What size bibs did you order? I’m also seeking optimization for a stringbean physique. I have Giordana size “L” bibs that fit well, but never sure if I should favour compression over height.
I went with Small based on @schultzor’s Rapha Core comparison because a Medium in that is definitely too loose on me
I get height issues with lots of bibs from my injured shoulder muscles being sensitive, so I already have a quiver of bibs that I should find a seamstress to lengthen the back on instead of dropping one shoulder strap
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Thanks. And dang, that must put some weird asymmetric stress on your back. Do you alternate through the ride?
Worst possible thing is straps that are too short. This is why I don’t wear Assos
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for bibs where the two straps come from the same point in the center of your back, dropping one makes the other one effectively longer because the origin point shifts
I only ever drop the left strap because that’s the more sensitive side from a 2015 injury
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I’ve had ok luck just stitching more Lycra into bib straps on my own.
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Y’all have any recommendations for 3/4 thermal bibs?
Since I’m getting out mostly in the mornings, it’s rarely >50f. I find myself wearing 3/4 thermals most often. I’ve worn out the pair that I have. The PI ones are decent. I’ve tried Assos and didn’t like the fit. Considering Rapha. Most anyone else has limited availability outside of winter. I’d like to be able to replace or buy more any time of year.
I’ve gone through a few pair of Castellis for just that reason…they were always available outside of the Oct-Feb retail window.
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Castelli makes a bewildering array of 3/4, 5/8, and 55/100 length winter shorts in several thicknesses and waterproofednesses.
That also do not label their garments in a consistent way, so I’ll say that the 3/4 guys with the dimpled pad and the three reflective stripes on the upper calf are pretty good
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I have the 45 North bib knickers, no pad so I wear the bib of my choice under them and only wash them every 3-4 rides.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/45nrth-naughtvind-bib-pant-mens
Oh the other thing, maybe try the Rapha winter bib shorts. They are good for me down to about 55 and with knee warmers down to 45. One warning though – I put them on and the fit is considerably more, ah, compressive than their other shorts. I in no way have particularly thick legs and my legs feel a bit squashed in them.
https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/mens-pro-team-winter-bib-shorts/product/SBP01XXDNW
bib knickers are the best. i get the champion systems ones through team. they’re good but I’m the oddball that likes champsys
Winter shorts + knee warmers > knickers. I’ll die on that hill.
Giordana is (as expected) really good.
The Poc cool weather bibs might be really good for Bay Area life too. Not “thermal” but the fabric on the front of the short portion has some wind/water resistance that knocks the chill off.
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Who makes the heaviest/warmest winter weight bibs?
I have some Specialized ones that are probably the warmest. But if it’s cold cold, I’ll just use regular bibs and some padless bib tights. I’ve got some Craft ones with the wind stopper front that are borderline too warm for anything much over freezing.
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I secondish this. I bought these thermal (non-bib) tights and they are going strong after 5+ years of regular winter use. One of the best value kit buys I have made. I wear them down to -20C/-4F on a regular basis.
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I had some Raphas that I needed to size up in for the winter weight ones from the amount of fleece. Loved those things.
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I feel like this is a personal preference. I used to be super minimalist in terms of cold weather gear, but now I’m old and so are my knees. I really do hate putting on knee or leg warmers. I think I’d feel differently if I were over-heated mid-ride frequently, which I’m not, at least not on my lower half.
I have some PI amfib lite bib tights that work well into the high 30s degrees freedom. I imagine the non lite version works down into the lower 30s. If it gets that cold, I ain’t going out.
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i like knickers because once they’re on, they’re just on and you don’t have to think about them ever again. whereas knee warmers are always moving about.
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have an REI Co-Op cycling windbreaker from a few seasons ago that is now two sizes too big (watt killer) so time for a new one
i really love its oversized hood that can cover helmet. dont love a lack of pit vents and no rear pockets. love pack-ability.
any ideas on what i want
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I feel like knickers either 1. Just don’t fit well or 2. Do weird shit to my knee tracking.
I’ve got some old blown out cannondale knee warmers that are fine but really if it’s cold enough to cover my knees it’s cold enough to cover my shins.
I only wear the knee warmers if I think there’s a good chance I’ll want to remove them when/if the temperature rises.