Cycling Bib Shorts: How To Choose The Right One For You

If you’re looking for a good pair of cycling shorts that can provide you with comfortable coverage over various conditions, you should consider bib shorts.

Bib shorts are cycling shorts for men and women with shoulder straps, and it’s these shoulder straps that keep the shorts up and in place. Some people prefer bib shorts as the lack of a constricting waistband puts less pressure on their stomach.

Most cycling bibs have a higher panel in the front and back, eliminating the chances of skin getting exposed if your top rides up. These panels also hold in the wearer’s stomach, which is why cycling bib wearers believe it looks more flattering.

What Are The Advantage And Disadvantages Of Cycling Bibs?

As we mentioned, proponents of cycling bibs like that bibs put less pressure on the stomach area while still flattering their figure. The high panels also provide a bit more protection from sunburn since there will be no exposed skin on your back if your top rides up.

Some cyclists feel more secure with the shoulder straps of cycling bibs, believing it holds the shorts up better. However, the bib straps can also exert pressure on your shoulders, especially if you lean forward. If your cycling bib shorts are too snug, this can get uncomfortable. There’s also the chance of chaffing along with the straps.

Another concern that some cyclist has about cycling bibs is because of the straps; it’s not as quick to get these shorts off. This can be concerning if you are on a long-distance ride and must go to the bathroom quickly.

How To Choose The Best Cycling Bib Shorts For You?

If you are thinking of trying a cycling bib for the first time, you need to make sure that you choose the right one. Here are a few tips on what you should look for in a cycling bib.

• Check the chamois

The best cycling shorts and bibs have a good chamois pad, which is a layer of padding in the seat of the shorts. This pad is meant to protect your lower area from saddle pain. The best cycling shorts for long distances will have a good chamois pad, but even if you are only planning to bike short distances, this pad is an essential part of your cycling bib as it reduces chafing.

The material of a chamois is essential and much more critical than the thickness of the material. If you want a chamois made of breathable elastic material around eight to thirteen millimeters, think. If you can, pick a bib with a chamois with antibacterial, anti-order, and anti-moisture properties.

• Check the material of the cycling bibs.

Like the chamois, the material of the entire bib should be comfortable, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The best cycling shorts usually contain a lot of nylon spandex or Lycra, and Lycra is stretchy and form-fitting.

Pure spandex, however, doesn’t breathe that well, so most cycling bib manufacturers add other materials creating a proprietary blend that promises to increase breathability and comfort. Note that the lighter the fabric, the more breathable and relaxed a bib will be. If you’re looking for the best cycling shorts for long-distance, thicker materials might serve you better as they are more durable.

• Check the fit

When checking the fit of a cycling bib, you need to consider the strap fit carefully. When you’ve put the straps over your shoulder, they should hold the shorts snuggly onto your skin – no sagging. While you are standing, the straps should feel a little snug. Meanwhile, when you’re crouched over your bike, the straps should loosen without your shorts sagging or moving out of place.

The straps’ fit and ability to hold up your shorts without hampering your movement are vital in choosing a cycling bib. Make sure you try them on and move in them, mimicking your actions on a bike before making your final choice.

Here are several great cycling bibs for men and women that you should consider.

1.Neo Power Motion Bibshort

Made of a mix of Lycra and Endurexx fabric, this men’s cycling bib is well-reviewed for its ability to provide good compression. It’s also quick drying and has anti-chafing seams, which helps keep cyclists comfortable on long rides. It is, unfortunately, one of the more pricy bibs on this list.

2.Mavic Sequence Pro Bib Shorts

These women’s bib shorts promise to keep women cyclists comfortable under all circumstances with their Ergo 3D Women’s Chamois with its progressive cushioning that offers three different foam densities.

Bounded leg seams and raw cut edges are supposed to prevent friction burns, while the moisture-wicking fabric is meant to keep you cool and provide light support. An integrated rear zip makes it easy to take bathroom breaks.

3.Castelli Entrata Bib Shorts

These men’s cycling bib shorts are designed with mesh bib straps, even in the back, making them a great option during hot summer rides. Made of Pro Dry Matte Lycra, the bib is stretchy and comfortable, with excellent moisture management.

This bib isn’t just good for long rides; it’s also a safe option to wear during night rides, as there are reflective patches on the back of the legs.

One negative comment we ran across had to be with the chamois, which some people felt was a bit too soft and didn’t provide enough padding.

4.Pearl Izumi Women’s Pursuit Attack Bib Short

This women’s cycling bib is made of Pearl Izumi’s SELECT Transfer Dry fabric, which pulls moisture from the skin, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable on everyday rides. It has a drop tail design, making it quicker and easier to take bathroom breaks.

Reviewers of this bib appreciated the amount of stretch they had in the thigh and hip. They also noted that the bib provided moderate compression for the legs, though the leg grippers were not that strong. Many liked the light straps and the small clip-on front that provided additional support.

5.The Black Bibs

This simple bib made of black Lycra is comfortable, durable, and budget-friendly. The fabric is high compression, giving you support while still being comfortable enough to be one of the best cycling shorts for long-distance on this list.

This pair is usually well-reviewed among the men’s cycling bibs on this list. However, one complaint we encountered is the chamois, which some people found a little thin. Also, the material is cut a bit high around the waist so that it can get warm during summer rides.

6.POC Women’s Ultimate VPDs Bib Shorts

These women’s cycling bib is made of a stretchy mesh fabric that is very soft and breathable. This makes these cycling shorts an excellent option for warm-weather riding. Reviews claim this bib stays in place well, while the seam-free legs minimize friction.

It is, however, considered rather pricy, and some reviewers found that the chamois didn’t have as much cushion as they would have liked.

7.Men’s CB Carbon 2 Bib Short

These men’s cycling bibs are made of Louis Garneau’s CB Carbon+ fabric, which uses their sun-reflecting Coldblack treatment to help keep you cool. There’s also carbon fabric woven into the material, which gives it antistatic and antimicrobial properties.

There’s a mesh bib strap, which some reviewers appreciated for its extra coolness during hot rides. Some reviewers, however, also felt like the compressive fit of this cycling bib was a bit too constricting.

8.Endura Women’s FS260-Pro Bib Shorts

Reviewers of this particular pair of women’s cycling bibs praised the comfort that the soft, breathable fabric provided. Most found the fit good, but some complained that it provided no compression.

The chamois was also highly praised for its ability to keep cyclists comfortable under various conditions.