Both bibs and shorts have benefits, but which will suit you best?
All cyclists must have a choice when chamois and old shorts start to wear or sag. Some love bib shorts to wear, and others bike shorts, but both are best for miles of ease in the saddle. Straps vs no straps is the most apparent difference between these two categories of cycling apparel. But it’s not the only one. Bib shorts and bike shorts have their advantages and drawbacks. Also, everyone’s choice depends on personal comfort and preference. So, our brands like Velocio, Pas Normal Studios, and Ostroy offer both bibs and bike shorts to satisfy all preferences and needs. Now, we will help you explore what Velocio cycling bibs and bike shorts are, why you wear them, and how to choose one of your types. If you want to visit and buy Pas Normal Studios, Velocio, and Ostroy cycling bibs & shorts, purchase them through our site links.
If you are a beginner but want to start your cycling journey, get a complete smorgasbord of what bicycle you should ride, what clothing brands you need, gears, and where you can enjoy your coffee while riding. What is the most important? First, prefer your choices. Eat and drink what you want, ride what you fancy in whatever you fancy, and you’ll have fun!
What are bib shorts?
Bib shorts do have great technical features like bike shorts. But bibs have suspender-like shoulder straps instead of a waistband. They are aerodynamic and skintight. The straps have the extra benefit of keeping your bibs in place with every movement while you're riding. Bib straps also offer the most ease and relaxation when worn with a cycling base layer to inhibit chafing. Because bib shorts prevent bunching and slipping, they are most often chosen for long rides or racing.
We provide both women’s and men’s bib shorts. These bibs are intended for tough bicycle riding with chamois made for endurance and SPF 50+ cooling Lycra. The bib straps are made of soft mesh with plenty of flex. You can easily remove off and on.
What are bike shorts?
Bike shorts are aerodynamic, skintight shorts. These shorts have chamois padding that will improve your performance and comfort in the saddle. For sure, this apparel will prevent your body from saddle sores and chafing. The bike shorts have a secure and relaxing waistband. To keep your bike shorts in place, it may even have gripping leg bands.
Like our Aristo Bib Shorts, bike shorts should be made of moisture-wicking material. Such stuff will keep sweat from causing you irritation. They must have panels for an optimal fit. These bike shorts are manufactured with SPF (sun protection factor) 50+ protection to avoid sunburn and with flat-lock cover stitching on the seams to restrict chafing.
Cycling bib shorts vs. bike shorts
Are these cycling shorts all that different? A pro cyclist knows well that a minor change or small detail can create a great difference in performance in your cycling kit. So, comparing both cyclists' shorts is not a pointless exercise. Both have their share of pros and cons.
Bib shorts pros and cons
Advantages of Bib shorts
- No waistband: You don't have to worry about an elastic waistband; the shoulder straps keep the bib shorts in place, even in the saddle. These shorts give you more deep breathing space. And there is no need to deal with your waistband digging into your midriff.
- High-waisted: Another good thing about bib shorts is that they completely cover the belly section. It makes it pretty sure that neither you nor the riders behind you will have to tolerate a plumber’s crack.
- Secure chamois: You don't have to deal with a shifting chamois until your shorts’ straps slip down from your shoulders. If your straps stay in place, so will your chamois.
- No saggy butt off the bike: Bib shorts keep your chamois in place and so secure. So you won’t feel like you’ve gone too long without change after you’ve completed a ride.
- Good for winter: Bib shorts allow you to add another thin layer of material over your mid-section. It offers complete insulation in the cool seasons.
Drawbacks of Bib shorts
- Potentially uncomfortable straps: Some bike riders find the shoulder straps of bibs a little bit restrictive and uncomfortable when leaning forward. Bib and bra straps both cause abrasion for women cyclists.
- Warmer: An Extra clothing layer offers warmth, which is a pro for winter. But what about summer days? Some cyclists find bib shorts too warm for a relaxing ride.
