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The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

The right bib shorts can mean the difference between a ride to remember and an uncomfortable sufferfest. Here, we break down the best men's cycling bibs of 2024.
Best cycling bibs for menTesting cycling bibs in Moab; (photo/Steve Graepel)
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The right cycling bibs are the foundation of your comfort on the bike. Serving as the critical interface between our bodies and our bike saddles, the best cycling bibs can enhance your comfort, performance, and enjoyment on every ride.

With more brands and models to choose from than ever before, finding the right pair of cycling bibs can be surprisingly challenging. With different materials, designs, chamois/seat pads, cargo pockets, etc., there’s a lot to consider when searching for your perfect match.

To help, our crew of gravel and road cycling experts shouldered over two dozen pairs of men’s cycling bibs to find the best available in 2024. Testers Seiji Ishii, Steve Graepel, Jeremy Benson, and Bennett Shane spent thousands of hours riding in this selection of 16 bibs to bring you this curated list of the best options on the market. From smooth tarmac and pristine gravel to rough, rutted fire roads in Texas, California, Idaho, and the Pacific Northwest, each model was put through its paces while evaluating its fit, comfort, materials, pads, and performance in the real world.

Below, you’ll find our recommendations with options ranging from the top-rated Attaquer All Day to the budget-friendly Pearl Izumi Quest, followed by the best of the rest, which are also worthwhile options to consider. To see all of the models we tested at a glance, take a look at our comparison chart. If you’re new to cycling bibs, our comprehensive buyer’s guide contains important information that can help guide your purchase decision, and our price & value section may be helpful if you’re trying to determine how much to spend.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on September 16, 2024, with the addition of three new models, including the Gorewear Ultimate Bib Shorts+, the updated Ornot Men’s Cargo Bib Shorts, and the affordable Specialized Men’s Foundation Bib Shorts. We also added information to our Price & Value section that may be helpful when making a purchase decision.

The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024


Best Overall Cycling Bibs

Attaquer All Day Bib Short

Specs

  • Material 100% Recycled Nylon, Oeko-Tex approved
  • Chamois Signature, high-density, two-piece chamois
  • Available colors Aubergine, Orange, Smoke, Navy, Pine, Black/White
  • Available sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Product Badge The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Excellent pad comfort
  • High-quality construction
  • Great fit

Cons

  • Dense straps are better with a base layer than without
Best Budget Cycling Bibs

Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 77% recycled polyester, 14% elastane, 9% polyester
  • Chamois Pearl Izumi Levitate
  • Available Colors Black, twilight
  • Available Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024(Photo/Pearl Izumi)

Pros

  • Great price, still has quality construction
  • Very comfortable chamois regardless of price
  • Fabric breathes well

Cons

  • Low compression might not be for some
  • Lighter feeling fabric might not be as durable as others against punctures and abrasion
Best Moderately Priced Cycling Bibs

Giro Chrono Elite Bib Short

Specs

  • Material Renew series 80% recycled nylon; 20% elastane Bluesign-approved fabric
  • Chamois 4 density elastic interface, 14 mm thick
  • Available colors Black, black data mosh, black mica, Andrew Jackson
  • Available sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Comfortable straps
  • Excellent ventilation
  • 80% recycled material
  • Moderate price

Cons

  • None
Best Cargo Cycling Bibs

Ornot Men’s Cargo Bib Short

Specs

  • Material 63% polyamide, 37% elastane, Oeko-Tex certified
  • Chamois High-density endurance pad made with recycled fibers
  • Available colors Black, midnight blue, cortado, olive
  • Available sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Moderate price point
  • 4 pockets easy access pockets for storage
  • Comfortable straps and leg grippers
  • Perfect level of compression
  • Dense pad provides all day comfort

Cons

  • Material isn't the quickest drying
  • A little material puckering around the chamois seam
Best Seat Pad

Gorewear Ultimate Bib Shorts+ Mens

Specs

  • Material 79% polamide, 21% elastane
  • Chamois Expert N3X 3D-printed sat pad with Gorewear cup
  • Available colors Black
  • Available sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • 3D-printed seat pad is exceptionally comfortable
  • Excellent breathability of main body fabric and straps
  • Material is thin but surprisingly robust
  • Good compression
  • Great fit

