Are $40 bibs any good? No. | THE BLACK BIBS & JERSEY REVIEW

The Black Bibs promises high quality, long lasting bibs for $40, but how do they really stack up for someone who's used to more expensive stuff? Let's find out. This review talks about The Black Bibs bibshorts and the pro summer jersey. This isn't a sponsored video and I bought these outright.
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JustinDoesTriathlon is dedicated to helping first timers, beginners, and intermediate triathletes meet their athletic goals on the swim, bike, and run! Follow along my training vlog as I train and race. Stick around for gear tips, gear reviews, and more! If you're a beginner triathlete looking to improve your swimming, biking, or running, then it's my mission to help you out! Triathlon can be super intimidating, but it's a great sport if you can get through that initial intimidation and get out there. Triathlon gear reviews, training tips, and my own racing vlogs are here to help keep you motivated and up to date in the sport. Thanks for following!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

👉What's your go-to affordable jersey and bib you'd recommend?

[@QueenShanine]

My Giro bibs are my favorite. I do, however have the halter ones which are made for women, but it’s the one bib that I liked so much I’ve purchased multiples. I got mine from amazon so that saved A LOT on price. Maybe the male version is worth a try.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Good to know! I like a lot of Giro products

[@1xXNimrodXx1]

X-Tiger bibs with jersey for 35€, rode 1500km in the kit this year and it works for me( from amazon or alibaba)

[@edwardlopez7129]

Rapha and Endura

[@jjnapper77]

I know that I'm late to this video, but I would recommend checking out the bibs from Urban Cycling Apparel. I've had a ton of luck with them, and their basic race bib is only $44 and is available with two different chamois options. I'm using their Classic Black and Apex bibs because I like the extra pockets in the thighs.

[@808Mark]

awesome review, thank you for your honesty

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Wish I could have loved them! Would save a lot of money on bibs, that's for sure.

[@j.a.s.o.n.z.h.a.n.g]

I recently tried on the Rapha Core Bibs and was completely blown away! The chamois is really high quality for its decent price point. To be fair, I was spoiled by the castelli's high end bibs and still was extremely happy with the Rapha ones.

[@kokoyhawaii]

Thanks for vid! I think I saw a Seattle underpass there!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

You did! I'm all over the area.

[@kevinlui3403]

Thanks for your honesty! Have you ridden on the parent company Starlight's bibs before? I know you didn't mention them in the list, but it would be interesting to see if they specifically designed the bibs a certain way for The Black Bibs or if that's how their general line of bibs are custom and non-custom.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I haven't. My impression from reading their website is that they're literally the exact same, and that the black ones are just the base, non-customized color options. The jersey actually says "Starlight" in it, rather than TBB. But no, haven't tried Starlight specifically.

[@sevontiy]

Hi Justin, thanks for the video. It was informative and well presented. Now $65 USD is a lot of money for a see through jersey. With modern bibs with straps it looks ugly. You can find some Chinese brands jerseys of decent quality at around $20 USD mark. I do not want to advertise anyone but you can find them easily. Also, some of them would have free returns if the sizing was wrong etc. Another great option is, of course, DHB. But as it gained popularity nowadays it's pricing is almost the same as of the A brands.

[@kwacker45]

Loving the views great scenery

[@jefmichel2302]

Fun to see lots of familiar, Seattle riding shots in your video. Was actually there 6 hours ago!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Nice! You had some weird weather today 😂

[@jefmichel2302]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon Didn't see much today, but downtown yesterday near stadiums was intense. I owned BikeSport in Ballard, from 1994-2010. Was just back to visit a few friends.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Oh small world, you certainly got to see changes I can only imagine. But we've still got the same missing link! 😅

[@obtugtxivtub]

Good review. They work fine for me. Rode 75 miles on the bib and my butt is still good for more miles.

[@jamalama5548]

I just got back from a 40 mile ride for the first ride in my Black Bibs. I am amazed at the comfort and fit for this price. We’ll see about the durability and longevity but at the prices they charge, you’ll be amazed at the performance with these.

[@Huckle15]

I have had 0 complaints with the black bibs! Not anything amazing but great value and quality.

[@ecksman97]

Just got my first black bibs pair had the same issue with diy bone placement, chaffed and sore in the same exact spot. Actually sore today from yesterday’s ride with these. My other bibs are Pearl Izumi, Gore and Castelli. Really wanted these cheaper bibs to work

[@billrose2202]

Haha I know Gasworks park when I see it. You had me fooled with all that sun there. Used to be a bike messenger in Seattle mid 90s

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

:D Those 2.5 months of sun, right? Man, Seattle sun is beautiful, but you earn it. I bet you've got some stories for sure. It was another world then from what I experience, I know.

