(Part 2) Best cycling bib shorts for men according to redditors

I weigh about 230 (and dropping), and the 2 best things i did was get some padded bibs and upgrade my seat. I recommend bibs because use big guys have problems with biking shorts rolling down so the over the shoulder straps help a lot.

These are the ones I got. For reference I am 5'10" / 230lbs and the XL fit well.

And for the seat I picked up the ISM Adamo Podium

I can go 30-40 miles without too much discomfort aside from what is normal for a large guy to sit on a tiny seat on a rigid road bike haha.

And if you are wondering, I wear a pair of running shorts and a normal athletic shirt over the bibs. I don't need to make the world look at me in skin tight spandex just yet :D

Here are some deals I've seen and when they come up or shut down. (All times are Pacific)


USB Rechargable Bike Tail Light on sale at 3:45

Foam Rollers go on sale at 4

Kryptonite 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock, Black Goes on sale at 3

Revolights bicycle lighting system Midnight

Womens Pearl Izumi Shorts

Pearl Izumi Jerseys 4:00

Different pearl izumi bibs

Pearl Izumi shorts 5:45

Pearl Izumi bibs as shown below 4:45

Canari womens shorts

Brooks saddles bicycle bar tap 2:45

Yakima DoubleDown 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack 4:45

Very compact sleeping bag 4:30

Compact first aid kit 3:00

Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5 Bicycle Ulock 3:35

headlamp 5:30

Polar Heart Rate Monitor 3:30

LED Strobe Lights 2:30

Youphoria Sport Towel ends at 3:15ish



Sram Bar Tape ends at 2:50
Kryptonite NY Standard on sale 6:50

I would also recommend a CAAD 10 with 105. You get a really nice lightweight bike and money left over for gear and extra components like a rack, Topeak. Which is what I have on mine with a Bag to hold all my repair equipment and my lunch. I commute 23 miles to work (one way) and have no issues with my bike. Also for the weekend rides i recommend a Bib and some this for your nether region.

Carbon may seem like a good choice but since you are just getting into it the little weight that is shaved off will not be worth the extra price since all you will be doing is commuting and weekend riding.

Honestly your best bet is to go to you local bike shop and ask to try out different bikes.

edit: links, typo

I love my Pearl Izumi Elite bibs. I'm fine with cheap jerseys as long as they have nice rear pockets. I shopped around and found the bibs for as low as $70 in the past.

http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Inrcool-Shorts-X-Large/dp/B0091IVLZK/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1405642697&sr=1-1&keywords=elite+bib

I have these and they are great. The price fluctuates so get them while they are cheap.

If you're planning on doing more than just a short commute, you'll want to get:

• Some padded shorts. Bib shorts are the best as they don't have a waistband to dig into you, but you could get 'baggies' if lycra is not your thing. I use these but I'm not over impressed with the quality, though they are inexpensive compared to most.
  
• Some cycling gloves. They'll stop wind chill, stop you grazing your hands if you fall and reduce hand numbness. Typically people use fingerless ones for the summer and fingered ones for the winter.
  
• Water bottle. I use these ones as they're dirt cheap and big.
  
• Pump. I quite like this one.
  
• Spare inner tube. I bought my last batch from Ribble.
  
• Patch repair kit. I tend to get cheap ones from Wilkinsons.
  
• Tyre levers. I have both plastic and metal ones and the plastic ones are better.
  
• Multitool. I use a cheap one I got from Sainsbury's.
  
• Saddle bag (for carrying the spare tube, mulitool and patch kit). I use this one and I'm pretty pleased with it.
  
  That's the bare minimum, I'd say. You can ride with less but it'll be less comfortable and more inconvenient when you get a puncture. You'll also need lights if you ride at night, of course. A proper cycling jersey is also really nice and a massive improvement over a t-shirt but you don't need it.

