Bib Short Lifespan

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

2

Got a link for the bibs at that price?

3

Got a link for the bibs at that price?

Yes. NEVER seen Castelli for sale at that price.

Unless it’s an XXL or XS.

As to the OP’s premise that Bib-Shorts are done after one year of riding - some are, and those are the really cheap ones, that even with moderate use and careful care, they are somehow falling apart after one year.

I have some Garneau Bib Shorts that are 3 - 4 years old and still going strong - again, the trick is to have, for me anyway, 4 - 5 sets that are in rotation, and take REALLY good care of them. Gentle wash and always hang dry.

4

Got a link for the bibs at that price?

Here ya go…Boom!

https://bikecloset.com/product/castelli-entrata-bibshort-282088/?attribute_pa_size=l&attribute_pa_color=savile-blue&gclid=CjwKCAjw5MOlBhBTEiwAAJ8e1s4HciuFXO8bYzdT85QQkBnp1EIzsgnbcCmJHFb5m5rcYT56krSggxoCbIwQAvD_BwE

5

Got a link for the bibs at that price? Here ya go…Boom! https://bikecloset.com/product/castelli-entrata-bibshort-282088/Or in UK at £60: https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/...i-entrata-bib-shorts
Having shared that I don’t empathise with @Sub17’s "absurdity’ shaming OP.
If the OP’s Castellis are “disintegrating” after 4000km, they need to choose a brand with a more robust/enduring pad.
And have no idea how they measure the alleged bacteria level in the pad of well used shorts. Shorts need replacing before they go ‘see-through’ for decency’s sake.

6

I’m an Assos guy and rotate through 16 pairs so the last thing I need is yet another pair, but for $55 I might be willing to take a flyer here and try them even if they are blue. How do they compare to Assos?

7

I’m not sure I followed the idea that bacteria continues to build up, wtf is this shit?

I have bibs that are 5 years old and comfy as, never had a saddle sore. I do rotate through 5 pairs though.

8

I’m an Assos guy and rotate through 16 pairs so the last thing I need is yet another pair, but for $55 I might be willing to take a flyer here and try them even if they are blue. How do they compare to Assos?

The Entrata is Castelli’s entry level short. Their pro-level stuff has much better fabric and the X2 pad; the Entrata relies on more basic fare and the construction quality IME is not quite to the same level (though not bad). It’s a solid short for shorter rides, but I wouldn’t do a century in them.

Background: I’ve ridden in a variety of Assos shorts and had a pair of Entratas. My go-to is the Castelli Free Aero.

9

I’m an Assos guy and rotate through 16 pairs so the last thing I need is yet another pair, but for $55 I might be willing to take a flyer here and try them even if they are blue. How do they compare to Assos?
I would guess they don’t compare if they only last 12 months.
I have assos bibs that have lasted longer than 12 years.
My Assos Airblock Bibtights are more than 20 years old although they don’t have a chamois.

10

I’m an Assos guy and rotate through 16 pairs so the last thing I need is yet another pair, but for $55 I might be willing to take a flyer here and try them even if they are blue. How do they compare to Assos?
I would guess they don’t compare if they only last 12 months.
I have assos bibs that have lasted longer than 12 years.
My Assos Airblock Bibtights are more than 20 years old although they don’t have a chamois.

When Titanflexr mentioned they were entry level bibs I was out. After riding in Assos I’m super spoiled and always disappointed In other brands.

11

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

Admittedly, I use them fairly limited (longer wknd rides) but I’m betting I’ve had my pair of Assos for 8+ years and basically has zero signs of wear.

12

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

I’m going to differ from the OP.

  1. I can’t agree with this use-and-discard approach to consumption. It’s taking principles of disposable fast fashion, and applying them to something where durability is otherwise built in. Buy something good, make it last, and in a small way, reduce the impact as a consumer on our planet.
  2. Bib shorts are in the same category sushi and chocolate: you get what you pay for. I’m confident that the 50$ bib shorts from a major brand are a deep, distant diffusion from a quality line, and corners will have been cut in almost every characteristic, from the factory (and likely conditions) where it was made, to fabric denier to stitching to quality of chamois to amount of elastane in fabric that decays shortly after activation. Again, like the fast fashion example: pick up a 100% cashmere sweater in H&M that sells for 49$, and I would bet the look, hand, shape, styling etc etc look like a sweater from Pringle. Wear them both once, ten times, 100 times, or back to the case of the bib, for a 5h ride, and you absolutely, positively experience the difference.
  3. I’m not sure of how correct the ‘bacteria build’ between 1 wear and a pair 5 years is, assuming the item has been cared for.

