Bibs and shorts

What are Bike Shorts?

Bike shorts are snug, stretchy, and designed to keep you comfortable in the saddle by reducing friction and absorbing vibrations. Unlike bibs, they stay up with an elastic waistband instead of straps. Most bike shorts have a built-in chamois to cushion your sit bones and prevent chafing.

Some models are made specifically for road cycling (though they also work well for mountain biking). These are meant to be worn on their own. They’re aerodynamic, durable, and slightly compressive. They often include extra features like reflective details or side pockets for small essentials.

For mountain biking, many riders prefer to wear liner shorts. Liners are thinner, lightweight bike shorts that you wear underneath looser-fitting outer shorts. Liners provide the comfort of a chamois and a snug fit, while the outer shorts add extra protection from brush, mud, or falls.

What are bib bike shorts?

Like conventional bike shorts, bike bib shorts are made from a synthetic material and have a built-in chamois. The difference is that bibs have straps or suspenders that hold them up instead of an elastic waistband. Most can be worn on their own, though often mountain bikers wear them beneath mountain biking shorts.

What’s a chamois?

A chamois (aka shammy) is a layered pad built into both bike shorts and bib shorts. The layer in contact with your body is usually soft and seamless for optimal comfort. The middle layer is made up of padding of different thicknesses. The outer layer is the durable material that’s in contact with the saddle. The chamois sits underneath your sit bones and hips, where it absorbs and distributes shocks and vibrations.

Why wear bike shorts or bib shorts?

Both regular bike shorts and bibs are a cycling essential, whether you’re a seasoned pro or learning to ride. They make your time on the saddle much more enjoyable. In fact, riding without the protection of a chamois, especially for a significant length of time, can be extremely unpleasant because it can lead to saddle soreness, rashes, irritation, and other issues. Furthermore, both garments prevent chafing in a sport where your legs are almost always moving.

Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons of choosing bike shorts:

Pros

• More affordable than bib shorts
• Easier to put on and take off
• Some riders find a wide, soft waistband more comfortable than shoulder straps.

Cons

• Waistband can dig into your midsection
• More likely to shift around, which can cause the chamois to move and lead to chafing.
  

Here’s a breakdown of some of the advantages and disadvantages of wearing bib shorts.

Pros

• No elastic waistband: Suspenders or straps hold bibs in place, so they don’t need an elastic waistband. Not having a waistband digging into your midriff is a major comfort upgrade. A waistband can be particularly annoying when you’re breathing hard.
• Chamois stays in place: A bib’s design is much better at keeping the shammy where it needs to be. This means less friction between your body and the shorts, which spares you a lot of discomfort over a medium to long ride.
• No bunching: The straps are also better at preventing the legs from bunching, which can cause chafing.

Cons

• More expensive: The extra comfort generally comes at a higher price.
• Less convenient for “nature breaks”: Bibs can be harder to take off when nature calls. That said, many models have solutions to solve or mitigate the issue, including zippers, clips on the shorts, and suspenders designed for quick removal.

How to choose bib shorts or bike shorts?

Selecting the right bike shorts or bib shorts comes down to your riding discipline, budget, and personal preferences. Here are some aspects to consider:

Size

Finding the right size is critical. They should be snug without being too tight, which can cause pinching. This keeps the chamois in place so you stay comfortable throughout your ride.

In the case of bibs, as the sizes go up, they tend to have more room in the back and longer straps. That’s why slim riders may need to size down, and conversely, burly riders, to size up. Some shorts have longer thighs and inseams, making them better for riders with long legs or those who prefer more leg coverage.

Pockets

Cargo bibs and shorts come with leg and back pockets for small items, such as keys and energy gels. This is a major advantage if you like to have certain items easily within reach while riding.

Discipline

Mountain biking and road riding have discipline-specific designs. Offroad versions tend to have thicker chamois and more rugged materials to absorb the extra vibrations and withstand brushes with the odd bramble or branch.

Gender-specific models

Men’s and women’s bibs and shorts have cuts and chamois specifically designed to fit each gender’s anatomy. Men’s versions often have a longer inseam and a snugger fit through the hips, while women’s models tend to offer more room. Women’s models also usually have a higher waistband, and a cut that comes in farther at the waist. The chamois design also differs: women’s pads are typically wider to support broader sit bones and may include more padding at the front for added comfort.

UV protection

Some models provide UV protection. This can be important for road and gravel bikers or mountain bikers planning to ride out west in the desert or above treeline.

Straps on bibs

Bibs come with many types of straps of varying widths, textures, and stretchiness. It’s often a matter of personal preference. That said, softer straps without seams are usually the most comfortable on long rides. Many riders also find laser-cut straps more comfortable.

Reflective details

Some bibs and shorts have reflective details that make you more visible on the road for added safety.

What should you wear beneath bib shorts or bike shorts?

Nothing. Wearing underwear beneath your shorts creates friction and irritation. Underwear also doesn’t have the same antimicrobial properties.

How to care for cycling shorts and bib shorts?

Generally, bib shorts should be washed with a gentle cycle in cold water and then line dried. When in doubt, always check the manufacturer’s care instructions.

For further details, check out our article “How to care for your technical clothing.”

Questions?

If you have any questions about bib shorts, contact us or stop by one of our stores to talk with one of our experts.