- Tricky toilet trips: Bib shorts make bathroom breaks difficult for many cyclists, especially females. As they require shimmying out of the shoulder straps first.
- Non-adjustable straps: Pinching or slipping shoulder straps would make bib shorts unworthy of wearing. Try on bib shorts (like any other cycling apparel) first in the saddle to ensure that shoulder straps fit well.
While designing cycling bib shorts, a lightweight material is used to give a barely-there feel. So you can even wear it on hot summer days for hours.
Bike shorts pros and cons
Advantages of Bike shorts
- Simple and suitable: If bike shorts fit you properly, they are pretty easy to wear and give you eternal comfort with improved performance and a good chamois.
- Comfortable on and off: Bike shorts can be easily put on or taken off. This feature will be appreciated at rest stops on a long ride.
- Cooler: With these shorts, you don’t have to wear an extra layer of clothing over your midriff and chest. But with bib shorts, you have to bring another layer. In the summer days, the simplicity of bike shorts gives cyclists an advantage.
- Unrestrained shoulders: Bike shorts with no shoulder straps allow the arms to move freely. This will ultimately improve mobility while riding.
Drawbacks of Bike Shorts
- Restrictive waistband: There is no need to worry about shoulder straps with bike shorts, but you do have to consider the waistband. On a long ride with hours of bowed cycling position, this waistband may dig deep into your waist and lead to irritation. It may also limit deep breaths during intense exercises.
- Chamois shifting: Keeping bike shorts secure and in place is challenging because of the absence of shoulder straps. Shorts may shift as they please with a single movement while riding. Your chamois is intended to fit precisely and securely. If it shifts out of place, then you will experience saddle sores and chafing.
- Slipping and bunching: Your bike shorts may start to slip down during a casual ride. So, shorts will bunch at the upper thighs or expose your lower back, causing chafing.
If your shorts are slipping, shifting, or bunching, it can be a sign that yours do not fit properly. Rather than switching to another style of shorts, get the right size.
Which is right for you?
Shorts are a mandatory part of your cycling kit. They enhance performance, prolong endurance, and prevent saddle sores and chafing. Here, you have two choices: bib shorts or bike shorts. One thing to consider is which of the two is best for you. If you get too warm in a while, you should go for bike shorts. If you are looking for shorts that don’t slip down easily, then you must choose bib shorts. But you aren’t forced to wear one –enjoy both styles!
Both bib shorts and bike shorts do well. You may love wearing bib shorts for cycling races and appreciate bike shorts for casual rides or recreation. Take a neutral position in the bib vs. bike shorts debate. Stock your wardrobe with both short styles. So, you can customize your cycling kit for all occasions and seasons.
A pair of these shorts bring comfort to you in the saddle. If you want to buy these shorts, have a look at our cycling apparel brands, such as Pas Normal Studios, Ostro Cycling brand, and Velocio Cycling brand. Then, decide to buy bibs or bike shorts from any of these brands.
FAQs
Are cycling bibs better than shorts?
Bib shorts will make you feel completely comfortable and free in the torso. Other cycling shorts will eventually slip down over time, which means the pad, or chamois, will shift as well. Bibs keep the chamois so secure to ensure no chance of saddle sores, chafing, and unhappy times.
Do pro cyclists wear bibs or shorts?
The default cycling shorts are bibs. They are so great that you'll find the most experienced riders wearing them.
What are the disadvantages of cycling shorts?
The potential drawbacks of cycling shorts are chafing, discomfort from tightness, limited style options, high cost, skin irritation, and the need for proper maintenance. They also provide many benefits. Understand the potential downsides to make an informed decision.
Do you wear anything under cycling bibs?
About this delicate discussion, an honest answer will be no. Keep it as simple as possible. Don't wear anything under your cycling shorts. The chamois inside of your shorts was designed to fit properly next to your skin to restrict chafing. And it's made of such fabrics that dry instantly and wick moisture.