Endurance bib shorts

I come from a road racing heritage. I've always preferred bibs with light to medium padding. I avoided shorts and bibs that felt like I was wearing a training diaper. I started riding a lot on dirt and gravel last year. Also, my 74 year old skin is somewhat more fragile than in days of your. Consequently, despite use of good chamois cream and hygiene, I've been developing some small saddle sores. I'm looking for some bib shorts with more padding. Any suggestions from you 100 mile+ a day endurance riders?

I suffer from the same problem, so I'll be interested in other responses. My new current favorite bib shorts are from Castelli with their Progetto X2 Air seat pad. It has lessened, but not eliminated the problem.

I normally wear size medium and surprisingly a large fits me well. Especially in the torso length, despite being 5'4" in height. They feel short when standing upright, but feel great in cycling position.

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/Products/Men/Bottoms/Short-%26-Bibs/ENDURANCE-X2-BIBSHORT/p/451400517P

These can be found at many email outlets, sometimes on sale.

kklasman wrote:I suffer from the same problem, so I'll be interested in other responses. My new current favorite bib shorts are from Castelli with their Progetto X2 Air seat pad. It has lessened, but not eliminated the problem.

I normally wear size medium and surprisingly a large fits me well. Especially in the torso length, despite being 5'4" in height. They feel short when standing upright, but feel great in cycling position.

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/Products/Men/Bottoms/Short-%26-Bibs/ENDURANCE-X2-BIBSHORT/p/451400517P

These can be found at many email outlets, sometimes on sale.

Thanks for the input. Looks like a nice bib short. I just ordered an endurance bib from Aerotech designs: http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/mens-advanced-carbon-bibshort.html  . Aerotech is an American cycling clothing company. Most of there house brand products are made in the USA. I've purchased many of their products over the years. In general, I've found  their stuff to be good quality at a reasonable price, compared to mid-range priced products from companies like Pearl Isumi. Fit I bike clothing is always difficult to assess. Aerotech -- which sells online direct to you, acknowledges this; and has a very liberal return and exchange policy. As long as you don't remove the tags or soil the garment, you can return it for a full refund or for an exchange with free shipping. If I decide to keep these, I'll provide a review on this thread.

Assos are worth every penny.  They are expensive, extremely, but seriously worth it.  The pouch up front for your junk is so great, you'll wonder why everyone is not doing this in bib shorts! 
https://goo.gl/8UVrmD 

meenanm wrote:Assos are worth every penny.  They are expensive, extremely, but seriously worth it.  The pouch up front for your junk is so great, you'll wonder why everyone is not doing this in bib shorts! 
https://goo.gl/8UVrmD 

Hi- thanks for the input. For some reason the link didn't work. But, based on your comments, I believe you are talking about the very high end Assos bibs with the "kuku pouch" for male genitals. If so, those bibs have a MSRP of about $400. I'll take your word for it, though, that they are extremely comfortable for you, and maybe for me as well. I've never owned or felt the need for that expensive a bib. My issues aren't in that area of my anatomy. Assos however, makes a wide range of bib shorts, some at very competitive prices starting at a MSRP of about $160. All of them start with a generous 8mm thick padded chamois. I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried any of the lower priced Assos bibs and has an opinion. 

https://www.pactimo.com/products/summit-stratos-12-hour-cycling-bibs-mens

I used these in the DK this year. 14 hours in the saddle and no problems.

I just received my Aerotech Designs Elite Endurance Cycling Bib Shorts: http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/aero-tech-elite-bibshorts.html . Note my prior post had a link to a different model. This model is touted to be used for high mileage comfort and high quality thick padding as well as other high end features mentioned in the other link. While the price of these made in the USA bibs, with USA made fabric ($129.95) is very competitive, I found them to be somewhat disappointing compared to my much less expensive mid-rang Pearl Isumi's. I'm 5' 11'' and weigh about 147 pounds. I have long legs, narrow shoulders and hips, and a short torso. The fit on the Aerotech bib's was not as snug as I prefer, and the inseam was shorter than I like. The pad however was outstanding, and performed very well on todays test ride in very hot an humid conditions. They did a very good job of protecting my slowly healing saddle sore. If you are looking for some American made and sourced bibs, and are a bit beefier than me, these may be a good choice for you. They'll be OK for me, but if I could return them, I would.

