Top Cycling Bibs and Shorts of 2016

Top rated cycling bibs in 2016

Last year when I couldn’t run due to an injury, I wrote a post that provided the best 2015 cycling bibs and shorts. This post provided 5 of my favorite cycling bibs and shorts from last year. Due to the positive feedback of that post, I wanted to write another post and share the top rated cycling bibs for 2016. I thought the timing of this made sense since we are currently in the second week of the Tour de France.

Now that my calf is healed, I mix in riding more with running. I also picked up a new fat bike (Surly Pugsley SS), and still ride my Cervelo S2 road bike and Felt F75 Cyclocross bike.

If you don’t believe how important proper cycling equipment is, buy a pair that isn’t rated very high and buy a pair of a top rated cycling bibs. Your body and specific body parts will appreciate the investment in the higher quality cycling bib.

Below are my top 5 cycling bibs of 2016.

1. Castelli Free Aero Race Cycling Bib Shorts

The number cycling bib on my list is the same as last year. I tried to find a reason to bump it down, but couldn’t. If you are a cycling fanatic like myself, then you know that Castelli makes some of the best cycling gear on the market. If you watch the Tour de France, then you know many of the top teams wear Castelli.

Just like last year, these were by far my favorite.The seat pad, bib strap construction, and pattern work were all updated for 2015 and the amazing quality continued with the latest version of this popular cycling bib.

This top rated cycling bib has three different fabrics that each provide a different function. An improved durable material around the saddle area, sleek and stretchy fabric on the sides, and breathable material on the front and back to keep you cool.

These shorts kept me cool in all temperatures and were by far the most comfortable. The one thing I would note is that you should order a size up as Castelli runs small.

Many of the top teams of the Tour de France, including Team Garmin wear these bibs.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | TriVillage.com (use code ORDER100-10) | Performance Bike | Jenson USA | Wiggle.com | Paragon Sports

2. Pearl Izumi Pro Pursuit Bib Shorts

Last year the Pearl Izumi bibs I recommended were rated third. This year the Pearl Izumi Pro Pursuit Bib Short has been moved up to the second spot. I want to say that these are a value bib, but they retail for $195.

I realize that the top two bibs suggested are pricey, but similar to the top-rated bib, your body will thank you for the investment. These shorts not only felt great, but looked sleek and fast.

I only recommend spending this kind of money if you are going to ride often like I do. Trying to decide between the top rated bibs was tough as these felt just as good as the Castelli Free Aero Race Bibs.

Historically Pearl Izumi bibs tend to ride up in the quad area and this short appears to be better. I am hoping that remains as I continue to ride in these cycling bibs.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | TriVillage.com (use code ORDER100-10) | Jenson USA | Moosejaw | Sunny Sports

3. Sugoi Evolution Pro Bib Shorts

Last year I first tried wearing Sugoi cycling bibs and was absolutely impressed with the quality, feel, and comfort of the Sugoi RS Pro Cycling Bib Shorts.

Due to the success I had last year with the RS pro cycling bibs, I wanted to give the Evolution Pro bibs a try. The variety of colors allows these shorts to match pretty much any cycling jersey that I own.

The Sugoi Evolution Pro Bib Shorts are made for the avid cyclist who is looking for a high quality and comfortable cycling big at a reasonable price. These shorts retail for $120 and I was able to find them online for as low as $70. Not bad for a highly rated pair of cycling bibs.

These shorts are made of the EvoPlus fabric that keeps your body dry during those warm and wet rides. One thing I liked about these shorts was the Powerband leg cuff. There is nothing more annoying than when shorts slide up your quad. These shorts kept them in place and provided exceptional comfort with style.

I think these shorts could easily cost more than the $120 retail price.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | Jenson USA | Moosejaw | Performance Bike | Als Sports | Jans

4. Louis Garneau’s Neo Power Motion Bib Shorts

Louis Garneau continues to produce high-quality cycling apparel, helmets, and gear. Many of the Tour de France teams continue to wear their products.

I was looking online and wanted to find another mid-range priced bib and came across the Neo Power Motion bibs. These bibs not only struck me as being sharp but received great reviews.

The color options allow me to match pretty much any jersey and/or sock combination, something that makes riding more enjoyable.

These cycling bibs are made of the Louis Garneau Power+ material. These shorts have two different materials that not only breathe well but help with limiting fatigue. The chamois is made of gel which provides continued support and comfort during those long rides.

These cycling bibs retail for around $130. I have seen them on sale as low as $90 and could probably find them for even cheaper. The quality, price, and fit, make these a great buy in my opinion.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | Trivillage (use code ORDER100-10) | Performance Bike | Sunny Sports | Eastern Mtn Sports | Bike Nashbar | Tree Fort Bikes

5. Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Shorts

I know that I already have a Pearl Izumi short on the list of top cycling bibs, but I needed to add a pair that was a value buy.

If you have looked at the prices on some of these other shorts, they can range in price from $50-$175. These cycling bibs not only are highly rated but can be found at prices as low as $45 with a coupon.

These cycling bibs are constructed using the Pearl Izumi core technologies which include softshell, barrier, transfer, and thermal. This high-quality material keeps you going in almost any condition.

These shorts look good and feel good, all at a reasonable price.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com | Trivillage (use code ORDER100-10) | Jenson USA | Sunny Sports | Performance Bike

If you are not interested in any of the bibs listed above, I would recommend checking out the Amazon best selling cycling bibs and shorts. They offer a number of options and provide plenty of reviews on a variety of brands and bibs.

There are a number of other sites that allow you to sort cycling bibs by user review. I recommend checking out Sierra Trading Post, Bike Nashbar, Jenson USA, Treefort Bikes (great for price matching), Performance Bike, and REI.

Make sure you get free shipping when you order bibs as they don’t all fit the same, which means you may need to return.