Tri Bib Shorts

The big difference between bike shorts and tri shorts is the pad.  Bike shorts are bigger, bulkier and do not dry as fast.  The bulkiness also makes running uncomfortable.

FWIW, I like the Desoto one pieces.   You dont have to worry about the shorts going down or your shirt going up.  I found mine to be super comfortable in all 3 phases.  They have a big pocket in the back, mesh on the sides, zipper in the front and dries really fast.  If the temp is a little cool for sleeveless, you can always put another shirt on and get the 'bib' effect.

Agreed.

I use the Desoto one pieces as well.  The only time I have had any difficulties at all is at porta stops at long races.  Even that wasn't a big deal once I got used to it.  I have run with the one pices both with and without a top/jersey and they dry out fine either way.

aerotech (www.aerotechdesigns.com) makes big and tall cycling apparell and tri apparel.  I spoke with the owner, Kathy, and she indicated that they can and will put their tri pad into a pair of their cycling bibs.  All you would have to do is in the comments section of your order put that you would like the tri pad in your bibs instead of the standard cycling chamois.

I'm not sure how big a clyde you are, but the DeSoto 400 bib only comes in XL, not XXL.  I inquired of Emelio DeSoto and he was nice enough to send me a reply e-mail.  Basically, they had made the 400 mile bibs in XXL in the past however, it was not sufficiently profitable to continue to make the 400 mile bibs in that size category. (I certainly understand this and I also appreciated his honesty)

If anyone gives a hoot, I went with the 400 mile bib shorts. I will report back on September 14th and let all of you know how it went.

I am sure you will be hanging on my every word.

Update on the Desoto 400 mile bibs...

After a solid amount of time with them I have to say that I am very pleased. I have done long rides and a sprint tri with them and they have worked out very well. For rides they are simply outstanding. The chamois is very nice to the 'parts' and the shorts live up to the claim as they do actually go a long way to keeping the legs fresh. I notice a difference from my crappy 4 year old shorts that I was riding on before.

As for use in multisport...no problems at all. I usually wear the bibs and a jersey under my wetsuit and have had no problems with water retention or chafe. You do not notice the chamois while running...pretty nice as I had reservations about running in them. Jury is still out on using them for long course. I will have to test them on a long brick day to find out. 

The pockets are very well placed and the workmanship is outstanding. The 400 mile bibs are a bit high in the price but at this point I will say they are worth it.

In the mean time, I will keep losing the lbs. until I feel comfortable in a speed suit!