Premium vs Budget BIB SHORTS, does cost make a difference?

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Premium vs Budget BIB SHORTS, does cost make a difference?

Рет қаралды 180,736

Күн бұрын

Bib shorts can be super expensive, but what are the trade-offs with cheaper alternatives from eBay and AliExpress?
As road bike saddles have become lighter, the amount of padding included on them has generally decreased, meaning a well-padded and comfortable pair of bib shorts is essential for the avid cyclist.
However, some of the top brands such as Rapha or Castelli will charge you big bucks for a pair of their bib shorts. They will undoubtedly be great quality, but you can also find MUCH cheaper ones on the likes of AliExpress, Ebay, and Amazon. I have used a wide range of different bib shorts over the years, at a variety of different price points, and in this video, I will take you through each option.
At the budget end of the scale, I have the cheapest pair I could from AliExpress that cost me £8 or around $10.
In the middle, I have a pair of Didoo bib shorts for around £20, or $25, that you can pick up from eBay or Amazon.
At the premium end, a pair from a premium Italian brand called Santini, that cost around £70, or $90.
I will compare, the fit, the construction, the quality of the materials/fabric chosen, the padding, the general longevity of each, and finally let you know my personal recommendation.
Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try to get back to as many of you as I can!
Timestamps:
00:24 - Intro
02:46 - Materials Comparison
04:10 - Padding Comparison
05:28 - Stitching Comparison
06:59 - Verdict
08:13 - Didoo Bib Shorts
10:26 - Conclusion
Product links (Please note, I have no affiliation to any of the sellers linked below):
Santini Core 2 Bib Shorts: tinyurl.com/yb...
Didoo Bib Shorts: tinyurl.com/y9...
AliExpress Bib Shorts: tinyurl.com/yb...
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
Music:
Birocratic (birocratic.lnk....) - Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Lakey Inspired ( / lakeyinspired ) - In My Dreams, The Process
About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!
Instagram:
/ tracevelo
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
Please note:
All products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

Пікірлер: 646

@bloodscale3 4 жыл бұрын

Love this channel, takes the elitism out of cycling in my opinion with the super expensive stuff, showing you can still enjoy riding even on a budget! Lots of channels on youtube make you feel you're not enjoying cycling to its full potential unless you buy expensive components and attire. This brings it back down to earth, keep it up!

@TraceVelo 4 жыл бұрын

Scott, you get it!!!! That's my whole ethos. Most people assume you have to pay big bucks for premium stuff to get into road cycling, but in my experience you can have a really decent experience with the cheaper alternatives!

@bloodscale3 4 жыл бұрын

@@TraceVelo Exactly! I recently fell into the trap and bought some premium stuff, but to be honest you just tell yourself it's a lot better just to save face and avoid admitting to a bad purchasing decision. Definitely going to try those bib shorts!

@justinbouchard 4 жыл бұрын

Completely agree. I hate elitism about commercial products.

@satrioesar7151 4 жыл бұрын

Trace is the guy we don't deserve but the guy we need in the community.

@mmb4063 4 жыл бұрын

Spot on. Buy any cycling magazine and you start to think a bike of 3000 euro is entry level. And a pair of glasses should cost at least 200 euro. It’s madness

@steve0680657 4 жыл бұрын

Just discovered this channel. I love how it focuses on cost. So many road cyclists HAVE to buy within a budget and this channel helps them! (and me)

@cymonfeliciano7476 4 жыл бұрын

Finally, I was waiting for someone to make this kind of videos and Luke does not dissapoint me 😅

@farisssz5195 4 жыл бұрын

Same here!

@nickriffe7766 4 жыл бұрын

He never disappoints!😂

@kodiakpb 3 жыл бұрын

Until you actually ride any kind of distance. Then find out the stitching around the chamois on those cheap bib shorts rub you raw.

@UnliAhon 4 жыл бұрын

So glad his name is still Luke. 😂

@hardyveloso9752 4 жыл бұрын

boss review ka dn ng sayo

@jairusrsarmiento9837 3 жыл бұрын

Uyy idol nc buti nakita kita dto ha gantong review idol may gantong review kaba lodss??

@frankbiseniobisenio9870 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha pati si kuya iang naka rating na dito

@burntbread9367 3 жыл бұрын

Ayos din, idol. 😁✌

@ADCFproductions 4 жыл бұрын

The charisma on this guy is amazing to watch. No wonder he's a youtuber and a cop at the same time.

@dndlab1 4 жыл бұрын

YES! I use the didoo bibshorts and I agree that they are a good product 👍 Trace Velo warriors unite!!

@tomgarner5965 4 жыл бұрын

@Alien On a Bike you didnt did you 😳

@dndlab1 4 жыл бұрын

Always lube.......always😱

@joeochoa4030 4 жыл бұрын

Are they true to size ??

