I took the jump and bought the Mathilde after your last upload. As a slightly heavier rider I have always felt the chamois was the weak point of the regular priced (no more than £120) bibs I'd bought before, ie ok for a couple of hours before discomfort would start. The Mathilde have proved my assumptions true, I'm back to riding several hours pain free again :)
I've been making some small adjustments to my saddle position. Trying to get a better alignment between the saddle and my sit bones. Makes a big difference in comfort. Shorts and saddle have to work together.
I have the male Aeron shorts, both version 1 and version 2. Initially I was very disappointed with version 1, a seam across the pubic bone was uncomfortable and the pad felt inflexible. I used them for short rides only and found that after a few washes all was good. I was sufficiently happy to then buy a pair of 2.0 shorts which were better straight from the bag. I estimate I've now ridden over 20,000 miles (perhaps closer to 30,000) in the 2 pairs, including many rides of between 80 and 125 miles, pleased to say they're holding up really well. I can't imagine how more expensive shorts can be better, which I think is a clue as to how happy I am with these.
@rogerbodger69, if you don't mind me asking, how heavy are you? I'm a heavy rider and want a new pair of bibshorts, and wondered if the Aeron pad was 'heavy duty ' enough for me. They'll be for all day long distance rides. Thanks.
I use DHB classic bibs, 78 kg, good for 120 kms on road. Also 25km hard mtb, and upto 40km on more xc. Never had an issue in 12,000 kms road and 1800kms mtb.
I think the thing to remember is that everyone is different, whether that's weight, shape, susceptibility to chafing etc etc. What one person finds very comfortable another person may find near enough impossible to wear.
Katie on a different subject , huge thanks for the counting to 50 up hills . It’s helped me no end . Told the husband and a friend and also helped them 🎉 got my ass up great dunn fell ,literally flew up it . Huge ❤😊
I love my DHB bibs, but to be fair, I’m not knocking out 200km+ rides! 150 is about as far as I go. But I am a good chunk heavier than you, so I probably give them a bit of a hard time over that 150km. So glad you tried them though. Maybe the male cut of these shorts is just better us chaps. That cross over section isn’t on my shorts. I do have a ‘full’ belly most of the time too, and no issues for me there either. I’ll give my distance a bit if a nudge and see when I hit the pain barrier though! Thanks for the great video Katie 😊
Finding a chamois pad that works for me has been key. Through various random bibs I've ended up with some Pedaled odyssey shorts that have the Elastic Interface endurance pad. Then yesterday I got some Albion shorts as they use the same pad. They're different in other ways but riding them today has been great, all feels fine down there 😊
I have had the exact same experience with a number of dhb bibs/shorts - they are great for shorter efforts, but become very uncomfortable after a few hours. This includes some higher-end dhb bibs that have had ample time to get broken in. I generally really like dhb (jerseys, base layers, fantastic wool socks) but now stay away from their shorts. I also noticed btw that all 4 of my dhb bibs/shorts (at a range of price from mid to high) seem to use the same chamois. Ive also had some cheaper dhb shorts that i purchased exclusively for use on rollers - their chamois was even worse
you should test all products, you are so good at describing the good and bad points , in such away that , you would almost think that I had tryed them myself , just fantastic and so easy to understand . wished women here in NewZealand were as pasioate , about cycling
Good for you for trying a product from the value end of the market, so difficult to choose cycle wear as the prices, performance and comfort vary so much. Paying hundreds doesn't guarantee a 10 out of 10 on all fronts. Hope your pain is only temporary and you have learnt a valuable lesson of taking your go to bibs with you if you do another such product evaluation.
I recently purchased the men's version of the same shorts and have been very pleased. I had a similar issue with the chamois (it felt as though there was a seam digging into me) but after a few weeks' use, it has gone away, so I think they just need broken in like a new pair of shoes.
I'd like to see a comparison with casual shorts and t-shirts (that's what I'm still wearing, 8 years after I started cycling) vs "real" cycling outfits. Not for the comfort, but performance-wise.
I've spent loads on bib shorts & for me having a bike fit ,Baggy cycling shorts & seamless boxers are the most comfortable ,even doing LEJOG off road ,I'm quite heavy & the chamois compresses & the edge rubs .
