Genuine question, where do you find nice bibs with a non-diaper pad? I have some semi-custom Jakroos that have a real nice almost tri pad but are on their last legs, a few pair of tri shorts, and everything else I’ve tried has either been thick and soft (no bueno) or thick and firm (ok I guess). I know of a few other custom-ish options for thin pads but quoted sentiment is common enough that I assume someone in the industry is responding to it.
I disagree with most of this, although at the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference. I rode mid-quality shoes for years and they were fine. A couple years ago I splurged on $400 S-Works shoes and I’ll never go back. They are lighter, stiffer, more breathable, and more comfortable than my old $200 shoes. And I never had problems per se with the old ones, but the more expensive ones are noticeably better. That may or may not be worth the extra money to you, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t better. For me it was significant enough to upgrade my MTB/gravel shoes as well.
WRT bibs I’ve found that most brands lowest-tier bibs kind of suck, and that paying up for the next tier is usually worth it. The only real exception for me is Rapha, where I find their Core bibs to be as good as their more expensive ones. But again I think this is mostly personal preference, even more so than with shoes. Cheap bibs work for lots of people but I’m not one of them.
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Bit of a cheat as this is what I did when I started tri and did know very early.
Best return on investment for bike parts in first 2-3 years racing is spending all that money on coaching, high quality food, physio and massage. And you feel better passing all the ‘bling’ being ridden much slower than your entire bike that cost less than their bars or rear wheel.
Exceptions are 1) powermeter 2) tyres. Get tyre choice right before the day and riding to your plan on the day are key enablers to success.
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Trishorts are the way to go if you want thinner pads.
For cycling bibs you unfortunately have to get them to see if they are too thick but I’ve found generally that cheaper ones have thinner pads.
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I wish someone made Tri-short bibs for training days.
Everything now is a sleeved kit without pockets. On long training days I want less chamois but I want a jersey for pockets.
That’s easy just get a cycling vest with the rear pockets and you can wear your trisuit.
Sounds warmer than I generally want… but when it’s not too hot I’ve thrown a jersey over my tri suit.
There was a thread here on ST about these guys and their tri bibs. Maybe worth a look? They’re also listed in the Black Friday thread too.
Like this? Men’s Riviera Tri Bib™ – De Soto Sport
Or if you want 4mm or fleece pad, then Men’s Riviera Tri Bib™ - BYO (Build Your Own) – De Soto Sport
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Wow, thanks guys. ‘Twitch to the rescue!
I have some neopro bibs I tried and those to me are more diaper like. Not a fan.
I got some dark green on sale Castelli bibs that were the model nicer than the entrata and they are less diaper like.
Usually the racier the bib meant for all out races the less pad.
I find big bib pads bunch and chafe.
I really got on with LG bibs - have some upper level Castelli that are ok but definitely still more padded and a definite no on the TT bike. The LGs were my weekly long ride short for years - 5 hour bunch rides in all weather.
Several high-end saddle manufacturers well-known for comfort say things like “correctly adjusting your new saddle is very important, your internal knee angle should be no greater than 150°/this saddle is designed for a 32-37° knee angle/our saddle changes the position of your hips, so you should probably set your saddle lower and more forward than your current saddle height” and I definitely wonder how much of the supposed efficacy of these designs just comes from lower saddle heights.
Re:bibs, been curious about SQLabs bibs for ages (I like their sadddles quite a bit) (but see previous paragraph lol), decent sale at the moment.
Get Di2 on all your bikes
Use copious amounts of lube for the undercarriage regardless of ride duration
Get really good lights and transform the winter
Don’t ever bother with anything but Conti GP5000s
Increase the maintenance schedule on chain / cassette and avoid unnecessary risks
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