Gone are the days when cycling bibs for men were exclusive to sponsored professional riders. If you have a big passion for pedaling, then bib shorts for cycling are a must in your gear collection. Not only do they look great, but they’re also damn comfortable to wear! So, it would be appropriate to present you with a series of recommendations for the best cycling bibs for long rides.
And since there are so many options out there, you might have a hard time deciding between cycling bibs or shorts. Therefore, we’ll also provide a buying guide for you here. Scroll through to see our selected bibs, or click the link in the index to jump straight to the topic you want.
Table of contents
Przewalksi
13
Przewalksi would make a great first cycling bib. It offers nothing but convenience. You can easily wear these cycling shorts for a 50-mile ride without experiencing any issues. They have most of the padding in the seat bone area and aren’t too bulky. Basically, you’ll get a high-end quality bib at a more comfortable price.
The only complaint we have is regarding the shoulder straps. They’re too short and tight for our taste. After more than 50 miles, they’ll start to feel uncomfortable, cutting into your skin. We don’t know exactly how to put it, but it causes a pulling sensation on your shoulder. However, this is by no means a massive deal-breaker. If you’re an evenly proportioned person, there should be no problem.
- What We Love:
- A high-end cycling bib available at a much more convenient price range
- Pros:
- Ergonomic Coolmax Pad
- High wicking
- Better fit
- Silicone leg grippers
- Cons:
- Tend to be uncomfortable after a long ride
Cerotipolar
12
Cerotipolar is one of those bib shorts for cycling that caught us by surprise. They have just the right level of tightness so that you won’t have those awful ‘sausage legs.’ We do admit that the straps are a little tight when in the standing position. But once we bend down and both hands are on the handlebars, they loosen up a bit and feel pretty comfortable.
After a 50 mile ride, we had no chafing or soreness. We didn’t even need to use any chamois cream. Other than that, the quality of the material and the stitching is surprisingly good. Even if these bibs don’t last long, they’re cheap to replace. So if you need affordable and decent bib shorts for cycling, Cerotipolar will make a remarkable choice.
Speaking of cycling, choosing the right spare parts is one of the keys to improving the performance of your bike. For that, you might want to check out our best commuter bike pedals. They’ll be a worthy investment, especially if you want a massive difference in terms of comfort and efficiency.
- What We Love:
- Providing just the right level of tightness won’t give you those awful ‘sausage legs’
- Pros:
- Italian Carbon Summer Mesh fabric
- Big cargo pockets
- Italian gripper power band
- High-density chamois
- Cons:
- They probably won’t last too long
Pearl Izumi
11
Pearl Izumi is by far one of the best cycling bibs for long rides we’ve tried. If you’re familiar with cheaper stuff before, these bibs will be a significant upgrade. They offer excellent support, probably one of the best chamois we’ve ever ridden. We’ve tried wearing this on a quick 20-mile ride and haven’t felt any discomfort at all. While the pad is maybe a little too thin, it’s surprisingly comfortable.
Furthermore, the upper half of these bibs are soft and comfortable. You’ll barely notice them as you pedal. As for fittings, this is entirely up to your personal preference. But for us, Pearl Izumi provides enough padding without binding us up. Temperature-wise, these shorts are fine during hot weather. If you haven’t decided between cycling bibs or shorts, these PI Pro bibs would be great to consider.
- What We Love:
- Offers adequate support without overcompressing your lower half
- Pros:
- Luxurious Italian PRO Transfer fabric
- Pro Escape chamois
- Laser-cut leg opening
- Seven-panel design
- Cons:
- The pad is a little too thin
Santic
10
As you would expect from one of the most respected brands in the cycling community, the Santic Cycling Bike Bib Shorts serve their purpose really well. The quality we found in these cycling shorts is quite surprising, especially considering the price point. The chamois is super comfortable, and there are grippy cuffs on the thighs. The exterior pockets make for a great addition, especially if you love taking mid-ride selfies.
