There are three contact points between a cyclist and his bike: the handlebars, the saddle, and the pedals. Of these three, the saddle will carry most of the cyclist’s weight for the most part of any ride, making it crucial to get the most comfortable saddle seat and shorts.
Getting a top-notch saddle while neglecting to choose the best cycling bibs will make the saddle purchase pointless, as ill-fitting shorts can make riding a painful experience, while choosing the perfect one will allow you to ride for hours on end without complaint.
And because we’re all about pursuing passions here at Wheelie Great, we’ve created this post to guide you through getting the best cycling bibs, plus a list of our favorite ones in the market today.
Table of Contents
TLDR – Top Pick For Men & Women Cycling Bibs
Our top pick for the best cycling bibs for men is Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bib Shorts and RION Women’s Cycling Bibs Shorts.
Last update on 2024-04-28 at 01:53 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6 Best Cycling Bibs for Men & Women Reviewed
Below you’ll find our reviews for both men and women’s cycling bibs.
1. RION Women’s Cycling Bibs Shorts
Key Features
- Dense-knit 4-way elastic fabric
- Slim fit suitable for 60s-90soF
- Specially designed chamois powered by VeoInsert
- Reflective patches for low-light visibility
- Elastic closure and flat-stitched seams
The first one in our list is Rion’s cycling bibs with elastic closure and flat stitching. Panel construction is as follows:
- Panel 1 – 80% Polyamide (nylon) and 20% Spandex
- Panel 2 – 87% Polyamide (nylon) and 13% Spandex
- Panel 3 – 85% Polyamide (nylon) and 15% Spandex
The slim-fit design provides excellent muscle control and lessens resistance to the wind so you can optimize your performance during your rides.
Made of elastic fabric and combined with a front bib clip to hold them securely in place, the bib straps offer stability, comfort, and breathability.
The P-811 professional padding’s anatomic design is specially fit for a woman’s shape, is made of 180g of sanding and bacteriostatic fabric to add durability and eliminate odors by inhibiting bacterial growth. The 65kh/m3 supportive high-tenacity foam and multiple dimensions of this cycling bib make it perfectly comfortable for long rides.
It also has reflective patches on the back of the thighs so you can stay visible even when riding in low-light. And the leg grippers have laser-cut 5cm-wide elastic compression bands to keep the hem secure during rides, lowering resistance, and optimizing your pedaling technique.
Pros
- Easy to clean and will dry quickly
- Fit is snug and comfortable
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Size may run small, check measurements carefully
- Fabric may be too thin
2. Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bib Shorts
Key Features
- 71% Polyester, 29% Spandex material
- 3D molded construction with multiple panels and flat stitching
- Ergonomic coolmax pad
- High wicking and machine washable fabric
- 90 days no-risk full refund
This next one in the list is Przewalski’s 3D padded bib shorts for men made of 71% Polyester and 29% spandex.
The 3D molded design, multiple panels, 4-needle and 6-thread flat-seam stitching makes this pair fit comfortably and seamlessly into a man’s physical shape.
The fabric wicks moisture extremely, effectively diffusing water away from the skin and creating a cooling effect when worn in the heat. Breathability is ensured by the back mesh construction of this pair.
The crotch padding is composed of layers of high-density foam inserts that absorb shock during rigorous rides, reducing chafing. It has a perforated design that reduces the humid and comfortable feeling, keeping you dry and fresh even on long-distance rides.
Available in 3 colors, this machine washable pair comes with 90 days of no-risk 100% full refund assurance from the manufacturer, no questions asked.
Pros
- Thin but high-quality fabric
- Feels ultra comfortable given the right fit
- Wicks moisture excellently
Cons
- Bibs may be a bit short for taller riders, please check measurements carefully
Last update on 2024-04-28 at 01:53 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Inpro Men’s Padded Bib Shorts
Key Features
- 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex
- ECO chamois with high-density foam and gel
- Machine washable
- Free-style leg opening
- Polyamide mesh bib
We really like this padded bib shorts by Inpro for its 4-way stretchable fabric that can really go a long way in providing breathability and comfort during hard rides.