@rg807 4 жыл бұрын

Assos. Worth every penny and they last 5+ years. I rotate 4 pairs at around 4K miles a year. I actually have some that are 10+ years old that I use on my trainer. The elastic is a little weak but the padding is still fine.

@nicholasmontoya5369 3 жыл бұрын

which pair of bibs are they?

@FilipNikoloski 4 жыл бұрын

I've tried many Chinese bib shorts in the past 5-6 years, and from experience I can recommend Santic (their $45+ models) and Spexcel ($30+ models, light blue pad). They last me for 2 summer seasons and are much more comfortable than these cheap no-name or knock-off shorts. I've ridden 150km with shorts that had the same blue pad you showed in the video and I would never do that again. I've also ridden 200km with a $60 Santic (grey pad, rated for 6 hour ride, already worn for 2 years at that time) with no problems at all.

@st939 4 жыл бұрын

I have Spexcels and they are fantastic.

@polthomaskeeley7860 4 жыл бұрын

Good to know, especially as I ride 200km at times. I found out that SANTIC supply some continental teams with their top model kits, so that's saying something. I'm looking at the $45+ and $60+ models on Amazon, particularly with grey 4D pads. Thanks again 👍

@polthomaskeeley7860 4 жыл бұрын

One more question. AliExpress says the Spexcel sizes are 'true to fit.' How accurate is that? I'm 6ft, 180lb/81kg, race fit. Would you recommend a LARGE as the Asian sizes tend to run small, even when they say they are 'true to fit'? Thanks.

@st939 4 жыл бұрын

@@polthomaskeeley7860 You can measure yourself and decide based on their sizes. I am 1m82 75Kg and use their large shorts and medium tops.

@FilipNikoloski 4 жыл бұрын

@@polthomaskeeley7860 I'm 183cm/6ft, 73kg and I always buy medium size shorts from Spexcel, Santic, DHB, etc... They all fit me snug.

@edpilling4955 4 жыл бұрын

Went to Didoo factory in Bradford, really good blokes. Bought bib shorts and tights. 3 years on, still really good.

@stefanobellote 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video as always, Luke! I own 4 chinese bibs and jerseys and I fully recommend going to the mid-tier, where you gain a lot of durability and comfort, brands like Rion and Spexcel are in the $20-35 range and offer great products in par with premium brands.. Santic, Cheiji and Phmax are also good brands in that range.. my bibs from Rion and Spexcel with 50+ uses (bit less than 1yr) and still look like new, padding is 100% and even rides of 6-8 hours they keep working well.

@blorg8206 4 жыл бұрын

I agree, there is actually a quality difference with the Ali shorts, they aren't all the same. Rion in particular is very very good, they have those super comfy flat straps that you usually need to go >$100 with Western brands to get similar and the fit is very good. Spexcel also good but more $. Cheji, Santic, good too and cheaper but not as good as the Rion. Also have tried some much cheaper ones which frankly aren't great, you want to up slightly up from the very cheapest. They really aren't all the same. I have a ridiculous number of Chinese shorts and have been using them for years, they are perfectly durable IMO. They are my primary daily shorts. Also have plenty of >$100 Western brand shorts, are they better? Than the cheaper Chinese shorts, yes, but not sure they are better than the Rion to be honest. I think part of the bad reputation on Chinese shorts is people don't read the size chart, you need to size up.

@bellis6323 3 жыл бұрын

Just come across this channel. Brilliant to see someone let me know that you DON'T have to spend a fortune to avoid chafing in the nether regions!!! Cheers fella!

@westwingaero 4 жыл бұрын

you are the the mvp, no nonsense advertising just real talk.

@craigelliott1989 4 жыл бұрын

still had anxiety incase today was the day he changed his name from Luke

@ADCFproductions 4 жыл бұрын

Wait, his name is STILL Luke?? Goddammit Luke!

@feldybikes 4 жыл бұрын

Kinda scared of the search results when typing in “didoo”

@jgreenjeans 4 жыл бұрын

Haha! I just found some g-spot ticklers until I checked my spelling!

@markfisher7962 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, type carefully : )

@edpilling4955 4 жыл бұрын

I have some, material is really good, wash well. The only criticism is that the pad is not as thick as some pricier bibs.

@jtech011ify 4 жыл бұрын

I searched it up with the correct spelling on Amazon and only 3 of the results were what I was searching for. The rest were for " tools" I wasn't in the market for.

