world of runners; Courtesy of Endura
Looking for a more comfortable way to ride? Discover the cycling bibs. There’s no doubt that cycling shorts are great for some people, but thanks to the use of suspenders rather than a tight waist, cycling shorts put less pressure on your midsection when you’re squatting all day. . They still offer all the benefits of bike shorts, including comfortable chamois and moisture-wicking properties, but they also offer added benefits, like storage pockets and better skin coverage that can help reduce your risk of sunburn.
The best cycling bibs
What to consider
The main difference between bib shorts and bib shorts are obviously the suspenders and the body panels. Where cycling shorts have a waistband that falls below the navel, the front and back panels of cycling bib shorts cover your lower back and most of your belly.
Just like shorts, cycling shorts are made of spandex, lycra, and other highly elastic materials that fit snugly against the skin. Their snug fit helps increase aerodynamics while riding and also provides some compression, which can help ensure a smoother ride and means your bib is less likely to shift while you’re cycling.
Placement of the shoulder strap
When trying on bibs, make sure you like the straps and their placement on your body. While a lot of engineering has gone into designing suspenders that are comfortable for all-day wear, some suspenders are too tight or constricting for riders. Look for wider straps that aren’t too thick and have some breathability.
Chamois
The chamois of a bib is like the chamois of a bib short. It is designed to protect the most sensitive parts of cyclists with a little padding. Modern chamois are made of multiple layers of antimicrobial synthetic materials designed to reduce friction, breathe, and inhibit sweat, salt, and bacterial growth. This helps reduce saddle sores and other issues that occur when you spend hours squatting on the bars. The best chamois are supportive but don’t feel like wearing a layer between the legs. Most good chamois feature anatomically shaped patterns and channeled areas to make sure you don’t mind them while riding.
Size and fit
Cycling bibs designed for women often have features you won’t find on men’s bibs. These include straps placed further apart to accommodate larger amounts of chest tissue, wider hips, and different chamois placements. Many are also designed to make it easier to get to the toilet without completely undressing.
Today, many companies offer expanded size ranges, increasing inclusiveness and making it easier for people with different body types to find bibs that fit them. Generally speaking, “pro” fits are designed for leaner riders, while “club” or “touring” sizes are suitable for those with wider legs and/or a wider midsection.
Storage
Another feature of some bibs are cargo pockets. Some cycling shorts may have a side pocket for your phone or a snack. But cargo bibs often have multiple pockets to store extra snacks, a phone, etc., making them particularly well suited for long journeys or bike trips.
How we selected
We’ve seen our fair share of bibs over the years and made these selections based on some of the Ride a bike editors favourites. We also considered those recommended by satisfied customers and those rated highly by other professional reviewers. Our final selections include a variety of bib styles designed for different types of rides, riders, and times of year.
For more cycling gear, check out our picks for the best cycling shorts, bike jerseys and stretch laces!
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