The bib shorts thread
Discussion
I suspect most riders find a brand/range of shorts that works for them and sticks with it. To give newbies a headstart I thought it would be useful to gather up experiences of the different shorts you would recommend, with some standard information that would make choices easier to understand.
| Shorts | Castelli Nanoflex |
|---|---|
| Cost | £70 |
| Rider's build | 80kg, 6'4", narrow seat |
| Size worn | XL |
| Typical ride | 50 miles |
| Comments | Water resistant, windproof, fleece lined but still breathable and bearable up to 18-20°C. The tights are my go-to shorts in winter |
| Recommended for | Fast rides in changeable/risky weather where you want to travel light |
Edited by Gruffy on Monday 13th October 14:19
I'll be watching this with interest. Being 6'3" and a bit lanky means nothing really fits me, the sleeves on jerseys ride up a little bit and shorts don't quite come high enough so sometimes I start mooning drivers behind me... Problem is as a mature student I don't really have a lot of excess money to throw away by experimenting with different shorts and I'd like to get a decent pair from the off. Thanks Gruffy this kind of information is excellent!
Good shout, getting a decent pair of shorts was something I struggled with when I started riding a road bike earlier in the year, although now I've got a cracking pair from Lusso which I rate highly. Think someone on here recommended them so I took a punt, that person was right! Here's my 2p
| Shorts | DHB Aeron Shorts (non bib) |
|---|---|
| Cost | £20.99 |
| Rider's build | 70kg, 5'11" |
| Size worn | M |
| Typical ride | 20-40 miles |
| Comments | Got these because they were cheap, didn't know much about bibs and the bib version would be more comfy. Don't cut in at the waist too much, comfortable on short rides. Although the pad is very thin really and the lycra a little shiny for my liking |
| Recommended for | If you're on a budget and for rides under 30 miles. I get numb toes wearing these on longer rides as the pad is not up to it. My saddle's probably a bit too hard though too. |
| Shorts | Lusso Pro Gel 2 |
|---|---|
| Cost | £45.95 |
| Rider's build | 70kg, 5'11" |
| Size worn | M |
| Typical ride | 20-40 miles |
| Comments | Silky feeling shorts, fairly thick pad gives lots of support, bib straps don't cut in at all, made in the UK, never get too hot in these (as yet!) |
| Recommended for | Short or long rides, have done a reasonably lumpy 77 miler in these in comfort. Good price too. Feel like a much better quality piece of gear than the Aerons above (although of course they are twice the price). |
You'll definitely want bib shorts rather than non-bib shorts. That'll prevent builders crack. I'm finding it tricky to find shorts in a size that's comfortable for height without being clown-sized everywhere else.
My motivation for starting the thread was to find a pair of shorts I could do 100 miles in. They're likely to be expensive so I'm hoping to use the experience of Pedal Powered PHers to improve my odds of getting it right.
My motivation for starting the thread was to find a pair of shorts I could do 100 miles in. They're likely to be expensive so I'm hoping to use the experience of Pedal Powered PHers to improve my odds of getting it right.
I would recommend DHB Aeron Pro or the slightly more expensive Goldline Bibshorts. Recently bought a pair of Sportful Bodyfit Pro shorts, with them I had to go up to a large where on the DHB I am a medium (Aeron Pro) or small (Goldline).
All 3 are very comfortable, though only had the Sportful bibs for a couple of rides so far. My usual weekend runs are 60miles plus and roughly 200miles a week on the bike.
DHB Goldline are the most expensive of the 3 at £80.99
Sportful Bodyfit Pro come in at £76
DHB Aeron Pro are £45
Was tempted by a pair of Castelli Aero Race bibs but couldn't justify the cost to myself.
All 3 are very comfortable, though only had the Sportful bibs for a couple of rides so far. My usual weekend runs are 60miles plus and roughly 200miles a week on the bike.
DHB Goldline are the most expensive of the 3 at £80.99
Sportful Bodyfit Pro come in at £76
DHB Aeron Pro are £45
Was tempted by a pair of Castelli Aero Race bibs but couldn't justify the cost to myself.
Gruffy said:
You'll definitely want bib shorts rather than non-bib shorts. That'll prevent builders crack. I'm finding it tricky to find shorts in a size that's comfortable for height without being clown-sized everywhere else.
