Bibs for a century ride

I know assos makes a bib specifically for long rides -- "mille"? Tried them on recently and they were comforable...never have worn a bib and was wondering about them.

Are they really much more comfortable than conventional shorts? Are they much hotter (bad for riding on hot days)?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by AussieDog
I'm going to do the Tour de Tucson this year and need some advice. What manufacture makes the best bib for longer distance 50mi+. I have a pair of Velor bibs from my club but the chamois seems a little thin for a century ride. I'm 5'-9" 157lbs.

p.s. I'm willing to pay $$ for ASSOS if they are that good.

Gday

Castelli makes some nice bibs as does Pearl Izumi. You need to find out what works for you. The shape, thickness, material, etc. all make a difference. However, there is no one best for long rides. Some may feel like a "wet diaper" after some miles, while others with less padding may work better for some. Your saddle and soft tissue between saddle and sit bones also makes a very big difference.

The Pearl Izumi Attack bib should do you just fine and you should be able to find them for about $60.00. The PI Ultrasensor bib is very nice too, at about $100. The big improvements in the Ultrasensor is a slightly thicker chamois which I could take or leave and flat seam stitching which does feel nicer during a long ride.

BTW, I am 5'11" and 155 lbs, so pretty similar in size to you.

what would be the advantage of using bibs instead of just cycling shorts?? Is one better than the other? whats the difference besides one goes over your shoulders and the other doesnt?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by HyperPhreak
what would be the advantage of using bibs instead of just cycling shorts?? Is one better than the other? whats the difference besides one goes over your shoulders and the other doesnt?

Did you ever have a pair of shorts sorta slide down your butt, and then you try to pull them up with one hand while still riding but it doesn't really work and at the same time you are trying to not look like a total dork whose pants are falling off and while all this is happening you are trying to avoid that big pothole and at the same time hang onto the back of the pack of riders who are going just a little faster than your max? That is why there are bibs - because you have better things to worry about.

lol thanks. makes sense now

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Randybaker99
Did you ever have a pair of shorts sorta slide down your butt, and then you try to pull them up with one hand while still riding but it doesn't really work and at the same time you are trying to not look like a total dork whose pants are falling off and while all this is happening you are trying to avoid that big pothole and at the same time hang onto the back of the pack of riders who are going just a little faster than your max? That is why there are bibs - because you have better things to worry about.

Plus bibs don't have any pressure points that dig into the skin. I too find them much more comfortable.

However my dilemma with bibs is appropriate for this thread since the request was specifically regarding bibs and long distance. When you guys are riding on the long rides, don't you find it extremely awkward to pee?!? Man, I wanted to wear bibs this long 6-9 hour race but chickened out because I have to strip down to the buck to take a leak. THAT tends to get a honk or two. 😄

What do you guys do?

i second castelli and pearl, all assos stuff is so over priced its good but not worth it for sure

To purchase new outfits I've been doing something quite different for the past year or so. What I've done is order stuff to Canada from the UK off the internet. After all import taxes are paid, I'm getting the stuff for no more then I'd buy at the LBS but MUCH nicer stuff. One of my more "lucky" deals was a pair of Spanish National Team bibs (the same the Pros use) for half the price as a pair of boring shorts here.

Something to keep in mind if you're looking for alternatives.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Postie
Plus bibs don't have any pressure points that dig into the skin. I too find them much more comfortable.

However my dilemma with bibs is appropriate for this thread since the request was specifically regarding bibs and long distance. When you guys are riding on the long rides, don't you find it extremely awkward to pee?!? Man, I wanted to wear bibs this long 6-9 hour race but chickened out because I have to strip down to the buck to take a leak. THAT tends to get a honk or two. 😄

What do you guys do?

I just pull the left pant leg up as high as it goes, reach in (through the left pant leg) and withdraw the goods. No fuss, no muss.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Randybaker99
I just pull the left pant leg up as high as it goes, reach in (through the left pant leg) and withdraw the goods. No fuss, no muss.

Ok, good tip.

I'd like to say that I don't have to lift the pant leg up that far but that would just be macho BS.