Bike shorts/bibs

smbkrn
smbkrn Posts: 30 Member
I am currently training for a half iron. I am currently riding in my tri shorts as my rides are usually less than 2 hours. Once I get over 1-1/2 I feel they sometimes just don't fell like they are just not getting the job done. I have Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool tri shorts but will be racing in tri suit. My concrens is that it will cause issues once I start my longer rides which will be 3-4 hours. I thnk I am ready to finally spend the money on a pair of bike shorts. Any recommendations? The only one I have been given so far is for the Sugio RB bibs which run around $150. In fact, the person that gave me the recommendation said literally everyone that rides in therr group wears them. They are a pretty serious group but I am a little unsure of the price tag and I have to order them from online since noone in the area sells them. I usually don;t like ordering online as I woudl much rather prefer to shop local but will if it makes sense. Can anyone give recommendations on what they do their longer rides in?

Replies

  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    I like all the Pearl Izumi stuff, even the cheaper stuff. That said you can also watch www.chainlove.com since they have deals from time to time.
  • Cyclink
    Cyclink Posts: 517 Member
    I use the Garneau Corsa and NeoPower bibs and the Assos Mille bibs. I've used all three for up to 4 hours and love them.

    I stopped using Pearl about 6 years ago, so I can't comment on any of their current product lines.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    FWIW I would train in what you're going to race in. You should figure out why you're having issues with tri shorts on longer rides. Saddle, fit, time in the saddle, etc.
  • mleech77
    mleech77 Posts: 557 Member
    FWIW I would train in what you're going to race in. You should figure out why you're having issues with tri shorts on longer rides. Saddle, fit, time in the saddle, etc.
    I couldn't agree with this more. I used to train only in my sugio bib, and when I did my first tri last month my butt was so damn sore for the next few days after the race. The pad difference was quite substantial.
  • drpleiades
    drpleiades Posts: 12 Member
    I would agree as to training in what you will race as well, I train in race items at times so I know I will be okay.
    I also have a set of Pearl bibs and could chime in on them, I love them on my long weekend rides
  • Cyclink
    Cyclink Posts: 517 Member
    The only problem with the "train in what you race in" idea is that it's not always cost effective. If you're training several days a week, you either need many pairs of what you will train in or you will need to wash it almost every day, wearing it out faster.
  • smbkrn
    smbkrn Posts: 30 Member
    I agree with the "train in what you are going to race in" phiosophy and that is why I have stuck with it for so long. But I do have to do laundry almost every other day to keep up with training demands. I have also been told that cycling bibs will hold up better than tri shorts over the long term....especially when you are riding 4-5 days a week. Any truth to that?

    I do know that the more I am in the saddle, the more it will become second nature. I also think there are a few small adjustments that I can make to help my comfort level now that I have my tri bars where I like them.
  • mirthfuldragon
    mirthfuldragon Posts: 124 Member
    Every time I spend more money on cycling gear, I look back and think that I was dumb to buy cheap stuff. You get what you pay for.

    I love my bibs. Yes, they look stupid, but on long rides, they're much more comfortable.

    Check closeouts at REI's outlet, or amazon for deals.
  • smbkrn
    smbkrn Posts: 30 Member
    Okay...I am going with the Louis Garneau Corsa bibs. Found last seasons on Amazon for under $100. I don't think I can beat that. Now all I have to do is figure out my wetsuit and I should be done spedning money for this year....well.....with the exception of race fees of course.
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    I am not to the half IM yet, but I have a few co-workers who are Kona vets and they use their regular tri-shorts, but have upgraded their saddles to have more cushioning. They said it was their personal preference because they really liked how their tri-outfit felt during their races. As noted, train in what you plan on racing with...and if you are switching things up, do it well in advance of a race.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    To clarify my train in what you race in comment: a tri chamois and a cycling one are two totally different animals. If you move from a nice thick cycling chamois to what equates to a piece of terry cloth on race day you will regret it. Go to a site like www.discounttrisupply.com and buy last year's model of Zoots, or PI, or Desoto and go to town.

    Here is where you should go before changing to a cycling short:

    1. Have you been fit?
    2. Have you put the time in the saddle in?
    3. Are you on a stock saddle? If so there are far better options out there
    4. Chamois cream?
    5. HTFU.
  • smbkrn
    smbkrn Posts: 30 Member
    1. Have you been fit?
    Yes, but since adding my tri bars I think I need a few small adjustments.
    2. Have you put the time in the saddle in?
    I am on the bike about 5 hours a week. Some in the studio and some on my bike.
    3. Are you on a stock saddle? If so there are far better options out there.
    This is definately something I am considering but with all the choices and styles, I am just a bit scared to make a $150 to $200 mistake.
    4. Chamois cream?
    I typically use body glide but would a chamois butter (or something else) be a better option?
    5. HTFU.
    You got me on this one. Not sure what it means.
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Well the fact you've been fit has you leaps and bounds ahead of most people. Saddles are tough. I know trisports.com has a try before you buy type program. I got lucky and like my Adamo Prologue a lot. It was my first go at a non stock saddle. I know Cobb just came out with their Gen2 saddles. Locally here you see a lot of Adamos of various models and Cobb saddles.

    Oh and HTFU means Harden the F$#k Up.