@galaxiphant 3 жыл бұрын

Just don't misspell it

@saintuk70 4 жыл бұрын

I always struggle with some of the premium, quality, clothing items, as you've pointed out, they are far from cheap. My choice of bib-shorts is based on the type of cycling I do and just how long I expect an item to last. I commute everyday, or at least did until lockdown, through all types of weather and, as you perhaps are all aware, the weather in Scotland it's always fair and rosey. Luke completely sums up the use scenario perfectly - bibs are a consumable, I'll get through 2 pairs at least. Washing and wearing everyday favours neither premium or budget . So I'll get far more bang for buck value from a budget pair over a pair that's £80-£100. The Didoo branding, I've used many times (aim to get the least garish as possible), but they are robust and well made for the more budget end. I've a pair of leg and arm warmers, 6 years old, and apart from some fading and logos long gone, they still fit and grip perfectly. The same can be said for the bibs I've had, last well, keep their grip and get me through a year without issue.

@TraceVelo 4 жыл бұрын

Nice, thanks for the comment saint uk! Yeah good to hear other people have had a decent experience with didoo stuff!

@jorismak 4 жыл бұрын

I have some premium stuff for when I go out on longer - entertainment - rides. It's nice to have nice stuff then :). But for the daily commute I've got budget stuff.. Because it gets washed everyday, and I want at least 3 pairs to rotate them out. And all year long riding means I need underlayers for every season and weather type, bib shorts for all seasons and leg warmers and arm warmers.. And multiple gloves, etc.. Would cost me way too much to have it all premium.

@bobTubeization 4 жыл бұрын

Have a few shorts and jerseys from Specxel, its more like 15-20 pound range but great quality. Even for longer rides!

@mrfuzz6744 4 жыл бұрын

One important thing to note - the bib short padding TYPE is critical! I don't think you showed it in your examples, but a lot of the Chinese budget bibs have lumpy, thick padding. When I got my first pair I was surprised at how good the overall quality is for the price, but quickly found out the padding doesn't agree with my backside - it chafes my left "cheek", probably due to some pedaling asymmetry left/right that I have. I literally can't ride them for more than an hour before my butt is literally burning - hugely disappointing! So there they sit on the hanger every day unused, they are my "last resort" pair. Wish I had spent more to get a name brand.

@fredrikfroststrand5070 4 жыл бұрын

And I thought we would see some "live" bib catwalk strutting, oh well.. Thank you for another good - cheap vs expensive video.

@uhohDavinci 4 жыл бұрын

4 words for you Luke.. "cheap chinese power meters"....

@luukrutten1295 4 жыл бұрын

Requires an expensive reference to test properly.

@deurkl 4 жыл бұрын

I can’t seem to find them on Aliexpress, did you?

@ZnakeTech 4 жыл бұрын

@@deurkl I haven't come across any, that are properly cheap enough where it would be worth the risk compared to buying a known brand. But there are a few DIY projects out there, if you are capable with a soldering iron, that I'm considering trying my hand at, but you will probably end up experiementing a bit, destroying a few parts, and in the end paying close to a brand name power meter for all the parts including the ones you destroyed in the process, and it definently won't be worth it if you factor in any cost of your own time put into it...but could be a fun learning experience.

@st939 4 жыл бұрын

I have 2 the Xcadey and the Magene both on Ultegra left cranks, super cheap, super reliable never looked back.

@Demon09-_- 4 жыл бұрын

How cheap is cheap? I got my 4iiii left crank for like 220. Seems unless they are really cheap it would be hard to reccomend them over name brand cranks

4 жыл бұрын

i'm using the chepo ebay shorts, and can say they are pefecly fine for rides up to 3-4 hours.

@DougTheSnowMan 4 жыл бұрын

I recently found The Black Bibs, I was wearing specialized RBX shorts, not bibs, before, and holy crap The Black Bibs are super comfy. 40 bucks, hard to beat. Just ordered another pair of basic and tried the Adventure bibs with the extra pockets on the leg and back.

@joshtipton7417 4 жыл бұрын

I have some and they're my favorite shorts I own.

@mmb4063 4 жыл бұрын

Biggest gamble is fit of your ali cycling clothes. Sometimes the ratio arm length/torso length, or waist ratio versus leg length is... weird. But quality usually is just as good as A brand clothes.

@andrewhall127 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip - bought a pair Didoo bibs and just completed 50km test ride. Very comfortable.

@markj.a351 4 жыл бұрын

But with the premium ones you're paying for someone to invent a mystical yet scientific sounding name for the padding. Doesn't that just make it all worth it?

@carlwilliams9624 3 жыл бұрын

Been following your channel for while and have agreed with a few of your choices in past .... I was ready the splash the cash on a 70 bucks bib shorts but saw they had gone up to 95 so that's when I searched videos and saw yours..... My own personal Jesus christ .... I bought 2 pairs of Didoo bib shorts plus postage for 50 bucks and have to say I'm really happy with them .... thanks Luke your one sound man !!!!

@fozzybear8001 2 жыл бұрын

Mate you actually have the best bike gear channel

@erianelingon5208 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this kind of content, us budget-oriented cyclists very much appreciate it.

