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The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

The right bib shorts can mean the difference between a ride to remember and an uncomfortable suffer-fest. 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)
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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 sponsored 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 looks. 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 2023. Here are our favorites.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for.

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.

Best Overall Cycling Bib

GOREWEAR C7 Long distance Bib Short

Specs

  • Material 64% nylon, 19% elastane, 17% polyester
  • Inseam 11"
  • Chamois Expert road
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Highly breathable
  • Durable
  • Deflects wind

Cons

  • Sizing runs large
Best Budget Cycling Bib

The Black Bibs

Specs

  • Material "High compression fabric"
  • Chamois Dueal density Coolmax
  • Inseam 10" (size medium)
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Good value
  • Highly elastic
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • A bit thin for long rides
Best Chamois

Mille GTS Bib Short C2

Specs

  • Material 80% nylon, 20% elastane
  • Inseam 10" (men's medium)
  • Chamois Mille S9 Evo
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Comfortable on long rides
  • Breathes well in the heat
  • Long lasting

Cons

  • Straps have semi-sharp edges
Best High Waisted Bib

MAAP Team Bib EVO Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 80% polyamide, 20% elastane
  • Inseam Unknown
  • Chamois 3D Thermo Molded multi-layer chamois
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Wide and comfortable shoulder straps
  • Protective yet streamlined chamois
  • Breathable rear mesh panel

Cons

  • Expensive
Best straps

Pearl Izumi Pro Bibs

Specs

  • Material 46% nylon, 38% polyester, 16% LYCRA® elastane
  • Inseam 10.5"
  • Chamois Levitate PRO Chamois pad
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023(Photo/Pearl iZUMi)

Pros

  • Lightweight and cimfortable shoulder straps
  • Tough chamois for long days in the saddle
  • Does not limit range of motion

Cons

  • Chamois is a bit thick for some riders
Best Multiday Bib

Rapha Cargo Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 71% polyamide, 29% elastane
  • Inseam Unknown
  • Chamois Perforated Brevet pad
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Well-placed plentiful storage pockets
  • Comfortable chamois

Cons

  • Not ideal for hot conditons
Best Cycling Bib for Long Days

Sportful Supergiara Bib Short

Specs

  • Material Stretchy synthetic; specific makeup unknown
  • Inseam 11" (large)
  • Chamois DMS Seat Pad
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Good value
  • Excellent compression
  • Comfortable chamois

Cons

  • Minimal storage space
Best Compression Cycling Bib

Velocio LUXE Bib Shorts

Specs

  • Materials 62% polyamide, 38% elastane
  • Chamois Velocio Signature chamois with Cytech
  • Inseam Unknown, varies by size
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

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

Cons

  • Not the most breathable
Best of the Rest

Voler Black Label Bib Short

Specs

  • Materials Premium "Alta" fabric made of nylon and elastane
  • Chamois Voler Comp HP "6 hour" Chamois Pad
  • Inseam 10.5" (medium)
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Good form-fitting five-panel design
  • Flat seams reduce chafing

Cons

  • Chamois sits further forward than many bibs, which won't suit every rider

Endura FS260-Pro Bibshort

Specs

  • Material 78% nylon, 22% elastane
  • Inseam 9.5" (medium)
  • Champis 600 Series gel pad
The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2023

Pros

  • Good value
  • Durable stitching
  • Ergonomic chamois

Cons

  • Straps tend to bunch

Cycling Bib Comparison Chart

Cycling BibPriceMaterialChamoisInseam
GOREWEAR C7
Long Distance Bib
$20064% nylon, 19% elastane, 17% polyester“Expert road”11” (medium)
The Black Bibs$40“High compression fabric”Dual-density Coolmax10″ (medium)
Mille GTS Bib
Short C2
$23080% nylon, 20% elastaneMille S9 EVO10″ (medium)
MAAP Team Bib
EVO Shorts
$35580% polyamide, 20% elastane 3D Thermo Molded multi-layer chamoisUnknown
Pearl iZUMi Pro Bibs$22546% nylon, 38% polyester, 16% LYCRA®Levitate PRO Chamois pad10.5″ (medium)
Rapha Cargo
Bib Shorts
$27071% polyamide, 29% elastanePerforated Brevet padUnknown
Sportful Supergiara
Bib Shorts
$280Stretchy synthetic; specific makeup unknownDMS Seat Pad11″ (large)
Velocio LUXE
Bib Shorts
$27962% polyamide, 38% elastaneVelocio Signature chamois with CytechUnknown
Voler Black Label
Bib Shorts
$165Premium “Alta” fabric made of nylon and elastaneVoler Comp HP “6 hour” Chamois Pad10.5″ (medium)
Endura FS260-Pro
Bibshort
$14578% nylon, 22% elastane600 Series gel pad 9.5″ (medium)

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team has logged thousands of hours and millions of miles in the saddle. To create this buyer’s guide, Author Steve Graepel systematically tested cycling bibs and compiled notes and impressions from our team of avid cyclists. In our search for the best bibs on the market, we rode a variety of bikes in all sorts of 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 a number of years, and the products on this list have withstood many rugged rides over multiple years without wearing out.

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.

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.

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The author testing Café du Cycliste’s Mathilde bib shorts in Colombia. The coffee wasn’t bad either. (Photo/Marc Gasch)

Why You Need Cycling Bibs

The primary consideration is shoulder straps. Straps prevent the shorts from drifting south and keep the chamois in place, reducing overall chafing and bunching. Reducing compression around the gut also allows you to breathe better 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 cuts down on drag and keeps annoying extra material from flapping in the wind.

What to Look For in Cycling Bibs

Padding

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 come in a variety of padding made from foam and gels with variable quality and durability. There’s usually a tradeoff in chamois and saddle padding, with the current bias being for more padding and less saddle.

The best of the best (Assos, Rapha, MAAP, etc.) use a third-party chamois that has built an empire entirely around comfort and durability. Brands engineer these pads to reduce padding bulk and increase breathability. This reduces moisture and chafing.

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 paddings are engineered from a durable, perforated foam, with higher-density gel foams directly under the sit bones. This tech ends up costing a little more, but you get a longer shelf life. If you plan to ride often, the upfront cost will pay dividends in miles.

Companies usually offer different kinds of padding 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 short, from 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 a small feat of engineering. In short, 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. But many companies still sew panels together with piped overlock stitches.

Bibs are available in thermal, waterproof, and weather-resistant fabrics — and even with breathability suitable for riding to hell and back. While most bib shorts will leverage Lycra as the base material, many companies weave proprietary fabrics into the material for added breathability and performance benefits. Take time to evaluate the style of riding 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 Grips

While a chamois is the most important component of shorts, straps are what distinguishes 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 grips will have gummy silicone tabs on the inside that grip to the leg and keep the shorts in place.

High-end brands are shifting from tight bands to longer panels that expand the compression down the leg a few inches. We’ve found that the broader grip 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 not only last longer, but it will feel better overall.

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 grips. These elements help keep the bibs in place even on long rides. Our testers find the laser-cut, raw-edged straps offer up the best all-day comfort. For leg grips, look for options that extend a bit longer into compression panels.

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, reducing overall chafing and bunching. Reducing compression around the gut also allows you to breathe better 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.

Why Do Cyclists Wear Bib Shorts?

As mentioned earlier, bibs reduce bunching and unwanted gapping between a jersey and short. They also reduce stomach compression, 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 and A for even more compelling reasons to pick up a pair of stretchy shorts for riding


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