Last Friday, I blogged a first installment on three brands of cycling bibs with which I’ve become very familiar. Without further ado, I bring you the other three brands that have spent considerable time between myself and my saddle: (1) Voler (2) Ibex (3) Assos
1. Voler – For the money, I believe this is the hands-down brand champion. Priced well below $100 USD, the Voler “Peloton” model bibs I’ve been wearing are plenty durable and comfortable. The pad on this particular model, and its predecessor (photograph below) is thinner than the three brands/models I covered in my first post. And for some riders, that may give cause for concern. Me included. I find the design of the Voler bibs to my liking for rides under 4 hours. Beyond that, I can’t tell you because I haven’t done one in Volers. I do know that between 3 and 4 hours I begin to consciously think of rapidly diminishing comfort. Bear in mind I don’t weigh 150 pounds like an average pro cyclist, and I apply more pressure to the saddle due alone to my “big-boned” frame (190-200 pounds). If you’re not doing centuries, Volers are the ticket in my book. Lycra-for-Lycra, the best value out there IMHO.
2. Ibex – The Arrivee cycling bib from this Vermont-based company is not some ode to Fausto Coppi, although you may ride faster just because your donning the same material of teams Bianchi, Molteni, Brooklyn, and oh, I could go on. I blogged about my initial experience with the Ibex brand in July. Nothing has changed. The bibs are durable, comfy and a more than a willing and faithful companion on rides of 100 miles. The blend of Merino, nylon and Spandex are uniquely Ibex. Uniquely a bib you can’t really compare to the flashier, stretchy stuff. But I digress. If you’re a stickler for modesty, this bib will help you get over the phobia of stepping up the counter for an espresso, post-ride on Sunday. It is to cycling apparel what the navy blue blazer is to your wardrobe. Timeless. Classic. A winner.
3. Assos – If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between this premium Swiss brand and myriad other big-name offerings, I’m here to tell you they’re good. Seriously. But how, you ask, can something with an MSRP of $359 USD (model FI 13_s5) be worth that much? I can’t justify the price. I only own a single pair. And here are a few reasons (my best guesses) as to how Assos can claim the mantel of the most expensive make and model of cycling bibs on the market: Two pads (stacked and movable) to protect your privates, a dimpled and amazingly soft inner liner, use of multiple fabrics of elasticity and material, including–get this–carbon fiber, and very expensive packaging and catalogs. OK, now I know for those who are world-class sweaters during summer heat, the claim of carbon fiber magically wicking away rivers of perspiration is bunk. So let’s focus back on the engineering in that padding. That’s where the magic happens. I’ve worn these bibs on big rides. Huge rides. Rides that would hurt my back driving them in the car. Not a hint of agony below. Zip. Nada. Yes, it takes a little time to get used to the thickness of the dual padding, but trust me, you’ll gladly shimmy about the first 10 miles to get it right for the other 90+ miles. No one will ever ask you why you spent so much money on bibs. They probably think you just want to look like those half-naked models in the catalog with 3% body fat. Just tell your friends Fabian Cancellara wears Assos. End of story.
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