Home > Biking

The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024

The right bib shorts can mean the difference between a ride to remember and an uncomfortable sufferfest. Here, we break down the best cycling bibs for every guy's budget and distance.

Best cycling bibs for menTesting cycling bibs in Moab; (photo/Steve Graepel)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Nothing shouts a public affirmation of your passion for cycling more than Lycra. And while bibs used to be reserved for only the most serious riders, these sleek wears have become saddle staples for even casual riders. And for good reason. They are darn comfortable.

Spend enough time in the saddle (er … pain cave), and comfort quickly triumphs over overlooks. Bib shorts are king — and they arguably can look good too. The crew at GearJunkie loves to cycle, and this year, we’ve shouldered over 2 dozen straps to find the best available for men in 2024.

Our cycling editor, Seiji Ishii, began competing in road races when Lycra first emerged in cycling shorts to push out wool, and the chamois was a piece of leather. During his nearly 40 years of cycling, he has worn hundreds of cycling shorts and bibs. To curate this list of favorites, he rode around his Central Texas home and on trips to Colorado, California, and other cycling-worthy venues. Ishii took to the tarmac and gravel roads to sample as many kits as he could get his hands on. This is the list of his favorites.

At the end of our list, be sure to check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, as well as our comparison chart. And if you have some questions, take a look at our list of frequently asked questions.

Editor’s Note: We’ve significantly revamped our selection for this September 8, 2023 update, identifying new Best Overall and Best Budget choices, and adding two additional high-performing bibs to the lineup.

The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024


Best Overall Cycling Bib

Mission Workshop Mission Pro Bib

Specs

  • Materials Quattro main body, Dyneema side panels
  • Chamois Elastic interface
  • Inseam 12", measured on a men's medium
Product Badge The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024(Photo/Mission Workshop)

Pros

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

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Thin shoulder straps difficult to lay flat
  • Expensive
Best Budget Cycling Bib

Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 77% recycled polyester, 14% elastane, 9% polyester
  • Chamois Pearl Izumi Levitate
  • Inseam 9"
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024(Photo/Pearl Izumi)

Pros

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

Cons

  • Low compression might not be for some
  • Lighter feeling fabric might not be as durable as others against punctures and abrasion
Best Fit in a Cycling Bib

Attaquer Race Bib Short

Specs

  • Material 71% polyamide and 29% elastane
  • Chamois Attaquer Race
  • Inseam 11" on medium
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024(Photo/Attaquer)

Pros

  • Attaquer offers four different levels of compression
  • Attaquer uses various chamois to match the level of compression
  • 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
Best Chamois

Assos Mille GTS Bib Short C2

Specs

  • Material 80% nylon, 20% elastane
  • Chamois Mille S9 Evo
  • Inseam 10" on medium
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Comfortable on long rides
  • Breathes well in the heat
  • Extremely durable

Cons

  • Straps have semi-sharp edges
Best Cycling Bib for Hot Weather

Velocio Ultralight Bib Short

Specs

  • Materials 71% polyamide, 29% elastane
  • Chamois Velocio Signature chamois with Cytech
  • Inseam 10" on medium
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024(Photo/Velocio)

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lighter fabric may not be as durable or crash-resistant
  • A bit pricey
Best Cycling Bib for Touring

Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 46% recycled nylon, 38% polyester, 16% elastane
  • Chamois Pearl Izumi Levitate PRO
  • Inseam 10.5" on medium
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024(Photo/Pearl Izumi)

Pros

  • Drop tail design for nature breaks
  • Levitate PRO chamois is among the best
  • Italian PRO Transfer fabric has a premium feel
  • Bib straps are the best of the bunch

Cons

  • Rear of bib is bulkier than most
  • A bit pricey
Best Compression Cycling Bib

Velocio LUXE Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 62% polyamide, 38% elastane
  • Chamois Velocio Signature chamois with Cytech
  • Inseam 10" on medium
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2024

Pros

  • Top-notch compression fit
  • Effective anti-chafing design

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
  • Expensive

Cycling Bib Comparison Chart

Cycling BibPriceMaterialChamoisInseam
Mission Workshop Mission Pro Bib$305Quattro main body, Dyneema side panelsElastic Interface12″ (medium)
Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Shorts$7577% recycled polyester, 14% elastane, 9% polyesterPearl Izumi Levitate9″ (medium)
Attaquer Race Bib Short$24571% polyamide and 29% elastaneAttaquer Race11″ (medium)
Assos Mille GTS Bib Short C2$22080% nylon, 20% elastaneMille S9 EVO10″ (medium)
Velocio Ultralight Bib Short$25971% polyamide,29% elastaneVelocio Signature chamois with Cytech10″ (medium)
Pearl Izumi Expedition PRO Bib Shorts$265 46% recycled nylon, 38% polyester, 16% elastanePearl Izumi Levitate PRO10.5″ (medium)
Velocio LUXE Bib Shorts$27962% polyamide, 38% elastaneVelocio Signature chamois with Cytech10″ (medium)
Cycling Editor Seiji Ishii testing the Best Cycling Bibs for Men
GearJunkie Cycling Editor testing bibs in Colorado; (photo/Seiji Ishii)

How We Tested Men’s Cycling Bibs

Our authors, Steve Graepel and GearJunkie cycling editor Seiji Ishii, as well as other testers 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.

