I have these bibs in size S. No noticeable signs of wear on the chamois but my gooch hurts SO bad after century+ rides. Is that normal? Is there a particular way to wear these? Any insight would help!
by we-got-forks
I have these bibs in size S. No noticeable signs of wear on the chamois but my gooch hurts SO bad after century+ rides. Is that normal? Is there a particular way to wear these? Any insight would help!
by we-got-forks
16 Comments
Have you had a bike fit? Is your saddle position/size correct?
The chamois on a pair of bibs is not going to save you from discomfort if those things are wrong. Sounds like you have too much pressure on your gooch instead of on your sitbones.
do you use chamois cream?
Have you tried different bibs or chamois cream? Century is also long enough you’re gonna likely have a good bit of soreness if you’re new to this type of stuff. More 3+ hour rides may help you build your tolerance. I have some bibs I don’t wear on anything longer than 1.5 hour rides and some I save for long rides. Bike fit could also come into question at that distance. What’s comfortable for 20 miles may not be comfortable above 40 miles.
Otherwise these may just not be the bibs for you and you need to try another brand while you keep these for shorter rides where it’s not so much an issue.
Pas Normal uses what I would consider entry level chamois’ and charges out the wazoo for them. Your butt likely hurts because it’s just not a good chamois. I work in the industry as an apparel designer and we’ve inspected Pas product and found they’re using chamois that cost 1/3 of what we pay for our premium chamois. Cost isn’t everything, but this is a basic, single-density pad meant for shorter rides.
It could also be a number of things including the size you got (is the chamois in the right place), your bike fit, etc. Do you experience the issue with any other pairs of bibs? Or just these?
So you’re saying you wear PNS but you’re not experienced?!? Say it ain’t so….
Your first mistake was buying these bibs. The second? Paying $285 for them.
Go get you a pair of Assos Mille GTS bibs for century rides.
A recent visit to a boutique bike store in Switzerland which stocked PNS bib shorts disabused me of the notion that their chamois were good. Felt like a stiff washing up sponge.
Is it chafing pain or numbness related pain?
Could’ve bought 3 rapha pro team bibs for that price on vinted. Stupid is soon parted with money 😂🤑
Man. The hate on any brand always sounds like the kid that was jealous someone got something they wanted because if you were truly happy with what you have or are unbothered to buy something that expensive, you’d be unbothered to comment against it too. Lol.
Anywho…you want a real answer: Mechanism are good bibs…but I would consider them racing bibs. Not really meant for long distance. The essential line has a comfier chamois meant for long days in the saddle. With that said, some people do okay with the mechanism chamois but not for everyone I’m sure.
I’ve worn a lot of brands and stuff from Aliexpress bibs (in my early days of cycling) to something niche like Pas Normal studios and I would say, PNS is one of the brands where you’re buying the marketing and customer service. It’s okay but not the best. MAAP so far is the best all around. Their chamois is awesome (have heard great things about Assos as well).
Back to your issue: Those bibs just may not be for you. Not for a century ride at all. Last century I took a pair of mechanism bibs…I said never again. Other rides…I’m totally fine and forget about it. That’s all.
I have a bib I bought off AliExpress for like $30 CAD and I swear the chamois look the same which I hate so much because it felt like too dry and abrasive even when worn with chamois cream
They make crappy bibs unfortunately. I’d recommend some Assos or Q36.5 if you want high quality bibs.
The best pair of bibs I ever owned was a €45,- cargobib from decathlon that got discontinued. I own a ton of brands with various results but that one will always be my favourite.
My point is, you need to find whatever feels good for you. Getting pain after 150+KM sounds indeed like a chamois problem so the best is to find another pair that suit you and that does not necessarily mean buy the most expensive option.
Fav chammy is pearl izumi pro. Fav jerseys Velocio
Honestly decathlon bibs are decent. I have assos, Castelli and maap all are solid.
when I saw pns, I was like what is this rubbish, thanks for confirming it’s rubbish.
I’ve been venturing into Chinese bibs, lameda, ykyw, sizing wise, mostly I go 1 up my usually sizing and it generally ok.