But before you decide to go with these cycling bibs for men, there’s one thing to note, though. If you need all your gear to be aero, then ordering a size down is highly recommended. Don’t worry, as this product is very stretchy. And if you happen to run into some trouble, Santic has excellent customer service!
- What We Love:
- Comes with super comfortable chamois, grippy cuffs on the thighs, and convenient exterior pockets
- Pros:
- Machine wash
- Widen padding
- Comfortable skidproof textile
- Reflective strip
- Cons:
- You may need to order one size down for a better fit
Giordana
9
We’ve tried dozens of bib shorts for cycling, and Giordana is probably one of the best. They’re made of high-quality woven fabric to keep your body cool while offering optimal compression. From what we’ve read, these bibs can last for over 12,000 miles or roughly two years. Those are some great achievements, especially for a relatively lesser-known bib!
Furthermore, the padding is thick enough for a full day’s riding. And as you’d expect from a quality cycling bib, they basically disappear once you’re in the saddle. As for the shoulder straps, they’re quite long. They don’t twist or dig while you’re on the road. Meanwhile, the hem length is slightly longer than most brands. If you don’t like overly tight fittings, this 160 bucks bib will be great.
- What We Love:
- Made of high quality woven fabric to keep your body cool while offering optimal compression
- Pros:
- Elastic closure
- Seamless and breathable
- Non-restrictive straps
- Cirro chamois
- Cons:
- The length of the hem is slightly longer than most brands
Amazon Essentials
8
If you’re a little tight on the budget, Amazon Essentials will be one of the best cycling bibs for long rides to get. They’re made of 79 percent polyester and 21 percent spandex to give you excellent freedom of movement. There’s a button closure to make sure everything stays in place as you pedal. The straps are wide enough; they don’t chafe your nips. Furthermore, the chamois is generous, which makes the 2-4 hour ride a breeze.
With good compression, Amazon Essentials Men’s Cycling Bibs make a great starter bib. They have really nice construction. However, you may want to consider lowering the size for a more precise fit. Apart from that, the leg section of the legs is slightly shorter.
- What We Love:
- Crafted from 79 percent polyester to ensure excellent freedom of movement
- Pros:
- 79 percent polyester
- Integrated silicone grip
- Solid construction
- Good compression
- Cons:
- The leg section is a bit shorter
Baleaf
7
Compared to some big names like Castelli and Rapha, Baleaf Men’s Cycling Bib Shorts feels like they’re in the same league. We’ve done a couple of test rides and found that these shorts have a good fit. The back does sit a little lower, but it’s not a big deal. We also noticed some loose threads after first unpacking. Nothing serious, though. This isn’t something that simple sewing can’t fix.
From a price point of view, you definitely get what you pay for. Pricier cycling bibs for men, like Pearl Izumi and Santic, will give you a better design and a more proper fit. But overall, Baleaf is a solid product. They’re just as good as exercise shorts and great for short rides – definitely worth the price.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out our best mountain bike locks. They differ the best solutions to keep your bike safe wherever you take it!
- What We Love:
- Offers a decent fit and is available at a bargain price
- Pros:
- 4D gel padding
- Four utility pockets
- Silicone leg grippers
- High-performance fabrics
- Cons:
- The back sits a little lower
Castelli
6
The first time we opened the Castelli Cycling Competizione Bibshorts pack, we’re really impressed with these 100 percent spandex shorts. The fitting on the legs is perfect. They’re tight, but not too much. Just the way we like it. Furthermore, the grip band is excellent at keeping everything in place. We also especially like the Lycra material. They peel on and feel like our second skin. Definitely aero and allows you to accelerate faster!
If you’re really serious about pedaling, you need to get these bib shorts for cycling. Compared to cheaper bibs, they’re like day and night! Furthermore, Castelli has first-class customer service. Whenever you run into a problem, their representatives will be on hand to provide a solution.