[@MrKlassmass]

Nice, honest review. I bought a pair and LOVE them. For me they fit and feel perfect. They are my fav. Just bought 2 more. My sit bones at 11cm apart. Wondering if maybe your measurement is very different and thats why they didn't work for you?

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Perhaps!

[@dondebois4844]

I'm also 6 ft tall 155 and I have a pair of the extra long and tall in a small and they're not my favorite but they definitely work

[@bullwinkle428]

Sir, you absolutely nailed both the good and the bad based off my own experience, so maybe I'm not completely crazy! I have the standard-issue shorts from them, so I can't comment on the straps. The pad just does not hit the sit bones quite right. BTW, I'm 6' and 155 lbs. as well. I can handle a two-hour ride in them, but it's not the ultimate experience. FWIW, I've tried these with both my ISM PL 1.1 saddle along with a Specialized Power Mimic, and the discomfort is there in either case.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Ha, that's funny, seems like you and I had the exact same experience, ISM and all. Yeah it's a bummer; would have loved to love them. I'm all for cheap gear. Oh well...

[@williammurray1620]

I wish I had seen this video before I bought them. They didn't fit well on me at all, bunched up right under my privates and were very uncomfortable. They offered me a code to purchase their top end for the same price but haven't pulled the trigger on that yet. Nice video. Thank you.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Bummer, sorry they didn't work out. :(

[@mlegrand]

You don’t want to be sponsored. There’s already too many pro triathlete channels where we can’t trust their ‘opinion’ on products. Thanks for the review. I’ve actually looked at these and wondered if they were any good. 👌

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

No kidding. And yeah, the bibs are... Interesting. Because they're objectively not crap; definitely better physical construction than the ~$60 Pearls I used a decade or so ago. But they just feel like crap to me. But obviously a lot of people love them. Clearly a very individual thing, but with no returnability, it's a risky bet.

[@patrickstoddard6610]

I had the exact same issues. The way this chamois is placed makes me feel like I either need to move my saddle forward or resituate the bib so that the chamois feels like it's in the right place. Also agree that the padding on the butt feels very thick but between the legs feels very thin. I haven't done a really long ride in these (only about 50 miles) but I don't know if they would work for a 4-5 hour ride for me. Unfortunately I bought two pairs based on the rave reviews and will use them on short trainer rides because I have them but will be buying another pair to use on long outdoor rides.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Bummer. 😔 50mi on that pad would have broken me. Totally get it re: resituate the pad; I wanted to keep pulling it around into position but it was just super far off.

[@DontNeedToKnow84]

Hey Justin, thanks for the vid. Given that I'm short and stocky, wondering whether the thicker chamois would be a good fit for me? I have an enormous ass and thighs from 10+ years of lifting. As things go now, though, I (surprisingly) have 0 problems with my ass hurting from the saddle. My biggest complaints are (1) thighs feeling restricted, (2) genitals rubbing against thighs, and (3) the occasional rash on inner thighs. Would anything resolve these? Lol. Anyhow, thanks again for the great vid, and hope your channel continues to grow!

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Heyo, I saw this when you posted and gave it a bit of thought. Sadly, no conclusive answer. I'd probably vote to mimic whatever it is you're doing now, given that you don't have any pain (which is great.) It sounds to me like you're trying to solve for a few things at once: saddle comfort, thigh comfort, genital comfort, and thigh rash (from rubbing I assume?). Are you wearing any bibs/cycling shorts right now? I understand what it's like to not like you're legs restricted; that's one of the reasons I wear swimming briefs vs jammers. The really crappy part about buying bibs is that it's so much (expensive) trial and error, and it's usually hard to return bibs. Sounds to me like you could benefit from going into your local bike shop. The LBS should let you try on shorts (with underwear on) to check fit and make sure that you've got enough room in the legs/thighs/crotch. That won't absolutely ensure that the saddle will feel good, but I'd then probably make a pick based on what's closest to what you're doing now. Not using any chamois at all? Sounds like you can get away with something thin, etc. Broadly speaking (and some might disagree, this is just my experience) I find very tight bibs to be more comfortable than loose ones, both legs and genitals. You don't want any fabric rubbing/moving, or the boys moving around into uncomfortable positions. Ultimately, bibs are tricky; when you find the right ones you'll KNOW, but it's a semi-permanent struggle. One day, you'll find one that's perfect, and then they'll discontinue it. 🤣🤣Good luck!