I posted over on the other thread but Castelli has always worked for me. I buy them when I can find them on sale. I have always worn shorts versus bibs. The other thing is that I have always found that bag balm works the best. It's messy for sure though If you are going to going to do over a 100  mile ride carry some extra with you in say an old pill bottle or something like that because the 1st time going to the bathroom whatever you are wearing is going to be gone. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the Castelli shorts/bibs. I can ride in almost anything and my 2nd choice would be the Volver Peleton and if you sign up for their emails you can get a discount of buy t heir close outs. They also have listed on their site what each shorts/bibs are designed for in hr. ride time. I don't think I have ever paid over $100 for a pair of shorts.

I guess I am lucky in that I can wear any brand of shorts. The only time I have any trouble is in a 24 hr. ride/race and sometime during that it rains causing me to get rubbed raw. I have learn to take a back up pair of shorts.

Look at my reply over on the other thread though.

Oh I forgot to mention I luv my Brooks leather saddle. Mine is the Waterford with the cutout. I have a honey colored one now on my road bike and a black one with some sag in it on my Tamland. Most of my rando buddies I know ride on Brooks. Some folks say they take some break in time and some use proof hide on it a little bit but I rode my on a 300k 180 mile ride right out of the gate.

I hope this helps
Zman

bobknh wrote:
Hi- thanks for the input. For some reason the link didn't work. But, based on your comments, I believe you are talking about the very high end Assos bibs with the "kuku pouch" for male genitals. If so, those bibs have a MSRP of about $400. I'll take your word for it, though, that they are extremely comfortable for you, and maybe for me as well. I've never owned or felt the need for that expensive a bib. My issues aren't in that area of my anatomy. Assos however, makes a wide range of bib shorts, some at very competitive prices starting at a MSRP of about $160. All of them start with a generous 8mm thick padded chamois. I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried any of the lower priced Assos bibs and has an opinion. 

Assos has a factory outlet site and on occasion you can score a good deal. I bought a pair of their top end bibs a couple of years ago and they are the most comfortable bibs I  have. They were still expensive even at the outlet. Castelli works well for me too and they are often available at Sierra Trading Post at a good price. The best bib I've used that combines durability, price, and comfort is Louis Garneau. However I've not been impressed with the Garneau bibs that LG makes for Performance as far as fit and comfort goes.

https://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/?___store=usd&gclid=CPzI2orj2b0CFU4R7AodfiMA0A

I'm going to suggest Red&White's TheBibs

https://www.redwhite.cc/category/reviews/reviews-the-bib/

with one caveat; If your skin has a reaction to silicone, during hot weather riding,  (there are silicone dots in the leg-band grippers), then give them a miss.

If you're ok with that, then I think they are fantastic for long rides. Best, most comfortable, long ride bibs I've tried, including Assos and Castelli.

Good price, also.

BrownDog wrote:https://www.pactimo.com/products/summit-stratos-12-hour-cycling-bibs-mens

I used these in the DK this year. 14 hours in the saddle and no problems.

Hi BrownDog - Nice to hear from you again. Thanks for the link. Looks like a very nice bib. I'm thinking about placing an order. Any advice about sizing and fit? I also like the fact that you can order a wider or narrower gripper cuff. They also have a good exchange or return policy if you don't like the fit.

bobknh wrote:
Hi BrownDog - Nice to hear from you again. Thanks for the link. Looks like a very nice bib. I'm thinking about placing an order. Any advice about sizing and fit? I also like the fact that you can order a wider or narrower gripper cuff. They also have a good exchange or return policy if you don't like the fit.

Voler also has a great exchange policy and they have some factory seconds. I have never had to return anything though as everything I have bought from them has fit me fine. They also last a long time.

Zman

bobknh wrote:
Hi- thanks for the input. For some reason the link didn't work. But, based on your comments, I believe you are talking about the very high end Assos bibs with the "kuku pouch" for male genitals. If so, those bibs have a MSRP of about $400. I'll take your word for it, though, that they are extremely comfortable for you, and maybe for me as well. I've never owned or felt the need for that expensive a bib. My issues aren't in that area of my anatomy. Assos however, makes a wide range of bib shorts, some at very competitive prices starting at a MSRP of about $160. All of them start with a generous 8mm thick padded chamois. I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried any of the lower priced Assos bibs and has an opinion. 

