How do I know if my bib shorts are the right size?

[Anonymous1502]

I have bought some castelli bib shorts I can get into them, but how do I know whether they are too small or the right fit?

 

[Sharky]

Skin tight on the thighs and bum. - no baggy sections.
Shoulder straps just right - not too tight and not loose.

 

[Anonymous1502]

Skin tight on the thighs and bum. - no baggy sections.
Shoulder straps just right - not too tight and not loose.

Is there such a thing as being too tight? The seams in the bib shorts are making me a bit itchy.

 

[newfhouse]

I have bought some castelli bib shorts I can get into them, but how do I know whether they are too small or the right fit?

Wear them for half an hour. Can you still feel your toes? Are your loins tingling? Can you still stand up straight? Go for a ride in town. Are people laughing and pointing?

 

[Sharky]

Is there such a thing as being too tight? The seams in the bib shorts are making me a bit itchy.

Well, yes - could be too tight.
Perhaps if you bought the next size up from a site which has a good returns policy, then compare.

 

[Sharky]

If you wait long enough, somebody will post the photo of a gentleman wearing kit which could be a size too small for him.

 

[Anonymous1502]

Well, yes - could be too tight.
Perhaps if you bought the next size up from a site which has a good returns policy, then compare.

The next size up is out of stock unfortunately. I will perhaps go for a ride but I can't remove the tags otherwise they won't accept it back.

 

[Anonymous1502]

Wear them for half an hour. Can you still feel your toes? Are your loins tingling? Can you still stand up straight? Go for a ride in town. Are people laughing and pointing?

Good idea I will wear them round the house a bit.

 

[vickster]

Don’t wear with underwear

can you sit comfortably on bike reaching hoods and drops?
If not comfortable, send them back and try a different brand or size

 

[figbat]

The only time I sent some back as being too small was because the straps pulled down uncomfortably on my shoulders - next size up fixed it without ending up being loose anywhere else. For the bibs in question this was a combination of size/cut and also the relatively reduced stretchiness of the material used for the straps compared to the leg area.

Also it is important to make sure they are comfortable when in your riding position - not when stood in front of a mirror.

 

[lazybloke]

Agree that tight shoulder straps are a clue, but people with different body shapes might have a different experience.

I've persevered with some too small Castellis because they were an absolute bargain in only one size. They are gradually loosening up over time.

 

[Ridgeway]

The only time I sent some back as being too small was because the straps pulled down uncomfortably on my shoulders - next size up fixed it without ending up being loose anywhere else. For the bibs in question this was a combination of size/cut and also the relatively reduced stretchiness of the material used for the straps compared to the leg area.

Also it is important to make sure they are comfortable when in your riding position - not when stood in front of a mirror.

The last sentence is key, straps on my bibs are tight on me when standing but loosen up as i get onto the bike (this does get less after some time but as new they can be quite tight when standing but perfect when riding). Personally i'd always go for slightly too small than slightly too big.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

If they look like this try the next size up

 

[PK99]

When you put them on does your voice increase by two octaves? = too small

 

[fossyant]

If you can get into Castelli in your own size, you must have sparrow legs. 👅