@georgec2894 4 жыл бұрын

It's utter, utter craziness, but £70 is probably low-to-mid range nowadays. Having said that I have many, many pairs below this price, and only one pair above! Top video as always Luke!

@AllanPhillips 4 жыл бұрын

I'll bet the dislikes are from people who have been daft enough to spend £200 on bib shorts.

@shamuslamont100 4 жыл бұрын

Luke, you scroll past a pair of blue Darevie shorts on Aliexpress for $27.56 (8:06 into teh video). I can attest that this are OUTSTANDING bibs, not just outstanding value for money, but just as good to ride on as some of my bibs that are equivalent to the 200 quid Rapha that you show early in the video.

@bendemola7528 3 жыл бұрын

New sub here. When you typed Didoo into eBay I jumped for joy. So glad someone else loves these. Just got myself some winter bib tights from didoo and love them.

@edrcozonoking 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve got cheap, medium and expensive bibs. I must say that my Castelli bibs with the prosetto pad is the most comfortable I’ve used ever.

@willosborne6763 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely..I have everything from £20 all the way up to my Castelli free aeros and premio. The difference is actually HUGE. £80 on santini is hardly 'premium'.

@davymckee6290 3 жыл бұрын

100% agree, I have had bibs from all price brackets and castelli aero are by far the most comfortable. Definitely one case of getting what you pay for.

@Dee-Ell 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed! At first, I was skeptical because of the looks. It looks too simple, i.e. it's flat, with no bump and crease, unlike other pads, which look more "high tech". But the PROGETTO works great! Super comfy on very long rides. For people who don't ride much or with a sitting area of steel (I know someone who is fine without a bib), cheaper bibs might do the job. But my sitting area is pretty picky and sensitive and I ride a lot. Not every bib works for me.

@KronoReaper 3 жыл бұрын

So, i bought myself a pair of Didoo's, i have to say i'm quite impressed with the construction quality! For 16£ there's nothing to complain about, cheers !

@mathewrose2951 4 жыл бұрын

195 quid for bibs . . . Assos: “behalte mein Bier”

@thomasjousse2427 4 жыл бұрын

Ever tried the Assos' ones? I cannot really fathom how they could be that much better that an already very good middle of the pack pair.

@SandokhanKucic 4 жыл бұрын

@@thomasjousse2427 I'm currently wearing one while sitting in the train and what can I say. I have plenty bibs but the one from assos are from another world. Can't even explain but it feels like sitting on clouds. Probably also because they are quite thick, but my number one product for every ride > 100k

@alexleide1823 4 жыл бұрын

I sometimes buy used high-end bib shorts where the seller bought the wrong size so super cheap, normally

@madmonkeycycling9098 4 жыл бұрын

Assos is quite cheap considering they last 3-4 years

@Kampfschildi99 4 жыл бұрын

I`m gonna be *that* guy and say your translation of "hold my beer" is not entirely correct. You would have to say: "Halte mein Bier". You wrote "keep my beer". (Yes I know, I`m shutting up already)

@markphillips5800 3 жыл бұрын

Bought two pair of the Didoo bibs and they are just as comfortable as my Pearl Izumi's - glad I watched this episode. They launder well and I put 'em in the dryer on low heat for about 20 minutes to get them kinda dry, then hung them overnight - good to go the next morning.

@tinman7551 4 жыл бұрын

I’m a bit too porcine at the moment to get into bib shorts. I’ll just sit this one out and keep it in the library as something to aspire to. 🥰😍👍🏻

@monsterinyourcloset7573 4 жыл бұрын

You can get fitted MTB shorts that have really good padding like bib shorts but are more forgiving for those of us with less than ideal physiques. My personal recommendation: the "Ally Mens Mountain Bike Shorts Padded" on Amazon. The shorts themselves come in up to 3XL, they're not skin tight like bib shorts but they're tight enough that they don't turn into parachutes at speed, and the gel pads are the same as the ones Luke showed on the cheaper bibs in this video. I've had two pairs for about two years now and they're still holding up well after about 3000 miles of use and regular washes.

@tinman7551 4 жыл бұрын

@@monsterinyourcloset7573 Oh wow, that’s awesome. I had no idea. I have lost 50 pounds in cycling over the last year and I am serious about leaving this in the library and coming back to it. I don’t think it’s gonna be too long before I will be fitting into one of those bib shorts without any trouble. Thank you again monster🥰😍🤩

@cyclemadkiwi 4 жыл бұрын

Love your channel!!! Ive been using AliExpress bibs and jerseys for many years now and love them, yes they wear out the pads a little quicker but you can replace them 3 or 4 fold over the big "Brand" names for less money. More recently now that I'm riding and competing on the track I also use the Skinsuits, amazingly cheap and 6 to 1 and I can have all the designs I want, some even offer custom kit so there ya go. I'm doing in excess of 1000 km a month in Chinese kit and have no issues at all. The other "brand" makers, think they need to wake up IMHO and not rip us off just over a label!

