Bibs v shorts

[hilljockey]

From RBR:

---Bibs hold your chamois where it does the most good. For saddle sore prevention, shorts need to be snug with the chamois tight against your crotch. If they're loose, allowing the chamois to move, you'll get abrasions and sores in the same way that an overly large hiking boot can cause blisters. The chamois material also might wrinkle or bunch, causing irritation. Bibs help keep the crotch area snug.
 
---Bibs keep your shorts up. Regular shorts can expose your lower back. Even those with a drawstring or elastic waistband can work down during a ride or be pulled down when you're in a low aero position. Worst-case scenario -- you treat your riding companions to a full-fledged plumber's crack. At least they won't draft you anymore. No hitching is needed with bib shorts.
 
---Bibs are comfortable around the stomach. There is no waistband so there's no chance the shorts can feel like a tourniquet, getting tighter the lower you bend.
 
---Bibs look better off the bike. With bibs, the seat of your shorts won't bag when you're walking around. Shorts are cut so you'll be comfortable in the bent-forward riding position. Stand up straight off the bike and the seat might make it look like you need your diaper changed. Bibs take up the slack and keep your butt's profile sleek.
 
Of course, nothing is perfect. Besides costing $10-$20 more, bibs have several disadvantages:
 
---Bibs can be hotter in hot weather because they cover much of the upper body, adding a second layer under your jersey.
 
---Some riders' skin is irritated by the bib straps.
 
---On some models, the bib top may be too short. Tall riders or those with long upper bodies may find them too confining.
 
---With bibs, it's difficult to take what race commentators Liggett and Sherwen call "a nature break." To urinate, a guy has to go through a leg or contort to pull the front down far enough. Women need to take off their jerseys to get the bibs down.
 
---Bibs are overkill under a pair of tights that have their own bib top.

What's your opinion?

[key]

bibs all the way...

[Metro Commuter]

Bibs without any doubt - holds your gut in (if you have a gut to hold in). Commuter and Commando recommended bibs to me years ago...cough cough

[TheSniper]

No contest. Bibs.

[giantcfr1]

Bibs over a bonds shirt with no cycling jersey - really comfortable

[spandexcstacy]

Wouldn't you look like a weightlifter??

[TheSniper]

I think he would spandextacy. That photo looks like a rider at the velodrome, won't say his name. Valid point made.

[giantcfr1]

yeah i do look like a weightlifter apparently  - but its comfortable during summer. During winter i wear all the other gear over the top. Whatever works i guess.

[TheSniper]

i wonder if you really the guy i was poking mild fun at- was meant well. makes alot of sense cfr1. i dont wear undershirt in summer at moment. too hot 

[giantcfr1]

go ahead and poke fun- i've got a sense of humour. I've only been wearing knicks for about 6 months - I did last year's Pokolbin race (60km) in shorts and a shirt (ouch), I think my old coach had a dig when he saw me so i decided to at least try bibs - im slowly graduating back to full cycling outfit - at least for races and winter. My problem is i  like bibs, but i can't stand the feel of the straps on my shoulders (after nerve damage from a crash). So i have to wear an undershirt, but it is then too hot to put another shirt over top. You'll know me if you see me - the bib and shirt are both black - never seen anyone else dress like it. If you see me around say G'day

[TheSniper]

maybe you can sew some tshirt material onto the underside of your bib straps? doesn't have to be fancy. that way youll have pockets with a jersey on the top. i know a shop with black jerseys! 8-) I will be looking for you- The Sniper observes his targets carefully.

[Napalm]

No contest, bibs for sure.  They can also be used if you want to go to a fancy dress party as Freddie Mercury.

Any other uses for bib knicks?

[Boostland]

For use as a one time disposable road cleaning rag while connected to your thigh.

This is based on my crash last week while wearing a brand new set of bibs.