"If you've only ridden in regular shorts, bib shorts feel like cheating. No waistband biting when you lean forward, the straps keep everything locked, and the chamois stays exactly where it should for hours. That's "The Good." But there's "The Bad" (price and lifespan) and "The Ugly" (the bathroom dance and the look in a gas-station mirror). Let's walk it through and then I'll show three solid picks- Budget, Mid-Range (what I wear), and Premium."
"No waistband pain. With bibs, there's nothing squeezing your stomach when you're in the drops or grinding uphill. Stable chamois. The straps keep the pad planted under your sit bones, so you're not constantly readjusting or fighting hot spots. Less chafing. Good bibs use smoother seams and better paneling. Less friction, happier skin. Even pressure. A decent chamois spreads load away from soft tissue and nerves."
Bib shorts remove a waistband that can dig into the stomach and use shoulder straps to keep the chamois precisely positioned under the sit bones, reducing the need to readjust. High-quality bibs use smoother seams and paneling to lower chafing and distribute pressure through a shaped, multi-density chamois that protects soft tissue and nerves. Padded shorts of any style reduce skin shear and spread saddle pressure compared with regular gym shorts. Downsides include higher price, limited lifespan, and awkwardness when using bathrooms. Recommended options span Budget, Mid-Range, and Premium tiers for different priorities.
Read at Theoldguybicycleblog
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