I like mine, the chamois is a little bulky but not to bad for me. I have a small issue with the segments in the chamois which is right at my sit bones. I started to get a little chaffing on a long trainer ride. If I put a little cream in that area they work fine. I am planning on getting some more and it is good to know that you need the $65 model if you plan on using leg warmers.
I’d rather wear running shorts. It was that bad. Like having rocks under my sit bones.
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I feel like wiggles dhb bibs would be a much better alternative 
It’s the same price, but seems much better quality (including those leg grip bands).
For that matter: there are also quite a few other brands in that price range. And with the abundance of online shops these days it’s actually quite easy to catch a more expensive pair of bibs at like 50 % off.
Last but not least: I think bibs have by far the biggest influence on comfort on the bike, which makes it one of the most important bits of bike-gear… definitely worth spending something extra, especially compared to other bike upgrades.
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I can’t but I use Pactimo on the trainer. Assos and Velocio on the road. My family jewels are worth every penny!
Lots of other places to cut cost cycling. Like wearing your grandma’s socks or only one post ride beer.
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Actually most of pactimo bibs are on clearance for 50-70% right now since 2020 are about to come out, so I may just stock up on the good stuff!
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Same! The only way to do it.
I thought they were good for trainer use - but I wish I got the leg gripper version. I find myself pulling down the legs several times throughout a workout. Otherwise they’re definitely worth the money. I don’t like wearing out my nice bibs inside for 90 minute workouts.
I have a few pair of the Black Bibs, the ones that have the pockets on the back, and I like them especially for the price. The quality I feel is on par with the Pearl Izumi stuff I’ve had in the past. I will agree about the chamois feeling oversized and diaper like but after spending time in them I don’t notice it feeling like that anymore so take that as you will. I had the same experience with Sfatto bibs years ago and they ended up being my personal favorites but I can’t find them anymore. I will buy more of the Black Bibs in the future.
I bought a pair of the $40 Black Bibs last spring and really like them. For me they’re comfortable. No problem with seams or fit of the chamois. I use leg warmers with mine and occasionally have to stop and pull them up, no big deal for me. I haven’t tried the $65 version as I don’t think the additional $15 is worth it for the few winter rides I do. From what I’ve heard chamois are like saddles - might be hard to find one that fits perfectly without spending a lot of money, over and over again, until you find the right fit. The Black Bibs are great for me. I’m buying another pair this spring. I’ve done one century ride and a couple metric centuries last summer and usually do two or three outdoor rides a week in the summer of 35 to 45 miles each. I also wear them in the winter months on the trainer for 3 to 4 hours per week. One pair has lasted me all year. They’ve held up well for me. Now if I could just find that perfect saddle…
Think I’ll check out the Pactimo liners for the trainer. Could be the answer I’ve been looking for to replace several pairs of old shorts.
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Pros:
- Cheap
- Fits well
Cons
- Not durable - the bibs hurt around the chamois after 30 mins on the trainer. I have only used it for less than a year. Machine washed in a delicates bag after each session so not the best care.
- Chamois does not work for me
- they wont reply to your email once you have questions AFTER buying them. A bit shoddy in my opinion. Asked them if I was not taking care of them by putting it in the washing machine but they did not reply me.
Recommendation
If I were to do it again I would go for DHB bibs from wiggle. the ones with the elastic interface chamois. Its the same on Pedla uses but at a much cheaper price. Bought both the leg gripper version and the non gripper version. Personally, it did not make much of a difference to buy the gripper version.
hope it helps.
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I bought 3 pairs last winter, 2 $40 and 1 $65. They have been my main rotation with mostly 2 hour indoor rides, some 3 hour rides and one 4 hour indoor ride. I don’t have any huge issues with them. I also don’t have any top quality bibs to compare them too. I actually prefer the $40 version because the $65 bibs have the extra elastic band that doesn’t wrap around my leg very well, it needs to be tighter IMO. The $40 bibs do seem to ride up my leg about 1 or 2 inches further than I would prefer but they get the job done for me. I’m going to buy a expensive set of bibs to see what I’m missing.
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As you can see there is a wide range of opinions about these bibs (some love them, some hate them). However, their pretty cheap at $40 so they are worth a try. That’s what I did when I first got some. Ordered one pair, tested them out on the trainer, and immediately ordered 3 more because they worked for me.
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I like the fabric on my $65 pair more than the fabric on my Rapha Cargo Cores.
For me 5’6’’ they fit me just as comfortable as my Rapha bib.
Haven’t done anything super long in them yet though.
I bought a pair of the $40 intending to use them on the trainer.
The chamois and I didn’t get along so I shelved that idea. For me, the raised bumpy sections weren’t great for the static position on the trainer. The fabric overall felt thicker, which wasn’t a dealbreaker but wasn’t optimal for indoor use as I found myself getting really hot.
I have a pair of $65 ones. I generally like the fit and finish. Agree the leg grippers are too loose for my non-sprinter legs. I like the compression. Chamois I haven’t thought about, though it could have contributed to a saddle sore last year. Done 3-5 hour rides on them. They aren’t a second skin, but they are decent.
In my opinion in this case you get what you pay for.
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I don’t own any $150+ dollar bibs so I can’t compare to those. However, my black bibs (1 plain, 1 with gripper, and 1 thermal 3/4 knickers) are my go to bibs. They aren’t super compressive but they are comfortable and are better than the $80-$100 bibs I own. I want to try more expensive bibs but for $40 they really are hard to beat.
ive got 2 pairs, regular ones before they had the 65 dollar ones. i think the chamois isnt dense enough for my liking. i.e. castelli stuff or eliel stuff i use has a thinner but more dense chamois. i still use mine, and ive used em for a few longer rides of 4+ hours outdoors. theyre mostly a trainer/mtb bib for me. i wont feel nearly as bad wrecking a pair crashing the mtb as i would shredding a 200+pair of castelli/eliel bibs. would i say buy em? for 40 bucks you may as well try em and theyll prob refund ya if they arent to your liking (idk their policy offhand and too lazy to look it up) mine are prob 2 years old now, have hit the dirt more times then id like to admit (no offroad skills at all) and stitching is just starting to come apart on the chamois now.
tl:dr; for 40 bucks give em a shot, worst case scenario you get a recovery day bib unless theyre ridiculously uncomfortable
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I find the black bib just alright for the budget however money is better spent on a a redwhite bib as the quality and comfort is much better. Do try them out as well and share your feedbacks.