Tall Bib Shorts?

[Tim Kelley]

Another thread in this forum got me thinking about bib shorts. I'm personally a regular riding shorts kind of guy because I can't seem to find bib shorts that are tall enough through the shoulders. I realize that they are cut a little tighter because most riders use them in the drop position, however I frequently ride with aerobars and am stretched out a bit more.

Any recommendations for my situation? I asked Dirt about this, but he just started talking to me in what I think was Italian, and I couldn't keep up...

[Dirt]

That Dirt guy is nothing but trouble.

Honestly, the best thing I can suggest is to try some on. Conte's stocks Campy, Assless (aka Assos), Sugoi, Castelli, Giordanai and a few more. Bonzai has 2XU. The Bike Lane has Pearl Izumi and Sugoi and I think Garneau.

What works for me: Any Giordana except for Silverline. Castelli fits well, but I've had issues with durability. 2XU are VERY comfortable for me. Hincapie makes some great shorts, but I don't know who sells them locally. If I find anyone, I'll let you know. Assos are amazing, but WOW are they expensive... not that any of the others I've mentioned are cheap.

What doesn't work for me: Pearl, Sugoi and Garneau do not work well.

As for speaking Italian: Nalini makes some wonderful shorts. Only one or two shops in the US stock them. All of those are on the left coast. I tried one pair ordering them from eBay, loved the way they fit, then had Conte's special order a bunch for me.

The polite way for guys to try on shorts in a bike shop: buy a pair of those fancy-pants, under armor underwear. It is super thin so you get that "nothing comes between me and my Calvins" feel while having something come between you and your Calvins.

Is that more helpful?

Pete

PS: Happy Birthday.

[CCrew]

These are pretty specifically made for tall folks. http://www.zinncycles.com/clothing.php

It's all a personal thing though. PI and Garneau work great for me but except for a bit of an aerobelly I'm pretty darned out of the box on sizing.

[consularrider]

Of course, us short chunky guys have the opposite issue, too much material that can bunch up.

[OneEighth]

I've found Sugoi bibs feel like they are built for shorter torsos and Castelli's feel like they are built for longer torsos. Oddly enough, the Castelli's seem to have a shorter inseam. Overall fit/snugness seems to vary depending on which level of bib short you buy. I think the nicer Castelli's fit much tighter.

[Brock]

Aero Tech Designs carries a lot of big & tall gear.