Cons

  • Fairly expensive
  • Black is the only color option
Best Hot-Weather Cycling Bibs

Velocio Ultralight Bib Short

Specs

  • Materials 71% polyamide, 29% elastane
  • Chamois Velocio Signature chamois by Cytech EIT
  • Available Colors Navy, black
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, XXXXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Thin and light fabric is breathable and feels cool, but remains opaque
  • Soft and comfortable chamois
  • Comfortable straps
  • Crossed straps work well in keeping bibs stable

Cons

  • Lighter fabric may not be as durable or crash-resistant
  • A bit pricey
Best High-End Cycling Bibs

Rapha Pro Team Powerweave Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Material Powerweave: 71% Nylon, 29% Elastane
  • Chamois 5 mm elite-level race pad
  • Available Colors Black,
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL,
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Perfect balance of breathability and compression
  • Excellent pad performance
  • Clean fit
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Very expensive

Best of the Rest

Great Race Day Bibs

Attaquer Race Bib Short

Specs

  • Material 71% polyamide and 29% elastane
  • Chamois Attaquer Race
  • Available Colors Pine, burgundy, navy. black/white, fuchsia, anthracite, cobalt, cocoa, ascensionism
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024(Photo/Attaquer)

Pros

  • Compressive, race-oriented fit
  • Race chamois well suited to more aggressive body positions
  • Fabric, seamless leg panels, and chamois felt luxurious against skin
  • Many colors available and being pre-dyed, they are deep and rich
  • Crash replacement policy

Cons

  • Race-oriented fit and chamois is less ideal for all-around riding
Durable Cargo Bibs

Mission Workshop Mission Pro Bib

Specs

  • Material Quattro main body, Dyneema side panels
  • Chamois Elastic Interface
  • Available Colors Coffee Brown, Black, Purple, Forrest Green
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Extremely durable side panels
  • Great fit for "average" cyclist builds
  • Significant cargo capacity in mesh thigh and back pockets
  • Chamois is padded where it's needed, thin otherwise

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Thin shoulder straps difficult to lay flat
  • Expensive

Velocio LUXE Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 62% polyamide, 38% elastane
  • Chamois Velocio Signature chamois by Cytech EIT
  • Available Colors Oxide red, navy, coffee, black, charcoal, dark olive, deep sea
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, XXXXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Top-notch compression fit
  • Effective anti-chafing design
  • Large size range

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Expensive

Ostroy Camper Cargo Bibs

Specs

  • Material 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane. Bluesign- and Oeko-Tex approved
  • Chamois Gallio long-distance pad
  • Available colors Eggplant, Clay, Bossa Nova, Chocolate Brown, Poseidon Blue, Black, Curry, Aqua Verde
  • Available sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Excellent pad comfort
  • High-quality construction
  • Affordable
  • 8 color options
  • Moderately priced

Cons

  • Camper van graphic may not fit everyone's style
  • Thigh pockets openings are high and make access while riding less convenient

Assos Mille GTS Bib Short C2

Specs

  • Material 80% nylon, 20% elastane
  • Chamois Mille S7 Evo
  • Available Colors Black
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, TIR
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Great pad comfort
  • Breathes well in the heat
  • Extremely durable

Cons

  • Strap edge can cause chafing
  • Only come in black

Velocio Signature Bib Short

Specs

  • Material 78% Polyamide; 22% Nylon. All recycled Bluesign-approved fabric
  • Chamois Proprietary Signature chamois by Cytech EIT
  • Available colors Black, Pine, Navy
  • Available sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL, XXXXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Excellent pad comfort
  • Perfect fit
  • 100% Recycled material

Cons

  • Moderately expensive

Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 46% recycled nylon, 38% polyester, 16% elastane
  • Chamois Pearl Izumi Levitate PRO
  • Available Colors Black, pinyon, dark violet
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Drop tail design for nature breaks
  • Levitate PRO chamois is great
  • Italian PRO Transfer fabric has a premium feel
  • Bib straps are comfortable

Cons

  • Rear of bib is bulkier than most due to drop-tail design
  • A bit pricey

Attaquer Cargo Bib

Specs

  • Material 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane. Bluesign and Oeko-Tex approved
  • Chamois Signature two-piece contoured chamois
  • Available colors Black, Pine, Grey Smoke
  • Available sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL,
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024

