Worth spending on quality bib brand?

[Hambo]

I had a pair of 10 year old Santini bibs but the chamois became separated and folded in the wash a few days into my October challenge.

I've discovered that padded MTB shorts are not that comfy for road/gravel riding so I'm looking to buy a decent bib.

I've come across a multitude of brands from AliExpress YKYWBike, to BOWY (Australia), Cycology and then much nicer brands like Castelli and Assos.

If I were to aim higher, I can get a pair of Assos Mille GT at $220, Castelli Enduro 3 (with cargo pockets) are $182 with their entry level Competizione at $150, Cycology are $165, Lastly the AliExpress are $50

Is it worth spending the extra for Assos or should I save a bit and look at the others?

 

[ozzybmx]

I have a few pair of expensive chamois bibs, 3 Assos included.
They help a bit but hold nothing to a saddle that fits your ass correctly.
Can't remember the last time I wore a chamois, maybe a Mawson ride.

 

[Hambo]

I have a few pair of expensive chamois bibs, 3 Assos included.
They help a bit but hold nothing to a saddle that fits your ass correctly.
Can't remember the last time I wore a chamois, maybe a Mawson ride.

I have no issues with the standard Norco saddle, especially as I've now dialled in my fit (to the best of my limited abilities). No sign of saddle sores at all! My biggest issue is that MTB shorts feel very restrictive and I prefer the feel of bibs as they don't pinch after an hour or riding!

 

[Calvin27]

I think after a certain price, it's just all hype. I mean sure it's nice, but lets not buy into the roadie hype imo.

For me I use $90 on sale sportful classic bibs and they seems to be the most comfortable out of all the stuff I own. No surprise, they are also the newest (read: everyone thinks their new bibs are the beezneez simply because it's new).

My 2c:
- Assos is nice but way overpriced for what it is.
- Castelli is not built for my frame, I'm way too big.
- Neopro is budget, good but you can get better for a little bit more money.
- Craft bibs seems to be good value for money, I'd put them on the same level as sportful stuff.
- Pear izumi is nice if you can find them on sale but little bit pricier than craft/sportful which I prefer.

Aliexpress, I'd steer clear of. Much more reliable options if you want cheaper stuff. Neopro being comparable pricing and you know what you are getting at least.

 

[ozzybmx]

I have no issues with the standard Norco saddle, especially as I've now dialled in my fit (to the best of my limited abilities). No sign of saddle sores at all! My biggest issue is that MTB shorts feel very restrictive and I prefer the feel of bibs as they don't pinch after an hour or riding!

Sores aren't the issue, its aching sitbones from a saddle that has the wrong width and wrong shape/angles for your very very specific ass shape.

Even the longest endurance riders can get saddle sore(s) which are caused by things like pressure and moisture etc..

Well documented here over about 15yrs, I have spent a lot of money on saddles and bib shorts. Once you get the right saddle, all the issues will basically go away.

Got around 150 x 100km+ rides and about 10 over 200km on Strava. I now ride full days in a set of marino jocks and shorts.

Get your ass measured and get the right saddle before spending cash on bibs.

 

[slowmick]

If you like pearl izumi look around your local bike shops that keep a good stock of shimano spares. There is some kind of deal that if you buy a certain amount of PI gear you get a discount on your blue box parts. It is common for shops to buy the PI gear and sell it as a loss leader to get it out the store.

 

[ForkinGreat]

I had a pair of 10 year old Santini bibs but the chamois became separated and folded in the wash a few days into my October challenge.

I've discovered that padded MTB shorts are not that comfy for road/gravel riding so I'm looking to buy a decent bib.

I've come across a multitude of brands from AliExpress YKYWBike, to BOWY (Australia), Cycology and then much nicer brands like Castelli and Assos.

If I were to aim higher, I can get a pair of Assos Mille GT at $220, Castelli Enduro 3 (with cargo pockets) are $182 with their entry level Competizione at $150, Cycology are $165, Lastly the AliExpress are $50

Is it worth spending the extra for Assos or should I save a bit and look at the others?

100% what Ozzy said about saddle. Find one that works then stick with it.
For me, SDG Bel Air (OG version) for the EnduroBro bike, & Selle SMP Lite 209 for road/trainer/gravel & fuck around bike.

