Bib tights and padding!

[Fastpedaller]

I'd be interested in knowing the opinion of other cyclists.......... I recently bought some bib tights. They are the first pair I've ever had, and I thought they'd be easier to use than the tights-and-braces setup I'm used to. I haven't dismissed the 'comfort stop' may be a little more difficult, though. Anyway, when they arrived, I was a little perturbed to find they had a very generous padded portion! I was minded to just return them, but looking online at alternatives (a lot more expensive as well), it seems to be the norm. I tried them yesterday, and I have to say they feel strange whilst I'm walking, but on the saddle they are fine.

 

[Drago]

Bid tights? Ah, theyre the ones worn by auctioneers.

 

[Alex321]

Almost all cycling specific shorts or tights will have the padding.

Known as Chamoix (pronounced shammy), although it has normally been man-made rather than actual chamoix leather for many years now.

They do feel a little odd when walking around, though you get used to it. Most of us find they make it more comfortable to ride for any significant time (on upright bikes, recumbents are a bit different).

In case yiou are unaware, you shouldn't wear anything under them either. Part of the benefit is they are shaped to reduce or eliminate chafing, and wearing pants under them negates this.

 

[PaulSB]

Until a couple of weeks ago I had always worn unpadded bib tights over the top of old bib shorts. This is because I found it very difficult to find a comfortable pair yet my bib shorts are very comfortable. It also meant I could continue to wear bib shorts with lycra worn obscenely thin!!! ** There's no doubting bibs and tights leads to challenging pee stops

I've recently changed to padded bib tights. This is only because Lusso, my go to for bib shorts, not offer bib tights which are identical to the bib shorts and just have longer legs. I'm delighted with them.

You'll quickly stop noticing the walk sensation.

** you know you're riding with a true friend when he/she rides alongside and quietly says "Might be time for new shorts Paul." 🤣🤣

 

[Fastpedaller]

I'm used to padded shorts - but the padding on the bib shorts is a lot thicker! Maybe my shorts, which I bought several of a few years ago have changed to thick padding as well. We used to have tougher bums?

 

[DCLane]

@Fastpedaller - it would help to know which brand they are, and model. They do vary in pad type and depth.

 

[Happy_Days]

I'm used to padded shorts - but the padding on the bib shorts is a lot thicker!

The chamois (padding) varies from one bib to another—some are thicker than others. It’s highly personal which bib tights fit best. Over the years, most of us end up trying several brands before settling on which fits the best.

The chamois choice also varies within a brand’s range. E.g., some use padding designed for being hunched over a race bike vs a chamois designed for a more upright endurance bike.

In short, there’s trial and error in choosing bike shorts and tights. But your derrière is worth it

 

[Webbo2]

The problem with padded bib tights regardless of the thickness of the pad is they are designed to be worn in the winter. So they might get piss wet and muddy so you need to take them off in the garage/ utility room. You then walk through the house to find your other half has got friends or the neighbours round. Not a big deal if you were wearing un padded ones with your bib shorts underneath however.😱

 

[Fastpedaller]

To give you a clue to the supplier, they cost under £8 (and are worth a lot more IMHO)

 

[Alex321]

The problem with padded bib tights regardless of the thickness of the pad is they are designed to be worn in the winter. So they might get piss wet and muddy so you need to take them off in the garage/ utility room. You then walk through the house to find your other half has got friends or the neighbours round. Not a big deal if you were wearing un padded ones with your bib shorts underneath however.😱

That sounds like you are speaking from experience

 

[Webbo2]

That sounds like you are speaking from experience

I have had a lot of experiences which should remain in my head.

 

[blackrat]

With soaring prices for almost everything from mainline shops, if you want to see cycle shorts that you can buy cheaply, go to :TEMU 'padded bike shorts'. The cheapness is eye popping.
I have not copied and pasted the link because one never knows these days, so you'll have to type the info in.

 

[katiewlx]

I cant say Ive ever noticed the pad being different in size between shorts and tights, between brands maybe, but its generally the same between brands unless youve got like I know some brands do like different grades of shorts, say core, pro & aero as an example, and the pads are different for each, so if you had say core & pro only for winter tights, you might end up with different pads whilst thinking you were buying the same thing from the same brand

as for pee stops well...less said about those the better.

 

[cyberknight]

I go for unpadded and wear summer bib shorts underneath as i commute its more cost effective than having about 5-6 pairs of padded bib tights.

 

[chriswoody]

I moved away from padded cycling clothing a few years back now. I found that the heat build up and moisture retention was giving me terrible saddle sores. I also found trying to take extra pairs on tour a real pain because of their bulk and the fact they would take an age to dry. I now wear thin Merino Wool Boxer shorts and haven't had a saddle sore since. Thin Merino boxers are also really light, easy to carry on tour and wash and dry really quickly.

I must admit I also have never tried Bibs or tights, I've always shied away from lycra, I just don't get on with those types of clothes. Loose MTB shorts and Merino wool T-Shirts are my go to in summer and layering up in the winter.