Bib Shorts
Used road bib shorts from UK sellers, with no waistband to dig in on long rides. Listings run from close-cut pro-fit bibs to endurance pairs with thicker chamois padding, new and second hand.
Why bib shorts instead of waist shorts?
Bib shorts hold the chamois in place with over-the-shoulder straps rather than a waistband, so nothing digs in when you're folded over the bars for a few hours. The straps also stop the shorts sliding down, which is why they're the default for long road rides. The trade-off is having to get a jersey out of the way for a comfort break, though many bibs now use drop-tail or split-strap designs to avoid that.
What makes a good chamois?
The chamois pad is the part worth paying for. Judge it on density as well as thickness — a dense, multi-density pad supports the sit bones better than a thick soft one that compresses flat within an hour. Pads are matched to ride length, so a race pad built for two hours will feel thin on an all-day ride, and a deep endurance pad can feel bulky in a sprint. Flat, seamless edges and a perforated surface help with chafing and drying time.
Race fit or endurance fit?
Pro-fit bibs are cut close, with a longer leg, compressive fabric and a lower front to suit a stretched-out position. Endurance bibs sit a little looser, with a softer waist panel and a thicker pad for riders spending longer in the saddle at lower intensity. Winter bibs use brushed thermal fabric and are made to layer with leg warmers under a jacket.
What size should I buy?
Bib shorts are sized by torso length as well as waist and leg: straps that are too short pull the pad forward, straps that are too long let it sag. Check the brand's size chart against your height and inside leg rather than your waist alone, and bear in mind that Italian brands generally cut smaller than British or American ones. Leg grippers should sit flat without leaving a deep mark — silicone dots and wide raw-edge cuffs both work, but the cuff has to match your thigh.
What should I check buying used?
Ask for photos of the chamois itself: a compressed, flattened or discoloured pad is finished, whatever the outside looks like. Check the fabric for transparency when stretched, since worn elastane goes sheer across the seat long before it tears, and look at the leg grippers and strap stitching for sagging elastic. Confirm the seller has washed them, and have a look through the rest of their road clothing listings while you're there.