- What We Love:
- A cycling bib crafted with 100 percent spandex, works perfectly to protect you on rough trails
- Pros:
- 100 percent spandex
- Kiss Air2 chamois
- Vortex fabric
- Flat-lock stitching
- Cons:
- The padding could be better
Rion
5
The Rion Cycling Bibs Shorts come with a couple of nice features. Its four-panel design is made from spandex, polyamide, and polyester to provide a great range of movement. And with S-811 padding, these shorts will be great for medium to long rides. It has high tenacity foam for breathability and an anatomic fit for extra comfort.
It’s no exaggeration if many people are calling Rion the best cycling bib for long rides. They offer a slim fit for better muscle control and reduced drag coefficient. If you’re looking forward to improving your time record, these shorts will be perfect! As for temperature, these bibs have panels with breathable membranes. They’re suitable for the 60-90F environment. But if you’re planning on doing winter riding, leg sleeves are highly recommended.
- What We Love:
- Featuring a four-panel design made from a combination of polyester, spandex, polyamide, allowing for a great range of movement
- Pros:
- S-811 padding
- Elastic closure
- Slim fit
- Reflective patches
- Cons:
- It’s a little too tight
Gore Wear C5
4
If you’re unsure about getting cycling bibs or shorts, the Gore Wear C5 would be a worthy investment. These 80 bucks bibs will make a great transition from exercise shorts to a cycling bib with seat inserts. They’re suitable for all types of weather and have a tight fit. As for the material, Gore Wear uses selected fabrics that can wick moisture quickly and are extremely breathable.
Furthermore, the pad is really comfortable and well made. It’s made of mesh material with optimized seam placement. We tried wearing these bibs and did a 30-mile ride. It turns out that they performed really well. Our only concern is that the shoulder straps seem a little too thin. Sadly, we can’t really tell you how long they’ll last. But overall, if you’re looking for cycling bibs for men with good stitching and stretchy fabric, the Gore Wear C5 will be great.
- What We Love:
- Nice looking cycling bib with well-built construction and stretchy fabric
- Pros:
- Tight fit
- Gore selected fabrics
- Breathable seat insert
- Optimized seam placement
- Cons:
- The shoulder straps are a little too thin
Giro M Chrono
3
The Giro M Chrono is another budget option worth considering. These cycling bibs come with a series of admirable features, almost like their pricier counterparts. First of all, they’re ultra-light, allowing you to move as fast as lightning! There are a couple of storage pockets for a snack bar, a smartphone, and other essentials on the backside. Meanwhile, the shoulder straps feature a breathable mesh to prevent moisture build-up. Perfect for long rides.
Whether you’re new to the pedaling world or have thousands of miles under your belt, the Giro M Chrono will give you a major performance boost. They’re one of the most recommended cycling bibs for men right now. There are grippers to prevent unwanted slipping. For extra visibility, there are reflective details included. And to protect your skin from UV radiation, these cycling shorts are coming with UPF 50+. Astonishing!
And speaking of cycling essentials, a tire pump is a must-have for any cyclist. It will come in handy when you get flat tires in the middle of nowhere, especially during a long cycling trip. And if you’re not too sure which one to get, be sure to check out our best bike tire pumps for travel.
- What We Love:
- Made of ultra-light material, allowing you to move as fast as lightning!
- Pros:
- 100 percent nylon
- Elastic closure
- Reflective details
- Storage pockets
- Cons:
- It doesn’t get many reviews
My Kilometre
2
There aren’t too many five-star rated thermal bibs on Amazon, and My Kilometre is one of them. They’re surprisingly good, especially considering the price. Speaking of material, these bibs are made of a matt and soft fabric. This combination gives you excellent muscle compression and a protective insulating barrier from cold air. As for construction, these cycling pants seem pretty solid. After some initial use, we didn’t notice any fraying seems or signs.
Meanwhile, the inner padding is probably one of the best we’ve tried. It’s much more convenient than some of the more popular brands. After a test ride of about 30 miles, everything seemed to be perfectly in place. On the downside, we noticed that the knee pit wrinkles because the ankle area is loose. Apart from that, there are only blue and black colors available. This is definitely a bummer if you prefer a more vibrant alternative. Nevertheless, My Kilometre is definitely the recommended bib shorts for cycling. They’re affordable and serve their purpose well.
