Be it any sport, your attire makes a difference. Comfort is of utmost priority when considering sportswear. In the case of cycling, beginners are generally confused about whether cycling bibs will be a better choice or shorts will provide much-needed flexibility along with comfort.
Choosing the right one is necessary to have a comfortable ride. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this, hence understanding the difference between the available options is important.
What is the difference between bibs and shorts?
First, for all those who are wondering, what is the difference between bibs and shorts, bibs are quite similar to regular cycling shorts. But they come with an additional set of suspenders or straps called the “bibs”.
The straps that extend over the shoulders eliminate the need for elastic around the waist as in the case of shorts. Without elastic around the waist, breathing is more comfortable and non-restrictive.
But why do cyclists need an ideal pair of Bibs or Shorts?
- Long rides can give painful saddle sores and cause chafing. Therefore, perfect bibs or shorts make an essential wardrobe addition for professional cyclists.
- Bibs and shorts hug onto the skin and are tight fitted. This is one of the most important features of cycling wear because any loose cloth can hamper their performance as well.
Utility of Bibs and Shorts
As far as utility is concerned, each one of these has its pros and cons. We are here to help you with how each one of these has its own set of advantages.
Benefits of Bibs
- Instead of holding you up across the waist using a waistband like shorts, bibs add additional support using straps running down the shoulders.
- Another area where bibs can prove to be better is to prevent any tightness around your waist. The suspenders eliminate the need for waistbands which usually dig into the skin around your stomach making it an uncomfortable experience.
- Cyclists’ shorts generally come with a chamois which is uncomfortable. Without suspenders the shorts tend to fall especially in a low riding position moving the padded chamois along with it, thus making it a very unfavorable ride. Hence, bibs are recommended.
Benefits of Shorts
- Since no additional straps are running down your upper body, there will be no rubbing of materials as well avoiding any unwanted rashes.
- These days all jerseys come with grippers which keep the cloth from sliding up your waist. So no more worries of any embarrassing situations a cyclist may encounter.
- They are much easier to pull off and wear as well. So your comfort is taken care of while leisure breaks as well.
Conclusion:
Now, since you have understood the differences between cycling bibs and shorts, it is time to choose the most convenient of the two for your future rides.
And contrary to popular belief, wearing bibs are beneficial to every cyclist and not only the professionals. It is advisable to invest in a pair of quality cycling bibs and get used to them before taking them onto your long rides.