So my Sugoi RS bibs are showing some buttcrackage after one season of training. Aside from that I’ve been really happy with them–especially since I paid $50 for them at a sales rep’s liquidation sale.
$150 is looking pretty steep to this tightwad. At the same time, I’m looking for something that’s not going to “destroy my undercarriage,” and after one pair, I’m sworn to bibs for training.
I’m calling on those of you who’ve tried a variety of brands & models…what is the best bib at a reasonable price? Does such a happy medium exist?
I’m not that picky about my shorts, but my Nashbar bibs (about $40) have suited me pretty well this winter so far. Thick, comfy pad and I really like the high-coverage upper material.
check out longscycle.com… they usually have some really cheap stuff, if you dont mind the idea of a grab bag… and they usually only have weird sizes, but you can find something cheap there, usually
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT sponsored nor have never received any kind of compensation from the following companies…just a raving fan.
Hammer Nutrition offers really great multisport apparel for unbeatable prices. I’ve worn their Cycling Bibs for the past 18 months (just purchased a second pair before Christmas). I ride 6,000 to 8,000 miles per year and they have held up very well. Great seat pad with surrounding conforming inside leg lining. Made by Voler, stylish, and probably worth $90-$100 retail, but they want their name out there so they sell them for just above cost.
As with all lycra cycling shorts:
Machine Wash COLD inside mesh laundry bag with Penguin Sportswash
Hang dry inside out
A couple of years ago I purchased a butt load of of the Colorado Cyclist brand bibs. I am still wearing the orginials, with no break down other than the rubber bandish material n the leg opening to prevent riding up. But that was due to the wife drying them in the dryer
I say just HTFU and ride with tri shorts all year long. I did about 11,000 of my 12,000 miles last year in tri shorts. I just recently got my first pair of bibs. I like them, but don’t wear them all that often. I am pretty cheap and lazy however. I would rather spend $50 on a pair of tri shorts and have 3 pairs and not have to do laundry as much.
Bellwether has some impressive bibs in the sub-$80- range that feature stretch chamois pads and nice fabric. You do get what you pay for and these fit and feel great- like expensive shorts- but won’t last as long. A couple guys here have been wearing them trouble free for two seasons.
De Soto’s 400 mile bike shorts are also very good value - great De Soto quality and design. I have plenty of saddle time in De Soto bibs and they are my favorite long ride companion.
When is comes to training shorts, money should be no object. Being uncomfortable and comfortable should not be a option while riding, it should be an area to keep clean, well maintained and well dressed.
First buy some Assos Chammy cream.
Then take a buzz on the net and look up Capoforma, great shorts and not very expensive, that is if you consider 2 fidi costly. Capoforma’s are great and are the only shorts I use for training at the moment, as long as I have a good dose of cream I’m happy as a fat kid on chocolate for 6 hour rides and 25+ a week on the bike.
Assos are all right but may be out of your price range from the sound of it.
Added when sizing try to downsize a little, chammy’s can get stretched and worn quite easily and thus 3 months down the road your naughty bits aren’t as secure as they once were.
Brands like Sugoi and Pearl Isumi are good for some stuff but in my opinion not great for some seriously good training shorts, although maybe it depends on the person
I am so picky about my shorts I would love to wear good quality training bibs/shorts while on running or doing my work out as i hate sweat on my body and if sweat shows it leaves bed impression on others I prefer to shop and wear “Adidas” or “Augusta” training bibs/shorts which I shop from any online authentic clothing store.
save money somewhere else. get one very nice pair of bibs. hand wash and hang dry them and only wear them for long rides and you will have them for a decade. castelli, assos, giordana all make good ones. in the long run you will spend less and be WAY happier riding. spend 150 at least.
I like Performance Ultra bibs. Lightweight, comfy shammy I think.(they are great in the summer)
These are on sale now for for $70 and I got another 25% off with a coupon. I just took these out for their first ride of about 40 miles. Yes, just one ride but I am impressed - very comfortable, good compression, and a nice pad. My only complaint is that they are a bit sheer.
Capoforma’s are great and are the only shorts I use for training at the moment, as long as I have a good dose of cream I’m happy as a fat kid on chocolate for 6 hour rides and 25+ a week on the bike.