I’ve been using normally lycra shorts- everytime I try on (big enough) bib shorts I still feel constrained, very conscious of the feeling of being ‘pressed down on’ on the shoulders. Do you get used to this, does it feel reassuring for some? What are the benefits- apart from in winter?

I can’t used to it. Really don’t like it- does that go away?

Always feels odd the moment I put them on but after a few minutes I don’t notice them until it’s time to take them off.

Sound like the pair you have are too small in the body IMHO.

EDIT: Odd as you describe, causing me to hunch/feel constrained.

Err…. never been a problem to me. The benefit is that you don’t have to have a tight waist band to stop your arse crack from showing.
You could always train for bib-shorts by wearing lederhosen during the week?

They are awesome, just about replaced my older normal shorts. When you are on a bike you are more in the position for it to be comfortable. Not going back.

Maybe you should try some the right size? 😆

The benefits for bib shorts/longs are that you don’t have a tight band around your midriff and there’s material covering your lower back when you are cycling along.

The disadvantage is that when you are desperate …

How many different brands have you tried?

My first bib shorts were dhb ones and they fitted right everywhere, but were a bit short in the bib strap department, so it always felt like they were pulling on my shoulders.

My latest favourite bib shorts are Lusso ones and once you’ve got them on and on the bike, you cannot feel the bib part at all. You can feel them a little bit when off the bike, but that’s presumably because you are stretched out a bit more.

I’ve also tried some more dhb ones and they are fine, so either my spine has got a bit shorter or the bibs on these ones are a bit longer than the original ones I had.

Maybe you should try some the right size?

XXL Morvelo’s. The legs/arse weren’t that tight and the sizing says 6ft4 (I’m 6ft2 but with a longish trunk).

I’ve found this on quite a few bib shorts- I have to go crazy high when trying them on and I still feel ‘constrained’ by the straps so end up not buying any of them in the shop(s).

hora – Member

I’ve found this on quite a few bib shorts- I have to go crazy high when trying them on and I still feel ‘constrained’ by the straps so end up not buying any of them in the shop

Constrained when stood up or when sat on a bike in the shop?

I imagine that most of them feel a bit tight when just stood up but when you are in a riding position the tension in the straps isn’t so high and they don’t feel so ‘constrained’.
If they were comfortable loose when stood up straight, you’d probably find they wouldn’t be very effective when sat on the bike…..

They can be a bit tight on the shoulders when new, but they do loosen up a bit. Love mine, hate catching a baggy crotch on the saddle nose on or off road.

i find they stretch a little with use, new bibs can be a bit ‘keen’.

My dhb ones cut in on the shoulder a bit.

Howies 3/4 bibs are the most comfortable I’ve ever used.

The main advantage to me is no cold or wet/gritty lower back/butt crack. Also, like them never falling down!

I’ve not tried loads of different ones, but i know the feeling you’re talking about. I have some madison 3/4 ones that are too long for me and the straps feel ok. some decathlon ones that feel constrained as you say. But the best I’ve got is some addidas ones that are super comfy and well sized for the less athletic cyclist shall we say!!

If it’s any help i’m 6’2 with a longish trunk (32″) leg and I find lusso bibs in large the best fitting out there.

Weird off the bike yes but when on the bike great. Helps keep the belly tucked in too… 😆

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lusso-aero-50-bibshorts-ss15/rp-prod130472?gs=1&gclid=CLWs1Mr76MQCFULJtAodARcACA&gclsrc=aw.ds#

£26!

I wear bib’s on most rides, once they’re on, after about 5 minutes I forget about them, just persevere, they’re so much better than standard shorts.

I am similar – Scott seem to fit well.

most of the better quality ones are cut for “on the bike posture”
and will, therefore, be tight when stood. there’s also the style of the
strap. Some have seems on the strap, some don’t.

they’re so much better than standard shorts.

Ah but standard lycra shorts show my lovely backwings. The geometry of my new road bike is more ‘racer’ so I’m stretched out more thus showing the world the hardcore diet training regime of a mamil 8)

I know that feeling but find it disappears once I sit on my bike. The straps always feel too short when stood up but as soon as you get into a riding position all is sorted.

