I'm looking to purchase a cheap pair of bibs for everyday riding($70-80 max). These will enter into the rotation with the cheap cannondale shorts that I've been using every day. I dont do 50+ mile rides yet, so $200 assos are out of the question. Please let me know what you use and how good they are.
I've bought most of my riding clothes from Performance and have been happy. I've never tried their Bib shorts, but I'll bet if you're not looking for Assos comfort (for a century, say) then you'll be happy.
I have a dozen pairs of Performance "Century" shorts and they suit me fine on rides less than 50 miles. But, I definitely recommend Assos chamois cream (expensive @ $18 a throw, but WELL worth it). This stuff is great. Trust me.
Check out Colorado Cyclist's house brand bib shorts. I bought 2 pairs and I like them much better than the Performance. It's all about the chamois......
I agree with majorhavoc. I bought 2 pair of Colorado Cyclist bibs this year and they are great. I bought two Nashbar bibs last year and got about 200 miles out of each before the chamois started to fall apart. I learned my lesson, being comfortable is a lot more important than saving a couple of bucks. That's not to say the CC bibs are that expensive, certainly no where close to the Assos price range.
I just bought a BCM Cantina Tollo Jersey and matching bibs from gearlink.com for $35.00 US each. I was blown away by their prices on a few items. Others are no bargain. I had another BCM jersey a few years ago and it was fine. This will be my first time with their bibs.