I’m with the longer-haul posters, and I can’t think of one set of bibs I have that’s newer than 5 years old. Heck, I re-sewed the seams on then 10+ year pair of Assos I have, and are still my #1 long-day bib, with a perfect, as-new chamois.

13

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

I’m going to differ from the OP.

  1. I can’t agree with this use-and-discard approach to consumption. It’s taking principles of disposable fast fashion, and applying them to something where durability is otherwise built in. Buy something good, make it last, and in a small way, reduce the impact as a consumer on our planet.
  2. Bib shorts are in the same category sushi and chocolate: you get what you pay for. I’m confident that the 50$ bib shorts from a major brand are a deep, distant diffusion from a quality line, and corners will have been cut in almost every characteristic, from the factory (and likely conditions) where it was made, to fabric denier to stitching to quality of chamois to amount of elastane in fabric that decays shortly after activation. Again, like the fast fashion example: pick up a 100% cashmere sweater in H&M that sells for 49$, and I would bet the look, hand, shape, styling etc etc look like a sweater from Pringle. Wear them both once, ten times, 100 times, or back to the case of the bib, for a 5h ride, and you absolutely, positively experience the difference.
  3. I’m not sure of how correct the ‘bacteria build’ between 1 wear and a pair 5 years is, assuming the item has been cared for.

I’m with the longer-haul posters, and I can’t think of one set of bibs I have that’s newer than 5 years old. Heck, I re-sewed the seams on then 10+ year pair of Assos I have, and are still my #1 long-day bib, with a perfect, as-new chamois.

Your response strikes me as very judgemental. You don’t know me so don’t judge. I have two pairs of bibs that I rotate, meanwhile others are speaking of rotating 4 to 6 pairs. I don’t think having two pairs that you use until they are no longer effective is wasteful whatsoever. It’d the minimum number required. My chamois does not air dry to full dryness in half a day. I’m a minimalist.

The idea that a pair of bibs such as Assos lasts over ten years is simply not true, unless they’re used sparingly or rotated with several pairs. Pointing to the use of the most expensive bibs one can buy in Assos is elitist.

A lot of people online dislike Assos bibs. “They are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, the chamois bunches, the straps are ill fitting, they’re overpriced, overrated, etc.”

As far as your view it’s a classic case of someone trying to act superior and create an argument where none exists. You’re also putting out very biased information about YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE, while dogging someone with a personal attack as if I’m a wasteful person which isn’t true.

This is a situation of don’t believe everything you read online. For as many people bragging on Assos there are just as many bagging on them.

My Castelli Entrata’s are great and I may gain another few months out of them. I just don’t plan to ride them raw.

Next time try to be less judgey and more helpful if that was indeed the premise of your post, which it was not.

14

I’m not sure I followed the idea that bacteria continues to build up, wtf is this shit?

I have bibs that are 5 years old and comfy as, never had a saddle sore. I do rotate through 5 pairs though.

5 years and 5 pair equals one pair a year. In terms of bacteria there will be sweat, dirt, grime, and exfoliation of skin cells. No amount of laundering will help after years upon years of USE. Again, if people are rotating 16 pairs and doing coffee rides then yes I fully believe they’ll last much longer. My bibs are sports equipment and not fashion clothing. The level of wear is much more.

15

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

I’m going to differ from the OP.

