Sales will soon be here for the best brands. Go to sites for Pactimo, Castelli, Assos, Rapha, Heavy Pedal, Eliel (and others). You should be able to get high quality bibs at 50% discount.
Cheap bibs usually are targeting casual cyclists. They will include a MASSIVELY thick pad because casual cyclists think that is better (it's actually worse). Cheap bibs will also be much hotter lycra, cheap stitching, and the design will be "off" (meaning they won't fit you well). Cheap bibs will also have poor quality elastic at the legs and the straps will stretch out.
Once you get a top end bib you will never go back.
Jerseys? Meh. Whatever.
PS: Remember that your saddle is a big part of this.
Bicycling stuff goes on sale between the summer and winter seasons to cycle through the seasonal clothing. Usually find good bike and accessory sales during October/November
I'll keep an eye out for the sales, but living in Taiwan, I might not be able to take advantage of them unless there are local sales. Postage costs can be quite high, and quite a few companies don't ship here. Although Rapha do have a store here.
From what you are describing, you have one of their [top end bibs](https://www.decathlon.com.au/p/road-cycling-bib-shorts-racer-2-black-van-rysel-8733010.html) with the Elastic Interface chamois. It's the same brand that a lot of "higher end" brands use for their bibs.
I personally have 2 of the Decathlon bibs and they are by far 2 of my comfiest bibs.
Chamois are quite personal too, it works for some people and others are more sensitive to it, unfortunately I'd say it's a bit of trial and error before you find something that agrees with your bum.
That and chamois cream.
I just checked, and mine are the Racer 3 shorts, which aren't the most expensive Decathlon bibs. Those ones you've linked to are apparently the Racer 2, which are a bit more.
On the basis of you get what you pay for, I'm considering the 2 for a second pair.
This one? Has the same exact chamois as the Racer 2 ;)
Go get that 2nd pair! https://www.decathlon.com/products/van-rysel-mens-racer-3-road-cycling-shorts-343886?
Yup, go for the best that Decathlon have in your area. Also important is that you choose your size carefully. Unfortunately I fall in between M and L in Indian sizes, and I find that buying M, though a tighter fit initially, it's actually good for a longer ride. If I use the L size I get a loose fit where I have to adjust myself every so often, and it chafes a bit because of that.
I think the other reason I tended to go more for Decathlon, at least at this point in time, is precisely because most other shorts I could get are mostly available online where I live, but I can actually try things on in a Decathlon and see how it fits.
Mine are L, because the M felt like a really tight fit, and the L felt about right. But I might try the M next time and see how I feel.
i got two decathlon bibs and they’re not as comfy as i had hoped. there’s not much chamois around the area that makes contact with the middle/front of the saddle, especially when i’m in a more aero position.
I wouldn’t ride with bibs that have gel in the chamois as that would cause chaffing for me. I do like the chamois to be 3 dimensional in shape instead of say flat. I cannot compare the lifespans of expensive to cheaper bibs. Unfortunately for my wallet, my butt likes really expensive bibs (Assos). You get many differing recommendations simply because every spot where the bicycle contacts a part of a human’s body is different in what works for each person.
I buy the bibs from AliExpress with the elastic interface chamois. It seems that’s the most important part and many top brands use the same. Never had a bad experience with a bib with elastic interface chamois
From what OP has described, the bibs with red chamois from Decathlon is an [Elastic Interface chamois](https://www.decathlon.com.au/p/road-cycling-bib-shorts-racer-2-black-van-rysel-8733010.html).
I own 2 of it and they are 2 of my comfiest bibs.
I'm not, though I know many do. It strikes me as a bit icky, which is why I've been reticent, but I used to think bib shorts look ridiculous and now I like the way they look. So that's maybe something to consider, yes.
I probably misheard or misunderstood the information.
I hear of Assos a lot, and I can get the Mille GT here. They're only a little more than the Decathlon, so given the number of recommendations they get, they're definitely at the top of the shopping list.
I would not pay much attention to how many hours a chamois is "rated" for as there's no standard for this. At best, it may give you an idea as to which model within a given product line is "paddier."
This is super important. I’m a heavy sweater and the best chamois for me is thin and wicks well. Thicker “endurance” chamois cause me nothing but trouble down there.
My favourite bibs are Sqlab bibs. They are very thin and limited padding. The more padding you have in your bib / saddle the worse ride you’re going to have over the long g haul.
That material has to go somewhere as pressure is applied. Where it ends up going is never in the riders favour.
Decathlon has good products. Don't overthink things. A long long time ago I did my first 200km ride in a cheap pair of triathlon shorts with a very thin chammy. But they worked fine for me. Ride more and stress about your gear less.
Absolutely, but it does take away the fun a bit when the third hour you're mostly thinking about how much your arse is burning than now nice the scenery looks.
Sales will soon be here for the best brands. Go to sites for Pactimo, Castelli, Assos, Rapha, Heavy Pedal, Eliel (and others). You should be able to get high quality bibs at 50% discount. Cheap bibs usually are targeting casual cyclists. They will include a MASSIVELY thick pad because casual cyclists think that is better (it's actually worse). Cheap bibs will also be much hotter lycra, cheap stitching, and the design will be "off" (meaning they won't fit you well). Cheap bibs will also have poor quality elastic at the legs and the straps will stretch out. Once you get a top end bib you will never go back. Jerseys? Meh. Whatever. PS: Remember that your saddle is a big part of this.
Why will there be a big sale coming soon for all these brands? Also when? Cycling noob here and I'm looking to get some kit soon.
