Started wearing bib shorts this week, they are the best thing Ive worn since been a cyclist.. They're comfy, the padding is better and nicer, they fit snugly and dont move, I need some more, deffinately do.
Only thing is, I'm getting oil on the bottom of my leg from where my leg rubs on the front crank, no idea why I'm letting my leg do this. Frustrating though.
Yeh I end up with oil on my right leg sometimes. I've seem others with the same so must be quite common
I need to get some better quality bibs for the longer rides, only got the cheapo sports direct ones. I assume Castelli are the go to bibs?
I'm very right when it comes to spending, so I went on eBay and got a replica team sky kit, although I think it's knock off, but I dont care, the Jersey is tight, probably a bit too tight but I haven't ridden in it yet I've been using my Endura Jersey still as that was my favourite before the recent purchase.
The bib is very light weight and very wind resistant, feels silky smooth and is extremely comfortable. I genuinkey do not have any complaints about it at all, literally none and after using it for around 40 miles now I can safely say I doubt I'd notice the difference between this and an official bib, maybe mine is actually official? Doubtful as it came from Asia. Haha.
I occasionally get oil on my right calf, but it only tends to be when stopped at lights with that foot at the bottom of the pedal stroke (before I rotate to top before pushing off). If you're regularly getting it when actually pedalling it would suggest you are riding with your heels inwards or your knees outwards? The occasional 'brush' or rub when you're tired/moving from standing to saddle is probably ok, anything more than that I'd suggest looking at cleat positioning and pedalling technique - it could be a symptom/hint towards something that'll cause you a problem/injury in the future (the last thing you want!)
Bib shorts really are the best thing since sliced bread, I've got 2 pairs of padded non-bibs I'm trying to find another use for and actually wore them snowboarding! They didn't help with the bruises


For commuting I have 2 pairs of
DHB Flashlights (2 for 1 deal, so £15 each) and a pair of
DHB Active's (£12 I think, now under £10!). The Flashlights are much more comfortable, the only times I've worn the Active's for high intensity/distance/long rides they've been uncomfortable and caused a little rubbing. But for commuting they're fine, if I paid the real price for a Flashlights I'd feel a little guilty about commuting in them and wearing them out... Will grab another pair when Wiggle next do the deal!
Everyone loves Castelli, I had a crazy moment (for me) and tried a pair of
£85 Velocissimo bib-shorts and was less than impressed. The fit wasn't good for me (legs very tight, body/bibs loose) and for the money I wasn't happy with them. Maybe if they were £30-40 I'd have kept them. As I was happy with my other DHB bibs I tried a pair of
DHB Shard's and although the body was a better fit than the Castelli the legs were far far too tight! I dread to think what the sprinters wear (with their big thighs) as I've really struggled with mine...
I Exchanged the Shard's for some
Northwave Logo and they're a much better fit, done several big rides and they're comfortable. I'll buy more. I've heard the Sportful are a more 'relaxed' fit than the Castelli so will probably give some a try too (been very impressed with other Sportful gear).
I guess what I'm trying to say is... Try several out. Use Wiggle's awesome 'free returns' service to your advantage even if it means buying something you don't intend on keeping just to try the sizing out (then buy it elsewhere cheaper!). Bib-short fit will be unique to the rider, the type of riding you do and even your riding style. Don't be a sheep and buy Castelli 'because everyone else wears them'
Never too early to start getting into the stats side Roady. I wish I did at the start of last year. I found my first year, I just went all out all the time, and burnt myself out. By the end of last year I felt back to square one and actually slower. Now I'm being more sensible I'm seeing a steady improvement. Still not back to last summers speeds, perhaps it's the rucksack and lack of clipless pedals
I think it's one of those things, I love the stats and currently I can 'see' progress even without them. As a training aid they're brilliant (almost invaluable) but now I'm 'doing the riding I want to do' I don't feel I currently need the 'training' side. Guess my fairly relaxed 'aims' mean I've no real objective I can put into figures! Later in the summer/year I will!
He stopped and then there was a large delay before he began moving again and mopped up every KOM on the way to the start of the ride. I guess he may have punctured and got a lift home.
Report the ride, Strava are quite good at picking them up but you can easily get around it by editing the ride.