@DanGleebowls 2 жыл бұрын

"That's nearly as much as my entire drivetrain" my dude! That's nearly a third of the price of my whole bike

@sanderwolters5852 4 жыл бұрын

I've always ridden with team-sponsored Bioracer. Not the top end stuff but definitly not anything bad. But let me tell you the Rapha is a whole new world entirly! Worth every damn expensive penny!! Totally in love with the pad and fabric!

@timbooker6567 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! Perfect timing. I was just about to order some bibs off the internet and now I have a second opinion on buying!

@jameshoey303 4 жыл бұрын

Don't forget to get a colon filler butt stud to wear under your Satanic bib ...on a cobble street you will be in gay heaven

@mauriciorosales1259 4 жыл бұрын

Love the content, but not sure I’d call those Santini ‘premium’, more like mid range. For example, premium bib shorts don’t necessarily have elastic on the legs, they use a more elastic material that’s about 3-5 inches in width in that area, so the shorts don’t move but you get a constant pressure.

@michaelwink7552 4 жыл бұрын

Got some of the Didoo after watching the video, pleasantly surprised with both the quality and comfort, one thing I would say is they're not as comfortable when on the drops pushing hard as they are sat up on the hoods/tops, but for the money well worth having, possibly for zwifting!

@paulcollins4932 4 жыл бұрын

If you wait for the sales you can pick up premium bib shorts for less than half price I have a pair of castellis which I got for around £60. These developed a loose thread and were replaced under warranty . The materials used are top notch, and they are really comfortable.

@jordyd8916 4 жыл бұрын

Proud owner of one of the alieexpress pants for over a year now. I can agree with your conclusion. Padding is thick but degrades fast. Still, for me those are the optimal pair of commuting pants. Those didoo ones, all sold out by now... Hope your getting a percentage on sales...

@isilber1 4 жыл бұрын

This is really helpful! I have such trouble shelling out big bucks for something disposable. Love your channel!

@frannajaya3623 2 жыл бұрын

Truth being said 😆

@lihtan 2 жыл бұрын

One feature that I really like with slightly higher end bib shorts, is the ones that come with leg pockets. The convenience of having an extra place to stash things is worth the small increase in price.

@waltman5478 4 жыл бұрын

Ok......I subscribed on the Cheap Chinese Parts video because you seem like an interesting, entertaining person that is passionate about cycling without taking himself too seriously. That being said, if I hadn't subbed on that video, I would have subbed instantly for the Smash brothers reference on this video. Well done lmao

@phill2383 4 жыл бұрын

I always used to get Bib shorts from either Tenn Outdoors (Since Defunct) or Sports Direct (Muddyfox) and they were always good quality and very reasonable priced. The thing is you get three or more pairs for the same price as some manufacturers (or if its Rapha you can probably buy another bike and mortgage for a house for the cost saved)

@ddn1539 3 жыл бұрын

I only recently discovered your channel and I really like your way of saying there's often no reason for the truckloads of money cycling stuff costs. But here you're not comparing premium bibs with budget ones. You're comparing middle level gear with budget. I have super budget Aliexpress bibs, they're not bad for short rides, and having -"there's no planet B" on my back feels just great, I use them for commuting almost every day as you do. And I have my team's bibs, same level as your Santini, the difference is here and isn't massive, as you state. I have two real pairs of premiums which I do all my BRM in, an Oakley blackout and a Cube, both normally over 200€ and both paid less than 100 on sale. The difference is MASSIVE. Having spent over 18 hours on my bike in a row several times with these, I can tell.

@Mcglocklingirls 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea for a vid Luke - I've bought Rapha bibs for over $200 and cheap shorts for $20 - stitching seems to be the decider in longevity but my $20 shorts are just as comfortable as the $200+ ones! Paying for that brand name in a lot of instances...

@JonHuang87 4 жыл бұрын

LOVE your videos, wish I had seen these before I bought myself a Specialized gravel bike. But even still this has inspired me to build my dream almost full carbon fiber bike! Keep these videos up!

@liamflannery4025 4 жыл бұрын

I get that cheap bib shorts can work for some people, but I can definitely notice quality difference between bib shorts. I just don’t like to have saddle soars at the end of a 5 hour ride...

@AndreasMic 3 жыл бұрын

I have 2 sets of bib shorts 2 sets of bib tights with thermal fleece and another set of bib tights with thinner material! All of them from cheap Chinese manufacturers and i have been using them for the 3rd year now!!