I sweat too much for normal or merino jocks, and shorts, so bib shorts or bibs under MTB baggys all the way.

Santini bibs are what suits me. The gel chamois pads are quality, and the fit and cut of the bibs still works for the Larger (fat bastard) gentleman, at least in my experience.
(I haven't tried the coolmax pad bibs, but as they are in the cheaper Santini bibs, I suspect they wouldn't be that comfortable.)

Anything Castelli is supposed to be good - haven't tried them, only jerseys - but I think most if not all people have to size up in Castelli from whatever other brand they have worn previously.

Don't go for the slim/sleek/race cut bibs unless you are built like a world Tour pro Roadie.

 

[ozzybmx]

I sweat too much for normal or merino jocks, and shorts, so bib shorts or bibs under MTB baggys all the way.

Thats the thing about thin marino jocks, they dry really quickly rather than having a big spongy pad soaking all the sweat and keeping it there as you grind your ass all day on the sweat logged chamois.

The evolution of me finding my right saddle, actually 2 different ones and the realisation I no longer needed padded shorts, then finding a lot of the endurance riders ride in marino underwear, jerseys and a pair of bikepacking style shorts, has me with no sore ass and no saddle sores even on full day rides.

Everyone is different I suppose, this was just something that worked for me after years of major ass issues.

Simpson Desert 2013, this photo still does the rounds today. Mid stage application of the famous 'sheep dip' medicated ass cream potion for massive saddle sore on each sitbone, fucking agony for the final 3 days.

 

[ForkinGreat]

Thats the thing about thin marino jocks, they dry really quickly rather than having a big spongy pad soaking all the sweat and keeping it there as you grind your ass all day on the sweat logged chamois.

I don't think I sweat as much as that...

 

[Cardy George]

The bib.

The BIB (Men's)

RedWhite Apparel's signature long distance bib short that's designed to help you ride long distances in comfort. This bib short contains a plush heat-moulded pad that stays plush mile after mile. All of RedWhite's bib shorts come with free worldwide express shipping and are covered by a Crash...

www.redwhite.cc

It's what I do the 18s/24s in. Do your size homework though. The owner is a bit persnickity if you have to return them. He nearly rejected my exchange because I had accidentally torn the tag off trying them on, despite the tag still being in the bag.

Le Col are good and last a long time, but were pricey when I bought them 5 years ago. Too afraid to look at what they're charging now.

Cycology bibs are good, but not particularly special, and don't last anywhere near as long before they are stretched out of shape.

 

[silentbutdeadly]

I generally ride in MTB shorts with a seperate liner whether it's road, gravel or something sketchier (which is rare these days). For well over a decade, the shorts and the liner have come from Ground Effect. https://www.groundeffect.co.nz/collections/baggies/men (in my case, Snipes shorts and the Innuendo liner)

One day I'll need to buy another pair of shorts. Last winter, the same liner worked well in conjunction with some Dharco pants too.

 

[Slowman]

Check out local brand Neo Pro, I have not tried their bibs but their shorts, knicks and jerseys are good.

I have bought a range of bibs off AliExpress x-tiger brand and these other with 20D chamois which are appearing on "brands" with their own brand on them and a healthy mark up. I have found the quality and longevity the same.

The only time I ride in shorts is if I am going on some kind of urban cafe crawl, with a brunch/lunch stop (jeez living a first world life is hard) - for serious XC riding I like kicks or bibs, it seems there is less to catch on the saddle.

 

[Hambo]

Check out local brand Neo Pro, I have not tried their bibs but their shorts, knicks and jerseys are good.

I have bought a range of bibs off AliExpress x-tiger brand and these other with 20D chamois which are appearing on "brands" with their own brand on them and a healthy mark up. I have found the quality and longevity the same.

The only time I ride in shorts is if I am going on some kind of urban cafe crawl, with a brunch/lunch stop (jeez living a first world life is hard) - for serious XC riding I like kicks or bibs, it seems there is less to catch on the saddle.

I ended up buying some cargo bibs from Black Sheep - seems good from the initial wear.