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Cycling Bibs Vs Shorts

Matt Donovan,	3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike

By: Matt Donovan,
3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike
Last updated: 8/8/23

"cycling in bib shorts"


Be all day comfortable in bib riding shorts. With less to no bunching and chaffing you will want to stay on your bike for longer, enjoying the miles with far less discomfort than most regular padded riding shorts.

Why wear bib shorts?

If you've been cycling long enough you've most likely heard friends and fellow riders mention the term bib shorts.

Wait, what the hell is a bib doing on bike shorts you probably asked.

Heck, you've probably snickered at the thought of wearing anything with the term bib coming before it unless lobster was involved!

Well, let's get into what bib bike shorts are and why they're a more comfortable alternative to standard padded riding shorts.

Let the cycling bibs vs shorts debate begin!

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"cycling bib shorts"

What are bibs?

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 waist band has been removed and the shoulder straps of the added suspender portion now holds up your shorts!

This results in a more comfortable piece of riding gear.

You can see an example in this picture.

Bibs start as low as $100 for an entry level pair.

Shop Men's Bibs And Shorts     

Shop Women's Bibs And Shorts


Our Three Main Reasons To Ride With Cycling Bibs Vs Shorts

#1 - Your Chamois Stays Put 

Yep, we've all been on rides where your good ole bike shorts start falling down as things heat up.

This causes your padded chamois to start shifting to places it shouldn't.

When your chamois shifts it no longer protects you in areas that it should. 

This leads to skin chaffing and yucky discomfort.

Due to the design of a pair of bibs this doesn't happen very often if ever.

Say goodbye to shifting chamois frustration!

#2 - No Waist Band

With the waist band removed there is no longer an annoying elastic or drawstring to dig into your waistline.

Also due to less restriction around your middle you can breath easier, especially when your really on the gas!

Not having a waist band also can make you feel less guilty about the few extra IPA's you drank this winter.

With no elastic or drawstring your shoulder straps are what hold your shorts in place.

This allows you to move around on the bike much more freely.

So much more comfortable!

#3 - No Bunching

With your shoulder straps now holding your shorts in place and your chamois staying where it should  

you wont experience the bunching of materials that can happen with classic bike shorts.

This means much less overall discomfort and pinching in certain areas on your body.

You will be free to just pedal and enjoy your ride as you should.

You'll forget you ever owned a pair on of non bib shorts!


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