Cycling shorts or Cycling Bib

I've never owned cycling shorts or bibs. I've done all of my biking, including century rides, in tri shorts. I've also never seen a need for bike shorts, though. Just thought I'd throw that bit of information into your decision making machine.

A lot of people swear by bibs, especially for longer rides.

Never used bibs (some people love them), but have used cycling shorts, desoto 400 mile to be specific.  Stays in place and has a great pad.  Also the pockets are great for keeping food in (gels, etc).  Use them for longer rides, rides that last for an hour or two, i use tri shorts.

Probably just personal preference, try both in a store and see which one fits better.

Good luck!

I've tried both, for short and long distances, and I'm one of the odd people that prefers shorts to bibs. In fact, the most comfy shorts I've used are the cheaper Performance Century shorts with the standard synthetic chamois (no gel, no wicking material, just the regular old synthetic chamois).

Bibs all the way. They are more comfortable since there is no waist band, and no movement when riding. I'm not a fan of wearing tri shorts when training because they are expensive and not as tough as regular bike shorts/bibs (IMO).

I totally agree.

Also, I am now a total believer in an undershirt. When I go without, the jersey gets clammy against the skin. The techwear undershirts like Craft are super nice. even on the hottest days, they're better than only a jersey.

That is just too funny! After a day and a handful of well informed suggestions, the debate between cycling shorts and cycling bibs is still close to 50-50.

Up until now I have been doing my cycling in tri shorts but I do agree with MonkeyClaw that this can get expensive as they wear out after repetitive use.

I appreciate all the suggestions and can understand the pros and cons that have been presented but I guess the only way to be sure which are best for me is like most people said and just try both and see how it goes. Thanks!

I wear bibs only, all the hill riding I do I am in and out of the saddle constantly, wearing shorts they would always get pulled down and the pad would move around too much, now wearing bibs the pad stays stationary. To me its a huge difference in comfort and less time trying to get my pad back in the right spot.

My club made bibs the only option this year for our team kit..After a summer of getting to decide which I like better, it comes down to this: Bib never needed adjustment during rides/were neither more or less comfortable than shorts/sometimes a pain at pee-stops/definitely have that Euro-Pro Tour thing going.

I always wear old team shorts for tri-workouts. I also plan to wear cycling shorts at my next full and will change into run gear in T2.


Good luck with your deliberations - It'll be tough to go wrong either way if it's good quality stuff.

I absolutely love my bibs! But only for cycling, not for tris.

I've never had any trouble with tri or bike shorts- at least until they get old (~4 years) and the elasticity is gone from the waist line.  I like tri shorts just a bit better because they're more comfortable off the bike.

I had major surgery on my abdomen last year so I'm sensitive to elastic around my waist. Therefore my preference for training on my bike is a bib. I'll grin and bear it for a race but for daily comfort its a bib all the way. Also I like my bib a tad looser fitting than shorts so they don't pull up in the front.

For training and long rides--bibby bibby bibby bibby bibby bibby bibby!!!

comfort, no sticking around the waist, doesn't ride up or down, no parts of the crotch are tighter than others ...

it's kind of like asking, what's more comfortable, jeans or overalls?

Bibs all the way, except when water is involved. I do all my training in bibs with a tri top or a bike jersey on top.

I have four pairs of Performance Ultra II bibs that were only around $60 - I love them. That said, I've never tried any of the more expensive brands. Why pay more if I'm happy right now?

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