@roilev 4 жыл бұрын

I have high-end LeCol, Castelli and DBH bib shorts, and all of them have mesh straps. Only the winter long bibs have non-mesh straps. Yes, the chinese bib's straps are lower quality, but they breathe well and are wide and comfortable - much more comfortable than the castelli bibs in fact! I use them for muddy races or races that I don't care much about, they are fine. Only one of the chinese bibs came with the upper part sewn incorrectly, the front side was on the left and the back was on the right :) But they sent me a replacement one for free. I agree that the major difference is in the pads. These blue pads that you shown, the perforated ones, are the worst. They have a foam inside that tears apart easily, the inside of the pad becomes two separate parts. Still it is fine for training indoor rides though. Then there is the thinnest pad, the X-Tiger that you shown in your ali listing, the first bibs with red and black. They are much stronger but also less comfortable. I'm fine using them for

@2013branth 4 жыл бұрын

You had me at "used underwear" you've got yourself another sub, good sir.

@jonreed5510 4 жыл бұрын

I’m all for “de- elitisming” cycling but having had some naff bibs and now splashing out on ‘premium’ ones Id never personally go back . A well fitted quality chamois is well worth expense.

@flooooooo0686 4 жыл бұрын

Couldn’t agree more. I’d rather save up for a pair of Rapha or Assos than riding on these crappy 30$ shorts - i own a pair and they suck! In contrast I have spent 10h+ and close to 250km within a day in Raphas without a problem. Plus Rapha repairs shorts making the purchase worth it even for 200$+

@johnnydegs41 4 жыл бұрын

I realize I basically decide to buy anything you recommend... What else can you sell me?

@isaiperez8968 4 жыл бұрын

🤣

@beans392 3 жыл бұрын

My kidneys for a fully carbon Dura ace road bike

@Kuninkas 4 жыл бұрын

I don't have experience about Chinese bib-shorts but I have owned many bib-short from more wellknown manufacturers. I have owned DHB bib shorts (35£, real size), Craft velo (40£, real size), Castelli free aero race (120£, size up 2) and sportful bodyfit pro 2.0 ltd (~70-80£, size up 1-2 sizes) and must say that I enjoy the sportful bibs. They are super comfy and i can use them on short or longer rides, on road or mtb rides. Castellis are also really comfy but not as comfy as sportful. DHB & Craft bibs i would use for shorter community rides.

@chrisbowman2030 4 жыл бұрын

I recommend Santic brand bibshorts. These are available on AliExpress or Amazon. Good fit and amazing quality

@satrioesar7151 4 жыл бұрын

What's the difference between santic and santini? I thought they're the same. But seems like all of santic's products are cheaper than santini.

@jameshoey303 4 жыл бұрын

They thevones with built in butt stud...all you need is a cobble stone street your butt stud shorts and yer bike with bad suspension and you are laughing

@blorg8206 4 жыл бұрын

They're not the same, Santic is Chinese, Santini Italian. I don't think it's an attempt to copy the name though. Santic are good quality.

@havefunandbikestuff 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks still Luke. Great bib shorts review & I often thought the same thing w the odd advertisement pics. Plus the ones with bib straps over the jersey.

@gregkisinger4183 2 жыл бұрын

You're so awesome! This is the one video I really was looking forward to see and I'll definitely be going for the Didoo bibs!

@AndresGarcia-hu8ij 4 жыл бұрын

My personal favorite are the Endura Pro SL Bibs. The fact you can pick between 3 pad widths + the great fit makes them unbeatable imo. If you shop around you can get them for around 80 Euros, down from the MSRP of 140 or so.

@endcensorship874 4 жыл бұрын

I have no problem paying for quality bibs. Anything touching your junk should be quality. (think about it...). But you don't have to break the bank to do it. Santini, Castelli, Nalini for example. All fantastic brands.

@carly200 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review and recommendations. For semi-budget bibs I am quite comfortable with Decathlons BTwin/Triban or VanRysel Bibs. Something that is important to me is also how fast they dry after washing. Some gel pads dry super fast, other foam pads take forever to try. Important when commuting or riding every day. Another issue with online brands is sizing.

@TheCrooksandCastle 4 жыл бұрын

I’m shopping for inexpensive shorts, I’m a a big guy, so the models wearing the shorts inside out shows buyers where the chamois/padding will fit on your body. So it’s pretty smart

@dominicbuscemi205 4 жыл бұрын

In addition to that it clearly shows in many of the example photos exactly how the chamois will mate with the saddle which I think is also useful to know.

@alexjohnstonjohnston5374 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video from Luke! This is the kind of review average cyclists (like me - lower end of average tbh) need. Also liked the ‘let’s crack on’ at the start of the review - made me chuckle!

