Cycling shorts vs bibs, which one to choose? Not sure which one to choose between bib shorts and cycling shorts? Most cyclists including pro team racing riders choose bib shorts, but what do waist shorts have to offer? We'll give an overview of its pros & cons of each of these styles.
CYCLING BIB SHORTS
PROs
1. Cycling bib shorts is designed not to restrict your deep diaphragmatic breaths even if you have a beer belly.
2. Bibs hold your chamois exactly where it should be not so loose that the chamois moves under you. This reduces the potential for chafing which happens when your skin rubs together or against clothing.
3. On a more aesthetic note, with bib shorts being obviously cut higher than a traditional short, a seamless transition between shorts and jersey is maintained at all times. You won't end up with your midriff exposed. It also prevents the possibility of lower back sunburn caused by a jersey that has ridden up in hot summer days.
4. Bibs look better off the bike. The seat won't be so baggy. Bike shorts are cut to fit correctly in a on-bike forward-leaning position. Walk to the coffee stop for for an errand and the material in back can sag, making it look like you need your diaper changed. However, for bib shorts, it pull up the slack and keep your butt's profile sleek.
5. Small pockets get added to the area of the lower back under the jersey pockets occupy for gravel riders. Or you could just wear the bike t shirt you like and not worry about the storage.
Cons
1. The extra material, however, can make bib shorts hotter to ride in and a little less breathable especially for tropical weather area like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and so on. This is less of an issue out on the road in most places in Europe where temperature rarely exceed 95°F (35°C), but the fact that many people ride with the bib straps down when cycling indoors can feel the difference.
2. Although bib shorts do not have the problem of a waistband digging in, they introduce a new problem of bib shoulder straps digging in. Someone would wear a base layer to solve this problem. But for ladies who wear sports bra as it can be hard to get the bib straps and bra straps to sit comfy on your shoulders in harmony.
3. Worse, bib straps make it a pain to go to the bathroom. It may be a little easier for men, but it require women to strip off their top half for a nature break. We all remember Tom Dumoulin's briefly left of the course and made for a roadside ditch for a comfort break on Stage 16 of the 2017 Giro d'Italia.
Cycling shorts
Pros
1. With a lower waist and by not having additional straps, waist shorts are without a doubt cooler. No shoulder digging in. And it is much easier for a toilet stops.
Cons
1. The elastic waistband of bike shorts presents their biggest limitation. If you are apple body shape and elastic waistband can cut into your tummy uncomfortably and even the breathable material can soak up sweat in the waist, which certainly feels unpleasant as its held against your skin. Although a pair of well fitting self supporting compression bike shorts should stay in position for the most part, they don’t have quite the same security as a pair of bib shorts.
2. There is more of a chance of exposing your lower back even for high rise shorts when hunched over the handlebars. Worst-case scenario — you embarrass your riding companions to a full-fledged plumber’s crack.
Skinsuits
If you find that bib braces always irritating uncomfortably, or just don’t work well with your bra straps, waist cycling shorts is not the only solution. A one piece cycling skinsuit with back pockets, where the jersey and shorts are one single piece, presents a real alternative to waistbands and bib straps that dig in.
There is no strap/ brace pressure on your shoulder. And no overheating problem of the back mesh braces for pressure distribution.
So, which is best? Honestly, it's up to you, both bib shorts and waist shorts have their advantages, as well as their disadvantages. Your personal preference would decide what will work best for your style of riding.
