Bib Shorts or normal shorts???

Being longer in body than leg I've found bibs to be inconvenient and uncomfortable at times, but waist shorts do tend to work their way south.

Looking at photos of Eddy Merckx I saw the ideal compromise, Eddy is shown in his hotel room wearing waist shorts with clip on braces attached.

All that is now needed is for the clothing manufacturers to introduce a range of adjustable cycling specific braces and this debate is over

I would have to agree, bashthebox. I went in the new Bike Rooms shop on Deansgate, and there is a massive printed image of that girl on the back wall. It's a striking image, and she's a cracking looker, but I really don't think it would encourage real women to leave out the makeup, grab their kit and work up an unglamourous sweat on a bike.

(Off-topic, I've no idea if anyone has actually bought anything in there, it looks like the most expensive way in town to get on a bike)

I think I'd rather 'fat wrestler' jokes than the current crop of Borat Mankini jokes in my house!

Definitely bibs, but then (sorry, no easy way to say this) I'm not sure how bibs circumnavigate the cleavage on a female?

I had been worrying that I was the only person whose wife started making fat wrestler comments whenever he got ready for a ride. Phew. I am in good company.

Bibs without a shadow of a doubt - I rode for a year in 'normal' shorts and not having the elasticated waist digging in is a god-send. Would never go back to shorts.

BTW bibs without a doubt!

Definitely bibs!

My first tentative venture into Lycra, like most, was a pair of normal cycling shorts. Eventually I bought a pair of bib shorts deciding that if the pro's wear them exclusively, there must be a reason!

Well the difference in comfort not having that elasticated waist was a revelation and I've never looked back!

For good value check out btwin at decathlon, mine have lasted a couple of seasons so far!

Yes, DHB do produce women's kit. After all the mockery I got from Mrs Biggins, she has got the bug herself and has got some DHB Vaeon longs which she says are very comfortable. There should be lots of alternatives too. Have a look at (for example) Ribble, Planet X, Wiggle, Sport Pursuit etc

Don't DHB do womens' stuff?

I swear by my Assos Mille bib shorts, by the way. I know their female advertising is terrible, but their kit is great. Expensive, but there's a factory outlet store online that's good for bargains.

Bib shorts, no question.

I suspect many of the waist shorts wearers haven't spent much time cycling behind others of their persuasion.

Too often they display a gap between jersey and shorts - I've had some very distressing times looking at the top of people's hairy cracks, or trying not to.

Bib shorts keep the lower back sensibly under lycra.

Bib's absolutely.

My wife despises them but i would never wear anything else.

Waist shorts for me.
Tried bibs, didn't get on with them.
Don't suffer any discomfort with waist shorts.

Bibs for me. Mrs Biggins always starts singing "I want to break free" by Queen when I put them on, although I remind her that the first time I wore them she asked whether you wear anything else with bibshorts. I said that you'd generally wear a jersey too .

Could be worse I suppose. My friend's wife thinks he looks like Big Daddy with his bibs on

Whatever you are more comfortable in is the best option, shorts personally. Decent padding and fit is higher up on my choice list.

bib shorts are normal shorts. At least where cycling is concerned.

Waist-high shorts dig in just where you don't need it, and are totally unsuited to riding in comfort. Honestly, your waist is constantly twisting and flexing as you ride - do you really want an elastic band around it?

(I have a few pairs of each, but prefer bibs).

Bib, bibs, bibs. Even a small belly is kept in order.

I'd say that the cut and the comfort of the pad-bum interface are more important than bib vs waist.

Some people swear by bibs. I have a pair of Shutt VR Club bibs. While the absence of elastic around the waist is nice it's not a deal-breaker for me.

Try Shutt, Lusso or dhb for value (the first two are made in the UK).

Shorts all the way. I've cycled hundreds and hundreds of miles and never had a pair not stay in place as if often the comment when people talk about the magical staying power of bib shorts. Maybe I'm the exception rather than the rule, just like my momma told me. Just make sure there's some nice padding down there!

Bib shorts all the way. You'll get change out of your budget with a pair of dhb aeron pros which are light, comfortable and very well reviewed everywhere. I have four pairs and have never thought about trying anything more expensive.

Vermarc stuff on planet-x is very good and cheap at the mo.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/c/q/clothing/vermarc