  1. I can’t agree with this use-and-discard approach to consumption. It’s taking principles of disposable fast fashion, and applying them to something where durability is otherwise built in. Buy something good, make it last, and in a small way, reduce the impact as a consumer on our planet.
  2. Bib shorts are in the same category sushi and chocolate: you get what you pay for. I’m confident that the 50$ bib shorts from a major brand are a deep, distant diffusion from a quality line, and corners will have been cut in almost every characteristic, from the factory (and likely conditions) where it was made, to fabric denier to stitching to quality of chamois to amount of elastane in fabric that decays shortly after activation. Again, like the fast fashion example: pick up a 100% cashmere sweater in H&M that sells for 49$, and I would bet the look, hand, shape, styling etc etc look like a sweater from Pringle. Wear them both once, ten times, 100 times, or back to the case of the bib, for a 5h ride, and you absolutely, positively experience the difference.
  3. I’m not sure of how correct the ‘bacteria build’ between 1 wear and a pair 5 years is, assuming the item has been cared for.

I’m with the longer-haul posters, and I can’t think of one set of bibs I have that’s newer than 5 years old. Heck, I re-sewed the seams on then 10+ year pair of Assos I have, and are still my #1 long-day bib, with a perfect, as-new chamois.

Your response strikes me as very judgemental. You don’t know me so don’t judge. I have two pairs of bibs that I rotate, meanwhile others are speaking of rotating 4 to 6 pairs. I don’t think having two pairs that you use until they are no longer effective is wasteful whatsoever. It’d the minimum number required. My chamois does not air dry to full dryness in half a day. I’m a minimalist.

The idea that a pair of bibs such as Assos lasts over ten years is simply not true, unless they’re used sparingly or rotated with several pairs. Pointing to the use of the most expensive bibs one can buy in Assos is elitist.

A lot of people online dislike Assos bibs. “They are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, the chamois bunches, the straps are ill fitting, they’re overpriced, overrated, etc.”

As far as your view it’s a classic case of someone trying to act superior and create an argument where none exists. You’re also putting out very biased information about YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE, while dogging someone with a personal attack as if I’m a wasteful person which isn’t true.

This is a situation of don’t believe everything you read online. For as many people bragging on Assos there are just as many bagging on them.

My Castelli Entrata’s are great and I may gain another few months out of them. I just don’t plan to ride them raw.

Next time try to be less judgey and more helpful if that was indeed the premise of your post, which it was not.

The idea that Assos bibs are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, bunches, or the straps are ill fitting IS ABSOLUTELY CRAZY TALK BY THOSE WHO’VE NEVER WORN ASSOS.

I rotate through 16 pairs. All bibs - R, RS, RSR, C2, Targa and Mille. I ride 30k miles annually. No group rides. No coffee rides. Just hard solo riding.

Point me to the many groups that despise Assos. They can hate the price, but point me to the groups that hate the fit and finish of the bibs themselves.

16

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

I’m going to differ from the OP.

  1. I can’t agree with this use-and-discard approach to consumption. It’s taking principles of disposable fast fashion, and applying them to something where durability is otherwise built in. Buy something good, make it last, and in a small way, reduce the impact as a consumer on our planet.
  2. Bib shorts are in the same category sushi and chocolate: you get what you pay for. I’m confident that the 50$ bib shorts from a major brand are a deep, distant diffusion from a quality line, and corners will have been cut in almost every characteristic, from the factory (and likely conditions) where it was made, to fabric denier to stitching to quality of chamois to amount of elastane in fabric that decays shortly after activation. Again, like the fast fashion example: pick up a 100% cashmere sweater in H&M that sells for 49$, and I would bet the look, hand, shape, styling etc etc look like a sweater from Pringle. Wear them both once, ten times, 100 times, or back to the case of the bib, for a 5h ride, and you absolutely, positively experience the difference.
  3. I’m not sure of how correct the ‘bacteria build’ between 1 wear and a pair 5 years is, assuming the item has been cared for.

I’m with the longer-haul posters, and I can’t think of one set of bibs I have that’s newer than 5 years old. Heck, I re-sewed the seams on then 10+ year pair of Assos I have, and are still my #1 long-day bib, with a perfect, as-new chamois.

Your response strikes me as very judgemental. You don’t know me so don’t judge. I have two pairs of bibs that I rotate, meanwhile others are speaking of rotating 4 to 6 pairs. I don’t think having two pairs that you use until they are no longer effective is wasteful whatsoever. It’d the minimum number required. My chamois does not air dry to full dryness in half a day. I’m a minimalist.

