Bib shorts for DC summers?

[guga31bb]

After riding my thermal bib tights through the winter, I’ve grown to love bibs. I want to keep wearing bibs now that the weather’s better. However, I can’t seem to find any that aren’t super uncomfortable in the summers here (well, I’ve only tried these ones, but they were miserable in the heat so I went back to normal shorts).

So, has anyone found bib shorts that aren’t unbearable riding up Custis in July? Lightweight, breathable, etc etc…

[Greenbelt]

I like my Mavics best, but I guess it’s to each his butt. They are plenty light for summer, to the point of TMI for social settings.

[hozn]

I like the Performance Elite bibs (the ones with white straps). The Ultra II are decent too, but feel hotter; also they are very short … I’m sure PI makes some awesome bibs; I have lots of PI shorts, though I won’t buy any non-bibs anymore. Unfortunately the shorts seem to last forever. (I will probably just buy PI Attack bibs as I need to replace shorts.)

[thucydides]

x2 on Performance Elite. Generally I dislike Performance stuff but I love these bibs and they’re definitely on the cheaper side of what you can find out there.

[Tim Kelley]

You can’t go wrong with Assos!

[TwoWheelsDC]

@Tim Kelley 82046 wrote:

You can’t go wrong with Assos!

But you can go broke…

[Dickie]

I have a bunch of different summer bibs. I do like that my Castelli’s are cut very low at the front waste section which allows for better venting and cooling. I love my Giordana Formared’s but they are stupid expensive (I got mine on closeout), but they are made with super light and cool materials and breath really well. A little more economical are my Pearl Izumi Pro’s which are really nice and can be found at good prices from time to time. My Pearl Izumi Elites and Twin Six’s are a little heavier in material are much nicer for Fall and Spring. Hope that helps.

[Harry Meatmotor]

my best advice is you get what you pay for. the $100-150 bib market is pretty much a wash – all about the same quality/breathability/longevity. Spend more than $200 and I can almost guaruntee you’ll be pleased. I personally prefer Castelli for once a week riding, but wouldn’t commute in it. Voler (Vol-ay) is also a great choice.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@Dickie 82051 wrote:

I have a bunch of different summer bibs. I do like that my Castelli’s are cut very low at the front waste section which allows for better venting and cooling. I love my Giordana Formared’s but they are stupid expensive (I got mine on closeout), but they are made with super light and cool materials and breath really well.

Exactly the same for me!

For closeouts, keep an eye on theclymb.com, and chainlove.com for awesome deals…usually it’s clearance of the previous year’s stuff, but it’s not like it’s lower quality. The only thing you need to figure out is sizing. It’s tough because every brand sizes differently, but figure most Euro brands you’ll have to go up one size.

[guga31bb]

Thanks everyone. This is extremely helpful!

[guga31bb]

I ended up buying these Castelli bibs and they’re great! Very light and comfortable. Thanks again for all the recommendations.

Castelli sizing makes no sense to me — I’m XL in their winter jacket, XXL in bib shorts, and XXXL in winter bib tights.

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