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My current go to bib shorts, Endura FS260, are in need of replacing.
For the last couple of pairs I’ve just gone with the same (plus they were available at the LBS*) but my current pair haven’t lasted as long as I’d have hoped - seams are on there way out, they’ve faded and the pad now moves about a fair amount.
So looking for some recommendations. I appreciate like all contact patches there will be a good amount of subjectivity in peoples views but I could do with some starting pointers.
I tend to forgo baggies these days as the thigh thickness needs appreciating 😂😂 so ideally looking for black to go with my somber coloured cycling wardrobe.
All suggestions very welcomed including bad experiences/ones to avoid.
Thank you in advance.
*sadly now closed 😔
Lusso do some great ones, comfortable and long-lasting.
I find Galibier is my go to for all cycle wear, good quality and value.
I used to think the FS250 shorts were good until I got a pair of Assos Mille GT Summer GTO C2 shorts, bloody expensive but they are in a different league altogether, worth every penny. Added bonus is you can get a longer leg fit which is great for me.
Also a fan of Lusso, paragon carbons are my favorites and just done a 75 miler in them this morning
The new Rapha pro team bib shorts are really good. I tried mine yesterday on a 100 mile plus ride and usually my bum feels a bit battered after a big day in the saddle but not with these. Expensive but worth it. I bought the long leg version.
Not so keen on Galabier leg wear as I am on their upper wear, though that may be a "me" issue.
I've become a Rapha fanboi I'm afraid. At 5'9 and a chunky 90kg their XL fits me, but not the Pro sizing. Either the regular or Brevet stuff in a sale/ebay or Vinted, or the Core range even at full price.
I've also fallen for the "Cargo" bibs marketing, the thigh pocket holds my phone securely and is much better for getting the phone out quickly to get a pic on the move.
If you are more circumferentially challenged, Fat Lad at the Back is also good quality, durable gear with real world sizing
90k / long in body / 6ft, XL. My current faves are Decathlon Riverside gravel shorts - comfy, good pad, good pockets.
I've just ordered a set of these: https://kostume.cc/bib-shorts/
Expensive certainly, but I know a few people who wear them and they rave about them.
Do the Rapha shorts still have that seam/fold right down the middle of the pad? I have a pair of the Core bibs from a few years back but never wear them as the seam in the middle always caused 'issues'...
Do the Rapha shorts still have that seam/fold right down the middle of the pad? I have a pair of the Core bibs from a few years back but never wear them as the seam in the middle always caused 'issues'...
Not had that issue, but pads and saddles are very individual
90k / long in body / 6ft, XL. My current faves are Decathlon Riverside gravel shorts - comfy, good pad, good pockets.
I couldn't find these on the Decathlon site, any links? Ta
My absolute favourites are Kostume as they are cut lower at the front so you can go for a wee easily (have done super long rides in these). They feel like you aren't wearing anything
Lecol work well and I have several pairs (these are my default)
Lusso - bought some as they weren't black and I have been pleased so far
Castelli - not all that impressed and I wouldn't wear for long distances (have a rubber castelli logo glued on that rubs)
Another Lusso fan here.
Another Lusso fan here to (and also have Assos, Castelli, Specialized, DHB etc.). I'm on the chubby side still and the Lusso Perform fit me much better than the Paragon (I also find the Paragon legs are a touch too long) but the pad is great in both
Castelli with either of their top two pads, took a gamble on one pair that cost far more than previous bibs and they were a gamechanger.
Another Castelli fan like Goat. Buy last seasons on Merlin and SportPursuit and they're excellent value. V comfortable for my arse shape
Lusso for me too. I've found the carbon bibs to be good but when I was doing the SDW in a day on my rigid bike I treated myself to a pair of their shorts with their highest rated pad, can't recall the name but it was like my arse was cradled in the soft hands of angels for the whole ride,13 hours in the saddle and not a hint of soreness. 😂
Lusso for me too. I've found the carbon bibs to be good but when I was doing the SDW in a day on my rigid bike I treated myself to a pair of their shorts with their highest rated pad, can't recall the name but it was like my arse was cradled in the soft hands of angels for the whole ride,13 hours in the saddle and not a hint of soreness. 😂
Any Sportful wearers? How is the sizing, I hear random and very small?
I couldn't find these on the Decathlon site, any links? Ta
that'll teach me - they don't do them any more. shame, they were good. apologies, @13thfloormonk
Sportful sizing is similar to Castelli.
Lusso for me too. I've found the carbon bibs to be good but when I was doing the SDW in a day on my rigid bike I treated myself to a pair of their shorts with their highest rated pad, can't recall the name but it was like my arse was cradled in the soft hands of angels for the whole ride,13 hours in the saddle and not a hint of soreness. 😂
I didn't get on with the pad in my Lusso bibs. Castelli are good but go up a size.
I have a set of redwhite bibs - extra comfy andmade for longer rides but a bit spendy. Based in Singapore but service is excellent.
https://www.redwhite.cc/collections/mens-bibshorts-tights
Slightly leftfield suggestion but these are my current favourites -
https://www.freewheel.co.uk/shimano-clothing-men-s-distanza-bib-shorts-varsc742
I thought I would experiment with some cheaper options so have ordered a pair of Altura Endurance bibs and Sportful Supergiara. Both seem to get positive reviews and were £70 and £80 respectively.
I found some of my favourite Bioracer Epic bibs for £80 but with Lake branding, which I can live with, but need to order from Lake EU. Great bibs with a very compressive fit and substantial pad for long gravel days.