Got to take issue with the builders crack thing. I have two old pairs of non bib shorts, and neither have ever been in any danger of exposing the DRG-grand-canyon. I don't understand why people say this about bib shorts? I now have a pair of DHB Aeron Pros, which are good, but for me, have more drawbacks. On hot days (hotter than today for example) they are too hot because of the extra material above your waist; if you commute in them, you have to think about what order to get dressed in (small point I know!) and as for having to go to the loo... #1 is just about doable, but if you ever need #2, forget it...I'm looking for another pair of non-bibs to ride in warmer waether, will see what the non-bib version of my Aeron's are like, and another Lusso pair
| Shorts | Lusso tbc |
|---|---|
| Cost | £40 5 years ago approx |
| Rider's build | 80kg, 6'0", 34" waist-ish |
| Size worn | L |
| Typical ride | 40 miles at 8 tenths, but could be 1 hr to 7 hrs |
| Comments | Old, holey (wear undershorts with them) but still comfy, fine in any weather in terms of me feeling hot or cold |
| Recommended for | most cycling use |
| Shorts | DHB Aeron Pro bibs |
|---|---|
| Cost | £60 |
| Rider's build | as above |
| Size worn | L |
| Typical ride | as above |
| Comments | See text above, comfy |
| Recommended for | most cycling use |
| Shorts | Sugoi RPM |
|---|---|
| Cost | £50 |
| Rider's build | 80kg, 6'4", narrow seat |
| Size worn | L (but would recommend an XL for my build) |
| Typical ride | 20-30 miles (only wear these for short rides) |
| Comments | Bought to be my first pair of 'decent' shorts. Comfortable up to about 2-3 hours. I made a mistake with the size though and should have bought XL. At L the straps are too tight for my height. They're a very snug fit on the legs too (even in the right size, I suspect), with the L being very tight on the thighs despite my post-surgery twiglet legs. The branding also peeled off after a few washes (bonus) |
| Recommended for | A well priced pair of comfortable shorts for medium length rides that would make a good wardrobe staple. The simple (non)styling means it works with all of your jerseys too |
| Shorts | Decathlon BTwin 700 |
|---|---|
| Cost | £40 |
| Rider's build | 80kg, 6'4", narrow seat |
| Size worn | XL |
| Typical ride | 20-40 miles (only worn for short rides) |
| Comments | Bought as a cheap pair for short rides. Initially uncomfortable beyond an hour's ride but has since 'broken in' and now good up to 2 hours. Lightweight material, good grippers on legs. Showing some premature wear on the thigh so maybe not the most durable. October update: the leg is starting to wear heavily now. These are likely to last the winter but no longer. |
| Recommended for | Decent budget shorts for shorter rides, especially in warmer weather |
Edited by Gruffy on Monday 13th October 14:22
Gruffy said:
My motivation for starting the thread was to find a pair of shorts I could do 100 miles in. They're likely to be expensive so I'm hoping to use the experience of Pedal Powered PHers to improve my odds of getting it right.
You need a pair of these http://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/men/shorts/t-pro...I'm 6'3" or so and 76kg and wear size L but you might want an XL as they're pretty tight for me.
Daveyraveygravey said:
Got to take issue with the builders crack thing. I have two old pairs of non bib shorts, and neither have ever been in any danger of exposing the DRG-grand-canyon. I don't understand why people say this about bib shorts?
Maybe it's a height thing? I'm 6'4" and I've had it. Fugazi is a tall chap too and was complaining of it. Bib shorts would definitely prevent that for him.Fugazi said:
I'll be watching this with interest. Being 6'3" and a bit lanky means nothing really fits me… and shorts don't quite come high enough so sometimes I start mooning drivers behind me
| Shorts | Castelli Velocissimo Due (bought a couple of years ago) |
|---|---|
| Cost | £80 |
| Rider's build | 76kg, 6'3", narrow seat |
| Size worn | XL |
| Typical ride | 30-70m |
| Comments | Crap. The stitching around the pad has worn through and the overall quality is poor. Avoid! |
| Recommended for | Nothing! |
| Shorts | Assos T Pro S2 |
|---|---|
| Cost | £90 |
| Rider's build | 76kg, 6'3", narrow seat |
| Size worn | L |
| Typical ride | 30-70m |
| Comments | Very high quality lycra and pad, great design and construction. Super comfortable for me and they should last for a very long time. |
| Recommended for | Longer rides, or anything really. |
I have similar issue with normal pants, I have long limbs and most clothing, including cycling shorts tend to sit quite low on my hips rather than on my waist, so over the course of a ride they slowly start migrating south. The extra large sizes tend to get more baggy rather than an increase in length, so finding clothes to fit can be a challenge.
Tont
Rouleur said:
You need a pair of these http://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/men/shorts/t-pro...
I'm 6'3" or so and 76kg and wear size L but you might want an XL as they're pretty tight for me.
I just bought a pair of S7 bibs in XL, 6ft 1, 82kg. Haven't tried them on yet but they look the business. I'm 6'3" or so and 76kg and wear size L but you might want an XL as they're pretty tight for me.
Craivold said:
Good shout, getting a decent pair of shorts was something I struggled with when I started riding a road bike earlier in the year, although now I've got a cracking pair from Lusso which I rate highly. Think someone on here recommended them so I took a punt, that person was right! Here's my 2p
I've just ordered a pair. Should be delivered next week - cheers!Gruffy said:
Daveyraveygravey said:
Got to take issue with the builders crack thing. I have two old pairs of non bib shorts, and neither have ever been in any danger of exposing the DRG-grand-canyon. I don't understand why people say this about bib shorts?
Maybe it's a height thing? I'm 6'4" and I've had it. Fugazi is a tall chap too and was complaining of it. Bib shorts would definitely prevent that for him.Must be, can't think of another reason. I've seen Merlin are doing Lusso Pro Gel2s for £32 so I am getting some...
Gruffy said:
My motivation for starting the thread was to find a pair of shorts I could do 100 miles in. They're likely to be expensive so I'm hoping to use the experience of Pedal Powered PHers to improve my odds of getting it right.
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