Ultimate Bib Short Guide | Everything You Need to Know About Cycling Bib Shorts & Tights (2024)

FAQs

Ultimate Bib Short Guide | Everything You Need to Know About Cycling Bib Shorts & Tights? ›

When it comes to fit, the best cycling bib shorts should fit like a second skin. They should be snug but not too tight, and they should not shift or cut off circulation. The bib straps should be comfortable and not irritate the skin. Look for seamless bib straps and breathable materials to increase comfort.

Shorts are kept in place thanks to their elastic waistband. These are popular for spin classes and recreational riding. Bibs on the other hand don't have a waistband. Instead, integrated suspenders extend from the bib short bottoms to the shoulders to hold the garment in place.

Under your jersey, leave one suspender of the bibs down for your ride. Then, when you need to go, you just pull down and over.

The difference between shorts and tights is quite simple; shorts have short legs, and tights have long legs. With that been said, you can also imagine that shorts are often used in warmer weather conditions, and tights when the temperature drops. Generally speaking that is how it works.

The chamois inside of your shorts was made to fit next to your skin to prevent chafing, and it's built from fabrics that wick moisture and dry quickly. Wearing underwear under your bike shorts adds seams that chafe and fabric that holds in moisture, so your best bet is to go commando when you're in the saddle.

Cycling shorts – pros and cons

The main advantages of cycling waist shorts are price, simplicity and mobility. But they're more problematic if they aren't the perfect fit, and there's a slightly higher risk of chafing as your legs and waist move more freely.

Bike shorts generally don't require underwear. They have a padded area in front, to protect the scrotum from the pressure of the saddle, and are fairly close fitting anyway. Most types of underwear would be too constrictive and cause unnecessary sweating.

Fit. Bike shorts should be tight when you first put them on, but not so tight that you're cutting off circulation. Make sure they're snug enough that they remain in place while you bike. Also keep in mind that as you move, they'll stretch slightly.

An extra layer of fabric between your inner thighs and the saddle also reduces friction and eliminates chafing when worn with a properly fitting liner short like one of our chamois. Your liner will stay put on your skin while the baggy shorts glide between you and the saddle, so you don't get rubbed the wrong way.

Should I size down in bib shorts? ›

The size of the bib shorts should fit well, not too tight or too loose. The bib shorts should be tight-fitting to prevent chafing and discomfort, but not so tight that they restrict movement.

Unfortunately there is nothing 'standard' when it comes to bib and short sizing. We suggest that to get the correct size, use a flexible tape and measure across the small part of your waist and the widest part of your hips.

Cycling tights and bib tights should fit snuggly like bike shorts so they don't bunch and chafe and so they hold the chamois in place well. The straps on bib tights should be snug enough not to slip from your shoulders but not be so tight that they dig into you or strain your arms.

By using bib straps instead of a waistband, this style of short is designed not to restrict your deep diaphragmatic breaths. The straps have the secondary benefit of keeping the shorts securely in place and thereby reducing any chafing.

Cycling shorts (also known as bike shorts, bicycling shorts, chamois, knicks, or spats or thigh cling shorts) are short, skin-tight garments designed to improve comfort and efficiency while cycling.

Mountain Biking and Road Biking

Mountain bike shorts, also called transition shorts, are baggy and abrasion resistant on the outside. They look like shorts you might wear anywhere. However, they also include built-in liner shorts that are form fitting and padded.

Road-cycling style bib shorts with a chamois pad are ideal either on their own or, more common for trail riding, as an under layer with a pair of baggy mountain bike shorts over the top.