Bib help?

[font=Times New Roman]Last summer I decided to try bibs for the first time, since I always use cycling shorts, and I kept reading on the forums I visit about how great bibs are. I ordered 1 pair of bibs from Voler as a test. Within the month I ordered 2 more pairs of bibs from Voler. [/font]

[font=Times New Roman]velowear.comprodinfo.aspOpen ↗[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]I may order a pair PI bibs this spring to compare. But even if these are cheaper bibs, they are so much better than shorts, I can’t remember the last time I wore a pair of shorts.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]So my suggestion, go and buy a pair of the Voler bibs. And after a while buy a pair of the PI bibs. Do you own comparison. [/font]

Another option I have had good luck with is eBay (caveat emptor). Slightly used last season's pro cycling gear can be had for cheap. Picked up a once used (suppossedly for a photo shoot) pair of Domina Nalini bibs for $15 that were pristine. Then again I have also seen ragged stuff go for $70 bucks. Some of the web site house brands are good deals as well, such as performancebike.com, nashbar.co & supergo.com. In summation, I will add that bibs probably aren't the place to sacrifice comfort for cash. You can get good stuff cheap, but cheap stuff won't ever come out of the drawer for the second ride.

I have a couple of expensive bibs by Pearl and Garneau and I also have several of the Nashbar store brand bibs. The Pearls and the Garneau's feel great!!! I couldn't afford to buy more than 2 of the expensive bibs so I bought several of the Nashbar store brand. Though they don't feel as nice as the Pearls or the Garneau's, they are still quite comfortable and only cost me $40 per bib. I have no complaints about the Nashbar brand.

I love my Castellis. But I'd never buy them w/o trying them on!
How bibs feel on, and even sizing, vary a lot, so you shouldn't gamble w/getting something untried online. Go to your LBS and try 'em on.

jjiam said:

Quick question or survey or whatever, I am looking for a good bib short, but there are so many out there, including hella expensive ones like Pearl Izumi Heli Arc and then cheap ones from voler. Has anyone had any experience with an all around good bib, my bank account only lets me buy one at a time, so I am wondering what is the difference in like 8 panel vs. 9 panel, and what makes the heli arc bib so expensive compared to a regular old bib? any help is appreciated, because I have read that you guys enjoy bibs much much more than shorts, so I am ready to buy a pair, but need some info first.😉

Unfortunately, as has been inferred, it is a very personal decision as far as what fits and is comfortable and there are many fine quality brands as well as cheaper ones to choose from. For myself I have pretty much settled on the Pearl Izumi Microsenor 3D bibs; for the present. I personally do not care for the chamois/liner of the PI Ultrasensor or Attack bibs in their line; and find the premium for the Microsensors to be well worth the difference. At the same time I have seen no real benefit of the seam welding technique of the HeliArcs to justify them; and have gotten the same feedback from those I know who have them.

Yeah , once you try bib shorts you seem to stick to them, Very comfortable, If buying online, just make sure you read the size chart and make sure you know your size! probikekit.com is a good . As far a quality goes, you don't want to spend to much as you don't want to keep them to long.

If you can get to Quebec City they have a Louis Garneau factory outlet store. I just picked up a pair of bibs for $37 tax inc. with ultra chamois. They have a whole rack of bibs, many of which are high quality team shorts.

I really like Di Marchi bib shorts. They get their chamois from the same company as Assos. I also have a pair of the mid-level assos bibs. I liked them better than their top level pair. I've noticed a lot of other companies have started using an elastic chamois. Good stuff.