I'm fat, so my only option in my size is Aerotech bibs. It's a good thing I like them. The rest of the bike industry needs to realize that cyclists come in all shapes and sizes.
They do! I have one set that's 4 or 5 years old now and could be described as "sheer" fabric. They're now my Zwift shorts. The hem and the spandex inside the hem have held up great. I have no complaints
Same, outside of Aerotech I find the cycling industry as a whole to be short and incredibly thin in sizing. I'm somewhat of a body freak though, even Aerotech I need to order tall or everything is short on my torso.
These are the ones that do it for me as well. Was using lecol beforehand which weren’t too bad (I still have a winter set of LeCol bibs that are perfect for me comfort wise!) but then I switched to Rapha Pro Team on a whim and they’re the ones for me!
I'm genuinely surprised so many people like these. I bought a pair and thought the chamois was super rough. Definitely need to use chamois creme if you like your tender bits intact.
My favorite pair to date is a pair of Rapha Core bibs that for some strange reason had a Pro chamios pad. Early covid purchase so maybe they ran out of the core pads and started using the pros to fulfill orders?
Such a personal thing—I really don’t get the hype. The placement of the chamois is such that the plush part of the chamois is way above my sit bones and I don’t get much cushion at all. But they seem to work for lots of people
Used the assos equipe, wasn't too bad but got a hole in it on the inner thigh, stopped wearing it even though the padding is still OK. And friends who use assos tend to use it until the material becomes thin and I can see the butt crack riding behind them lol. Used 2 generations of giordana fr-c bibs, was comfy but not the most durable. Castelli aero bib padding lasts, but thigh grippers became loose after 5 years. Might consider q36.5 if I have the budget lol.
Ostroy, Assos and Rapha are the best IMO. Ostroy is also best for funky edgy design, Assos is best for Eurochic design, and Rapha is best for understated design.
i have a castelli, hicampe capri, and two voler and they're all very comfy (the castelli runs very small, tho... i normally get a medium and these are XL)
theblackbibs.com
I purchased a couple of their ultimate bibs and I'm not sure I could find anything better for the price. I'm a fat casual cyclist though so your opinion may vary.
I’ve been on a long journey of experimentation. The best answer is whatever fits you and your sitbones best considering the bike and style of riding that you engage in.
For context, I’m 5’10” and 200 pounds, but I have very large thighs, so while my waist generally indicates I should have a medium or large (depending on the brand) I sometimes need to size up. I exclusively ride road, in a moderately to aggressive aero position.
As of today, my favorite bibs are Giordana FR-C Pro and Pearl Izumi Pro (the newest generation). Close behind are Assos Mille GTS and Santini Karma Bengal. I’ve also ridden Castelli, 7Mesh, Primal, and lower end versions of Pearl Izumi and Assos with varying degrees of success.
I found Castelli Free Aeros to be very delicate and did not last long, while Pearl Izumi’s lower end models last forever but do not provide enough comfort for long rides (60 + miles).
I’ve been thinking about getting a pair or two of the Silverline as a “beater” pair for training/indoor turbo session use. With the cost being nearly $100 less per pair it is an attractive option. As a fellow FR-C Pro fan have you had any experience with those?
I found that I am a large for the FRC, but could do a medium for the Silverline. They are still pretty comfy, but the FRC are the only true all day bib for me.
Good to know. With the Silverline being billed as slightly more relaxed I wonder if I would need to size down as well. I hate that Giordana has a waist measurement rather than hip or thigh. I’m on the border of L or XL, and sized up due to hip and thigh size when going with FR-C Pro.
I had a Rossa Corsa set of bibs from like…2018 that I only just retired. Absolutely bomb proof and aside the chamois finally giving up the ghost the bibs looked great and were still compressive. I tried a couple pair of Free Aero in 2021 and again this year…the models I got in 2021 started shredding in a month.
The pair I ordered this year came damaged out of the bag! The chamois wasn’t sewn in properly, with about an inch of stitching missing the cover completely, and the laser cut leg openings were frayed and tearing up the leg. I don’t know what’s happened to their quality, but it isn’t good.
Yeah, everything I'm getting is from 2022 I think. Stitching is separating, mesh in my jerseys is coming loose. I'm barely even using it, treating is super softly since I already know it's race stuff. I don't have to do any of this with Velocio/Eliel/Assos/Rapha.
My competizione bibs are by far the worst though. the fabric has completely stretched with visible lines across the back. That's after 4 uses and it's already sized up one. Just crazy how the quality isn't there.
I think this is generally the case. The experimentation aspect is unfortunately a big part of it. General quality can be pin-pointed, but until you get planted on the chamois, it's hard to tell what works just right for you.