It has an ECO chamois panel built with high-density foam and gel that gives the right support and moisture wicking through perforation channels, keeping you dry and comfortable during your activities.
Add to that the free-style opening of the legs which offers maximum comfort and the right level of compression to make pedaling more efficient.
The bibs are made of soft-to-the-touch polyamide mesh fabric to allow optimal fit in all the right places and maximum comfort.
Machine-washable and easy to care for, this pair of bib shorts will last you a long time.
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Chamois works efficiently
- Conforms to body’s contours
Cons
- Does not have leg grippers (whic may be an advantage to some)
- May run small, please measure carefully
Last update on 2024-04-28 at 01:53 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Pearl Izumi Men’s Escape Quest Bib Shorts
Key Features
- 6-panel anatomic design
- Select transfer dry fabric
- Select Escape 1:1 chamois
- Highly breathable fabric
- BioViz reflective elements
Another pair for men, we highly recommend these bib shorts by Pearl Izumi for its anatomic design that fits men with a 9.5″ inseam.
The select transfer dry fabric really has set the standard for compression, fit, and moisture wicking capability.
The bike bib shorts are blended with thick chamois panels for a chafe-free and comfortable ride. Combined with the quick-drying and highly breathable blend of fabric, you’ll surely perform at your best for longer.
The BioViz reflective elements of the material in this pair will provide visibility during dusky rides.
Pros
- Bibs keep shorts in place and back protected
- Excellent chamois padding
- Comfortable and snug fit
Cons
- Legs may be short, check measurements
- Stitches are not flat lock
Last update on 2024-04-28 at 01:53 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Santic Cycling Padded Bib Shorts for Men
Key Features
- 76% Polyester and 24% Spandex
- High-elastic and breathable
- Pro cycling padding
- Pro fit and muscle compression
- Reflective elements for low-light visibility
This one here is, in our opinion, a really nice-to-look-at, not-embarrassing-to-wear-at-all bib shorts designed for men and manufactured by Santic.
Made of 76% polyester and 24% spandex, the highly elastic, breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying pair of cycling bibs will make your rides go smoothly so you can focus on your performance and not your sore bum.
The padding is imported from Italy and made of elastic material with foam that is three times more dense than traditional chamois pads in the market today, making it suitable for medium-distance rides of about two to three hours.
The highly stretchable fabric of this pair offers a snug fit and maximizes support and muscle compression. It’s designed to resist wind and allow freedom of movement, enabling you to be fully efficient in your technique.
Pros
- Ultra comfortable
- Flatlock seams prevent chafing
- True to size
- Chamois is positioned accurately
Cons
- Leg length may be short, please check measurements
- Chamois does not have perforation channels
Last update on 2024-04-28 at 01:53 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Is Best?
Quick Answer:
- Best cycling bib for women is the RION Women’s Cycling Bibs Shorts
- Best cycling bib for men is the Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bib Shorts
When choosing the right cycling shorts, it’s very crucial to find one that fits completely well. In fact, if you bought a pair online and found that they don’t fit exceptionally well, we recommend you return it. Fit is paramount to comfort, and comfort spells optimal performance.
When looking at a product, have a flexible measuring tape with you to really get as in-depth in comparing sizes as possible. If you think the legs may be too short for you, ask yourself if you’re willing to compromise. Size up the bibs, look at the fabric and construction.
For us, we really like Przewalski’s offering for men in this category. Their 3D padded cycling bib shorts have thin but high-quality fabric, are ultra comfortable, and does the job of protecting you while you ride so you can focus on performance.
And, as Rion’s pair of cycling bibs is the only one for women that made it to our list, we highly recommend it as one of our top picks, as well. It’s specially designed for women and meets all the features we think would make for the most comfortable pair.
Last update on 2024-04-28 at 01:53 / Commission Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Consider Before Buying Cycling Bib Shorts
You may find it frustrating and confusing seeing a bunch of cycling bibs and not knowing where or how to start looking for the best one for you.