@yanissol8884 4 жыл бұрын

6:33 for Luke showing off his big sized equipment

@borano2031 4 жыл бұрын

The premium alternative are the "everve" from, and MADE in, Germany. The paddings are very small, so you notice when you´re not seated properly. The material is very stretchy, and it keeps the stretch. But, it bleeds a LOT, and for a pretty long time. Expect up to 20 washings before you could possibly mix in your other white underwear! Here comes the best parts: 1. You can replace the padding yourself. They´re just fitted in pockets. No, they do not move about. 2. You order the thickness of the padding according to your body weight, riding discipline and your saddle. 3.The padding lasts. I´ve used my for 2 seasons, often. I ordered a pair of extra paddings with mine, seeing this video I took the extra, unused pair of padding and compared with the ones fitted in. NO difference in springyness. I didn´t need to, but as they run their own business in Germany, not in Slovakia or Romania or somewhere else, I´m sure they could cater for any special needs. Pro´s: Super quality. Super design. Superb workmanship. Super idea. Con´s: Fabric bleeds a LOT. They turn a very dark grey, if it matters. Premium price. But the pro´s eliminate this. The other premium bibs aren´t even an option. I´m not affiliated, just a veeery satisfied customer. Being a small company, they don´t have the money for premium marketing. Rgr

@scQue 3 жыл бұрын

Having tested several brands for fit and comfort, I can say with utter confidence that Skins brand triathlon shorts are hands-down the best quality and fit. They're the only brand I've found where the padding does not slide around. They also have consistent sizing--a huge problem in the athletic gear online marketplace!

@jonrothe9992 4 жыл бұрын

Honestly I am with you when it comes to bib shorts 2-3 riding seasons and then they are Tossed. I found the aliexpress spexcel shorts and jerseys to be unbelievable! $17-$35 and they remind me rapha

@daniellopez9622 4 жыл бұрын

As always, top notch content. Greetings from Colombia, Don Luke Trace Velo.

@koanarec 4 жыл бұрын

I never thought I would watch such an interesting video about underwear, love your videos :)

@princeg973 4 жыл бұрын

Next Video suggestion: Cheap Powermeter (4 example IQ2)

@mrskeltal3281 4 жыл бұрын

plenty of other reviewers who cover that sort of thing

@arhu74 4 жыл бұрын

They are dutch, not Chinese.

@galaxiphant 3 жыл бұрын

What's cheap?. In your opinion..

@gabemanabat7027 4 жыл бұрын

Finally a video about cycling kits! Been waiting for this.

@-EC002- 4 жыл бұрын

+1 for Didoo, good quality gear for a very reasonable price (although it'll probably go up now! Thanks for that) Their gym stuff is great too.

@aacc8466 4 жыл бұрын

honestly i have bought the aliexpress bib shorts and had enough money to buy like 3 or 4 for under 100 usd and would recommend this option over "high quality" bib shorts. It is a good option!

@piotrmarkiewicz8697 3 жыл бұрын

Very good video ! Thank you ! I have tested several bib shorts from Aliexpress and I fully agree with your conclusions and feelings about expensive shorts and cheap ones from AE. Basically I found just one product (brand) on AE that works very well (SAIBIKE), however a bit more expensive than the shorts presented in your vlog (~30 USD), but still 25% of what I have paid for the castelli shorts. Indeed, the issue with shorts from AE is durability of the padding. In addition, even with the new shorts from AE there is a remarkable difference in comfort during the rides that last longer than 3 hrs. I still use the shorts from AE mainly for winter indoor training, which are usually shorter than 2 hrs. and on short outdoor rides.

@coachjonathangregory 4 жыл бұрын

The last second had me laughing hard 😂

@fast.biking_freddy 4 жыл бұрын

It's always worth the wait to see what he leaves 😂

@mjock392 Жыл бұрын

I have an 80ish dollar craft bib and 45ish dollar decathlon ones. To me it all comes down to elasticity of the material especially at the finish around the thighs. Decathlon ones are harder to put on and leave marks from the threads on my skin whereas Craft ones - don’t. To me 2x the price is 3x more comfortable in this case. Having said that, I just use the cheaper ones for short rides and save the premium ones for longer rides. Summary: 2x the price - 3x the comfort and I use them for 2-8x more time for a single ride. Does that mean decathlon ones should be avoided? No, they’re decent for the price and work fine for sub 2hr rides. Having said that - always look for a sale, don’t ever pay the full price for either of them.

@jakewelch3185 4 жыл бұрын

One note with shipping for the didoo bibs from ebay the price is about $40. This put them at the price of "the black bibs" products. Which are also fantastic bibs for the price. Also worth a look.

@ndegraafndg 4 жыл бұрын

My go to is the spexel bibshorts on Aliexpress have 3 sets of them now and love them. More comfortable than my premium ones too.

@jackglossop4859 4 жыл бұрын

I was given a pair of top of the range Rapha bib shorts for free, it pains me to say this but they are by far and away the most comfortable, reliable and high performing piece of sports wear I've ever owned. It's like being held in place on the saddle by the soft hands of a dozen Angels. Very hard for me to wear anything cheaper.

