The Black Bibs basic vs. ultimate

[B4_Ford]

I’ve been wearing The Black Bibs basics for a couple of years now. Overall I’ve been happy with them, other than they seem to wear out in the seat area rather quickly. Time to buy a replacement. Are their ultimate bibs really worth spending twice as much on?

[shadco]

I haven’t used their basics but the ultimates aren’t far off my Castelli Expresso bibs which sell for $169 and are far better than Spesh RBX bibs which are similar to the basic black bibs.

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[mstateglfr]

Yes.

I returned the entry level Black Bibs immediately- the leg band alone made it not even worth the $40 or so that they cost when I bought em.
The Ultimate model has a good pad and the Italian style leg band is quality. It is, in my view, a bare minimum expectation to have on bibs for at least the last 8 years.

With that said, I would also say the current bibs I own are easily worth 2x the price of the Black Bibs Ultimate model.
Black Bibs use pretty relaxed compression fabric, the front of the bib extends up and covers an absurd about of my stomach which increases heat and becomes soaked in sweat, and the straps go over my nips instead of being designed to route around em.

But yeah, if I were only considering the basic or Ultimate models, I would buy the Ultimate each time.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

With that said, I would also say the current bibs I own are easily worth 2x the price of the Black Bibs Ultimate model.

which bibs are these?

[Turkle]

I went from Black Bibs to Neopro and have been extremely happy with that decision.

Black bibs does make my favorite gloves though. They are extremely well designed!

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by Turkle

I went from Black Bibs to Neopro and have been extremely happy with that decision.

Black bibs does make my favorite gloves though. They are extremely well designed!

looks like Neopro only does "race fit" stuff.. I am NOT race fit..

[B4_Ford]

Originally Posted by fourflys

looks like Neopro only does "race fit" stuff.. I and NOT race fit..

Neither am I. Unless there’s a Homer Simpson Racing League. Then I’d be a world champion.

[ridethecliche]

There's also 'classic cycling' for bibs. Decathlon also sells some under the van ryzel brand.

[mstateglfr]

Originally Posted by fourflys

which bibs are these?

Voler Black Label.
Voler Cache 2.0

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

Voler Black Label.
Voler Cache 2.0

I did pick up a Voler vest and really like it.. I'll check them out!

[mstateglfr]

Originally Posted by fourflys

I did pick up a Voler vest and really like it.. I'll check them out!

I like em a lot- high compression which is comfortable and keeps the bibs in place, low front cut, straps that route around the nips, and sides that rise high enough to help keep the lovehandles in check.
MUSA(for what thats worth, if anything) and long lasting assembly and materials allow me to hate the price infrequently.

[Sarhog]

I’m pretty happy with the Black bibs Ultimate cargo bibs (short inseam). The regular ones are a good value, but the pad feels thicker and my butt seems to “roll around” a bit with them so I no longer buy them.
I lke RedWite bibs, but their sizing changes to frequently and their prices seem to go up often.

[vqdriver]

Subscribed since I've been on the lookout for a short inseam bib for my not euro-long legs

[rothwem]

Originally Posted by vqdriver

Subscribed since I've been on the lookout for a short inseam bib for my not euro-long legs

I got a set of Garneau Fit Sensor 2 bibs a couple years ago that are Shooooort. I'm 6'2" with longish legs, so I'm used to the leg hem of my shorts being 4-5" above my kneecap, but these are higher than mid-thigh for me, i just can't do it.

I keep them to wear under my MTB baggies, the chamois and the overall fit other than the leg length is great for me.

It looks like they updated them the next year to add an extra 1.5" to the inseam on the Fit Sensor 3 model, easily worth it for me.

[54ny77]

yes the ultimate chamois is better. the bibs are as good as others in the drawer at 1.5 - 2x the price, in my opinion.

the "regular" black bibs chamois kind of feels like, as someone comically quoted here some time back, a padded diaper!

i have several pairs of regular and ultimate and am very happy with both. either chamois is great for rides up to 5 hours (my usual max), no problemo.