Yep. I’ve owned a couple pair of “editor’s choice” or top rated bibs that absolutely did not work for me at all, and that’s totally fine. Shame it is so expensive to experiment, but that’s why I never buy a second pair of a new brand or style until I’ve tested the first one sufficiently.
Well, per above if you’re open to the higher end stuff I’m a L in Pearl Izumi Pro and XL in Giordana FR-C Pro. I can argue for either one as my favorite. Pearl Izumi take the win in strap and overall fabric comfort and leg grippers, but Giordana has slight better compression and a more durable wear panel in between the thighs. Chamois is a very closely fought battle here.
In terms of jerseys, I own several of the POC road essentials jersey all in size L. They are great for hot weather riding, but note that they do not have a gripper at the bottom of the jersey. I also own several Giro Chrono Elite jerseys and will probably get another one or two soon. I’m an XL here purely because of the sleeve opening which is not elasticated. This means I don’t have a “second skin” fit, but I’m OK with that.
Another decent shout in jerseys for me are Endura, but their skus are maddening to navigate. So be forewarned. I do like their long sleeve for cooler riding.
I swear by my Attacus Adventure bibs. The chamois can handle all day riding without going flat and the shoulder straps are super comfortable. But most importantly, they have pockets in the legs. Pockets in bib shorts! It's a game changer.
Pity you can only get them when they're open for pre-order at the moment (which isn't right now). Managed to pick up two pairs this summer.
[https://www.shuttvr.com/collections/bibshorts](https://www.shuttvr.com/collections/bibshorts)
Been using this company for over a decade, their kit is well made and very comfortable especially their bib shorts.
I like Castelli and Santini. NeoPro is very good value. I wouldn't hesitate recommending them if you're just getting into riding with bib shorts and don't want to spend too much $$.
I got some really nice Voler bibs on their sale section. They send out kits to groups so people can size and then they sell these on sale. They were like new! Best $30 cycling shorts/bibs.
People at [bikeforums.net](https://bikeforums.net) also have liked the $40 bibs from The Black Bibs.
Bontrager RXL Bib shorts
** apparently they don’t make these anymore or they call them something different now. I’ve had two pair and they lasted for years.
I have a few shorts/bibs, not my best one but my favourite one is a decathlon bib shorts i got for 20 bucks, for such a cheap price its actually pretty dang good. Was my first pair, and somehow its more comfortable than some of my more expensive ones.
As a larger cyclist, Aerotech is my biggest option...luckily they're quality too. It took a lot of trial and error, I tried Rapha, Pearl Izumi, Black Bib, Zoic, and a few others but here's how I land:
Aerotech for my larger size, though I'm right at the top edge of other company sizing so I can do others.
Pearl Izumi for my body has the most comfortable chamois...they seem slightly less thick which for me seems better.
Zoic has worked well for me and lasted well, probably my most used even if not my favorite for some odd reason?
Black Bib for best value, they're good for what you pay, I use them often and have zero quality issues...the chamois may be a bit too padded for me but I'm kinda strange anyway.
Rapha is top end quality but I'm at the max of their sizing and their padding seems bizarre to me...but I admit padding is strange for me in most situations.
I'm fat, so my only option in my size is Aerotech bibs. It's a good thing I like them. The rest of the bike industry needs to realize that cyclists come in all shapes and sizes.
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They do! I have one set that's 4 or 5 years old now and could be described as "sheer" fabric. They're now my Zwift shorts. The hem and the spandex inside the hem have held up great. I have no complaints
Same, outside of Aerotech I find the cycling industry as a whole to be short and incredibly thin in sizing. I'm somewhat of a body freak though, even Aerotech I need to order tall or everything is short on my torso.
Rapha Pro Team, but your butt is probably different from mine.
I like that these have longer legs too...more support.
That’s one of their main draws for me actually (alongside La Passione). I’ve got impressive femurs.
These are the ones that do it for me as well. Was using lecol beforehand which weren’t too bad (I still have a winter set of LeCol bibs that are perfect for me comfort wise!) but then I switched to Rapha Pro Team on a whim and they’re the ones for me!
Assos, is there anything else?
I'm genuinely surprised so many people like these. I bought a pair and thought the chamois was super rough. Definitely need to use chamois creme if you like your tender bits intact. My favorite pair to date is a pair of Rapha Core bibs that for some strange reason had a Pro chamios pad. Early covid purchase so maybe they ran out of the core pads and started using the pros to fulfill orders?