The idea that a pair of bibs such as Assos lasts over ten years is simply not true, unless they’re used sparingly or rotated with several pairs. Pointing to the use of the most expensive bibs one can buy in Assos is elitist.

A lot of people online dislike Assos bibs. “They are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, the chamois bunches, the straps are ill fitting, they’re overpriced, overrated, etc.”

As far as your view it’s a classic case of someone trying to act superior and create an argument where none exists. You’re also putting out very biased information about YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE, while dogging someone with a personal attack as if I’m a wasteful person which isn’t true.

This is a situation of don’t believe everything you read online. For as many people bragging on Assos there are just as many bagging on them.

My Castelli Entrata’s are great and I may gain another few months out of them. I just don’t plan to ride them raw.

Next time try to be less judgey and more helpful if that was indeed the premise of your post, which it was not.

The idea that Assos bibs are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, bunches, or the straps are ill fitting IS ABSOLUTELY CRAZY TALK BY THOSE WHO’VE NEVER WORN ASSOS.

I rotate through 16 pairs. All bibs - R, RS, RSR, C2, Targa and Mille. I ride 30k miles annually. No group rides. No coffee rides. Just hard solo riding.

Point me to the many groups that despise Assos. They can hate the price, but point me to the groups that hate the fit and finish of the bibs themselves.

This isn’t directed at your comments. I respect that you like Assos and I don’t care you have several pairs as I cycle through quite a few pairs of bibs as well.

In terms of dislike for Assos, a simple Google search yielded the feedback. It seems you either love em or hate em. Just like anything else. No brand is superior. It’s a matter of preference and perspective.

17

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

I’m going to differ from the OP.

  1. I can’t agree with this use-and-discard approach to consumption. It’s taking principles of disposable fast fashion, and applying them to something where durability is otherwise built in. Buy something good, make it last, and in a small way, reduce the impact as a consumer on our planet.
  2. Bib shorts are in the same category sushi and chocolate: you get what you pay for. I’m confident that the 50$ bib shorts from a major brand are a deep, distant diffusion from a quality line, and corners will have been cut in almost every characteristic, from the factory (and likely conditions) where it was made, to fabric denier to stitching to quality of chamois to amount of elastane in fabric that decays shortly after activation. Again, like the fast fashion example: pick up a 100% cashmere sweater in H&M that sells for 49$, and I would bet the look, hand, shape, styling etc etc look like a sweater from Pringle. Wear them both once, ten times, 100 times, or back to the case of the bib, for a 5h ride, and you absolutely, positively experience the difference.
  3. I’m not sure of how correct the ‘bacteria build’ between 1 wear and a pair 5 years is, assuming the item has been cared for.

I’m with the longer-haul posters, and I can’t think of one set of bibs I have that’s newer than 5 years old. Heck, I re-sewed the seams on then 10+ year pair of Assos I have, and are still my #1 long-day bib, with a perfect, as-new chamois.

Your response strikes me as very judgemental. You don’t know me so don’t judge. I have two pairs of bibs that I rotate, meanwhile others are speaking of rotating 4 to 6 pairs. I don’t think having two pairs that you use until they are no longer effective is wasteful whatsoever. It’d the minimum number required. My chamois does not air dry to full dryness in half a day. I’m a minimalist.

The idea that a pair of bibs such as Assos lasts over ten years is simply not true, unless they’re used sparingly or rotated with several pairs. Pointing to the use of the most expensive bibs one can buy in Assos is elitist.

A lot of people online dislike Assos bibs. “They are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, the chamois bunches, the straps are ill fitting, they’re overpriced, overrated, etc.”

As far as your view it’s a classic case of someone trying to act superior and create an argument where none exists. You’re also putting out very biased information about YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE, while dogging someone with a personal attack as if I’m a wasteful person which isn’t true.

This is a situation of don’t believe everything you read online. For as many people bragging on Assos there are just as many bagging on them.

My Castelli Entrata’s are great and I may gain another few months out of them. I just don’t plan to ride them raw.

Next time try to be less judgey and more helpful if that was indeed the premise of your post, which it was not.

The idea that Assos bibs are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, bunches, or the straps are ill fitting IS ABSOLUTELY CRAZY TALK BY THOSE WHO’VE NEVER WORN ASSOS.