Thank you for this video Katie, what would be great would be a comparison between the bib ''Café du Cycliste'' and ''Rapha''. Thanks again and have a nice day. Régis
Hey Kate, I know this video is a year old but have you given Red White bibs? They’re specifically designed for long rides. Just beginning my cycling journey and love your vids. Keep up the stellar work! 😁😁😁
I 100% agree! I bought these and a few other £20 dhb shorts for riding when I’m pregnant. I totally understand what you mean by the density of the pad and the squeaking noise they make 😂 I now only wear them for my baby on board zwift sessions and luckily my usual cycling bibs are managing to fit my 6months bump in!! They would be good for short journeys but I would rather buy a good pair and feel comfortable than suffer the discomfort 😅
Was about to comment on how pretty the green grass, dry stone walls and farm animals were. Then I got to the section where the farm animals were ON the dry stone walls, and thought Katie, you’ve really outdone yourself with this one. 😂
I generally think that shorts take a few rides and washes to wear in and get really comfortable. I'd never expect new shirts to be right straight out of the packet.
Impressive ride. Like rain jackets, I never scrimp on shorts. I wear Giordana...the male version has a built in pouch that keeps everything where it should be.
The goat on the wall halfway through!😂 Seriously though, a good video Katie, it's a shame these bib shorts didn't stand up to the test- have you had a look at Shutt Velo Rapide? Chris
The best bibs I have for comfort are van rysel bibs from decathlon, I think they're normally about 50 quid but they're easily as good as the more expensive castelli ones that I have.
Hi Katie, love your content. Every chamois has a max time limit. You should check the info on the chamois. Not all are made for long rides. There will always be an indication that will state that they are good for a 2hr ride or for an over 5hr ride. Regards Annie
Very helpful review, Kate. I‘m riding the dhb Aeron Lab since a few month and thought about getting the non-Lab version you‘re reviewing here, but won‘t. A few questions: What size are your CdC bibs? I‘m also wearing dbh size 10 and I wonder if size M or L would fit better. And what about leg length? In your videos it looks like the CdC bibs are a little shorter than dhb, is that correct?
I wear a medium bib in CDC and small top :) I would say leg length are pretty similar to be honest. CDC are I think worth the money as they last YEARS and so so comfortable
@@KatieKookaburra Thanks, Katie. I have bibs from Velocio, Assos, Rapha, so the price of the CdC bibs doesn‘t scare me. 😉 I think I will give them a try. Back to the chamois of the dhb bib: I made a similar experience with the Universal Colors Mono bib that has reportedly the same chamois from elastic interface: It‘s fine for up to two hours rides, but then it gets uncomfortable (and the fabric on the legs rides up because there‘s not enough gripping material).
I have a couple pair of dhb bib shorts. Both have become holed at the edge of the chamois which has resulted in chaffing. Although, I have found that the chamois does offer a decent level of comfort before the shorts became holed
Haven’t ridden that far in mine. The density of the pad is good, so I don’t feel any soreness on the sit bones. However, the pad feels to stiff, so after riding for a couple of hours I do feel it on the inside of my thigh/groin. I like the fabric and leg grippers a lot. The sizing is way off. I am 5’ 10” and 80kg and ordered a large, which was way too small. Now have an XL, which are still snug. So definitely order up one, if not two sizes.
I have the male version and I can say that the grippers are brilliant. The chamois does feel nice when you first put them on, but comfort only last me around 2-3 hrs max. It's a shame when the marketing says they should keep you comfortable for up to 7 hrs.
For long rides (anything over 100km) I always use Assos, I just dont even worry about the shorts causing problems over extended periods on the bike. Have you tried Assos? If you have how do they compare to Cafe du Cyclist?
I had one pair when I was in about two years in to riding and LOVED them. Unreal comfort. But tried their current offering and was disappointed if I'm honest. They looked like underpants worn over top of black shorts. Very odd. And nothing like I had used in the past from them which is a shame. But it's just my opinion of that one pair ...
