Wool cycling bibs in summer. Sounds so hot. Itchy. Totally impractical for road bike riding or racing, right? Not so fast.
Everything you think about wool is probably wrong — or darn close to it. Especially in the area of cycling apparel. I’ve worn just about every cycling bib known to mankind. Pear Izumi. Giordana. Castelli. Santini. Nike. Specialized. Assos. If Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss, or Burberry made a cycling bib, I’d probably try it. Form and function never go out of style. How many people today want to ride like Eddy and wear the classic Molteni team wool jersey? It’s why the jersey is loved — and sold. It works.
After your saddle, the bib has to be the most critical piece of “equipment” for a cyclist. Any rider who can pedal a century just for fun will tell you the differences between a good bib, a bad bib and a great bib becomes obvious at about mile 50. Bibs have come a long, long way. My first pair of cycling “shorts” (not even bibs) were Black Bottoms, circa 1983. Wool. Drawstring waist band. Single side seams. No logo. No bright colors. No padding. A simple chamois. Like one you dry your car with. That was “advanced” technology.
Now, there are as many bibs, colors, styles and cuts as there are body (and bum) types.
That said, the Arrivee bib from Ibex harkens back to a simple and classic Eddy Merckx kind of time when wool was the primary fabric of choice for “shorts” worn by the Tour greats in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
That’s where similarities end. Combined with today’s technology advancements in synthetics and chamois padding, the wool-blend Arrivee provides a wonderful combination of comfort, performance and style. After all, you want to have a little panache as you roll down the road, right? Plus this news flash: black never goes out of style. The Arrivee bib come in that one flavor. The only white you’ll ever see on the bib is where its multiple panels are sewn together a la Pearl Izumi Microsensor bibs.
The front of the bib rises higher on your torso (between your sternum and belly button) than most brands. I find the sensation more comforting than foreign or annoying. During my first 100-mile ride in the Arrivee I rarely thought about the Arrivee. That’s a good sign. I thought about riding. The padding in the chamois will never rival the Assos F.13_S5, but neither will the chamois of any competing brand. The Arrivee provides one other bonus (at least for me): it’s anti-shiny. Wool breathes naturally and provides a subtle hand and finish that doesn’t scream “I’m-trying-to-be-a-pro-cyclist-but-my-body-is-really-a-9-to-5-banker.” I’ve seen many a man beyond his racing prime (if he ever had one) don a cycling bib he probably shouldn’t. Don’t be that guy.
If you’re up for classic design, style, and function, check out the Arrivee.
If you’re chasing youth and need QuickStep, Silence-Lotto or Rock Racing emblazoned on your backside, good luck.
Me? I’m riding like Eddy — in the modern era.
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These posts you’ve got going are GREAT!
So, so true. Shorts are not something to go cheap on. And if you find the right pair, buy two.
Next for me are gloves and shoes. The more you can be “One with the machine”, the more likely you will achieve that Zen moment of perfection.
Well, I have to admit, I don’t wear bibs. However, I’m a complete ‘Fred’ on the most heinous level (if you knew how I dressed – and looked – you’d act as if you never knew me). My friends shake their heads at me in pity. I’m in torn up shorts and jerseys sized way too big for me with stains. Hey, man, I’m tough (that or my privates are beyond feeling). Anyhoo – wool jerseys, however, are the bomb! Not that I know firsthand but b/c I have friends who wear them. Not only do they look cool, they are cool (as in ventilated!) So, yeah, I get it…Ode to the wool, baby!
Hi Doug. Money well invested. Once you have the combo that works for you, Zen happens with nary a thought.