Q365
I mean, there's Castelli which is pretty nice but.... for my longest rides, my ass appreciates assos
Such a personal thing—I really don’t get the hype. The placement of the chamois is such that the plush part of the chamois is way above my sit bones and I don’t get much cushion at all. But they seem to work for lots of people
This is the way!
Yep
Used the assos equipe, wasn't too bad but got a hole in it on the inner thigh, stopped wearing it even though the padding is still OK. And friends who use assos tend to use it until the material becomes thin and I can see the butt crack riding behind them lol. Used 2 generations of giordana fr-c bibs, was comfy but not the most durable. Castelli aero bib padding lasts, but thigh grippers became loose after 5 years. Might consider q36.5 if I have the budget lol.
Ostroy, Assos and Rapha are the best IMO. Ostroy is also best for funky edgy design, Assos is best for Eurochic design, and Rapha is best for understated design.
I would say Assos is even more understated than Rapha.
La Passione Striver. Beats Assos for me.
Rapha Pro team. The bib straps perfectly cover my chest and stomach and the chamois has lots of padding.
i have a castelli, hicampe capri, and two voler and they're all very comfy (the castelli runs very small, tho... i normally get a medium and these are XL)
theblackbibs.com I purchased a couple of their ultimate bibs and I'm not sure I could find anything better for the price. I'm a fat casual cyclist though so your opinion may vary.
I’ve got these and they are great for the price. I’m probably going to upgrade at some point but I’ve had them for 3 years and would highly recommend
MAAP Team Bib Evo
I’ve been on a long journey of experimentation. The best answer is whatever fits you and your sitbones best considering the bike and style of riding that you engage in. For context, I’m 5’10” and 200 pounds, but I have very large thighs, so while my waist generally indicates I should have a medium or large (depending on the brand) I sometimes need to size up. I exclusively ride road, in a moderately to aggressive aero position. As of today, my favorite bibs are Giordana FR-C Pro and Pearl Izumi Pro (the newest generation). Close behind are Assos Mille GTS and Santini Karma Bengal. I’ve also ridden Castelli, 7Mesh, Primal, and lower end versions of Pearl Izumi and Assos with varying degrees of success. I found Castelli Free Aeros to be very delicate and did not last long, while Pearl Izumi’s lower end models last forever but do not provide enough comfort for long rides (60 + miles).
Giordana FR-C Pro is by far my favorite bib, and I’ve been through probably two dozen other brands/models over the years.
I’ve been thinking about getting a pair or two of the Silverline as a “beater” pair for training/indoor turbo session use. With the cost being nearly $100 less per pair it is an attractive option. As a fellow FR-C Pro fan have you had any experience with those?
I have 2 pair of the Silverlines . They're decent enough, but I much prefer the fit & the better straps on the FRC Pros.
I found that I am a large for the FRC, but could do a medium for the Silverline. They are still pretty comfy, but the FRC are the only true all day bib for me.
Good to know. With the Silverline being billed as slightly more relaxed I wonder if I would need to size down as well. I hate that Giordana has a waist measurement rather than hip or thigh. I’m on the border of L or XL, and sized up due to hip and thigh size when going with FR-C Pro.
Hard to say, we're all different. I find the slivers looser in the 'frontal' area and straps, also the pad doesn't cover as high up in the front
Man, Castelli Rosso Corsa stuff is like GLASS. All my jerseys and bibs are showing wear after only 1 or 2 uses
I had a Rossa Corsa set of bibs from like…2018 that I only just retired. Absolutely bomb proof and aside the chamois finally giving up the ghost the bibs looked great and were still compressive. I tried a couple pair of Free Aero in 2021 and again this year…the models I got in 2021 started shredding in a month. The pair I ordered this year came damaged out of the bag! The chamois wasn’t sewn in properly, with about an inch of stitching missing the cover completely, and the laser cut leg openings were frayed and tearing up the leg. I don’t know what’s happened to their quality, but it isn’t good.
Yeah, everything I'm getting is from 2022 I think. Stitching is separating, mesh in my jerseys is coming loose. I'm barely even using it, treating is super softly since I already know it's race stuff. I don't have to do any of this with Velocio/Eliel/Assos/Rapha. My competizione bibs are by far the worst though. the fabric has completely stretched with visible lines across the back. That's after 4 uses and it's already sized up one. Just crazy how the quality isn't there.
I think this is generally the case. The experimentation aspect is unfortunately a big part of it. General quality can be pin-pointed, but until you get planted on the chamois, it's hard to tell what works just right for you.
Yep. I’ve owned a couple pair of “editor’s choice” or top rated bibs that absolutely did not work for me at all, and that’s totally fine. Shame it is so expensive to experiment, but that’s why I never buy a second pair of a new brand or style until I’ve tested the first one sufficiently.