- What We Love:
- Cycling bibs with an insulation barrier to protect your skin from the cold outside
- Pros:
- Machine wash
- Multi-density chamois
- Reflective elements
- Storage pockets
- Cons:
- The ankle area is a little loose
X-Tiger
1
Are you looking for the best cycling bib for long rides? Then look no further than the X-Tiger Cycling Bib Shorts. These polyester-spandex shorts are both flexible and lightweight. They also feature quick-dry technology and breathable straps to ensure you stay dry and comfortable after tens of miles on the road. And thanks to its 5D anatomical crotch padding, you’ll get fewer bumps and skin irritation.
We also appreciate the fact that the X-Tiger Cycling Bib includes flexible shoulder straps and silicone grippers. Both work well in providing an ergonomic fit without creating extra pressure. Another reason to go with these bibs is that they’re so easy to maintain. You can wash them by hand or in the washing machine (make sure that the storage pockets are folded in, and don’t try to brush or bleach!).
- What We Love:
- Features quick-dry technology and breathable straps to ensure you stay dry and comfortable after tens of miles on the road
- Pros:
- Ergonomic padding
- Moisture-wicking
- Easy maintenance
- Silicone grippers
- Cons:
- The use a ‘diaper’ style pad
How to Choose the Best Cycling Bibs for Men
Some of you may be wondering, “Why do I need cycling bibs for men?” Well, the answer lies in the shoulder straps. These straps keep the shorts and the padding in place, which will help reduce chafing and bruising. Apart from that, most bib shorts for cycling are made of lycra. It’s a flexible material that compresses the body, absorbs vibrations to make the muscles less tired.
Once you understand that, it’s time to learn what to look for in the best cycling bib for long rides. What qualities need to be expected? How to decide between cycling bibs or shorts? To help you out a bit, here are at least three factors you need to consider when choosing cycling bibs for men.
Padding
A good chamois can make the big difference between a painful ride or an enjoyable ride. A few decades ago, chamois were made of leather. But these days, you can easily find paddings made from a variety of gels and foams. Good cycling bibs for men typically have firmer, more contoured padding. But remember, each chamois is designed for a different riding style. So, make sure that you take the time to evaluate before you make any buying decisions.
Speaking of cycling bibs, if you’re looking for something nice for your female partner, then you’re in luck! Be sure to check out our best cycling bibs for women and discover some of the best deals currently available on the market.
Straps
Straps are another important part of bib shorts for cycling that shouldn’t be overlooked. A great pair of straps shouldn’t suffocate you and allow the wind to wash away the heat easily. The easiest way to determine what kind of straps are right for you is to wear them. If possible, hop on a bike and go for a few miles. See if you experience uncomfortable pain around the shoulder and waist area. If you’re getting nothing but total comfort, then you’ve found the right bib.
Fabrics
Best cycling bibs for long rides are now made of all kinds of fabrics. You can find them with thermal, waterproof, or even weather-resistant materials. Most brands still opt for lycra as a base, with a few additions for extra breathability and performance. Again, take your time. Evaluate your riding style. Whether cycling bibs or shorts, make sure you get gear that fits your profile and environment.
Are Cycling Bibs Worth It?
Cycling bibs are great for preventing chafing and soreness. They’ll make a massive difference, especially if you love doing long rides or going on cycling trips. Just make sure the bibs have an ergonomic fit and quality padding.
Do You Wear Anything Under Cycling Bibs?
No. You never, at all, wear panties under cycling shorts. Putting on a pair of cotton underwear will be counter-beneficial. That’s because they’ll affect friction control and moisture management, especially during long rides.
And since we’re on the topic of cycling gear, why don’t you check out our best neck warmers for cycling? They’re great for making your riding smoother and more comfortable!
Do Mountain Bikers Wear Bibs?
You can basically wear whatever you want. Cycling bibs are generally associated with road cyclists, while baggies are more popular with mountain bikers. However, this is just a matter of tradition. As long as you feel comfortable, you can put on any shorts.
