[Closed] Dark side content warning - Bib shorts for hot temperatures

I don't think there will be much difference between bib-shorts intended for summer use, unless you're thinking of the near mesh ones that Team Sky have used in the past?

I'd stick to ones that you know the chammy will be comfortable for a long day and possibly actual design features that will help keep you cool like mesh straps, lower fronts (I vaguely remember Santini used to be quite low cut at the front but that may have changed).

Don't over think it. Success on the day will be more about keeping hydrated and energy levels topped up than marginal gains afforded from one fabric over another.

Yup, use a chamois that you know you're comfortable in, don't fuss over marginal gains in lunchbox cooling.

In any case it will be cool at the tops of the climbs.

Received wisdom is to stick with a bib that you are already comfortable with. It'd be a bit of a nightmare to discover early on in the ride that you and your pad don't get on
Use a cream as well it really works. Planet X do a good priced one called Enzos Button Hole cream. It feels a bit odd at first but makes a real difference on long rides

I've got the Rapha Lightweight bib shorts, plus numerous other bib shorts. You don't really notice the lightweight bit once you are working hard anyway to be honest. The straps are fine mesh and really lightweight, but once your wearing them and 10 minutes in, if like me you're already a sweaty mess so doesn't make a great deal of difference.
As above, stick to the one's your happy with.

I'm doing the étape too. Brief look at the long range forecast seems to suggest it will be a 'bit' cooler by then.
Top of Val Thorens may be a little chilly, and there could be a wait up there before we get to go down. I don't fancy carrying any extra layers if I don't have too but a thin gilet may go in the pocket.

In a similar vein to the advice above, I've treated myself to new shorts from cafe du cyclist, but they are just new versions of the ones I've used for the last 3 years. I have bought a New Jersey though and that is a lightweight meshy version.

Almost time, nervously excited about it!

I've been reading about acclimating to hotter temperatures, there are some decent articles online about it, but the fundamentals are that you can train for heat.

If you have a turbo trainer they suggest 4 x 1 hour sessions a week for 2 weeks leading up to a 'hot' event. Obviously don't have the fan on and don't do any of the usual cooling tricks like unzipping your jersey etc.

Apparently this helps train your body to maintain a lower core temperature and/or perform better at a higher core temperature, although I think the effects were relatively shortlived.

Someone suggested the snappy concept of 'Train cool, taper hot'.

Me 'acclimating' on the trainer...

The turbo trainer acclimatising should definitely help prepare you for hot outdoor temps, the biggest reason why most people cannot match their FTP test figures indoors (lower) and out (higher) is because they don't turbo train frequently enough in warm conditions.

Within ~3 weeks of alternating between "VO2 max" intervals days and z2/3 steady rides most days for 30-45mins, I've found I can match my indoor 20min MAP to outdoors during the winter months by turboing in the kitchen. When I start riding indoors, my heart rate for ~200W+ is considerably higher, but within a few weeks adaption takes place. However, from my limited experience of this over the past two winters, I lost the adaption in less than three weeks when I stopped riding indoors and began riding outdoors in mild spring temps.

Funny the last two posts mention acclimatising for riding in heat. I'm just reading a book called Endure, that is just describing this acclimatisation but for American football players. It reckons it takes about 2 weeks. Wiggins did it too didnt he when training for the tour? On the turbo with no fans, or even heater on?

Yeah, they talk about heat chambers, sitting in saunas etc. but I'm not quite brave enough for that, plus, since I'm supposed to be training for the winter CX season, I don't want to spend too much time at lower heart rates in the name of acclimatising for a one week holiday!

Of course, I'll not be doing 4 x 1hr full gas sessions, so two of them will probably be Z2 rollers, so I might endure those with the fleece on, for comedy 'how much can I actually sweat' value if nothing else!

I too have Rapha Lightweight Bibs, they're noticably cooler than my Classics, but whilst the pad is thinner, it's the same shape as both the Classics and my 3/4, so my bum is usually okay.

Without reading this thread!

Do stw and the like approve of chamois cream to skin or on liner?

Skin. Long time roadie and long distance riding. Always on the skin.
Preferably applied by the wife.....haha, one can only dream!!

Heehee! 🤣

A wife- what’s that 🤣