Okay, I know there have been threads here debating the best shorts, but I’ve read them all and am still unsatisfied.
First, most people seem to agree that bibs are more comfy than shorts. I’ve always rocked the shorts 'til now but am thinking about making the big move. Are they that much better for long rides? Don’t they got hot or constricting in the summer? They don’t feel that comfy in the store, but are probably different in the saddle. Enlighten me.
Second, which ones. I’m not afraid to spend if it’s worth it, but I’ve even seen a few people complaining about Assos (quality) and the high-end Castellis. After trying on about 12 different shorts last year, I bought a pair of Hincapie power shorts. They seemed so great in the store, but on the rides, it felt like someone had a firm grip on my stones. Are there any tricks for figuring out in advance which shorts are likely to work for you?
Might sound a little psychotic, but I must ride on the road with bibs and the trainer in shorts. Trainer is just too hot for bibs, and on the road, I like the seamless feel (no waistband) so I can focus on going hard…no worrying about whether shorts are riding up or down.
I have the Pearl shorts tibbs mentioned, but I gotta say that I bought the top-of-the-line Assos bibs on sale and they were worth every penny.
I can’t say which bibs are the best but I don’t make the mistake I did. Make sure the bibs you purchase are bio-break freindly. Mine require me to practically take them off before I can take a wee.
Santini Twist Gel Bibs. got 'em on sale. only good things to say about them.
except, Andy’s right that wearing bibs for an indoor ride (or a summer ride) gets rather hot. but right now in oregon, overheating isn’t really a problem.
Yeah, you gotta go with the bibs. They are definitely more comfortable for long rides. I have the very nice, very affordable voler bibs (velowear.com). They are perfect and don’t break the bank. I won’t buy $200 shorts for two reasons:
I’m scared I would be spoiled for all other shorts, and would thus have to invest $1000 for new shorts;
I’d be scared to wear/ride in/wash them.
For some reason, I’m uncomfortable on my tri bike in regular road shorts. I need a few more pair of tri shorts with the thin pad.
Bibs - I have shorts from 5 different manufacturers and non over $70 Canadian. They all seem to work fine, but if you have access to a Supergo near by I picked up two pairs of house branded bibs very recently on sale for under $50 and they are very comfortable. At least this way its not an expensive mistake!
I just wanted to go on the record as saying that I am the one guy on the planet who can’t stand Assos bibs. Hate 'em. Worst bibs I have ever worn, because they simply don’t fit me.
I have a super narrow Q - my legs are really freakishly close together - and the Assos chamois is REALLY uncomfortable to me.
Bibs, for sure. Better for short and not so short rides. And long rides. They aren’t hot, and they aren’t cosntricting (unless maybe you go a size or two small, in which case they might be, but some people go for that, and might actually pay more). I’ve had good luck with Castelli, but they’ve gotten too expensive. Never had Assos (way too expensive for me). My current favorite is Craft ($130/pair; I think this is a good price considering how nice they are). I don’t care for Pearl Izumi, although I have a few pairs (they seem ubiquitous). I really don’t like Voler … the quality was fine for the price, but the cut rubbed my crotch the wrong way (again, some people might go for that and payr extra … if so, shoot me an im, I’ve got a pair, unwashed if you want, cheap and stinky).
Thats not psychotic…unless you’re also mutilating small animals. I usually wear my bibs on the trainer cause they’re more comfy but I leave the bib part off. My roomate used to laugh at me but then if I put them up, well it was worse. Never wear bibs without a jersey!!
I’ve always used Pearl Izumi, Hind or Descente - all mid price range stuff.
I recently “splurged” on a pair of DeMarchi Contour Plus bibs (I snagged them on sale at World Cycling) for $90. They are, by far, the most comfortable bibs I have ever owned.
An issue with me is length - I’m only 5’6" - so it’s been tricky to find bibs that fit top to bottom.
Second Demarchi. I bought some because they were reasonably priced and had an elastic chamois, which i wanted to try. Best shorts ever. Haven’t tried Assos, though. I would be willing to pay 200 if they wear like iron and are very comfortable, but their is no way to tell.
I always learn stuff from smtyrrell99 (however you spell it). I like that guy. Smart guy.
Anyway.
Almost every rider you see in the Tour de France is wearing bib shorts or “brace shorts” as some people refer to them.
I train in them mostly. The reason is they tend to fit better, holding your package in the same place throughout the ride and keeping the padding against your skin so the moisture management fabric can work best. The bib section controls the vertical component of the fit, keeping the shorts pulled up and correctly in place. For that reason your anatomy doesn’t “shift” inside the shorts as you get in and out of the saddle.
The drawback is you have to take your jersey off to pooh. But you can still pee over the top of the shorts, or out the leg if you are genetically abundant.
I have been throwing the same thing around debate - tri shorts are great for the shorter races (for me) but on tyhe 4hr plus rides they tend to leave me numb and sore afterwards in that area.
I love the Pearl Tri shorts - with the drawstring - but not enough padding for me.
So I started looking - I was particular - had to have a draw string - compression type legs and nice padding.
I started wearing a Saeco Team bib short which was great but I didn;t like the restriction feeling across my shoulders and back.
In my LBS last night picking up some goodies and low and behold - I discovered EXACTLY what I needed.
Microsensor 3D Pro Short
Specifications
 Microsensor® fabric for unsurpassed moisture-transfer and soft, comfortable feel  Patent-pending 3D Pro Chamois™ for the ultimate in pad construction and comfort  Unique ergonomic panel design  Low-profile flatlocked seams stretch evenly to provide exceptional next-to-skin comfort  Spandex leg gripper cuffs prevent legs from riding up
Expensive but AWESOME!!!
Just did a four hour trainer session and feel GREAT
odd that no one has mentioned the other Canadian brand (I bet Guru hates that too) Louis Garneau. I love their ergo air bibs. Maybe I need to try a few other brands (I have a pair of DeMarchi’s in my AG2R team kit and like the feel of them too) to compare but they work awesome for me.