Pros

  • Excellent pad comfort
  • Ample, convenient storage with 4 cargo pockets
  • Clean fit, good compression
  • Comfortable straps

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Neon accents and logo may not suit everyone's tastes

Specialized Men’s Foundation Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 80% recycled nylon, 20% recycled elastane
  • Chamois Single density Body Geometry 3D chamois
  • Available colors Black, dark navy, garnet red, dark moss green
  • Available Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
The Best Cycling Bibs of 2024Screenshot

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Minimal branding, subdued styling
  • Construction and material quality are high for the price
  • Made with recycled materials

Cons

  • Legs are a little short for long-legged folks
  • Leg grippers are somewhat constrictive
  • Low density pad better for shorter rides

Cycling Bibs Comparison Chart

Cycling BibPriceMaterialChamois
Attaquer All Day Bib Short$265100% recycled nylon, Oeko-Tex approvedSignature two-piece contoured chamois
Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Shorts$7577% recycled polyester, 14% elastane, 9% polyesterPearl Izumi Levitate
Giro Chrono Elite Bib Shorts$200Renew series 80% recycled nylon; 20% elastane Bluesign-approved fabric4-density elastic interface, 14 mm thick
Ornot Men’s Cargo Bib Short$21863% polyamide, 37% elastane, Oeko-tex certifiedHigh-density endurance pad
Gorewear Ultimate Bib Shorts+$28079% polamide, 21% elastaneExpert N3X 3D-printed sat pad with Gorewear cup
Velocio Ultralight Bib Short$25971% polyamide,29% elastaneVelocio Signature chamois by Cytech
Rapha Pro Team Powerweave$380Powerweave: 71% nylon, 29% elastane5mm elite-level race pad
Attaquer Race Bib Short$26571% polyamide and 29% elastaneAttaquer Race
Mission Workshop Mission Pro Bib$305Quattro main body, Dyneema side panels80% polyamide, 20% elastane, Bluesign, and Oeko-Tex approved
Velocio LUXE Bib Short$27962% polyamide, 38% elastaneVelocio Signature chamois by Cytech
Ostroy Camper Cargo$17580% polyamide, 20% elastane. Bluesign and Oeko-Tex approvedGallio long-distance pad
Assos Mille GTS Bib Short C2$22080% nylon, 20% elastaneMille S7 EVO
Velocio Signature Bib Short$249100% recycled premium Italian compression lycraVelocio Signature chamois by Cytech
Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts$265 46% recycled nylon, 38% polyester, 16% elastanePearl Izumi Levitate PRO
Attaquer Cargo Bib$29080% polyamide, 20% elastane, Bluesign and Oeko-Tex approvedSignature two-piece contoured chamois
Specialized Men’s Foundation Bib Short$11080% recycled nylon, 20% recycled elastaneSingle-density Body Geometry 3D
Cycling Editor Seiji Ishii testing the Best Cycling Bibs for Men
GearJunkie Cycling Editor testing cycling bibs in the mountains of Colorado; (photo/Seiji Ishii)

Why You Should Trust Us

The GearJunkie team consists of avid cyclists across all disciplines. No matter what type of riding we’re doing, we know that having the right shorts can make the difference between an epic ride or a miserable sufferfest. When we’re road or gravel riding (and sometimes mountain biking), we always reach for cycling bibs to achieve maximum comfort on the bike.

Our authors, Bennett Shane, Steve Graepel, and GearJunkie editors Seiji Ishii and Jeremy Benson, have logged thousands of hours and millions of miles in the saddle. Ishii has been cycling for nearly 40 years and has competed at a high level in both road cycling and mountain biking.

As our cycling editor, he has a seemingly endless supply of new gear to try out, and has spent decades testing, scrutinizing, and reviewing the latest and greatest products. From the mountains of Colorado and California to the hot and humid roads near his home in central Texas, Ishii tested men’s cycling bibs all over the U.S. He’s written countless bike and gear reviews and contributed to other guides, including the best cycling sunglasses.