@@Danonym495 yeah, those rain jackets are crazy prices, like the Gore ones, they are supposed to last forever though but still hard to justify the cost.
I’ve never wore bib shorts and after watching a trace velo video (I think that’s what the channels called 🤪) and he mentioned didoo bib shorts on ebay, so I thought why not they only £13.50 and after 22 miles today I agree with him really comfy for the price, but I’ve never tried high end bib shorts 😊
Thank you for your sacrifice. I've noticed that even within in the same brand - there will be different lines of bib-shorts. I've seen some rated 1-2 hours, others 3-4 plus hours. Does DHB have a rating for the bib shorts you tried? I was curious if the soreness was chafing related to sizing and if the distance/length of time on the ride had to do with your experience. Thank you for clearing both of those up. All the best!
One thing i've learned about cycling gear... the cheap stuff is no good and the expensive stuff is overpriced. Rarely is there a happy medium unless you can buy the good stuff on sale.
I appreciate your efforts but the problem with recommending Bib Shorts is the same as the problem with recommending saddles. You find "the one" and have that "OMG where have you been all my life" moment, then you convince someone else to buy it and to them its a torture device, and they don't talk to you for a while 🤣
The Castelli Premio fabric feels like you are not wearing anything, they are fantastic better than the T Cento but the front pouch on the T Cento is really comfortable.
How tight are cycling shorts supposed to be? It feels like I have to buy 2 sizes bigger than other clothing, usually I'm S but on these it's like I have to get L.
I tend to get through about 4 pairs a year when in a rotation, would absolutely love to find a cheaper bib that just works, there always seems to be so much compromise but with the way prices are going with most things in the cycling world I might have no choice.
There is a new brand on the market, Jelenew. They have given me a pair to try for chatting with them about female cyclists requirements. I don't do audax. They have given me Pro Series Y Back that retail at £219. Perhaps you would like to try these out. (Obviously not mine, lol)
Katie, That's a long ride you did there , well done. I find DHB stuff good enough ... If you chubbed up a bit maybe there would be less pain ??? I would say 3 hrs riding is long enough before having a rest I assume you did or do more ?? I couldn't of done what you have done there , I can stand anything except pain [ and rain and hills and talking /not talking ] 🙃🙃
@@KatieKookaburra you used kilometers and feet in your presentation. i am miffed that cyclists seem to think its clever in England to use "Kay" when our entire road system is in miles. is it just remoaners in denial ? I appreciate your vids go global but my statement still stands. Why do they do it ? it aint clever and it just annoys a great deal of people.
to bib or not to bib? That is the question... Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of an outrageous need to pee, or take down your trousers 'round the first corner
I took the jump and bought the Mathilde after your last upload. As a slightly heavier rider I have always felt the chamois was the weak point of the regular priced (no more than £120) bibs I'd bought before, ie ok for a couple of hours before discomfort would start. The Mathilde have proved my assumptions true, I'm back to riding several hours pain free again :)
THIS makes me so happy! So glad you are riding comfortably again :)
I've been making some small adjustments to my saddle position. Trying to get a better alignment between the saddle and my sit bones. Makes a big difference in comfort. Shorts and saddle have to work together.
I have the male Aeron shorts, both version 1 and version 2. Initially I was very disappointed with version 1, a seam across the pubic bone was uncomfortable and the pad felt inflexible. I used them for short rides only and found that after a few washes all was good. I was sufficiently happy to then buy a pair of 2.0 shorts which were better straight from the bag. I estimate I've now ridden over 20,000 miles (perhaps closer to 30,000) in the 2 pairs, including many rides of between 80 and 125 miles, pleased to say they're holding up really well. I can't imagine how more expensive shorts can be better, which I think is a clue as to how happy I am with these.
@rogerbodger69, if you don't mind me asking, how heavy are you?
I'm a heavy rider and want a new pair of bibshorts, and wondered if the Aeron pad was 'heavy duty ' enough for me.
They'll be for all day long distance rides.
Thanks.
@@tonypaddler I'm around 80kg (around 12 and a half stone in old money)
@@rogerbodger thanks Roger, they sound like they'd do the job for me 👍
I use DHB classic bibs, 78 kg, good for 120 kms on road. Also 25km hard mtb, and upto 40km on more xc. Never had an issue in 12,000 kms road and 1800kms mtb.
