Bib Shorts recommendation <100euro (Castelli, DHB)

jon1981

Hi,

I'm looking to invest in anew pair of bibs and not willing to spend more than 100euro. I currently have the DHB aeron race which are fine up to about 100km or 4.5 hours in the saddle. However Im looking for a new pair and want to up the comfort level alittle for up to 7-8 hour spins.

I have my eye on these two. The DHB pro shorts are a step up from the Race version i currently have but i'm wondering if it would be noticeable in terms of comfort or should i invest in the Castelli?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-evoluzione-bib-shorts/#tabAA


http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-pro-cycling-bib-short/

Any advice welcome!

Hmmzis

This wouldn't be boards if someone didn't suggest something over the stated budget. Have a look at the Assos outlet store, they tend to have some good deals on the older models. At the start of the 'summer' I got a pair of s5 Uno's for 112eur delivered. The comfiest shorts in my drawer by a big margin.

jon1981

Hmmzis wrote: »

This wouldn't be boards if someone didn't suggest something over the stated budget. Have a look at the Assos outlet store, they tend to have some good deals on the older models. At the start of the 'summer' I got a pair of s5 Uno's for 112eur delivered. The comfiest shorts in my drawer by a big margin.

Yeah I had a look, I didn't see anything on discount in my size.

actually they have these in a medium, but i need a small by the size guide.

http://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/men/shorts/t-fi-uno-s5-black.html

26 quid over budget though!

darkvalley

I have a pair of the dhb aeron pro shorts above. Great shorts, very comfortable, and lasting well. I have them about 18 months now and still as good as new. I also have a pair of assos uno-s5 and cant tell the difference between the two. I've used both for long journeys, 200km+, and the dhb's were as comfortable throughout as the assos. Both good shorts but serious difference in price.

jon1981

Thanks for the replies, opinions on bibs are very subjective and vary widely. You're right in that the Pros are probably fine vs Castelli or Assos so I wonder is it a psychological thing with some people in that more $$ should equal more comfort. I have the DHB race version but i don't want to buy the Pros if the difference is only marginal.

TheBlaaMan

Amongst my favourite shorts are my Sportful NoRain jobbies. These seem to no longer be available, but there are a number of Sportful bibs to choose from and all are the same high quality as Castelli (they are the same company, btw), you will find something in budget.

triggermortis

Also worth looking on Amazon once you've decided what to go for - sometimes prices can come up a bit cheaper. Rosebikes.co.uk also have a large selection of everything

ckeego

Try ProBikeKit (PBK)

I have 2 pairs of their winter tights and they are as good and even better than some of the top end stuff from Castelli and such.

The top of the line bib shorts are reduced from 100 to 56 at the moment and if the quality and chamois is the same as the tights, you won't go far wrong..

The other option is to contact VeloRevolution-their bib shorts are superb-about 75 euro or so..

ROK ON

Jon1981

I started using Castelli shorts this year only. They are great. What do I like about them:
Chamois feels nice-used shorts on a long Audax spin and on a couple of mid length spins - always comfy.
The sit really well on the thighs - they don't bunch and as a result feel 'solid'
They look great - I got the ones with the yellow fluo stripe.
The other thing for me is the length - I have short legs and as a result many shorts are too long on me. The come to the knee. It's annoying.
The castelli short sits 2/3rds of the way down my thigh and as a result looks nicer and is comfier.
I like them and will buy more when I need more. Great bang for buck and possibly the best shorts that I have had.
Comparing these to Assos, Rapha, Spin, Exteonodo, Dhb, Santini, Squadra and Panache.

mossym

you're copmparing teh very top of the dhb range with the entry models in the castelli range, but owning both, the castelli win out, by a long way. even though it's the kiss pad versus the better pad on the higher end castellis, if i were going for a long cycle i'd reach for the castelli's every time. better cut, better fit, better pad, and i find the straps better too.

jon1981

Thank you for recommendations so far. I should have known this wouldn't be easy There is so much choice out there , nearly too much! The PBK brand look interesting, not heard of them though I couldn't find sizing info on their site.

Sinbad_NI

Recently got a pair of the latest DHB ASV bibs. Most comfortable I've used and replaced my Castelli's for the longer spin choice.

jon1981

Sinbad_NI wrote: »

Recently got a pair of the latest DHB ASV bibs. Most comfortable I've used and replaced my Castelli's for the longer spin choice.

I noticed them, I wasn't sure if the chamois was much more comfortable/thicker than the DHB pro version as really i'm looking for a more comfy Chamois as opposed to lighter or better bib material. If it yet is another step up from the Pro, I'd definitely consider.

Sinbad_NI

jon1981 wrote: »

I noticed them, I wasn't sure if the chamois was much more comfortable/thicker than the DHB pro version as really i'm looking for a more comfy Chamois as opposed to lighter or better bib material. If it yet is another step up from the Pro, I'd definitely consider.

Sorry can't help as these are the only DHB's I have.
Seem very good value for money though.

lescol

Tried a pair of Altura for the first time yesterday, only 40km but extremely comfortable chamois, I feel they are going to be good for 4-5 hours...for me, we're all different

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-progel-bib-shorts-1/

hesker

I bought my first 2 sets of bib shorts recently. Had been having real bad problems with sit bone pain. Now pain free for up to 1 hour. Haven't gone longer than 1 hour yet but I'd be surprised to feel any pain such is the improvement.

They are

1. Caratti Sport Bib Short for about €60
These are a pretty tight fit. I'd go up one size from what you'd think.
They're comfortable enough though.

2. Santini `EDGE` Bibshorts (Team Issue NAT Insert) Cost Stg£85 on Prendas.
These are very comfy. The gel insert really helps. The blurb says they are pro issue, done in standard colours for joe public. I bought a large and it fits well. I'd normally be large or medium in almost all clothing.

BoardsMember

Thinking of trying "better" bib shorts, but not exactly flush with cash and would ideally like to cover all seasons with "one pad"...so is it possible to use bib shorts in all seasons and go for some Assos or similar, and then use good quality leg warmers in winter to keep the legs warm?

jamesd

BoardsMember wrote: »

Thinking of trying "better" bib shorts, but not exactly flush with cash and would ideally like to cover all seasons with "one pad"...so is it possible to use bib shorts in all seasons and go for some Assos or similar, and then use good quality leg warmers in winter to keep the legs warm?

Either leg warmers or cheap leggings with no pad and pull them over the bib shorts for the colder days.