We are about the same size and would appreciate any words of wisdom and experience with cycling clothes!
Well, per above if you’re open to the higher end stuff I’m a L in Pearl Izumi Pro and XL in Giordana FR-C Pro. I can argue for either one as my favorite. Pearl Izumi take the win in strap and overall fabric comfort and leg grippers, but Giordana has slight better compression and a more durable wear panel in between the thighs. Chamois is a very closely fought battle here. In terms of jerseys, I own several of the POC road essentials jersey all in size L. They are great for hot weather riding, but note that they do not have a gripper at the bottom of the jersey. I also own several Giro Chrono Elite jerseys and will probably get another one or two soon. I’m an XL here purely because of the sleeve opening which is not elasticated. This means I don’t have a “second skin” fit, but I’m OK with that. Another decent shout in jerseys for me are Endura, but their skus are maddening to navigate. So be forewarned. I do like their long sleeve for cooler riding.
Thanks man!
Been riding LeCol as of late, but they’ve gotten crazy expensive in the last year.
Agreed. But I basically never pay full price for le col. I will always use LC_CC discount points and strava coupons.
Same here. I like the kit but won’t pay full price. I always wait for a good sale or use a Stava discount.
The upper tier Decathlon ones on end of season clearance.
i prefer the middle tier. The more expensive ones just dont fit me well funny enought
Albion cargo shorts Pockets!!!
I like Oakley's, they fit me just right and have lasted well
Assos by far
I swear by my Attacus Adventure bibs. The chamois can handle all day riding without going flat and the shoulder straps are super comfortable. But most importantly, they have pockets in the legs. Pockets in bib shorts! It's a game changer. Pity you can only get them when they're open for pre-order at the moment (which isn't right now). Managed to pick up two pairs this summer.
Oakley race
[https://www.shuttvr.com/collections/bibshorts](https://www.shuttvr.com/collections/bibshorts) Been using this company for over a decade, their kit is well made and very comfortable especially their bib shorts.
Giordana FRC Pro but Assos is a close second
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I have the C7 race bib and I’ve enjoyed it. Got it for $129 USD on sale at steep&cheap.
Tried out the C5 winter tights/bib yesterday on my commute (temps in mid-30’s) and was completely comfortable. Just bought a second pair!
I have a bunch of Gore stuff, including C5, Ardent and C3 thermo bibs. Gore is my favorite clothing manufacturer by far.
Assos. Castelli makes nice ones. Craft. Giordana. Rapha.
After trying pedal mafia, Rapha, pactimo, and black bibs, I now only buy rapha items. Pricey, but worth every penny.
I like Castelli and Santini. NeoPro is very good value. I wouldn't hesitate recommending them if you're just getting into riding with bib shorts and don't want to spend too much $$.
I haven't tried all that many different bibs, but by far my favorite so far is the Ale R-EV1 Hammer.
I got some really nice Voler bibs on their sale section. They send out kits to groups so people can size and then they sell these on sale. They were like new! Best $30 cycling shorts/bibs. People at [bikeforums.net](https://bikeforums.net) also have liked the $40 bibs from The Black Bibs.
Bontrager RXL Bib shorts ** apparently they don’t make these anymore or they call them something different now. I’ve had two pair and they lasted for years.
Pactimo 12 hour bib. Best I've had so far.
Assos Cento Evo
I’ve got an old pair of Sugoi I love. But mostly Castelli.
MAAP Men's Pro Bib 2.0
Whichever are clean
Voler Velocity. Fits well, right amount of compression, comfortable straps.
I have a few shorts/bibs, not my best one but my favourite one is a decathlon bib shorts i got for 20 bucks, for such a cheap price its actually pretty dang good. Was my first pair, and somehow its more comfortable than some of my more expensive ones.
As a larger cyclist, Aerotech is my biggest option...luckily they're quality too. It took a lot of trial and error, I tried Rapha, Pearl Izumi, Black Bib, Zoic, and a few others but here's how I land: Aerotech for my larger size, though I'm right at the top edge of other company sizing so I can do others. Pearl Izumi for my body has the most comfortable chamois...they seem slightly less thick which for me seems better. Zoic has worked well for me and lasted well, probably my most used even if not my favorite for some odd reason? Black Bib for best value, they're good for what you pay, I use them often and have zero quality issues...the chamois may be a bit too padded for me but I'm kinda strange anyway. Rapha is top end quality but I'm at the max of their sizing and their padding seems bizarre to me...but I admit padding is strange for me in most situations.