Jeremy Benson has been professionally testing and reviewing cycling gear for the past 8 years. An avid gravel rider and racer, Benson spends countless hours riding for fun and training for long-distance events near his home in the mountains of northern California. After a brief stint chasing top tens in the pro class, he’s settled into life as an age group hero in the increasingly competitive 40+ division. Benson has also tested and reviewed other gear ranging from hitch bike racks to mountain bike shoes and electric cargo bikes.

Steve Graepel lives and rides in the Boise, Idaho, area and frequently goes on bikepacking adventures around the world. Steve has been testing and reviewing a huge range of cycling and outdoor products for GearJunkie for the past 10 years. An avid gravel rider and adventure cyclist, he knows the importance of having the right cycling bibs to stay comfortable and maximize his enjoyment during long days on the bike. From gravel bike shoes and gravel bikes to men’s travel pants, Steve has tested it all.

Bennett Shane also contributed to this guide. Bennett is an obsessive road cyclist with over two decades of riding experience. He spends an inordinate amount of time in the saddle training, riding for fun, and testing a variety of cycling-related products for GearJunkie and other outlets.

He previously worked for numerous prominent brands in the cycling industry and has comprehensive knowledge of cycling apparel, accessories, and components from both sides of the table. Bennet has lent his expertise to other guides including road bike tires, road bike saddles, road bike shoes, and protective road bike helmets, too.

Bennett Shane testing the best cycling bibs for men
Copious amounts of time spent in the saddle is the best way to test men’s cycling bibs. Bennett Shane is all right with that; (photo/Ben Guernsey)

How We Tested the Best Cycling Bibs

To create this buyer’s guide, we systematically tested cycling bibs and compiled notes and impressions. In our search for the best cycling bibs on the market, we rode various bikes in all weather conditions. From sunny singletrack days and 100-mile gravel races to cold and drizzly century rides, these bibs have been through the wringer.

While testing, we paid close attention to a number of different factors, including comfort, breathability, durability, chamois performance, straps, leg grippers, compression levels, and support. We’ve been testing bibs for decades, and it isn’t easy to impress us. The products on this list earned their titles through rigorous scrutiny by experienced and selective cyclists.

Finally, the testing doesn’t stop here. As new bibs hit the market, we’ll strap them on to ensure that our lineup is as fresh as possible and only includes the best of the best.

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A GearJunkie tester sampling bib shorts in Columbia. The coffee wasn’t bad, either; (photo/Marc Gasch)

Buying Guide: How to Choose Cycling Bibs

The big question is, do bib shorts have a place in the drawers of the everyday rider? The answer is yes — and for a few important reasons. Here, we’ll cover the primary factors to consider when searching for your next pair of men’s cycling bibs.

Why You Need Cycling Bibs

The primary consideration and defining trait of cycling bibs is shoulder straps. Straps prevent the shorts from drifting south without relying on waistband tension and keep the chamois in the optimal position while reducing the chances of chafing and bunching. Reducing compression around the gut also allows you to breathe without restriction and can minimize that “gut-bomb” feeling you get after eating and hydrating while riding.

Looking at the shoulder straps on the Specialized Foundation cycling bibs
Cycling bibs set themselves apart from traditional cycling shorts with shoulder straps that help keep everything in place while you ride with less pressure on your abdomen; (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Bibs also cover up any gap between a jersey and shorts. Showing crack isn’t just unsightly — it’s also annoying to have to hike up shorts to readjust the position of the chamois pad, and it’s a terrible place to get an unexpected sunburn. All these are good reasons for considering cycling bibs over traditional cycling shorts.

Speaking of Lycra, yes, it’s “aero” and looks fast. More importantly, many cycling bibs are designed to provide compression, reducing road fatigue by dampening vibrations that can beat muscles into submission. It also prevents any dragging on the saddle and keeps extra material from flapping annoyingly in the wind.

What to Look For in Cycling Bibs

Wearing cycling bibs while taking a break on a road bike ride
Getting the right fit is key for comfort and performance on the bike. Well-fitting bibs hug your body like a second skin and don’t move around at all while riding; (photo/Ben Guernsey)

Fit

How a cycling bib fits is highly personal, but there are a few general universal pointers.