Consider these factors first before buying your next pair.
Type of Bib Shorts
Cycling shorts have elastic waistbands to secure them. They’re cheaper than cycling bibs, although not as comfortable without the straps for support. They are easier to remove, though, during toilet breaks.
Bib shorts, on the other hand, have shoulder straps for better comfort and security compared to cycling shorts, making them road cyclists’ preferred clothing during rides.
Bib tights are longer versions of bib shorts, and come in two varieties: full-length tights that extend all the way to the ankles, and ¾ tights that stop at just below the knees. They can be more expensive than cycling shorts, as they provide added protection during the colder months.
Some will come with zippers, so they’re easier to put on. But like bib shorts, these are also difficult to remove during toilet breaks mid-ride.
Choosing between these all boils down to preference, though. We recommend trying all three types and sticking to the one which provides the most comfort to you to optimize your riding experience.
Some prefer shorts for their convenience during toilet breaks, but others dislike them for their tight-fitting elastic waistbands, which can cause irritation during long-distance rides. They will also tend to expose the skin at the top of your shorts when your jersey rides up.
Fabric and Material Properties
It’s crucial to consider the type of material that went into making the bib shorts you prefer because while some may provide cold and wet weather protection, others will be made of perforated mesh materials that optimize airflow for a cooling effect during warm days.
Some manufacturers also design dimpled surfaces for the fabrics to interrupt airflow and allow better aerodynamics. So if you like to ride in all weather conditions, consider getting a pair that will suit the types of weather you like to ride in so you can get optimal experience.
Spandex is a common material in making these shorts because they’re stretchable. They are, however, not very breathable. So manufacturers combine it with other materials like nylon and polyester to enhance fit, comfort, and breathability while lowering heat and UV rays absorption.
Fit and Comfort
Going on rides will naturally make you sweat a lot, and all that sweat will need an exit point out of your clothing so it can evaporate. That’s why it’s important to consider breathability, as it can also influence the temperature of your body, and thus, your performance.
You won’t notice much moisture in your nether regions if you choose your cycling bibs well. But if you’re unfortunate enough to get non-breathable ones, you’ll definitely feel soggy shorts and go sliding off your saddle in the middle of your rides.
Fit and comfort can also be affected by the cut and style of the shorts. If you come across terms like ‘race’, that means it’s a snug fit, while ‘endurance’ means more loose and comfortable fit.
Chamois Padding
Like most of these considerations, choosing bib shorts’ chamois padding is also a matter of personal preference as everyone sits differently on the saddle and for varying lengths of time. But a chamois generally should fit close to your body, especially around the sit bone.
The level of comfort can also be influenced by its thickness, density, size, and shape. There are pads with perforations and channels in them to improve air circulation and breathability, reducing heat and moisture accumulation which cause chafing and saddle sores.
We recommend observing which specific parts of your nether regions get sore first and the most during a ride (as triggered by your riding style), so you can determine which parts of the chamois should have the thickest padding. Keep in mind, designs may be gender specific.
Some shorts’ chamois padding may harden after many washings, so it’s a good idea to soften them up by applying a layer of chamois cream on them before every ride.
Other Features Built In
Bib shorts are designed to provide utmost comfort during a ride, that’s why manufacturers deemed it necessary to add these other features which are just as important in contributing to that aim.
You’ll notice cycling bibs will have leg grippers, made of soft silicone, which is there to wrap the bottom part of it securely around your thighs, so they don’t ride up or down as you pedal, significantly increasing efficiency.
You’ll know you’ve found good quality cycling bibs if its seams are minimally visible. Properly placed seams or the stitching between panels will prevent chafing because they don’t make direct contact with skin. In effect, the cyclist gets a more comfortable (and focused) ride.
You may also find cycling bibs with pockets built into the back or the legs, which can offer convenient storage options for bare essentials. This, again, is a matter of personal preference, as you may or may not have any use for pockets during your rides.