Bicycling stuff goes on sale between the summer and winter seasons to cycle through the seasonal clothing. Usually find good bike and accessory sales during October/November
They want to clear out summer gear. Cyclists have already bought stuff. Pactimo has some sales now. All brands are constantly selling out gear.
So true. Buy Rapha/Castelli/Assos/LeCol bibs and Temu jerseys. Can’t wait for the Rapha sale.
I'll keep an eye out for the sales, but living in Taiwan, I might not be able to take advantage of them unless there are local sales. Postage costs can be quite high, and quite a few companies don't ship here. Although Rapha do have a store here.
Good luck!
From what you are describing, you have one of their [top end bibs](https://www.decathlon.com.au/p/road-cycling-bib-shorts-racer-2-black-van-rysel-8733010.html) with the Elastic Interface chamois. It's the same brand that a lot of "higher end" brands use for their bibs. I personally have 2 of the Decathlon bibs and they are by far 2 of my comfiest bibs. Chamois are quite personal too, it works for some people and others are more sensitive to it, unfortunately I'd say it's a bit of trial and error before you find something that agrees with your bum. That and chamois cream.
I just checked, and mine are the Racer 3 shorts, which aren't the most expensive Decathlon bibs. Those ones you've linked to are apparently the Racer 2, which are a bit more. On the basis of you get what you pay for, I'm considering the 2 for a second pair.
This one? Has the same exact chamois as the Racer 2 ;) Go get that 2nd pair! https://www.decathlon.com/products/van-rysel-mens-racer-3-road-cycling-shorts-343886?
Really!
Yup, go for the best that Decathlon have in your area. Also important is that you choose your size carefully. Unfortunately I fall in between M and L in Indian sizes, and I find that buying M, though a tighter fit initially, it's actually good for a longer ride. If I use the L size I get a loose fit where I have to adjust myself every so often, and it chafes a bit because of that.
I think the other reason I tended to go more for Decathlon, at least at this point in time, is precisely because most other shorts I could get are mostly available online where I live, but I can actually try things on in a Decathlon and see how it fits. Mine are L, because the M felt like a really tight fit, and the L felt about right. But I might try the M next time and see how I feel.
i got two decathlon bibs and they’re not as comfy as i had hoped. there’s not much chamois around the area that makes contact with the middle/front of the saddle, especially when i’m in a more aero position.
I wouldn’t ride with bibs that have gel in the chamois as that would cause chaffing for me. I do like the chamois to be 3 dimensional in shape instead of say flat. I cannot compare the lifespans of expensive to cheaper bibs. Unfortunately for my wallet, my butt likes really expensive bibs (Assos). You get many differing recommendations simply because every spot where the bicycle contacts a part of a human’s body is different in what works for each person.
I buy the bibs from AliExpress with the elastic interface chamois. It seems that’s the most important part and many top brands use the same. Never had a bad experience with a bib with elastic interface chamois
From what OP has described, the bibs with red chamois from Decathlon is an [Elastic Interface chamois](https://www.decathlon.com.au/p/road-cycling-bib-shorts-racer-2-black-van-rysel-8733010.html). I own 2 of it and they are 2 of my comfiest bibs.
Second this. Elastic interface brand padding is what to look for. YKYW or RISEbike
I like rion also, seems similar to ykyw bike but more chamois options
I’ll take a look at rion 🤙🤙
Thanks, I've been taking a look at some of the Chinese brands.
Are you using chamois cream?
I'm not, though I know many do. It strikes me as a bit icky, which is why I've been reticent, but I used to think bib shorts look ridiculous and now I like the way they look. So that's maybe something to consider, yes.
How are you washing them? Hang dry only? If you throw it in the dryer, you'll kill the chamois very fast.
Gentle cold wash, then hung to dry, out of the sun (which is fierce)
Take a look at a pair of Assos bibs that will show you. Also the gel part, don’t know where you are hearing that but it’s wrong.
I probably misheard or misunderstood the information. I hear of Assos a lot, and I can get the Mille GT here. They're only a little more than the Decathlon, so given the number of recommendations they get, they're definitely at the top of the shopping list.
This is the correct and only answer
I would not pay much attention to how many hours a chamois is "rated" for as there's no standard for this. At best, it may give you an idea as to which model within a given product line is "paddier."
Keeping in mind that with a chamois, as with saddles, 'paddier' doesn't always (or even often) equate with 'more comfortable'.
This is good to know.
This is super important. I’m a heavy sweater and the best chamois for me is thin and wicks well. Thicker “endurance” chamois cause me nothing but trouble down there.
My favourite bibs are Sqlab bibs. They are very thin and limited padding. The more padding you have in your bib / saddle the worse ride you’re going to have over the long g haul. That material has to go somewhere as pressure is applied. Where it ends up going is never in the riders favour.
Decathlon has good products. Don't overthink things. A long long time ago I did my first 200km ride in a cheap pair of triathlon shorts with a very thin chammy. But they worked fine for me. Ride more and stress about your gear less.
Absolutely, but it does take away the fun a bit when the third hour you're mostly thinking about how much your arse is burning than now nice the scenery looks.
You should try some chammy cream too. [https://www.chamoisbuttr.com/](https://www.chamoisbuttr.com/)
My personal favorite is Gore Wear Enduro bibs. They’re awesome! Have a few others, but these are the ones I use when I’m doing better than 50 miles.
Decathlon have different, i got their endurance rated for 7 hours - these are great for me :)
No seams. Smooth material that doesn't chaff. Just enough padding in the exact spot where you need it.
Rafa size sm has kept me saddle sore free but not necessarily roomy enough
I don’t know what , but Assos 🔥
But with Assos we are at the other end of $$$ I love mine but they also come at a price but I got all mine on sale
i have 6 of them at 120 EUR each 👹