You should be moving, not your sportswear. No hitching, no tugging, no discomfort at the waist — our bib shorts are designed to keep everything in place no matter how far you ride.
Find the right bib shorts for your next ride
Bib shorts are cycling shorts with over-the-shoulder straps instead of waistbands, making them more comfortable than ordinary biking shorts.
At CYKOM, we stock all types of bib shorts with a focus on comfort and support.
Browse our evolving selection for the technical features you're after. From shorts, knickers, tights and pads to cargo bib shorts and tights that keep you warm in the winter, every choice is breathable, aerodynamic, and supportive in exactly the right spots.
Find our winter collection here: BIB shorts winter
What size cycling bib shorts should you get?
Your saddle and backside support the majority of your body weight for the entire ride. So it pays to take the time to get the right shorts.
When it comes to bib and short sizing, there's no such thing as a 'standard' size. Always order your correct size. Find it by using a flexible measuring tape and measure across the small part of your waist and the widest part of your hips.
Consider both the size of the shorts and the size of the chamois pad. A chamois pad is padding sewn into the saddle area of the shorts to provide extra cushioning and support. The material is designed to reduce chafing and discomfort.
The pad should fit snugly against your skin without being too tight or constricting. It also needs to cover the area of your saddle that makes contact with the bike while riding.
If the pad is too small, you'll miss out on cushioning and support. If it's too large, it'll bunch up and you'll spend the ride wishing you had paid attention to our advice.
What do you wear under your bib shorts?
Nothing will scream 'new on bike' quite like layering a bunch of clothing under your bike shorts. Don't wear anything under your bib shorts.
The chamois (the pad) inside the shorts is designed to fit next to your skin to prevent chafing, wick moisture and dry quickly. A top-quality chamois will come with antimicrobial properties to keep things hygienic in an area famous for sweating. That's why you shouldn't wear underwear. If you do, you're taking away from the friction-proofing that the chamois offers.
That being said... you can wear underwear designed for cycling. But there again, you don't want any material that can't breathe or will bunch up when you start climbing the first hill.
Whatever base layer you choose, make sure it keeps you comfortable and dry on the bike. We never recommend cotton as it'll soak up sweat and cause chafing.
Are there different bib shorts for men and women?
There are differences between men's and women's bib shorts — mostly in the design of the chamois pad and the overall shape and fit of the shorts themselves.
Bib shorts for women are designed with a shorter inseam and a more contoured fit around the hips and thighs. The chamois pad in women's bib shorts is also shaped differently to fit the female anatomy and can be thinner or more contoured to reduce bulk.
Men's bib shorts have a longer inseam and a more relaxed fit around the hips and thighs. The chamois pad in men's bib shorts is often thicker and less contoured than in bib shorts for women.
Some brands offer unisex bib shorts.
How to avoid saddle sores
Saddle sores. One of the worst things that can happen to a biker. You get them from improper bike fit, poor hygiene, and wearing ill-fitting.
The good news is that you can prevent saddle sores. Here's how:
- Make sure your bike is properly fitted: A bike that's too small or too large can cause discomfort and lead to saddle sores.
- Choose the right saddle: There are many different saddle shapes and sizes available, and it's important to find one that's comfortable for you. Consider your body type, flexibility, and riding style when selecting a saddle.
- Wear cycling-specific clothing: Cycling-specific clothing is designed to be comfortable and breathable, which can help prevent saddle sores. Stay away from cotton or other materials that become wet and heavy with sweat.
- Use a chamois cream: Chamois cream is a lubricant applied to the skin to reduce friction and chafing. It helps prevent saddle sores and other types of skin irritation.
- Keep your skin clean and dry: Wash and dry your skin thoroughly before riding, and use talcum powder to help keep your skin dry.
- Take breaks and stretch: If you're going on longer rides, take breaks and stretch to give your skin and muscles a chance to rest.
Do you have the right saddle? Find the best here: Bike saddles
Bib shorts that go the distance
Whether it's a long-distance weekend ride or grabbing an hour on the trail after work, our range of cycling bib shorts and tights are designed for maximum comfort and performance.
Each pair of bib shorts for men or women is made with high-quality materials for maximum breathability. From ultra-lightweight to pairs with UV protection, shop our growing collection of bib shorts to make your next ride one to remember.
Got questions about finding the best bib shorts for your biking goals? We're here to help. Our team of cycling experts is ready to answer any questions you have — from bib shorts and chamois pads to tyres and bike frames.
Let us handle the hard stuff, you just focus on the ride ahead. And what a comfortable ride it will be.