The Morvelo ones – for me – feel like they are constantly pulling me into a clamshell posture.

They are also quite bracing across the front.. Sizing is key. Endure ones have a bit more give in the strap dept.

When you say bracing- holding you in?

you could get some of the new giro ones:

http://www.giro.com/eu_en/ride-halter-bib.html/

^That has Yardie weed-smoking gangsta allover it 😯

Our club bib shorts (can’t remember the make) definitely feel too short when putting them on and stood up but are fine when actually riding.

I wear bibs under my MTB baggies and have found the same as you that they can pull down on my shoulders when stood up.
It’s getting better though and after a couple of mins i barely notice them now. No worse than a pack with a full camelbak in

The disadvantage is that when you are desperate …

Nearly shat mesen on saturday morning trying to get out of them when the two strong coffees kicked in before my ride 😯

Horrible things.. Only any use imo for longer, harder rides where the lack of a waistband can help me avoid any stomach ill-feeling when eating junk or ‘energy’ foods, get similar issues when riding with a waist pack. Rode with bibs on a very long ride once where I knew stomach issues were likely and regretted it every time I needed to squat in the bushes in the cold.. : )

So apart from hiding/stopping your wings from getting cold and holding your tummy in- anything else?

Bibs are the most specialised of all cycling clothing in that they only work whilst sat riding a bike. Off the bike they look hideous, feel odd and are impractical. But sit on a bike and ride it and they work, they’re more comfortable, look fine under a jersey and just plain work.

I have some Altura 3/4 bibs which give me the ‘hunching’ feeling, but my regular bib shorts (Gore/Mavic/Castelli) are all fine. I think the 3/4 ones I have are made of thicker Lycra generally which might be a factor?
RM.

I find that bibs that fit my arse, tum & thighs are too short in the straps, if the straps fit then the rest is baggy & looks 2 sizes too big.

Those lusso ones above- I’d need xl for height but L for fit 🙁

doesn’t ‘back wings’ refer to well developed lats? not sure that shorts will change it one way or the other. More relevant is bibs providing a spanx-like effect on the midriff instead of creating a muffin top.

Once you’re bent over the bars and not stood up getting your bollocks squashed bibs are *much* comfier.

Stay away from the teeny Italian stuff Hora. Get some proper man sized bibs a size up too. DHB are fine, or FLATB. And yes, they’re all designed to be a bit more comfy ON the bike.

Hora, try some other bibs. I have morvelo ones and they feel tight and uncomfortable when stood up and just about ok when on the bike albeit still a fraction over snug. I think the Morvelo stuff comes up short in the body (or i’m long in the body) as I can’t wear their cycle jerseys either. Apparently castelli is longer in the body although no personal experience.

DHB work for me and I’m not exactly the emaciated roadie stereotype. Also seem to be long enough in the straps despite having a long back (aka short legs) and not sizing up.

Do they make any where the strappy bits unclip?
Be handy not to have to get totally undressed when you need some relief while out on the trails/road.

@andytherocketeer

I’ve some full length bib trousers that have clips on the straps but TBH they are a bit of a pain as on me they are very close to being *on* the shoulder. I can’t remember the make but they don’t have a liner so you need to wear shorts or a liner insert with them anyway.

Also they are a right faff to get the straps connected back up if you do need to undo them as the back half invariably ends up stuck halfway down your back under your jacket/top.

I love mine, the feel of the leather against my thighs is a sensation to experience, its that soft smooth leather that feels cool to the touch. The buckles don’t chafe at all either and the soft padding on the shoulders is a delight. Having a button up front is great too, no more awkward fumbling if your caught short in the cubilcles. What sets it all off though are the lovely little details, the carved ivory chest piece and the leather lacey thigh expanding tie ups. Stains rub right off with a moist chammy or a wire brush if your so inclined. The most challenging thing is trying to cycle with the bit and bridle on, the reins catch on the bar ends and shifters…..

IMG_0441 by Andrea & Rick, on Flickr

I think you need to ask yourself “Is this bike riding malarky really for me?”. You do seem to have an incredible amount of issues with it.

Every man needs a folly for his spare cash.