My trusty old pair of Kona bib tights are getting a bit worn around the bottom area (they are over 10 years old!) and I need to buy some more.

I'm really tempted by the Assos airblock bibtights but can't bring myself to splash out £130+ on a pair...or can I?

I tried a pair of the women's version and once I figured out how to put them on, they were great - is it me or do they have the wonderbra effect on your boobs???

Is it worth paying extra for the airblock?

I have a pair of the women's assos windblock bibs and can recommend them if you can afford them. The assos sizing is a bit strange - I am a 10/12 and got the medium. Yes the getting them on is a novelty at first but then it becomes second nature and they really aren't uncomfortable with the bib part sitting inbetween the boobs. As for the wonderbra effect, only being a 34a it can only be a bonus - but then they get lost under the trillions of layers I have on up top. The price is 153pounds if you can afford them. I would also recommend the windblock ladies uma jacket but that again is pricey.
Otherwise, look at the gore ones - minx-girl have the ladies non-windblock bib tight going in their sale for 40pouds. My mother (yes at 69 she is still cycling) recently bought the ladies gore windstopper bibs from BikeTreks in ambleside - 95pounds.
Personally I find the windblock is required for road riding rather than mountain biking and at that price would worry about ripping the assos when off-road. So if you are going to be road riding I would say yes, go for the windblock.

Thanks London Lady.

Forgot to mention this is for road riding only, i've seen the Assos women's bibtights for £140 on t'internet or my LBS will give me 20% off Assos gear.

Mmmm

just exactly where is this LBS of yours????? Sounds like a good deal - where is my list.......

It's a lot of money for bibs, but I'd recomend the windstopper ones (assos or Gore) for winter road riding too. I agree it's too much for mtbing ad you don't go that fast and I get a tad too sweaty on the climbs at the best of times.
Being bigger boobed I liked the womens straps almost made my monobra sports bra effect look OK.

Have you seen to Amfit tights from Pearl Izumi, I just got some on test and they have water repellent and wind proof panels....more later!

I recently bought the Gore Windstopper bib tights and have been pleased with them. I do wear them off-road as I get cold if I'm climbing up to a ridge/downs that is exposed to all the elements (such as they are in the south of England!). They were a lot of money (around £85 I think).

Thanks all.

The assos bibtights it is then. Went to my LBS and ordered a pair on Saturday.

I don't have any bib tights - bib shorts yes. Pearl Izumi do a 'trouser' that has a windproof and waterproof front - they are very good.

I have never worn bib tights or shorts and have found your thread really interesting. seem v.expensive though, but I suppose most good things are..

Hi Bikescooby - ok, another stoopid question from me here but....... how do you manage when you need to go to the toilet? isn't it a bit long winded when you have to take off all your top layers? thats it really in a nutshell?

its a bit of a palaver (sp) if you need to go to the loo.
i make sure i go before i haul the bib bit over my head!!

but i reckon its worth it. I was getting bad stomach pains from my ordinary troos, expecially on the road bike.

I dont have the bibtights but I have some Nike windstopper longs not thermal but excellent at keeping you warm and dry :o)

I wear Ground Effect 3/4 Witches Britches. They keep me lovely and warm as they come up quite high round my belly (wedgies as my kids call em)

Hils, the trick is to go before. I have developed a knack for holding-on...I know it's not good for you but the thought of squatting in trees does not appeal so I wait till I get home.

Hills, going to the loo with bibs on..after much trial and error of all the best ways to remain as decent and warm as possible during the much antagonised over 'nature with bib tight wee' I find the following the easiest. I have perfected the art of wriggling out of the arms out of my jersey sleeves while keeping it on, slipping the shoulder straps of the tights off, then putting the sleeves back on. hey presto! easy wee, no one is offended by my being fully exposed in the woods, and i stay toasty warm.

Bike scooby- I used to hold on until started to get the most horrific kidney infections, realised it was in part due to not drinking enough while riding cos of the whole tricky toilet thing. So my advice to all you modest girls out there is drink no matter and answer the call of nature- just be creative!!

Just out of interest, i've been looking at the assoss bib tights (but haven't found any to try on) but don't quite get whether you wear your bra over the top, or underneath the straps? Just curious ...

Hi Spanner

The Assos one are based on lengh - i'm a size 8 and have medium. The Assos website will give you all the details.

I tend to wear my sports bra and base layer underneath as the straps are not that soft.

Oh, and be prepared to get stuck in the chaining room as you are trying to get in and out of them.

I have abandoned the idea of bibs purely because of toilet stops. My bladder is a size of a pea and I like to keep myself well hydrated so on longer rides it is not unusual for me to have to stop for a wee 3 times. (I've got very good at spotting appropriate undergrowth!) I can't expect my riding buddies to wait while I faff with my layers, particularly when I'm usually the slowest anyway!

I am also an Assos convert, I didn't't believe any shorts would be worth £80 but they are... Assos F1 are so unbelevably comfortable around the waist that I hardly know I'm wearing them.

Anu - slow isn't a word that I'd associate with your riding!

My bibs are all fleecy and warm so only really wear them when it's very cold. I wear my bra and thermal under the straps (which I have to cross over my head as they're mens and the braces are too long!) and a fleece over the top.

When nature calls, I find that I just have to find the best bit of undergrowth, whip my jumper off, drop my drawers and be quick about it!

Look at it this way, even if you do get caught - you'll probably never see them again and if you do they won't recognise your face!!