First, the vertical dimension must work for your torso length in the riding position. If the bibs are too short vertically, the straps will pull up on the shorts, and you can feel undue pressure in the worst places. Likewise, if the cycling bibs are too long vertically, they may not be effective at keeping the chamois pad in place, and irritating wrinkles and folds in the fabric can form while riding.

Remember, it doesn’t matter how it feels standing up — it matters how it feels in the riding position you will use most, which is usually on the brake hoods — or maybe in the drops if you’re more of a racer.

Cycling in an aggressive position while wearing bib shorts
Different riding styles and body positions benefit from different fits, levels of compression, and chamois pads. If you ride in aggressive positions like this often, you may prefer a race-oriented fit; (photo/Simon Krenk)

Another factor to consider is the amount of compression you desire. Some cyclists love a super tight, compressive fit, touting that it prevents fatigue and feels better overall, while others are the exact opposite. This also affects the leg grippers — the bottom of the bib legs have to have enough friction (usually from silicone inlays) and tension to stay down, or else they can ride up and cause wrinkles or discomfort.

Finally, the pattern — typically made by paneling the fabric — must match your anatomy for a smooth, aerodynamic, and wrinkle-free fit. If a cycling bib fits perfectly, it will remain stable and wrinkle-free for hours in the cycling position. Accumulated wrinkles do compromise aerodynamics, but more importantly, they can cause irritation in the wrong places.

Areas to look for are in front of the hip joints and around the edges of the chamois. A wrinkle may appear at the hip when that leg comes up in the pedaling motion, but it will disappear when it drops on a good-fitting kit. Some bibs will not wrinkle at all in any position.

Chamois

The staffers at GearJunkie have learned the hard way that a good chamois, or seat pad, can make or break a ride. Originally made from leather, today’s chamois have padding made from foams and gels with variable quality, density, thickness, and durability. There’s usually a tradeoff between chamois padding and saddle foam, with the current bias being for more padding in the chamois and less in the bike saddle.

Many premium brands use a third-party chamois that has built an empire entirely around comfort and durability. Brands engineer these pads to reduce bulk, prominent edges, moisture retention, and friction while increasing breathability. All of these reduce irritation and chafing and help manage moisture.

A comparative shot of two chamois pads in the Specialized Foundation Bibs and the Ornot Cargo Bibs
The high-density endurance pad used in the Ornot Cargo Bibs (right) is among the most comfortable and supportive that we’ve tried; (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Good seat pads are typically firmer and contoured with subtle creases to wrap the saddle and anatomy without bunching. Most pads are attached to the shorts via zig-zag or flat-lock stitching to further reduce friction and chafing.

Higher-quality padding is engineered from a durable, perforated foam, often with higher-density foams directly under the sit bones. 3D-printing has also finally made its way into seat pads, as evidenced in the stellar pad included in the Gorewear Ultimate Bib Shorts+. This kind of tech usually costs a little more, but you get a longer shelf life. If you plan to ride often, the upfront cost of a great seat pad will pay dividends over the miles.

Companies usually offer different kinds of chamois, or pads, optimized for different kinds of riding. So be sure to evaluate your time in the saddle and buy accordingly. The chamois is the bread and butter of any cycling short, from aero bibs to looser-fitting mountain bike shorts. They’re likely where the lion’s share of your coin will go when purchasing a bib short. We’ve found it’s best not to skimp.

Riding a gravel bike in the desert wearing cycling bib shorts
Well-executed paneling and quality materials create shorts that conform perfectly to the body for a better fit and performance; (photo/Steve Graepel)

Panels

The anatomy of the human body has an intricate form, with curves and joints that can make obtaining a tailored fit no small feat of engineering. Usually, more panels can wrap around the body with less bunching (which can cause irritable chafing).

Most panels are sewn together with flatlock stitching, which theoretically rides smoothly against the skin. However, many companies still sew panels together with piped overlock stitches.

Bibs are available in thermal, waterproof, and weather-resistant fabrics, and they have enhanced breathability and are suitable for riding in the hottest environments. While most bib shorts will leverage Lycra as the base material, many companies weave proprietary fabrics into it for added breathability and performance benefits. Take time to evaluate when and where you will ride, and buy bib shorts with materials that match the environment.

