Cycling Bibs vs Regular Shorts — Which One’s Better?
Let’s admit.
4 min readSep 23, 2018
Most of you out there have already debated over cycling bibs vs regular shorts!
Those who have never tried bib shorts will always want to have a go and those who have tried them will never go back to wearing shorts.
Often, newbies are the ones who are seen wearing shorts. While they certainly get the job done, cycling bibs are supposedly more comfortable for men and women.
If you’re reading this, you’re either a newbie or a veteran cyclist. Either way, you are curious to know the many benefits of wearing a cycling bibs over regular shorts.
So without any further ado, let’s put an end to the argument — cycling bibs vs regular shorts- Which one is better?
Cycling Bib shorts:
Cycling bib shorts do not have a waistband. They also have no drawstring to tighten the shorts around your waist. As a result, there is no itching or the feeling of an uncomfortable elastic cutting into your abdomen.
With bib shorts, you’re less likely to feel as if your blood flow and oxygen intake through deep diaphragmatic breathing is being restricted.
Bib shorts do not have any drawstring or elastic near the waist, there’s no way sweat is going to be collected. As a result, no moisture is retained that could increase your chances of chafing.
On the overall, a good pair of Bib shorts will leave you feeling completely free and comfortable in the torso.
2. Stays at the right spot:
Traditional cycling shorts are likely to move around as and when you pedal. Needless to say, they will slip over time, which indirectly will shift the pad or chamois. If this happens, chafing or saddle sores are waiting to show you an unhappy time.
A good pair of bib shorts is designed in such a way that the chamois stays perfectly in place.
3. More comfort:
Bib shorts come with shoulder straps that help keep the chamois or pad in place while cycling. This is one of the reasons why bib shorts are far more comfortable than regular shorts.
With a good pair of bib shorts, you won’t even notice the straps when riding (if you get well-fitted bibs). They are just too good to not own!
Benefits of wearing good bib shorts!
4. Look cool, feel great!
If you’ve ever noticed, good ‘cycling jerseys’ are shorter in the front. This helps in reducing fabric bunching and provide a more aero fit. As a result, for tall riders wearing traditional shorts, they will be flaunting the bare midriff when they are not on the bike.
