I’m surprised the Voler didn’t work for you. I’m similar build. 6’ 2” 173 lbs. Voler straps always felt fine and pretty stretchy to me. I always used size Large from them.
I have a very old pair of Voler and they were the best fitting I have tried but they still rode up a bit.
My thoughts as well. Though I don’t think I’d size up at all at his weight, they’re going to be too loose. I’m 6’3"/189cm tall and weigh 190lbs/86kg and wear M across all brands*. I can’t say that I’ve ever had bibs ride up excessively and I’ve not had problems with short straps. It may sound backwards but I wonder if going smaller would help. Yes the straps may be shorter, but maybe the bibs are too big/loose and that’s why they ride up. Maybe a little tighter fit in the legs would prevent any movement.
*Edit: I’ve worn Specialized, Pactimo, La Passione, Le Col, and Jakroo all in Medium.
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Hmm. Interesting thought. I think the best solution is to find a retailer and try them on. There are massive differences across some brands when it comes to sizing, just like all clothes. Some of the European/American size differences are comical.
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I’m 183 cm tall and weight 73-74 kgs, fairly lean also like 12% body fat, and I use good bibs for outdoors rides and cheap short (or old bibs) for indoors (as I do more indoors training and for 1-2 hrs so I don’t need (to waste) a premium chamois, and 3-5 hrs outdoors so then is when I need more protection, also that way I only need to buy 2 bibs (one for saturday, one for sunday, rest of the week shorts and indoor trainer) and last for longer so I can afford better bibs).
The last bibs that I bought (and fits perfectly, i love them) are santini unico size M.
I hope this helps you.
I’d rate bibs vs shorts as one of the all time constantly repeated cycling myths.
A quality short with the exact same pad is the same as the bibs.
In fact they are superior. The short is lighter and provides better cooling, both indoors and outdoors.
Kit manufactures won’t ever tell you this, they’ll just try and sell you the more expensive bibs.
Don’t believe me. Test it. Remember, exact same pad. Or, the test is totally meaningless.
I recommend the DHB aeron shorts. Same pad as the bibs.
There is one reason to wear bibs. If you’re not slim, they compress everything in and make one ‘appear’ slimmer. They’re basically a corset 
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I don’t think I’ve ever heard somebody claim bibs have different padding than shorts and that’s the reason they’re more comfortable. Maybe the manufacturers?
The most common argument I’ve seen from people who prefer bibs is the comfort from not having the waistband cinching around your waist.
I’ve never found shorts to be noticeably cooler than bibs. I get there’s a little bit more material but for the bibs I have the straps and higher part of the waist have a lot of mesh.
I never had major issues with shorts but definitely prefer bibs.
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Hard disagree. Just because the pad is the same does not mean they will fit the same. Just due to the position on the bike, the shorts are not going to fit the same standing up and riding. Also, one of the big benefits of bibs is no waistband. If you think it’s just marketing, you might as well just wear a T-shirt instead of a jersey.
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I’ve thought about this on some bibs that had straps that were too tight. I think it would be trivial to donate some material from an old pair of bibs and then add an inch or two to some other bibs.
That said, I’ve had the best luck with Assos straps, especially their newer style. Like this:
https://www.assos.com/us/equipe-r-bib-shorts-s9-11-10-255-18.html
And you can always find Assos on sale.
Pearl Izumi PRO bibs also have these laser cut straps that have no stitching. They advertise them as having a “barely there” feel and I’d say that that is true. They feel like they have infinite stretch without getting tight and feeling like you have thick rubber bands going across your shoulders.
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Ditto on the new PI Pro bibs and what I consider “invisible” straps. The lack of any stitches or edging is the best I have ever felt. The shorts overall are incredibly comfortable with a classic cut an no odd materials or patterns. They just disappear on you after you get them on.
I don’t thinker with Bibs or shoes unless there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
Kit manufacturers hate this one simple trick…
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Laser cut straps are the schitt.
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I’ll also say that the Pearl Pi Pro bibs were my favorite bibs ever when I got them but after a year they felt like torture after an hour despite still looking perfect. Pad broke down? I’m not sure.
I’m on Assos now and can’t imagine riding anything else.
Thanks guys, I will try the Assos.