I rotate through 16 pairs. All bibs - R, RS, RSR, C2, Targa and Mille. I ride 30k miles annually. No group rides. No coffee rides. Just hard solo riding.

Point me to the many groups that despise Assos. They can hate the price, but point me to the groups that hate the fit and finish of the bibs themselves.

This isn’t directed at your comments. I respect that you like Assos and I don’t care you have several pairs as I cycle through quite a few pairs of bibs as well.

In terms of dislike for Assos, a simple Google search yielded the feedback. It seems you either love em or hate em. Just like anything else. No brand is superior. It’s a matter of preference and perspective.

Assos bibs are at the very least in the running for the top out there. Expensive yes, but damn good.

I have only 3 shorts in the 15 years I’ve ridden. One went see through and is now dedicated to indoor training. The other (cheap performance bike brand) leg grippers are now loose. Third louis garneau performance bike special is completely fine.

No sign of “bacteria growth” in the chamois. No loose stitching, not see through, machine washed (line dried), ridden hard solo about 4-5000 miles a year.

I just bought an open box Castelli Entrata from bike closet for like 39 dollars. I like it so far. Cheaper feeling fabric than my previous bibs, but it’s comfortable. I also got a Sugoi, haven’t worn it yet.

I don’t have a single pair of clothes that only lasted 1 year. I’m still wearing high school shirts and pants. Personally, I find that ludicrous, but hey what ever you want to do. I even crashed on an old CSC jersey I had since 2007 and I just stitched up the pocket and it’s fine to wear still.

18

I’m going to just speak from my n=1 experience.

I’ve had 2 pairs of Assos. I still use them, 5 years later. Winter riding. They’re great, fine materials, great stitching, I do think they’re worth the price. but I’ll also add don’t expect a $300 bib to perform 3x better than a $100 bib. In fact, a better fitting $100 bib will do wayyy better on you than the $300 one, regardless of materials.

I now can afford pretty much whatever I want in triathlon, but until recently, I had to be really careful in my spend as disposable income was really low (essentially zero for me, after family’s wants!) I have quite a few pairs of Amazon-chinese-cheapo bibs, by some weirdo brands, Sponeed, and several others that I can’t even remember. I expected all of them to die a quick death after a year of regular use - I didn’t even bother to hang dry them (I hang dry my Assos and Castelli as per instructions) and I just throw them in the dryer. My abused sponeed shorts are now 8 years old, used every week, and the others are between 2 and 4 years old and NONE of them have shown any tears or damage. They actually do last - shockingly long, and the coloration still looks like-new. So I don’t know what people are doing to their bibs to have them fraying, tearing, etc with normal use.

The downside, if any, of these cheapo Amazon shorts/bibs is that the chamois is on thinner side. But if you’re a triathlete, you’ll almost certainly be racing even IM distance with a trisuit chamois, which is even THINNER than the Amazon cycling shorts/bibs, so it’s really not an issue for you, and if you find the right shape that works for you, you can get 8-10 of them for the price of 1 Assos bib.

I’ll also readily admit that on long quality rides, I will always reach for the quality Assos/Castelli/etc. shorts/bibs. Just feels more ‘pro’, thicker chamois, looks slightly cooler. But when I’m riding a lot, those bibs are often in the wash, and I won’t even hesitate to rock the Amazon stuff, even on 3-4 hr rides.

The one bib area that I’ve learned not to cheap out on, though, is winter-thickness riding gear. The stuff on Amazon relies on bulk for the warmth, and can get uncomfortable, or kills your aerodynamics. But there is a workaround just thrown on Amazon summer-weight shorts and wear running-thermal tights over them if have no nice bibs available, and you can easily rinse the thermal tights to wear on multiple outdoor winter rides, while swapping out the cheap Amazon short/bib.

19

I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

I’m going to differ from the OP.

