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Bibshorts for a longer leg

by Jamesgraemer
Thu, Feb 27, 2014 21:55
9

It doesn't feel like it at the moment, but warmer weather is hopefully just round the corner, so I'm looking at a new pair of bibshorts. Problem is, I've struggled to find any in the past with a decent fit (I'm 6'2" with 35" inseam and 72kg). Most brands recommend XL or above for my height, but I'm no Chris Hoy, so they end up being a bit baggy. I've tried Sportful, RH+ and dhb, but none have really fit that well.

I've seen that the Rapha Pro Bibshorts claim to be pretty tight fitting and have an extra 30mm on the long version, which all sounds good. But to be honest I don't really want RAPHA in white capital letters across my thigh (nothing against Rapha, I just want plain black). That and they've just put the price up to £190 which is getting ridiculous.

So, has anyone got any recommendations on bibshorts that offer a good fit for a longer leg?

Thanks.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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9 comments

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Jack Osbourne snr | 10 years ago
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Kudos to Lusso for that.

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ashfanman | 10 years ago
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I'm 6'6 and very slim so have much the same problem. I currently have three pairs of bibs: Castelli Free Aero Race, DHB Aeron Pro, Morvelo Classics.

The Castelli and DHB are both a little shorter in the leg than I would like, but still fine. The Morvelo are slightly longer and the lycra is tight and supportive (I think it's "power" lycra or something like that, so has a slight compression element).

The Morvelo do feel noticeably cheaper in the bibs than either the Castelli, which are as lovely as you'd expect, or the DHB, which are unquestionably the best of the three in terms of value for money. I'm not entirely sure I'd buy another pair for that reason.

The Howies bibs are also quite long in the leg and really, really nice.

I would love to try a pair of Assos in the long size, but I just can't justify spending that much money on a pair of bibs. (The Castellis I got in a sale at a significant reduction.)

Echoing the comment above, I also found decent fitting winter bibtights much harder to find. I ended up with a pair of padless Lusso Max Repels, which fit perfectly. They're also really good quality - particularly for the price - and have the added bonus of being British made. Even better, Lusso said they would tailor a pair for me if I wanted them to be a bit longer in the leg. Said it would only cost £20 or something like that.

Hope that helps.

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Jamesgraemer | 10 years ago
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Great, thanks for the advice

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zzgavin | 10 years ago
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Just bought those Santini edge shorts in a medium. Having ordered both L and M, I'm sending the L back, just a bit too loose around the waist. I'm 6'4" and 72kgs.
Morvelo in a Medium fit me well too, I've ridden several 100 mile hilly rides in my a bloc pair.
Personally I find bib shorts easier to fit than 3/4 or bib tights. I must have tried on four or five pairs of windproof bib tights when I bought a gore pair last year, sportful, 2x rapha, the gore ones and maybe Assos. I did find that Castelli 3/4 fit in a L, not an M in a subsequent buy both and return one.
Getting the right fit around the waist is important, as if they are too loose, they'll shift about and be uncomfortable. I try M first and assume the straps will stretch =)

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Jamesgraemer | 10 years ago
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Thanks, Santini look like a great option, good value too. Have you found them to be durable? Will check out Giordana and Castelli too.

Anyone got the longer leg Assos offerings and can advise on the fit?

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whitey85 replied to Jamesgraemer | 10 years ago
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I've not had any concerns from a durability standpoint, although haven't put a huge amount of miles on them as I only use them for weekend rides. Having used them most weekends last summer / early autumn and not given them special treatment in the wash I've not noticed any fraying or damage, beyond the little iron on Santini logo peeling off. Longest single ride on them was about 140 miles, I felt it a little commuting the next day but think that was more down to my not being used to the distance than any failing of the shorts.

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whitey85 | 10 years ago
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Take a look at these: http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=3175

I'm 6'7" with an inseam getting on for 38in and 75kg. After a bit of back and forth with Andy as per the listing I grabbed these in XL and they're by far the best fit I've found - a bit tight up top but fine when in the riding position (as per Jack Osbourne's post) and very good length in the leg. Excellent quality as well - debadged Greenedge kit from last year.

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Jack Osbourne snr | 11 years ago
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You'll struggle to get shorts that aren't short on you. You will be able to get a better general fit though by trying the more "European cut" brands.

Try Giordana or Castelli in xl or even London.

They'll probably be a bit tight at the straps off the bike, but fine in riding position.

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bigant | 11 years ago
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I read recently that Endura (on roadcyclinguk I think) will be offering one of their bibs in differing leg lengths however being useless I can't remember which ones and don't know if they are available yet :). This was of interest to me as I'm 6'6" I have a couple of pairs of the biggest size Giordana do which come up a bit short on me but are quite tight.

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