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 to cold and drizzle century rides, these bibs have been through the wringer.

A bib can make or break your ride. Reliably compressible elastic and a comfortable, well-placed chamois are essential to achieve maximum comfort and performance.

While testing, we paid close attention to a number of different factors, including comfort, breathability, durability, 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, and as bibs hit the market, we’ll be strapping them on to ensure that our lineup is as fresh as can be.

086marcgasch_xpdtn3colombia_190311__dsc3119_086-1600x1066
A GearJunkie tester sampling bib shorts in Columbia. The coffee wasn’t bad, either; (photo/Marc Gasch)

Buyer’s 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.

Why You Need Cycling Bibs

The primary consideration is shoulder straps. Straps prevent the shorts from drifting south without relying on waistband tension and keep the chamois in place, reducing overall 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.

Bibs also cover up any gap between a jersey and short. Showing crack isn’t just unsightly; it’s also annoying to have to hike up shorts to readjust the chamois. All these are good reasons for considering bibs over traditional Lycra shorts.

Speaking of Lycra, yes, it’s “aero” and looks fast. More importantly, it compresses the body, reducing road fatigue by dampening vibrations that can beat muscles into submission. And it prevents any dragging on the saddle and keeps annoying extra material from flapping in the wind.

What to Look For in Cycling Bibs

Fit

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

First off, 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.

Remember, it doesn’t matter how it feels standing up; it matters most how it feels in the riding position you will use most, which is usually on the brake hoods. If the cycling bibs are too long vertically, irritating wrinkles and folds in the fabric can form while riding.

Another factor to consider is the amount of compression you desire. Some cyclists love a super tight 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 silicon inlays) and tension to stay down, or else they can ride up and cause wrinkles at the hip joint that can cause chafing.

Finally, the pattern must match your anatomy for a smooth, aerodynamic, and wrinkle-free fit. If a cycling bib fits perfectly, it will remain 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 can make or break a ride. Originally made from leather, today’s chamois have various 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 saddle.

Some 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. Our best overall cycling bib goes this route with Elastic Interface third-party chamois, which was voted among the best Ishii has ever used in four decades of cycling.

Good chamois pads are typically firmer and contoured with subtle creases to wrap the saddle and anatomy without bunching. Chamois adhere 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, with higher-density gel foams directly under the sit bones. This tech costs a little more, but you get a longer shelf life. If you plan to ride often, the upfront cost will pay dividends over the miles.

Companies usually offer different kinds of chamois optimized for different kinds of riding. So be sure to evaluate your time in the saddle and buy accordingly. Chamois are 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. It’s best not to skimp.

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 with enhanced breathability 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 do, and buy bib shorts with materials that match the environment.

DSC09128-1600x900
Broad, laser-cut leg grippers add compression without constricting the legs; (photo/Steve Graepel)

Straps and Leg Grippers

While a chamois is the most important component of shorts, straps distinguish a bib from a short and shouldn’t be overlooked. 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 mesh upper that allows the wind to whisk away heat.

Similar to the straps, the leg grippers help keep the shorts locked to the legs. Good bibs will have gummy silicone at the leg bottoms to 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.

That’s a lot of information to sit on, but if you take time to evaluate your style of riding, try on a few pairs and see what fits your body — there’s a bib short for everyone.

FAQ

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 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.

Lastly, it’s time to look at the straps and leg grippers. These elements help keep the bibs in place even on long rides. Our testers find the laser-cut, raw-edged straps offer the best all-day comfort. For leg grippers, look for silicone on the inside of extended panels at the bottom of the legs.

Are bike shorts or bibs better?

Choosing between bike shorts and bibs ultimately comes down to personal preference.

The primary consideration is shoulder straps. Straps prevent the shorts from drifting south and keep the chamois in place without relying on waistband tension, reducing overall chafing and bunching. Reducing compression around the gut also allows you to breathe easier and can minimize that “gut-bomb” feeling you get after eating and hydrating while riding.

Bibs also cover up any gap between a jersey and short. It’s also annoying to have to hike up shorts to readjust the chamois, and shoulder straps prevent this . All these are good reasons for considering bibs over traditional Lycra shorts.

Why do cyclists wear bib shorts?

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

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!