  1. I can’t agree with this use-and-discard approach to consumption. It’s taking principles of disposable fast fashion, and applying them to something where durability is otherwise built in. Buy something good, make it last, and in a small way, reduce the impact as a consumer on our planet.
  2. Bib shorts are in the same category sushi and chocolate: you get what you pay for. I’m confident that the 50$ bib shorts from a major brand are a deep, distant diffusion from a quality line, and corners will have been cut in almost every characteristic, from the factory (and likely conditions) where it was made, to fabric denier to stitching to quality of chamois to amount of elastane in fabric that decays shortly after activation. Again, like the fast fashion example: pick up a 100% cashmere sweater in H&M that sells for 49$, and I would bet the look, hand, shape, styling etc etc look like a sweater from Pringle. Wear them both once, ten times, 100 times, or back to the case of the bib, for a 5h ride, and you absolutely, positively experience the difference.
  3. I’m not sure of how correct the ‘bacteria build’ between 1 wear and a pair 5 years is, assuming the item has been cared for.

I’m with the longer-haul posters, and I can’t think of one set of bibs I have that’s newer than 5 years old. Heck, I re-sewed the seams on then 10+ year pair of Assos I have, and are still my #1 long-day bib, with a perfect, as-new chamois.

Your response strikes me as very judgemental. You don’t know me so don’t judge. I have two pairs of bibs that I rotate, meanwhile others are speaking of rotating 4 to 6 pairs. I don’t think having two pairs that you use until they are no longer effective is wasteful whatsoever. It’d the minimum number required. My chamois does not air dry to full dryness in half a day. I’m a minimalist.

The idea that a pair of bibs such as Assos lasts over ten years is simply not true, unless they’re used sparingly or rotated with several pairs. Pointing to the use of the most expensive bibs one can buy in Assos is elitist.

A lot of people online dislike Assos bibs. “They are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, the chamois bunches, the straps are ill fitting, they’re overpriced, overrated, etc.”

As far as your view it’s a classic case of someone trying to act superior and create an argument where none exists. You’re also putting out very biased information about YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE, while dogging someone with a personal attack as if I’m a wasteful person which isn’t true.

This is a situation of don’t believe everything you read online. For as many people bragging on Assos there are just as many bagging on them.

My Castelli Entrata’s are great and I may gain another few months out of them. I just don’t plan to ride them raw.

Next time try to be less judgey and more helpful if that was indeed the premise of your post, which it was not.

The idea that Assos bibs are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, bunches, or the straps are ill fitting IS ABSOLUTELY CRAZY TALK BY THOSE WHO’VE NEVER WORN ASSOS.

I rotate through 16 pairs. All bibs - R, RS, RSR, C2, Targa and Mille. I ride 30k miles annually. No group rides. No coffee rides. Just hard solo riding.

Point me to the many groups that despise Assos. They can hate the price, but point me to the groups that hate the fit and finish of the bibs themselves.

This isn’t directed at your comments. I respect that you like Assos and I don’t care you have several pairs as I cycle through quite a few pairs of bibs as well.

In terms of dislike for Assos, a simple Google search yielded the feedback. It seems you either love em or hate em. Just like anything else. No brand is superior. It’s a matter of preference and perspective.

Fair points.

I was curious about Assos hate and did a Google search. 2 pages. Cost and size were the big hitters. There’s no getting over the price. It is what it is. As to size, Assos expects you to be rail thin like a tour rider with 1-3% body fat. Most obviously aren’t and therefore sizing can be tricky even amongst their own lineups. Their Equipe lineup for example is their race gear that has a snug fit when standing versus their comfort lineup of Mille for daily use. Between those two alone I can be 2 sizes apart.

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I’m replacing my Castelli Entrata’s after one year of cycling between two pairs. I’ve got around 8,000km split between them. Despite regular laundering hang drying, I still find the chamois begins to deteriorate and bacteria can build in them over time.

I find it absurd when people are using the same pair with a disintegrated, bacteria laden, remnant of a chamois for years and they wonder why they’re getting saddle sores and overall soreness.

Most of my training is done indoors on a smart trainer, and it’s actually pretty warm and humid being a small room. Being on my TT bike seems to make a difference in priortizing preserving comfort.

I just bought two pair of new Castelli bibs for $54 each. At that price it seems to make sense to keep them fresh every 1 to 2 years.

I’m going to differ from the OP.