Looking at the shoulder straps on two different pairs of cycling bibs
Shoulder straps are the defining feature of cycling bibs. They vary between models and brands, but they are typically made from a stretchy material that balances stretch and tension and should be comfortable against the skin; (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Straps and Leg Grippers

While a chamois is the most important component of bib shorts, straps distinguish a bib from a short and shouldn’t be overlooked. These are often made of mesh, woven material, or other stretch fabrics.

Fashionable piping can finish the strap edges, but we like the feel of laser-cut, raw-edged straps that hold the bibs up without cutting into the shoulders. A good pair will have a yoke that eases around the belly and incorporates a breathable upper that allows the wind to whisk away heat.

Bib straps should balance stretch and tension to keep the shorts in place while still allowing for freedom of movement for the full range of cycling body positions. Getting the right size bibs to suit your torso length is an important factor in this equation as that will certainly impact the way a bib’s straps interact with your body and dynamic movements on the bike.

A close look at the leg grippers on the Specialzied Foundation Bibs and the Ornot Cargo bibs for comparison.
Brands employ different methods when it comes to leg grippers. The Specialized Foundation Bibs (top) vs. the Ornot Cargo Bibs (bottom). Guess which one is more comfortable; (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Similar to the straps, the leg grippers help keep the shorts locked to the legs. Many bibs will often have gummy silicone dots or strips at the leg openings to grip the skin and keep them from riding up or twisting.

High-end brands are shifting from tight bands at the bottom of the legs to larger panels that expand the compression down the leg a few inches. We’ve found this provides compression without constriction and feels more natural on tired legs.

Riding a gravel bike with a snack in the cargo pocket of the Ornot Cargo Bibs
Cargo pockets, like those on the Ornot Cargo Bibs, make it easy to keep your snacks and phone handy and easy to access while you ride; (photo/Jeremy Benson)

Cargo Pockets

These days, many brands offer cycling bibs with cargo pockets. These typically involve stretchy mesh pockets on each thigh, and many models also include mesh pockets on the lower back as well. These pockets provide more on-body storage and easy access to items like a phone or snacks while riding.

This makes it easier and more convenient to carry more with you on rides. Plus, it is typically much easier to pull your phone out of a thigh pocket while rolling than it is to reach back into your jersey pocket every time you want to snap a picture or check the map.

While traditional jerseys generally offer ample storage for most people’s needs, looser-fitting cycling tops are quite popular among many riders these days. These types of jerseys often don’t have rear pockets, so the addition of lower-back cargo pockets on cycling bibs can replace that lack of storage. Cargo bibs seem to be most popular among gravel, adventure, and long-distance riders.

We’ve tested several cargo-carrying cycling bibs, including the Ornot Cargo Bibs, Attaquer Cargo Bibs, Mission Workshop Mission Pro, Ostroy Camper Cargo, and the Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO.

Riding a road bike while wearing cycling bib shorts
Cycling bibs vary pretty widely in price. Thankfully, there are good options to suit every need and budget; (photo/Simon Krenk)

Price & Value

Like anything else in cycling, bib shorts come in a wide range of prices — $80 to $380 among the models we tested. Since they all aim to perform roughly the same function, it makes you wonder what sets the budget-friendly models apart from the premium options and what the differences are.

Budget

If you’re new to the sport or simply don’t have a lot of money to spend on fancy lycra cycling gear, there are quite a few quality options at the lower end of the price spectrum — between roughly $80 and $150. Generally speaking, budget-friendly cycling bibs have improved dramatically in recent years as materials, design, construction, and even chamois pads have evolved and trickled down. The affordable bibs of today or often as good or better than the high-end bibs of a decade ago, even if they can’t compete with today’s premium options.

Take the Pearl Izumi Quest ($80), for example. These are the least expensive model we tested, but they still perform admirably and dutifully on any ride with a comfortable chamois, straps, and wicking materials. They aren’t the most compressive or the most stylish, but they absolutely get the job done at a fraction of the price.

The Specialized Foundation Bibs ($110) bring plenty of style and a stable fit but, again, aren’t the most compressive except for the high-tension leg grippers. There are plenty of other options in this price range, and we’ll be testing more in the near future.

