i just got my first road bike. i am now needing to buy my first pair of bike shorts.
i have no idea what i am looking for. i am wanting to stay under 100.
also, should i look at bibs?
thanks for any insight, as i am going completely on what you guys say.
If you ride in very hot weather you may want to stay away from bibs - this is a personal choice. Any good brand will be OK. Again some brands work for some people and some don’t. If you want to stay under a $100, stuff like Assos is out.
Pearl’s Izumi are pretty nice. Also check out ebay.
Don’t bother with the cheap crap you won’t be happy. Get bib’s Pearl, Sugoi etc. , you will be a much more comfortable cyclist. Not sure of the price point in the US but in Canada you are looking at 170 plus for a good pair.
Jim
what are the pros and cons of bibs?
ditto on the last post… go for a top-shelf pair of short… PI is my preferred… the better the shorts the better the experience!!
I don’t use bibs… so, no comment…
Bibs give a better overall fit and as they are higher end they offer a better chamois with a more precise cut. The cheaper shorts will have a thicker layerd chamois that generally isn’t that ergonomically cut.
I’m a big fan of these: http://www.velowear.com/products/1110181BLKXSM.aspx
I like bibs because they eliminate the waistband. I find bibs very comfortable and I love my Elite DX bibs.
de soto 400 mile bibs are the best buy for the money that i found if you want a short they do a 400 mile short as well
.
Pros:
No cons…just get 'em. I’m partial to adistar (adidas) bibs myself…
Two points
Spend a few extra bucks and get the desoto 400miler
or
Look around at some of the local bike shop. Sometimes you can buy their shop kit short cheaepr than its plain counterpart since you are advertising for them.
I’ve been pretty happy with the Performance brand Ultra shorts. They fit very snug. The chamois is not too thick, too squishy or too thin. It looks like they are on sale too. I’m not sure about bibs, but they come in that style too. I have 3 pairs and my wife has a couple of pairs. She crashed in hers last year and they survived fine, but the skin underneath was a bit angry. Most of my rides are in the 50-60 mile range so I’m not sure what they are like for longer rides. Leave the undies at home and lube the area well. Shorts
looking at these 2 pair of bib shorts: (cheapest price i have found on web)
PEARL IZUMI P.R.O. MICROSENSOR BIB SHORTS ($95)
and
De Soto Men’s 400-Mile Bib Shorts ($134)
With Bibs you never have to worry about drooping and the chamois is more likely to stay where it needs to stay.
I recommend not to skimp on Bibs or shorts. If you can get 2 so you can rotate and plus last a bit longer.
Eric
How about all of you folks that get comfy in good biking shorts, then have to go “thin” on the long race days.
go with bibs
try on a few pairs, pay more if the pair feels right, uncomfortable bibs/shorts are just not worth the trouble
another hint - wash them in draw string bags, they last longer this way, and keep velcro away from them in the wash (usual culprit are the gloves)
.
You guys actually pay $100 for a pair of bike shorts?
jaretj
I’ve had great luck with these bibs:
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/bibshort.htm
They’re $69.95 per pair and are made in the USA - always a bonus. The chamois is a bit on the thin side, but I actually prefer that, as I can run and swim in these bibs without any problems at all. I bought a pair in January, and have worn them 2-3 times per week since without any issues. I also have a pair of Sugoi and Garneaus, both of which are fantastic as well. But, for some reason, I keep going back to the Aerotechs. I like the other two when I feel like a little “pampering.” 
Here’s a couple: Like others posted. Spend the extra $$ your butt will thank you…and they last longer.
http://desotosport.com/...tials&ProdID=BS8 or http://desotosport.com/...tials&ProdID=BB8