  1. I can’t agree with this use-and-discard approach to consumption. It’s taking principles of disposable fast fashion, and applying them to something where durability is otherwise built in. Buy something good, make it last, and in a small way, reduce the impact as a consumer on our planet.
  2. Bib shorts are in the same category sushi and chocolate: you get what you pay for. I’m confident that the 50$ bib shorts from a major brand are a deep, distant diffusion from a quality line, and corners will have been cut in almost every characteristic, from the factory (and likely conditions) where it was made, to fabric denier to stitching to quality of chamois to amount of elastane in fabric that decays shortly after activation. Again, like the fast fashion example: pick up a 100% cashmere sweater in H&M that sells for 49$, and I would bet the look, hand, shape, styling etc etc look like a sweater from Pringle. Wear them both once, ten times, 100 times, or back to the case of the bib, for a 5h ride, and you absolutely, positively experience the difference.
  3. I’m not sure of how correct the ‘bacteria build’ between 1 wear and a pair 5 years is, assuming the item has been cared for.

I’m with the longer-haul posters, and I can’t think of one set of bibs I have that’s newer than 5 years old. Heck, I re-sewed the seams on then 10+ year pair of Assos I have, and are still my #1 long-day bib, with a perfect, as-new chamois.

Your response strikes me as very judgemental. You don’t know me so don’t judge. I have two pairs of bibs that I rotate, meanwhile others are speaking of rotating 4 to 6 pairs. I don’t think having two pairs that you use until they are no longer effective is wasteful whatsoever. It’d the minimum number required. My chamois does not air dry to full dryness in half a day. I’m a minimalist.

The idea that a pair of bibs such as Assos lasts over ten years is simply not true, unless they’re used sparingly or rotated with several pairs. Pointing to the use of the most expensive bibs one can buy in Assos is elitist.

A lot of people online dislike Assos bibs. “They are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, the chamois bunches, the straps are ill fitting, they’re overpriced, overrated, etc.”

As far as your view it’s a classic case of someone trying to act superior and create an argument where none exists. You’re also putting out very biased information about YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE, while dogging someone with a personal attack as if I’m a wasteful person which isn’t true.

This is a situation of don’t believe everything you read online. For as many people bragging on Assos there are just as many bagging on them.

My Castelli Entrata’s are great and I may gain another few months out of them. I just don’t plan to ride them raw.

Next time try to be less judgey and more helpful if that was indeed the premise of your post, which it was not.

The idea that Assos bibs are cut short, the chamois holds moisture, bunches, or the straps are ill fitting IS ABSOLUTELY CRAZY TALK BY THOSE WHO’VE NEVER WORN ASSOS.

I rotate through 16 pairs. All bibs - R, RS, RSR, C2, Targa and Mille. I ride 30k miles annually. No group rides. No coffee rides. Just hard solo riding.

Point me to the many groups that despise Assos. They can hate the price, but point me to the groups that hate the fit and finish of the bibs themselves.

This isn’t directed at your comments. I respect that you like Assos and I don’t care you have several pairs as I cycle through quite a few pairs of bibs as well.

In terms of dislike for Assos, a simple Google search yielded the feedback. It seems you either love em or hate em. Just like anything else. No brand is superior. It’s a matter of preference and perspective.

Fair points.

I was curious about Assos hate and did a Google search. 2 pages. Cost and size were the big hitters. There’s no getting over the price. It is what it is. As to size, Assos expects you to be rail thin like a tour rider with 1-3% body fat. Most obviously aren’t and therefore sizing can be tricky even amongst their own lineups. Their Equipe lineup for example is their race gear that has a snug fit when standing versus their comfort lineup of Mille for daily use. Between those two alone I can be 2 sizes apart.

Fit may simply be an issue of people not knowing and buying the wrong size. As you mentioned price is always going to be a consideration for many, but based on some people they can get an infinite amount of years from them. I’m suspect as I’ve had a good set of Castelli bibs that were pretty much beyond trashed after 3 to 4 years of rotating two pairs. The pad was gone imo. For me it’s going to be 1 to 2 years most likely and I won’t hesitate to replace when they start becoming ineffective. Despite regular washing and maintenence I just don’t see how these bibs can be clean after years upon years of hare use.