[@unconditional_positive_regard]

Thank you Sir!

[@isaacbrumer]

I found your video when Googling to try and figure out if there was something "off" about the padding of the "Black Bibs" shorts, or if was "me." (TLDR: It was "me", not the shorts.) The pads seemed just too thick (yet insufficiently dense) for me. When I rode, it felt like someone had wedged a sponge under me, yet I still felt chafed. (This is coming from someone who'll ride 30 miles in "civilian" pants.) Based on what you wrote, I ordered another pair of basic shorts from one of the "big names." Then I looked at the new shorts' pad and it was just as thick and felt less well constructed. So based on what you said about aligning with the sit bones, I pulled my "Black Bibs" shorts up just a bit in the front (and down in back), effectively moving the pad forward. The difference was "night and day." The chafing and feeling of a "foreign body" between my saddle and me just disappeared.

[@chrishomel9558]

I had a different problem. For me the chamois was too thick. I did a 100 miles in mine and I was dying. It was like sitting on two rocks. Too bad because I like the fit a lot.

[@onemetre]

What about TBB Ultimate's? I've gotten both the plus and Ultimate and kinda agree with the opinion about the chamois in the basic and plus bib's. I can share the Ultimate's have a different chamois.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I don't think those existed when I purchased. At this point, I'm not giving them another go.

[@BairdBanko]

Wow the audio on this is amazing

[@brauliotonaco9960]

Which brands would recommend in the U$60-100 range?

[@patrickcarlson2202]

Funny enough - this came across my home page as recommended since I just purchased a pair of TBB! Lol. Just getting started but my pair is my preferred pair, they're much more comfortable than my 2017 Giordanas. What are the odds, right? Lol

[@gregkisinger4183]

I was looking for bibs in the 30-40 USD range and my research has led me to look at RION and DIDOO bibs. I was specifically looking for a chamois that I could ride a century on comfortably and it does look like both of these brands do have chamois for long rides. Just wondering if anyone else would agree?

[@oldcrust4741]

I agree with your assessment of the bibs. The material and stitching seem fine, but I found the pad uncomfortable at the outset, and it just feels cheap. It soon developed a hard crease in the foam toward the back on the left side which causes chafing within a few minutes of riding. Phil Gaimon recommended The Black Bibs in a vid posted a few days ago, and I felt compelled to chime in with my experience in the comments there. The Black Bibs were a waste of $65.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I mean, Phil's probably forgotten more about cycling than I'll ever know, but hey, all I can do is share my experience. Someone commented something to the effect of "anyone paying more than $100 is getting straight up bamboozled by marketing." I mean, all I can say is I've spent a lot of money trying to save money, and I still haven't found anything cheap that really works long term. My go to right now is the Castelli Free Aero 4.0 or the Endurance 2 (bit cheaper, same chamois.)

[@nadsim154]

It is one of Phil's sponsors so what are you talking about?

[@jeremymarkshannon4251]

I had the same problem! Glad it wasn't just me 👍

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's funny! I mean, not glad to hear I'm not the only one, but you know what I mean. Validating, at least.

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

I had the same problem with a pair of POC bibs which were considerably more expensive. I’ve had The Black Bibs in my wish list for a few months but that chamois placement would be a dealbreaker for me

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

It's so weird. I'm on Castelli Free Aero 4.0s now and I love them. Check out the Endurance 2 as well. Same chamois but less technical fabric and a bit cheaper (and less technical might improve longevity too... Had my Frees about a year and they're wearing. Very very thin fabric in parts. Great longevity for the thinness though)

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon I’m a big fan of Castelli and I fully agree with your assessment on the Free. I’ve never had a pair of Endurance bibs, though. I might give them a try next time I go bib shopping.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Yeah I really like the Frees overall. Given how thin and 'technical' they are, even a year of hard use is pretty good to me.

[@dontbother7355]

What does POC stand for in this context?

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Nothing, POC is a brand.

[@marcain123]

Specialized has their RBX Bib Shorts with SWAT on sale for $71.99 (from $120)

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Those look solid. I prefer the big webbing shoulder straps like those have... Funny I think those are technically 'lower end' vs the mesh that higher bibs have, but I find them more comfortable. 🤷‍♂️

[@squiresuzuki]

I'm also on the tall side (6'2 for real) but mostly from the torso, not legs, so I also ride normal bib shorts. I haven't purchased The Black Bibs before, but I've had the same problem with chamois position with other shorts. My theory is that since my torso is taller, the straps are stretched more than the average torso height they design for, and therefore the back of the shorts ride up to compensate. Or perhaps they were just poorly-designed shorts, I don't know, but it's a possibility since you mentioned you're a similar height and also wear the normal shorts.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That could very well be it, yeah. I don't feel like they were 'pulling' out of place, but definitely a possibility. It was strange; I think I'm pretty normally proportioned, and it just felt like they were pulled out of place. The chamois itself seems to be perfectly fine quality, just in the wrong spot.

