Bib shorts or regular shorts?
Do I buy bib shorts or regular shorts?
Love it or hate it, when riding on the road or mountain, lycra is an essential for stopping chafing and making you as comfortable as possible. As with most products, paying more means you get better features like breathability and a better chamois pad, which in the long run is going to lead to you being more comfortable and being able to ride for longer.
So the question remains, do you wear regular shorts or bib shorts?
I’d always suggest you try things to find what works best for you, but that’s not always an option if you’re a new cyclist and don’t really want to fork out.
Pros and Cons
Obviously, both styles have their pros and cons, but with most cyclists I know, bib shorts seem more popular. Maybe there are just a lot of 70′s wrestling fans in the cycling world?
Joking aside, the main benefit of a bib short is the fit. Like with skiing salopettes, a bib short is worn over your shoulders. This means they aren’t going to fall down and will generally remain in a good position during the ride, which is far more comfortable.
A cycling short will generally be cheaper and is more, let’s say, accessible, but can ride up, or worse down when you are in motion. The problem with a regular short is it’s just going to dig into your waist and does get uncomfortable on a long ride.
Simon (Swansea store) “I always use bib shorts after I was first issued with my team pair – I couldn’t believe they were so much better”.
Bib shorts will also keep your back warmer as they are higher (obviously) but the main benefit is not having that uncomfortable waist band digging in.
Overall
I’d say go for bib shorts if you are trying to decide – if you don’t mind paying. Even with a baggy outer short, bibs are a better fit and will keep you more comfortable for longer. It seems most riders who try bib shorts don’t go back, and that many recommendations must mean something is better.
About the Author
JT James has been a cyclist for over fifteen years and in that time he's raced off road in both the UK and Europe. He's a Cytech level 2 mechanic, qualified cycle coach, guide and has extensive cycle industry experience. JT rides both road and mountain although refuses to commute by bike because he lives so close to work. You'll also see his mug on most of our Tredz TV productions.
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