On amazon, look up Tenn. They make what is in my opinion the best cheap cycling stuff.
This is their bib

Because you can get the F75x for a good price (you said $1100 further up), then it's obviously the best choice for an exercise bike. Much better components than the Jake, carbon fork, full 105...

You said you'll be riding for "fun and fitness" - Do you ever think you'll bike to work? If so, the lack of rack mounts might suck, but a backpack should do fine. If you ABSOLUTELY need rack mounts, which you shouldn't unless you plan to commute long distances or do some light touring, then get the Jake.

The felt is also a fucking sexy color, as girly as that makes me sound.

So, if you can deal with no rack mounts, get the felt bike, along with this and this and you'll be all set for exercise, and you can wear more "normal" clothes for "fun". But the cycling jersey really helps to carry some food, a spare tube, and some necessities in the back pocket like cash and I.D.

One last important thing that could throw you off completely: orthopedic issues - make sure you try the bike and that you have no hip pain - if you do, you might consider getting a hybrid for a more relaxed position. If you feel comfortable on the F75x, then it's one hell of a bike, and I wish you luck.

EDIT: Not sure about the wheels, but the Felt is about as good as the Jake the Snake, even at the MSRP it would be a really good deal. If you can get it $1100 out the door, then that's an insane deal.

Give these bibs a try, they're cheap and relatively good. I race in them and have done century rides (100 miles, not km) and been more than comfortable.

edit: here is a pic of how you should look with bibs/ shorts on. http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Quest-Short/dp/B00943OUS2/ref=pd_sim_200_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41Y9KlYc3OL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR123%2C160_&refRID=0DJRH5NR87PAEWA2VSQ4

No sagging.

amazon sometimes have decent prices on some castelli stuff. These bibs and this jersey are both pretty good (if you're in temperate to hot weather).

If you're in the UK, Wiggle's own brand DHB make decent quality stuff at very competitive pricing. Just check their sizing guides.

I'd say in general that if your waist is in the 31-33" range go for medium on bibs etc and if smaller go for small. Whether you want a small or medium jersey depends on the size of your chest and arms. I'm 6'2" and around 150 and wear a small jersey cause I'm scrawny as fuck up top.

I've been having this problem, but I just took the plunge on bike shorts. Got a pair of these and their bib-less counterparts.

I haven't ridden with them yet, but if cost is the thing keeping you from some SPEEDSHORTS I'll be happy to let you know how they go.

I've already been wearing a pair of Pearl Izumis under my pants, and it's super worth it, even as underoos.

A few non-answers:

1. I bought a cheap asian jersey to see if it was usable. The measurements are all wonky. The sleeves are too short and the neck is huge. It's barely usable. Something to keep in mind. Fabric seems fine and stitching isn't appreciably worse than the cheaper "normal" brands (e.g. Voler)
   
   
2. I bought these ~50$ cannondale bib shorts, but the fabric is definitely sub-par, and they are made with too few panels, so the fit is bad (at least on me).
   
   
3. Bib shorts. doo eeeet.
   
   And one real answer: If you're brave of heart and want cheap gear. Buy used. Here is a pair of Castelli bib shorts for 35$. I've had pretty good success.

Bib shorts?

I have a pair of cycling "shorts" from a company that makes this bib that I have saved in my cart for a few months. The quality is decent, and the price is the main attractant tbh. I only ride with a jersey/shorts(padded) maybe a handful of times a year. I also have a couple jerseys that I have picked up for cheap over the years.

Should I go with the linked bib, or shell out a bit more for some Pearl Izumi. One day I would like to ball out on a full flashy Cadence or Heavy Pedal kit, but I am not sure I am ready to make that investment (or that will just incentivize me to ride kitted up more often)...

Any suggestions or insight would be appreciated. This year I am planning on riding a century as well as getting on the track.

Other have said not to buy cheap shorts; perhaps I'm simply unaccustomed to good ones. I have these and they seem perfectly fine to me.