FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER...
All you need to know before buying bibs
CHAMOIS PAD
Inner pads, which take their ‘chamois’ name from the leather pads once found in shorts, come in a variety of shapes, sizes and densities. They provide relief and comfort around the sit bones while eradicating chafing from pedalling movement.
These days, pads use manmade materials designed to offer comfort, breathability and reduce skin soreness. They come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and biggest isn’t always best. Some are more minimal, padding just to the sit bones, while others are wider fitting and encompass the upper inner thighs. Choice will, of course, come down to personal preference.
Different manufacturers use different densities and thicknesses of padding. Pads are usually denser around the sit bones with thinner padding elsewhere to help with freedom of movement and breathability. Some shorts offer different widths of pad relative to your sit bones.
Some brands use gel inserts at the contact points to provide relief. These feature a viscous gel that offers a subtle yet comfortable ride. Others use thin memory foam for cushioning. Remember that padded bibs, and shorts, are designed to be worn without underwear, which will cause chafing.
BIB DESIGN
The bibs are the upper section of the shorts that hold everything in place and stop the pad moving around to avoid chafing. Summer bib shorts commonly use mesh panels to keep you cool, while winter and intermediate-season shorts often use thicker fabric for warmth.
Some brands, Assos for example, have moved away from the traditional upper bib design and use a strap setup instead, which resembles a set of braces from yesteryear. It might look crude but it works well, almost disappearing against the body to offer good support while aiding breathability.
The bib straps themselves vary between brands too. Some will use mesh straps with outer seams, while others go for seamless elastic versions. The width of straps varies; wider versions tend to put less pressure on the shoulders with their broader distribution area.
When trying on shorts – which you should always do in the seated cycling position – the straps should hold everything in place securely. Secondly, they should feel comfortable across the shoulders without digging in. The fit should also not be so tight between the upper and lower sections that it makes them difficult to put on or the overall fit uncomfortable.
CUT AND FABRIC
Bib shorts are constructed using a panelled design to provide support, optimal freedom of movement and to avoid seams in places where they might irritate. Usually, shorts will comprise between eight and 12 panels. Fewer panels means fewer seams, however, that doesn’t always equate to greater comfort.
The panels are neatly stitched together with flatlock seams to provide maximum comfort. Some more expensive shorts use welded or bonded seams to eliminate any chance of discomfort. While cheaper
Some brands have moved away from the traditional upper bib design and use a strap
Some brands have switched from silicone grippers to using elasticated fabric
shorts are likely to be made from the same fabric throughout, dearer bibs often use panels of different types or thickness of material. This could be to offer breathability, freedom of movement, more/less compression, wind/rain protection or to increase aerodynamic qualities in strategic places.
Leg length is another consideration. Usually shorts will cover most of the thigh, but some brands offer longer legs to afford greater protection from the sun, cold or wind.
Aerodynamic bibs often have longer legs to reduce wind resistance. These are typically 23-30.5cm/9-12 inches in length, while regular shorts are around 15-20cm/6-8 inches long.
LEG GRIPPERS
Different brands use different styles of gripper inside the hems to prevent the legs riding up as you pedal. Never a welcome consequence mid-ride. Traditionally, shorts came with elastic grippers, but these tended to be quite tight and uncomfortable, and could potentially impede blood flow and cause rashes or imprints on the leg. They evolved into silicone grippers which, being sticky to the skin, negate the need for tight hems. The silicone may be applied in a variety of ways, from a thick band through to patterns, beads or dots.
More recently, several brands have switched to using a broad band of elasticated fabric as the leg hem. This is usually a lighter, thinner fabric to save weight and unnecessary pressure.
Some super-lightweight shorts aimed at racers don’t use a band at all. Instead, the fabric just has a silicone pattern inside to hold the legs in place, which keeps the legs smoother and more aerodynamic.
CARE
Having splashed out on a lovely pair of bibs you need to look after them to get the best performance and longevity.
Wash them after every ride because bacteria can build up on the pad and cause infection if you have chafing or saddle sores. Most shorts can be washed with regular washing powders or liquids but others recommend the use of delicates detergents. Some clothing brands, such as Assos, offer their own detergents and there are also generic sports-specific detergents designed to work with nasty smelling kit while being kind to the fabric.
Don’t just throw your expensive new shorts in with your jeans, or anything with Velcro. This will most likely damage the fabric and reduce longevity. Some brands provide little bags to wash your bibs in to reduce premature wear. And never leave your bibs festering in the washing basket for a week, as damp, post-ride shorts are a breeding ground for bacteria build-up, not to mention a hot-spot for bad smells! Look out for our women’s bib shorts test in a forthcoming issue of Cycling Plus, coming soon!