I think the thing to remember is that everyone is different, whether that's weight, shape, susceptibility to chafing etc etc. What one person finds very comfortable another person may find near enough impossible to wear.
Katie on a different subject , huge thanks for the counting to 50 up hills . It’s helped me no end . Told the husband and a friend and also helped them 🎉 got my ass up great dunn fell ,literally flew up it . Huge ❤😊
I love my DHB bibs, but to be fair, I’m not knocking out 200km+ rides! 150 is about as far as I go. But I am a good chunk heavier than you, so I probably give them a bit of a hard time over that 150km. So glad you tried them though. Maybe the male cut of these shorts is just better us chaps. That cross over section isn’t on my shorts. I do have a ‘full’ belly most of the time too, and no issues for me there either. I’ll give my distance a bit if a nudge and see when I hit the pain barrier though! Thanks for the great video Katie 😊
Finding a chamois pad that works for me has been key. Through various random bibs I've ended up with some Pedaled odyssey shorts that have the Elastic Interface endurance pad. Then yesterday I got some Albion shorts as they use the same pad. They're different in other ways but riding them today has been great, all feels fine down there 😊
I have had the exact same experience with a number of dhb bibs/shorts - they are great for shorter efforts, but become very uncomfortable after a few hours. This includes some higher-end dhb bibs that have had ample time to get broken in. I generally really like dhb (jerseys, base layers, fantastic wool socks) but now stay away from their shorts. I also noticed btw that all 4 of my dhb bibs/shorts (at a range of price from mid to high) seem to use the same chamois. Ive also had some cheaper dhb shorts that i purchased exclusively for use on rollers - their chamois was even worse
you should test all products, you are so good at describing the good and bad points , in such away that , you would almost think that I had tryed them myself , just fantastic and so easy to understand . wished women here in NewZealand were as pasioate , about cycling
Good for you for trying a product from the value end of the market, so difficult to choose cycle wear as the prices, performance and comfort vary so much. Paying hundreds doesn't guarantee a 10 out of 10 on all fronts. Hope your pain is only temporary and you have learnt a valuable lesson of taking your go to bibs with you if you do another such product evaluation.
I recently purchased the men's version of the same shorts and have been very pleased. I had a similar issue with the chamois (it felt as though there was a seam digging into me) but after a few weeks' use, it has gone away, so I think they just need broken in like a new pair of shoes.
I'd like to see a comparison with casual shorts and t-shirts (that's what I'm still wearing, 8 years after I started cycling) vs "real" cycling outfits. Not for the comfort, but performance-wise.
I was a t shirt and shorts dude for about 9 months, got a pair of cycling shorts and well worth it.
I've spent loads on bib shorts & for me having a bike fit ,Baggy cycling shorts & seamless boxers are the most comfortable ,even doing LEJOG off road ,I'm quite heavy & the chamois compresses & the edge rubs .
Thank you for this video Katie, what would be great would be a comparison between the bib ''Café du Cycliste'' and ''Rapha''. Thanks again and have a nice day.
Régis
Hey Kate, I know this video is a year old but have you given Red White bibs? They’re specifically designed for long rides. Just beginning my cycling journey and love your vids. Keep up the stellar work! 😁😁😁
Hi Kay Kay. Watching your channel after nearly 18 months and still feel the same. Inspiring.
Awww you kind soul! :) Thank you x
Great review, totally honest, just what we need to hear
I 100% agree! I bought these and a few other £20 dhb shorts for riding when I’m pregnant. I totally understand what you mean by the density of the pad and the squeaking noise they make 😂 I now only wear them for my baby on board zwift sessions and luckily my usual cycling bibs are managing to fit my 6months bump in!! They would be good for short journeys but I would rather buy a good pair and feel comfortable than suffer the discomfort 😅
Was about to comment on how pretty the green grass, dry stone walls and farm animals were. Then I got to the section where the farm animals were ON the dry stone walls, and thought Katie, you’ve really outdone yourself with this one. 😂
Loved this content, very helpful.