I second the experience that Assos' have the most comfortable chamois. I have tried a lot of different bibs including the latest Castellis but for my somewhat sensitive butt nothing even comes close to the Assos chamois. They have also managed somehow to keep them comfy over years of use when others deteriorate in comfort over time.

Zurichman wrote:

Voler also has a great exchange policy and they have some factory seconds. I have never had to return anything though as everything I have bought from them has fit me fine. They also last a long time.

Zman

Hi Zman - I don't have your ultra distance pedigree. But, for many years, I averaged well over 10,000 miles a year in the saddle. I too seemed to be indifferent to the brand of bib's I wore. In fact, my last team used Voler to supply our team kits. I don't know why I developed this latest  problem with saddle sores. I think though, it was several factors - riding gravel - even the maintained dirt roads I travel, are rougher on your nether region. My 74 year old skin is more fragile than in my younger days. I've been experimenting with different saddles, and trying break in a leather saddle. And, I was perhaps a bit careless with ignoring chamois cream, and sloppy with my hygiene. I'm trying to address all of these problems- so far with some success. Using liberal doses of Aquaphor and some Bag Balm on more sensitive areas, better quality bib's, installing my old favorite saddle- Selle Italia Flite, and making sure I clean up and shower after my ride. So far, so good. I'm not sure which of these remedies has helped the most, but I would say that the liberal use of Aquaphor and Bag Balm, were the most important for me.

bobknh wrote:
Hi Zman - I don't have your ultra distance pedigree. But, for many years, I averaged well over 10,000 miles a year in the saddle. I too seemed to be indifferent to the brand of bib's I wore. In fact, my last team used Voler to supply our team kits. I don't know why I developed this latest  problem with saddle sores. I think though, it was several factors - riding gravel - even the maintained dirt roads I travel, are rougher on your nether region. My 74 year old skin is more fragile than in my younger days. I've been experimenting with different saddles, and trying break in a leather saddle. And, I was perhaps a bit careless with ignoring chamois cream, and sloppy with my hygiene. I'm trying to address all of these problems- so far with some success. Using liberal doses of Aquaphor and some Bag Balm on more sensitive areas, better quality bib's, installing my old favorite saddle- Selle Italia Flite, and making sure I clean up and shower after my ride. So far, so good. I'm not sure which of these remedies has helped the most, but I would say that the liberal use of Aquaphor and Bag Balm, were the most important for me.

What is Aquaphor? I am not familiar with that. Even though over on the other thread I posted I don't think I have paid more than $100 for a pair of cycling shorts I do notice that the more expensive shorts are a better quality and help keep the saddle sores away. I don't actually think a thicker pad is the solution as the thicker pad IMHO causes more irritation from rubbing. I think a thinner pad that is built with quality works much better. I am not sure on the Castelli site but I do know over at Voler they list which shorts are good for so many hrs. of riding. Not to laugh at me too much but my favorite pair of shorts which just happen to be Castelii have kiss stitched in the padding. lol I have no clue why though.

Zman

What I have found to be the most beneficial is a pair of shorts that fits REALLY well. My big problem has always been finding a big with long enough straps. I am 6'2'', 150 lbs. A lot of smalls fit great in the legs, but many are simply not made with straps long enough.

Castelli shorts - after about 20hrs of use (total, not continuous) the front of the short rips where the straps attach.

Louis Garneau - the back panel of the short gets stretched too much and the stitching by the chamois gaps open, showing off my cheeks to the world.

Pearl Izumi - the size small shorts are schmedium's at best. The shorts ride up terribly. No way I can wear them for a full hour. My last shop kit was from them and I could only commute to work in them.

Bontrager - they make a great pear of bibs I am a huge fan of. They are the Velocis bib shorts. They fit all of my needs just right. They come in a summer weight and a fleeced weight as well.

Long story short, you are going to have to do some digging to find what works for you. I second that a thick chamois may not be the ticket, but what is REALLY important is that everything fits nice and snug, and that the chamois and skin don't have movement between the two.

Also, just my general two cents on the undercarriage: If one is in the practice of hair removal, trim with clippers, don't shave with a razor.

