating on a cloud might make you feel like your nuts are stuck in a vise.
Joe-
I’ve had some sore issues this past year. Being that cheapo that I am (student budget), I picked up a pair of the top-of-the-line Performance bibs after I read a very favorable review of them in Bicycling (June-ish issue I think - they did decent shorts test back then). I’ve got a pair of the PI microsensor short (about $110 for the shorts afaik) that is a few years old, and it compared favorably. It’s around $50. Why not give it a shot if you haven’t. If it works, awesome, if it doesn’t, you’re out of $50, not $150…
oh, and I’ve washed them a bunch of times (hot, hot dryer), and they have retained shape, color, elasticity.
I read a review on bicycling or Velo about Santini gel twist. I haven’t tried them. Dr. 'Dre rides doubles in his de Soto bibs. He seems to think those and the Pace are the best.
Try a different saddle. Since I started using an SLR (no padding) I don’t have as much problem, but I rarely ride over 4-5 hours, usually 2-3.
I have the micro sensor and they fell apart after a few months- Not worth the cash-
I started using santini twist gels and they are bullet proof. I race and train in them swims and all, they are without question must haves.
They probably have a couple thousand miles and 40-50 hours on the trainer, not including runs and races. I wash them in the washing machine each time I use them.
NO ass buttr or some crazy magical mix of stuff to clean them just some tide and the regular wash.
The santini’s are great. I don’t understand how people can spend $150+ for cycling shorts. I can kind of understand spending that much on shoes, but shorts? Me thinks there is no way on earth bike shorts should cost that much unless they line the crotch with gold or something.
As far as I’ve found, the voler bibs are the best for the money. They are comfy and I haven’t had any undue chaffing problems. And they are only like $60.
I also have a pair of top of the line Performance bibs and a DeSoto pair. Both are great and the DeSoto has extra pockets (it’s like cowbell - gotta have more!). I spoke with Emilio DeSoto about the thin pad - his reply : “Well, they are meant to be worn for 112 miles.” I have had no problem with the thin pad.
I can spend the $150 or even the 2 bills for the assos, I just get nuts when I spend top dollar and it turns out to be crap. I.E Pearl micro and what ever the new scam is.
I have a pair of exte-ondo bib tights with 5 rides on them and the seams are coming apart at a price tag of $180/ that chaps my ass far worse than any bad chamois on a hot day.
Assos costs a mint. The only other ones that even come close are Castelli.
Knowing that my King is a snob, and I like really nice snobbish stuff, I’ll have to give those FI.13’s a try. I found a pair of last year’s model for 144.88. The '05’s cost 249.99, just too far out of my reach unfortunately. Assos seems like a no risk purchase.
I ride Nalini bibs and find them quite good. They were issued from my former team, and costed 25 euros each (US$ 30-35?).
Keep the area clean, take the shorts immediately after each ride, good chamois cream, and you shouldn’t have issues with most bibs/shorts.