I generally think that shorts take a few rides and washes to wear in and get really comfortable. I'd never expect new shirts to be right straight out of the packet.
I love the Series! Thank you so much for taking the time and testing these bibs thoroughly. Do you have any experience with Maap Bib Shorts?
I do. Video will come of the whole Maap kit :) Some good some not so good.
thank you very much for the video Katie much appreciated👍
I wear aeron bib shorts, best shorts I've found, was going to mention these when you tried the cheaper dhb 🙂👍
Impressive ride. Like rain jackets, I never scrimp on shorts. I wear Giordana...the male version has a built in pouch that keeps everything where it should be.
The goat on the wall halfway through!😂 Seriously though, a good video Katie, it's a shame these bib shorts didn't stand up to the test- have you had a look at Shutt Velo Rapide? Chris
The best bibs I have for comfort are van rysel bibs from decathlon, I think they're normally about 50 quid but they're easily as good as the more expensive castelli ones that I have.
Hi Katie, love your content. Every chamois has a max time limit. You should check the info on the chamois. Not all are made for long rides. There will always be an indication that will state that they are good for a 2hr ride or for an over 5hr ride. Regards Annie
Thanks - yeah I looked on the website and nothing there about it :(
my friend you would look good in any cycling gear
Very helpful review, Kate. I‘m riding the dhb Aeron Lab since a few month and thought about getting the non-Lab version you‘re reviewing here, but won‘t.
A few questions: What size are your CdC bibs? I‘m also wearing dbh size 10 and I wonder if size M or L would fit better. And what about leg length? In your videos it looks like the CdC bibs are a little shorter than dhb, is that correct?
I wear a medium bib in CDC and small top :) I would say leg length are pretty similar to be honest. CDC are I think worth the money as they last YEARS and so so comfortable
@@KatieKookaburra Thanks, Katie. I have bibs from Velocio, Assos, Rapha, so the price of the CdC bibs doesn‘t scare me. 😉 I think I will give them a try.
Back to the chamois of the dhb bib: I made a similar experience with the Universal Colors Mono bib that has reportedly the same chamois from elastic interface: It‘s fine for up to two hours rides, but then it gets uncomfortable (and the fabric on the legs rides up because there‘s not enough gripping material).
I have a couple pair of dhb bib shorts. Both have become holed at the edge of the chamois which has resulted in chaffing. Although, I have found that the chamois does offer a decent level of comfort before the shorts became holed
Just a tip, when trying something new always carry a stand by, I would have brought a trusted kit just in case the new one was not good.
Haven’t ridden that far in mine. The density of the pad is good, so I don’t feel any soreness on the sit bones. However, the pad feels to stiff, so after riding for a couple of hours I do feel it on the inside of my thigh/groin. I like the fabric and leg grippers a lot. The sizing is way off. I am 5’ 10” and 80kg and ordered a large, which was way too small. Now have an XL, which are still snug. So definitely order up one, if not two sizes.
Another fab video Katie xx
I have the male version and I can say that the grippers are brilliant. The chamois does feel nice when you first put them on, but comfort only last me around 2-3 hrs max. It's a shame when the marketing says they should keep you comfortable for up to 7 hrs.
Ahhh so good to hear a male's perspective of these! Agree they feel STUNNING initially!
Have you tried any Lusso kit? Made in Manchester, so I think quite local to you. I have several pairs of their shorts, and they seem to work for me.
I use DHB aeron bibs and I have no complaints
I like using Castelli
But I wait for the sales to buy to I pay about 60 a pair or £30-40 for a Jersey
For long rides (anything over 100km) I always use Assos, I just dont even worry about the shorts causing problems over extended periods on the bike. Have you tried Assos? If you have how do they compare to Cafe du Cyclist?
I am fine with Assos Bibs and Jerseys but the price for the rain jackett is unreal.
I had one pair when I was in about two years in to riding and LOVED them. Unreal comfort. But tried their current offering and was disappointed if I'm honest. They looked like underpants worn over top of black shorts. Very odd. And nothing like I had used in the past from them which is a shame. But it's just my opinion of that one pair ...