Zurichman wrote:

What is Aquaphor? I am not familiar with that. Even though over on the other thread I posted I don't think I have paid more than $100 for a pair of cycling shorts I do notice that the more expensive shorts are a better quality and help keep the saddle sores away. I don't actually think a thicker pad is the solution as the thicker pad IMHO causes more irritation from rubbing. I think a thinner pad that is built with quality works much better. I am not sure on the Castelli site but I do know over at Voler they list which shorts are good for so many hrs. of riding. Not to laugh at me too much but my favorite pair of shorts which just happen to be Castelii have kiss stitched in the padding. lol I have no clue why though.

Zman

Aquaphor is a fancy form of petroleum jelly https://www.target.com/p/aquaphor-jar-14-oz/-/A-11014466?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9002268&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JrMBRDPARIsACis1HzPzc7rGdO0qk3vubEFBr-_NW3nPuc7b-PL3xOTmIjQy8rkgA1-rDoaAnn3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds . It's thicker and stickier than Vaseline, and has some other medications as well. Your favorite - Bag Balm - is even thicker and stickier. I see it as a continuum - the highest viscosity (and least expensive) is Vaseline. Vaseline also is the least likely to cause allergic reactions. Aquaphor, is somewhat less viscous than Vaseline and will last much longer; while Bag Balm has the lowest viscosity and is probably the best choice for all day in the saddle. On the downside, Bag Balm has a strong medicinal smell, and much more difficult to wash off both your body and clothing. I find that Aquaphor is a good happy medium between Vaseline, which wont hold up for long rides, and Bag Balm which is more difficult to clean up post ride.

bobknh wrote:
Aquaphor is a fancy form of petroleum jelly https://www.target.com/p/aquaphor-jar-14-oz/-/A-11014466?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9002268&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_JrMBRDPARIsACis1HzPzc7rGdO0qk3vubEFBr-_NW3nPuc7b-PL3xOTmIjQy8rkgA1-rDoaAnn3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds . It's thicker and stickier than Vaseline, and has some other medications as well. Your favorite - Bag Balm - is even thicker and stickier. I see it as a continuum - the highest viscosity (and least expensive) is Vaseline. Vaseline also is the least likely to cause allergic reactions. Aquaphor, is somewhat less viscous than Vaseline and will last much longer; while Bag Balm has the lowest viscosity and is probably the best choice for all day in the saddle. On the downside, Bag Balm has a strong medicinal smell, and much more difficult to wash off both your body and clothing. I find that Aquaphor is a good happy medium between Vaseline, which wont hold up for long rides, and Bag Balm which is more difficult to clean up post ride.

Thanks for that info and link as yes bag balm has the smell and is hard to clean up post ride. I think that we would agree that if you are in the saddle most of the day that it is a challenge no matter what you wear. When I did my 400k, 600k, or 1200k's I use the old film canisters with my bag balm in or you probably could use old pill containers and reapply if and when you have to go to the bathroom. What I have also have found and don't think I saw anybody mentioning that is that whatever you use seems to be absorbed into the chamois and so in my case the first time you go to the bathroom you are done unless you reapply. Happy riding no mater what you use and keep those boys down there lubed up. I need to get off this computer and go riding my gravel bike. lol

Zman 

What brands does everyone use for their bibs/shorts for endurance?  I am looking at a pair of Aero|Tech|Design.  I am not familiar with this brand, but they look pretty decent.  I need to invest in a quality pair of bibs, just not sure the best route to go.

Renegade wrote:What brands does everyone use for their bibs/shorts for endurance?  I am looking at a pair of Aero|Tech|Design.  I am not familiar with this brand, but they look pretty decent.  I need to invest in a quality pair of bibs, just not sure the best route to go.

I have 2 pairs of the Aerotech Design Endurance bib shorts which I've ridden weekly for over a year. They have very thick pads which do an excellent job of protecting your nether region on long rides on rough roads and dirt. They don't fit my legs as snugly as some other bib's I own; but they are my go to bib's for longer rides, and for gravel. I usually have to size up with some other high end brands of bib shorts. However, I find the Aerotech size recommendations based on waist measurement, for these made in USA bib's, is perfect for me. Of course, choice in cycling clothing depends a lot on personal preference.