Both shorts and bibs are awesome in their own way, sort of like chocolate and vanilla or yoga and pilates or Star Trek and Star Wars
What are bibs anyway?
Upon hearing the term used you probably wondered what folks were talking about. Trust that we totally understand your reluctance to make the switch but we’re going to show the reasons why you should.
Well, bib shorts are just regular padded bike shorts with suspenders built into them. The waistband has been removed and the shoulder straps of the added suspender portion now hold up your shorts! This results in a more comfortable piece of riding gear.
You can see an example in this picture.
Con’s of Bibs
Typically, bibs are worn underneath a jersey. If you need to use the restroom in such an outfit, you’ll need to go full commando by removing your jersey before taking off the shoulder straps. That is the performance downside of bibs, especially for women. For women, this is a hassle at every stop. For men, only on some stops. But men will still have a tough time urinating when wearing bibs cut high in front, as most seem to be. If you ever spot a guy in the bushes bent forward 90 degrees, you’ll know what type of shorts he’s wearing.
Con’s of Shorts
While shorts are cheaper and weigh less, they have their limitations, too. For most of us women, having a flat stomach is not our reality and cycling shorts can squeeze our waists, pronouncing our muffin tops and causing gut pain. With all the solutions from silicone coating and elastic bands, even those cause gut discomfort and rash if they continually rub against the skin.
Some cyclists use shorts exclusively for shorter rides for convenience but stick to bibs for the more serious stuff.
Follow the tips below for bike-short comfort during and after the ride this season:
Leave your panties behind: Wearing underwear beneath padded bike shorts may cause discomfort in the saddle. Underwear can chafe when seams or folds of fabric rub against the skin, leading to rawness and pain. And, nothing says newbie to your fellow riders like panty lines beneath your shorts.
Lubricate to protect: To further minimize friction, many cyclists count on chamois cream. Bike shops sell different brands, which come in small jars. Before your ride, apply the cream liberally to your crotch and bottom and rub some into the pad inside the shorts. It may take some experimentation overtime to find the formulation of chamois cream you like best.
Wiggle around: Moving occasionally on your saddle helps promote circulation. Remind yourself during your ride to slide forward and back or stand up briefly in the saddle to relieve pressure from sitting for long periods.
Get out fast: Remove your bike shorts as soon as you can after you’ve crossed the finish line. Warm, moist conditions, such as those found inside sweat-infused bike shorts, encourage the growth of bacteria, which can lead to infections. If you can’t change right away, clean up with a baby wipe.
Go commando: To further encourage healthful air circulation to the crotch area, some cyclists wear loose shorts (or skirts) without underwear for a while after the ride.
Wash up: Bike shorts should be laundered after every outing on your bike. If your longer-term plans call for wearing bike shorts frequently, invest in a second pair for easy rotation.
Embracing these habits can help keep long rides comfortable and carefree. Follow them and you’ll be sitting pretty – on and off the bike.