@@Danonym495 yeah, those rain jackets are crazy prices, like the Gore ones, they are supposed to last forever though but still hard to justify the cost.
I’ve never wore bib shorts and after watching a trace velo video (I think that’s what the channels called 🤪) and he mentioned didoo bib shorts on ebay, so I thought why not they only £13.50 and after 22 miles today I agree with him really comfy for the price, but I’ve never tried high end bib shorts 😊
Thank you for your sacrifice. I've noticed that even within in the same brand - there will be different lines of bib-shorts. I've seen some rated 1-2 hours, others 3-4 plus hours. Does DHB have a rating for the bib shorts you tried? I was curious if the soreness was chafing related to sizing and if the distance/length of time on the ride had to do with your experience. Thank you for clearing both of those up. All the best!
I checked and there was no time limit for wear… but I would say around 4 hours
One thing i've learned about cycling gear... the cheap stuff is no good and the expensive stuff is overpriced. Rarely is there a happy medium unless you can buy the good stuff on sale.
I appreciate your efforts but the problem with recommending Bib Shorts is the same as the problem with recommending saddles. You find "the one" and have that "OMG where have you been all my life" moment, then you convince someone else to buy it and to them its a torture device, and they don't talk to you for a while 🤣
I hear Galibier get good reviews, perhaps you could have a look at those. Thanks for your putting yourself through the pain in the name of research 👍🏻
Did u wash them first or wear straight out of the bag. ? Always prefer shorts myself so not sure if they do a none bib version.
I actually wore them straight out the bag! Not sure a wash would have rescued that chamois though...
The Castelli Premio fabric feels like you are not wearing anything, they are fantastic better than the T Cento but the front pouch on the T Cento is really comfortable.
I really rate gore's shorts not the cheapest though not the most expensive but the fit and Chamois are top notch.
What’s your go to waterproof jacket ?😊
Goretex Shakedry but this is a running version as it has a hood :)
How tight are cycling shorts supposed to be? It feels like I have to buy 2 sizes bigger than other clothing, usually I'm S but on these it's like I have to get L.
Pearl Izumi women’s PRO bib shorts 👍
have you done review of pas normal studios bib?
I tend to get through about 4 pairs a year when in a rotation, would absolutely love to find a cheaper bib that just works, there always seems to be so much compromise but with the way prices are going with most things in the cycling world I might have no choice.
I'm on the hunt.... :)
What brand is your cycling vest?
Rapha, I love it. Will do a full Rapha review soooooon too :)
I find the dhb aeron stuff fits well but on rides over 2 hours the bib isn't great
A little stage 11 / A little Kookaburra .....ride later in my Assos after the oven cools off a bit
Good bibs are money well spent 😊
Save the peach ❤
SAVE THE PEACH INDEED!
There is a new brand on the market, Jelenew. They have given me a pair to try for chatting with them about female cyclists requirements. I don't do audax. They have given me Pro Series Y Back that retail at £219. Perhaps you would like to try these out. (Obviously not mine, lol)
You should try fusion c3 bibs
How about us men .how will they fit ?
Katie,
That's a long ride you did there ,
well done.
I find DHB stuff good enough ...
If you chubbed up a bit maybe there would be less pain ???
I would say 3 hrs riding is long enough before having a rest I assume you did or do more ??
I couldn't of done what you have done there , I can stand anything except pain [ and rain and hills and talking /not talking ] 🙃🙃
Test “the black bibs company” shorts
kilometers and feet ?
KM and metres :)
@@KatieKookaburra you used kilometers and feet in your presentation. i am miffed that cyclists seem to think its clever in England to use "Kay" when our entire road system is in miles. is it just remoaners in denial ? I appreciate your vids go global but my statement still stands. Why do they do it ? it aint clever and it just annoys a great deal of people.
I had looked at these and wondered if they were any good at that price. Looks like the wallet is going to get a bashing.
to bib or not to bib? That is the question... Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of an outrageous need to pee, or take down your trousers
'round the first corner
Chamois on £30 Planet X bibs are much better.
Thank you, so much, for sacraficing your buns for us!! ❤🍑😮
Ay anything to help you lot 🤣🤣