[@tonygSDWR]

I have to agree, bib fit is very personal, and buying a new brand to you is a crap-shoot. I was curious about this brand, and while it might work for others, I've logged too many miles to wear any brand if they have issues. I also find many high end brands don't fit me well, and I've narrowed it down to a few brands that do, it's money well spent. I appreciate BB makes these on a budget, hopefully they work for lots of people.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

What's your short list? I keep coming back to Castelli. It's like a dependable but boring friend.

[@HikingWithShawn]

I have the short and their bibs. I'm 6'5" and they fit me well and I enjoy riding in them but my biggest gripe is the way they respond to their customer base. I saw one fella ask when the skinsuit was going to be available. They said "maybe this week or maybe next week...blah blah". It almost seemed like they were troubled for the question. Maybe they didn't mean it but it is how I read it. Great review.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

That's some *truth* right there. Speaking of great customer service and what your channel is about, I'll give a random shoutout to UGQ Outdoors! They're good people. :)

[@aaron___6014]

Did you try more than one pair of bibs? Their jerseys appear to fit poorly unless you get a see-thru one.

[@64maxpower]

Thanks.

[@messi9991]

They should sponsor you, you highlighted an issue that potentially other customers may face, so they could now come up with an alternative chamois shape/thickness to accommodate more people.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I don't think I've got a sponsorship from them coming anytime soon. 😅

[@annukun7318]

CRAFT "train pack bibs" the best race bibs and chamois...team sunweb uses them in the pro pelaton...a chamois suppose to cover your sit bones and balls no need for extra bulk or extra thickness

[@MrLalobalderrama]

you mentioned that for a little more you could get a much better bib. Which one do you recommend?

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

With a big caveat that 'what works for some might not work for all,' the Giordana Silverline bibs are super comfortable (but I had longevity issues), the Rapha Core bibs are really well received @ $115, Pearl Izumi stuff on sale (Sierra Trading Post) Elite or PRO for $75-100. If you can find it, Castelli Endurance bibs have gone for upper 90s/low 100s. Personally, I just keep coming back to Castelli over and over. If I'm brave enough to try something new next time, it'll be Rapha Core; hearing great things.

[@roblogosz1]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon pearl izumi - for me- has gone way down in quality & fit. 15 yrs ago they were go to shorts without spending a ton of money. bibs i bought xxlsrge & the straps are still too tight & shorts are too tight on my quads. chamois seems v good though. thanks for suggestions & dig yr review

[@donwcollins]

For the price, Black Bibs are the best game in town. I love these shorts. I have 4 pair and that’s cheaper than some others for one pair!

[@davidwargin1766]

Hello, I don't understand how you can provide a review of an item you didn't actually take out and test on a bike? I purchased the Black Bibs (cargo edition) a few weeks ago and just completed a 240 mile gravel race (solo/unsupported). I was dealing with adverse conditions too -- hours of heavy rain, MMRs, etc. These bibs worked great for me and I loved being able to place food on the side pockets. I had considered the Rapha bibs, but I couldn't justify spending more than $275. Will the Black Bibs last another 10 months? Who knows? For me, the Castelli bibs typically fall apart in a half season. Anyway, that's my two cents (that I saved), for whatever it's worth. :) Thanks and Cheers. P.S. I still enjoy your reviews...

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

They were very uncomfortable from the second I got on the trainer, to the point that I almost wondered if I had them on correctly, and it was the same on two very different saddles. For what it's worth I did end up trying them out outside before sending them off to my friend, and yeah, just unrideable for me. That said, happy they work for you! Definitely a lot of people enjoy them, which is why I tried them out anyway. My butt just wasn't compatible. 🤣 🙂

[@davidwargin1766]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon Hopefully your friend was happy to get a set of bibs :) -- very cool!