Bennett Shane riding a road bike in the best men's cycling bibs
Most riders find the best bang for their buck in the mid-tier price range, like the Velocio Signature bibs seen here; (photo/Ben Guernsey)

Mid-Tier

In the middle of the price spectrum, roughly $175-275, most riders will find the sweet spot in the price-to-performance ratio. Here, brands use fancier and more luxurious materials, higher-quality seat pads/chamois, more advanced paneling, and sleeker, more comfortable leg grippers and straps. Often, the use case may be more specific — racing, endurance, etc. — or they may include features like cargo pockets.

In many cases, it can be hard to tell the difference between the mid-tier and premium options in either performance or appearance. Take the Giro Chrono Elite Bibs ($200), for example. Made from recycled material and featuring laser-cut leg grippers and straps, these bibs keep their super comfortable chamois positioned perfectly on any length of ride. They also happen to look great, which begs the question, why spend more?

A little higher up in this price range, the Attaquer Race ($265) and the Attaquer All-Day Bib Shorts ($265) won’t set you back nearly as much but provide choice for the rider through specialization. By incorporating different chamois pads and compression levels, Attaquer allows you to choose the model that is best suited to the type of riding you’re doing — and the resulting body position.

Premium

Once you break the $275 threshold, we enter the high-end of the cycling bibs market. Believe it or not, there are bibs that exceed the $400 mark. Up here in the price stratosphere, bibs are almost always riding style or conditions specific with different chamois pad types, super advanced materials, seamless leg grippers, or promises of marginal aerodynamic gains.

A recent standout is the Gorewear Ultimate Bibs Shorts+ ($280), which have one of the best seat pads we’ve ever tried. Featuring a 3D-printed insert sandwiched between bio-based foam, this pad provides outstanding cushioning and support, along with excellent breathability and moisture management, for supreme comfort no matter how long you ride.

The Rapha Pro Team Powerweave ($380) are the most expensive bibs we tested. This is due partly to the Rapha brand name but also to the highly technical material and construction of the shorts. The unique Powerweave material magically combines an impressively light weight and excellent breathability with great compression and muscular support — not to mention a stellar chamois.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good cycling bib?

First, you need a cycling bib that offers maximum comfort. While a good chamois costs more, it will pay dividends down the line. It will feel better and probably last longer.

Next, you’ll want to consider your riding conditions. For hot weather, look for breathable materials, and you may even want a few mesh panels. For cooler conditions, consider models that have beefier, insulated, or wind/weather-resistant fabrics.

The straps and leg grippers also affect a bib’s comfort and performance. These elements help keep the bibs in place even on long rides. Our testers find that the laser-cut, raw-edged straps offer the best all-day comfort. For leg grippers, we look for silicone on the inside of extended panels at the bottom of the legs.

It’s also important to consider your riding style and duration. Different riding styles and body positions may benefit from chamois pads or compression levels and more specific designs to meet the varying demands. If you’re heading out on all-day rides or into off-the-beaten-path terrain, you may want to consider cargo bibs. Cargo bibs have external pockets that add storage and keep essentials easily accessible while you ride.

Are bike shorts or bibs better?

Choosing between bike shorts and bibs ultimately comes down to personal preference. But, the vast majority of serious cyclists prefer bibs for several reasons.

The main differentiator between bibs and shorts is the shoulder straps. While shorts rely on tension at the waist to keep them in place, bib straps add tension over the shoulders to keep the shorts and chamois in the optimal position on the bike.

The straps keep the shorts from riding down and ensure the chamois remains in positioned between you and your saddle to be most effective. Properly fitting cycling bibs are unrestrictive, and the lack of waistband pressure is more comfortable and allows you to breathe more easily.

It may sound trivial, but bibs also rise higher in the rear and prevent any gap between your jersey and shorts. Not only can this be unsightly, but it isn’t ideal to expose this part of your body to the sun or road spray.

Why do cyclists wear bib shorts?

As mentioned earlier, bibs reduce bunching and unwanted gapping between a jersey and shorts. They also reduce compression around the waist, allowing for a more comfortable ride while leaning forward on the bike. If you’re hesitant to wear Lycra, check out our bike shorts Q&A for even more compelling reasons to pick up a pair of stretchy shorts for riding

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