@damien4019 4 жыл бұрын

Last thing you want is getting into an aero tuck and your shorts splitting at the stitch 😂

@jamalama5548 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve ridden Descente, Giordana and Bontrager. I just bought Black Bibs and they are the best fitting shorts of all. They are NOT expensive. You can get a pair of bibs for as low as $40. I bought the middle one at $65. Unbelievably good quality. My brother-in-law just bought the $40 ones and he says they are great. Check out KZfaq reviews. All very high. The only unknown is durability. But I know my Bontragers lasted 3 seasons and the Lycra disintegrated.

@jeremysart 3 жыл бұрын

I have everything from dirt cheap aliexpress kit to top of the line $300+ bontrager ballista kit. The cheap kit are OK, and to be honest, I like some of my cheap jerseys better than my fitted expensive ones. As far as bib shorts go however, there is a pretty big difference in fit, comfort and durability. But I would not recommend against cheap kits, they can save you a lot of money for other gear and 9 out of 10 I've tried are comfy and fit well enough, but I would highly recommend washing them ONLY on cold with gentle detergent, and dry at low temp in a dryer bag. But most importantly especially if you're an endurance/distance rider, I would highly recommend getting a proper, comfortable saddle. If you don't mind the weight, a leather saddle like the Selle Anatomica X1, Selle Italia, Brooks B17 are excellent options. I use a Bontrager Montrose comp which I find to be a good compromise between light and comfy, and I've heard great things about the Bontrager Aelous. Edit: oh and one more thing!! Don't be afraid to buy gently used kit! A lot of folks out there may buy the wrong size, not like the fit, or just like to switch out their kit often and have the expendable income to do so... no shame in reaping the benefits!

@VitaminD8000 4 жыл бұрын

In the end, all that matters, is how much you ride. last year I rode over 20k kilometers, and went through 3 premium pairs of bibs. Had a pair of Pro team Raphas and 2pairs of castelli free aero race 4s. At the end of the year just couldn't use any of those anymore because padding was basically gone. Had to get 3 new ones for 2020 season.

@amitkumar-wj8gn 4 жыл бұрын

As usual, lovely content. If those didoo bibs aren't available in your country (like here in India), decathlon is a good option... I have been using one for a year now and have no complaints.. Mind you, most of my rides aren't more than 6 hours so I am not sure how good they will hold up for full day rides, but I use them more than a few times a week and so far, so good.

@merc_w0838 3 жыл бұрын

I have a pair of budget bib shorts and in my experience they are fine for shorter rides, but I wouldn't recommend them for anything over 50 miles. At that point you start to run in to serious chaffing issues due to the sub-par stitching.

@LoscoeLad Жыл бұрын

Can you do an update on the latest Aliexpress bibshorts please? They look great

@bobbymooreok 4 жыл бұрын

Always a good day when my man Trace Velo dropz vidzzzz

@robertwalkerdine1178 4 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you done this. I was actually thinking about jerseys the other day after getting a premium one for Xmas as a present. It's not actually lasting that well. Another good one on eBay is FDX. Awesome brand 👍🏼. Good vid mate

@toxicexplorer1382 4 жыл бұрын

Try out some skin/speed suits also. They are massively beneficial for speed, performance per pound. Also great would be to see you try out some nice carbon tribars or aero helmets!

@davidgarza2267 4 жыл бұрын

First bibs I bought on AliExpress I chose purely on looks and low price. They were ok, but didn’t last long at all. I “splurged” on the pricier AliExpress offerings from Spexcel and LuBi and was pleasantly surprised with their quality. Though the sizing between the two brands was quite different.

@claytonmarkin7863 4 жыл бұрын

I swear by the black bibs. Unbranded bibs that are a reasonable price and are amazing quality. No logos, but pure function.

@fucktheworld1207 4 жыл бұрын

Didoo Bib shorts 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 I've been using them for years, and I had a pair with a fault, they replaced them with a new pair free of charge 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

@daniellai9370 4 жыл бұрын

I believe it's not just the durability, it's the comfort level when you're riding. On the other hand if you're Ok to buy a new one every season, that's fine. But when you add that up, you're not too far from paying the premium one

@shrv-pro 4 жыл бұрын

Hey, Luke, thank you for a another great episode! I'd like to pay your attention to Santic chinese brand. It's quite pricy compare to other unbranded chinese stuff, but it looks like they do aaa quality products for a decent price. Greetings from Russia :)

@williammarshall4277 3 жыл бұрын

You can find these on Amazon for 29.00 US. I just ordered a pair...thanks much!

@TheValman123 4 жыл бұрын

Recently bought a brooks cambium saddle and now I can go without padded bib shorts for 30-40 mile rides and only need very light padding for longer rides. Expensive saddle but completely worth it for me (saving on bib shorts).