[@alannkevin]

What size of saddle you are? That could be a factor. Also I notice something, when it comes to bibs the length affects how the chamois sits in your groin. I have a two pairs of bontragers bibs, one is medium and the other large. For some reason I was told that I needed to buy the large because they changed the design, so I went ahead and bought it. The large size fits slightly larger around my shoulders and I don’t feel like it pulls the bib up, so when I ride the whole chamois rolls up to the front and it gets really uncomfortable. The medium however, fits perfectly because I feel the strips pulls the whole thing up in place, so I think you ordered a size too small because the length of the strips are too small for your torso and this makes the the back

[@alannkevin]

It pulls the back too much and it pulls the chamois as well. I am very surprised they told you to wear Medium if you are 6’1” , I am 5’9” and I feel a bit of strip pressure on my shoulders with mediums so I don’t know, your torso might be really small

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I was sized according to their size chart, and in email correspondance with them after, they agreed I was likely in the correct size. They said I could try the next size up, but to do so, I'd have to buy it, and that I couldn't return the first one. Yeah, no.

[@alannkevin]

@@JustinDoesTriathlon 🤔 that’s messed up, since they advised you to buy the wrong bib they should honor their mistake, it wasn’t your fault.

[@kantongkresek3261]

Not a populat opinion but i know for sure this is honest opinion. Thanks for the review

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

You got it.

[@thedstrom1]

Have you ever tried Rapha bibs?

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

No, but I've heard the Rapha Cores are good for their money. Put up a video yesterday with my favorite bibs actually. Wearing them on the trainer as I type this lol

[@zedddddful]

DHB are decent quality and fairly good value.

[@Rgrrgr175]

The smell is due to the coolmax. We got coolmax shirts in the military and we pitched them because they stunk real fast. I noped out on the cheaper bibs because of the coolmax chamois. I though that’s got to be the last place I would tolerate coolmax. I then saw in your vid where you say the jersey stinks, I checked the fabric on their website, yup, coolmax. Coolmax sucks.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Iiiiinteresting. Good to know

[@darinsteele7091]

don't get the regular black bibs, get the ultimate because the leg grippers and better chamois is WAY better, the chamois fit doesn't have all those little sections, the ultimate is mostly one piece all together.

[@vincentlevalois]

I've got the $40 ones and they work for me. Have gone 60+ miles on them no prob really other than my fat ass needs to shrink. LOL

[@donwinston]

I like my Black Bib shorts mostly because they offer a "short inseam" style which I can't find anywhere else. You can see more of my cycling muscles! I'm not too fussy about the chamois.

[@gravelzgred9966]

I could never ride more than 50 km with black bibs on. It worth mentioning that they lack ventilation !

[@joshollar8242]

I have had a totally different experience, I got the tall mediums and they are my favorite pair of bibs now. I haven't been road riding for long though, so maybe we have different expectations for our stuff. No problems with the jerseys either, maybe you're just stinky? ;) JK!

[@greatvedas]

thanks for sharing this review. I might not buy

[@georgeisenbarg8302]

The bibs suck. The padding is in the wrong area as you stated. Like you I have used a plethora of different manufacturers bibs. My current favorite bib is the Mavic bibs. Of course they cost almost three times the amount of Black Bibs.

[@alexshih6424]

Oh new Tri related channel, cool. OH DUDES FROM SEATTLE, subscribe.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Ha, yeah! I love it here

[@airdrones4u494]

My black bibs only lasted 10 months

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

:( My bib budget is through the roof

[@kwacker45]

What's wrong with that ? If you rode a lot great value

[@angrybeesound772]

@@kwacker45 I have had Assos and Rapha bibs last 2-3 years and still look new. yeah they cost a bit more. I have had Voler team stuff seemingly be bullet proof from crashes in the bunch. but day 3 into a 1200 km Rando brevet the thought you dont want to have cross you mind is 'I should have gotten better shorts'

[@aaron___6014]

What does that mean?

[@aaron___6014]

@@angrybeesound772 what's your annual mileage?

[@Wrxsubych]

I never leave feedback but I do use Black Bibs and they are fine for daily short rides but I have recommendations for everyone. I ride thousands of miles a year. Voler Black Top Tier made in USA run small but very nice. Their other bibs aren't as good pads. Red and White. My favorite and Yuva is great to deal with. They make a budget bib and high end. High end is my #1 go to long ride. The budget is very nice just got em. Le CoL Pro expensive but many Strava Challenges get you a great discount. Really like them.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks for sharing; haven't heard of Red & White, that's great to know.

[@rmm305]

bought these for 17 dollars lol

[@torrez1801]

How

[@randyphinney7275]

Worst bibs I've ever worn.

[@jeffreyhdixon]

The mistake you are making is to forget why you are buying cycling shorts: because you have negative pressure points that are hurting you. Not just discomfort but real urological and neurological damage. Why not just take away the cause rather than treat the symptoms? @t