Premium vs Budget BIB SHORTS, does cost make a difference?

Bib shorts can be super expensive, but what are the trade-offs with cheaper alternatives from eBay and AliExpress?
As road bike saddles have become lighter, the amount of padding included on them has generally decreased, meaning a well-padded and comfortable pair of bib shorts is essential for the avid cyclist.
However, some of the top brands such as Rapha or Castelli will charge you big bucks for a pair of their bib shorts. They will undoubtedly be great quality, but you can also find MUCH cheaper ones on the likes of AliExpress, Ebay, and Amazon. I have used a wide range of different bib shorts over the years, at a variety of different price points, and in this video, I will take you through each option.
At the budget end of the scale, I have the cheapest pair I could from AliExpress that cost me £8 or around $10.
In the middle, I have a pair of Didoo bib shorts for around £20, or $25, that you can pick up from eBay or Amazon.
At the premium end, a pair from a premium Italian brand called Santini, that cost around £70, or $90.
I will compare, the fit, the construction, the quality of the materials/fabric chosen, the padding, the general longevity of each, and finally let you know my personal recommendation.
Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try to get back to as many of you as I can!
Timestamps:
00:24 - Intro
02:46 - Materials Comparison
04:10 - Padding Comparison
05:28 - Stitching Comparison
06:59 - Verdict
08:13 - Didoo Bib Shorts
10:26 - Conclusion
Product links (Please note, I have no affiliation to any of the sellers linked below):
Santini Core 2 Bib Shorts: tinyurl.com/yb...
Didoo Bib Shorts: tinyurl.com/y9...
AliExpress Bib Shorts: tinyurl.com/yb...
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
Music:
Birocratic (birocratic.lnk....) - Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Lakey Inspired ( / lakeyinspired ) - In My Dreams, The Process
About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!
Instagram:
/ tracevelo
Email:
[e-mail]
Please note:
All products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

[@bloodscale3]

Love this channel, takes the elitism out of cycling in my opinion with the super expensive stuff, showing you can still enjoy riding even on a budget! Lots of channels on youtube make you feel you're not enjoying cycling to its full potential unless you buy expensive components and attire. This brings it back down to earth, keep it up!

[@TraceVelo]

Scott, you get it!!!! That's my whole ethos. Most people assume you have to pay big bucks for premium stuff to get into road cycling, but in my experience you can have a really decent experience with the cheaper alternatives!

[@bloodscale3]

@@TraceVelo Exactly! I recently fell into the trap and bought some premium stuff, but to be honest you just tell yourself it's a lot better just to save face and avoid admitting to a bad purchasing decision. Definitely going to try those bib shorts!

[@justinbouchard]

Completely agree. I hate elitism about commercial products.

[@satrioesar7151]

Trace is the guy we don't deserve but the guy we need in the community.

[@mmb4063]

Spot on. Buy any cycling magazine and you start to think a bike of 3000 euro is entry level. And a pair of glasses should cost at least 200 euro. It’s madness

[@cymonfeliciano7476]

Finally, I was waiting for someone to make this kind of videos and Luke does not dissapoint me 😅

[@farisssz5195]

Same here!

[@nickriffe7766]

He never disappoints!😂

[@kodiakpb]

Until you actually ride any kind of distance. Then find out the stitching around the chamois on those cheap bib shorts rub you raw.

[@ADCFproductions]

The charisma on this guy is amazing to watch. No wonder he's a youtuber and a cop at the same time.

[@UnliAhon]

So glad his name is still Luke. 😂

[@hardyveloso9752]

boss review ka dn ng sayo

[@jairusrsarmiento9837]

Uyy idol nc buti nakita kita dto ha gantong review idol may gantong review kaba lodss??

[@frankbiseniobisenio9870]

Hahaha pati si kuya iang naka rating na dito

[@burntbread9367]

Ayos din, idol. 😁✌

[@uhohDavinci]

4 words for you Luke.. "cheap chinese power meters"....

[@luukrutten1295]

Requires an expensive reference to test properly.

[@deurkl]

I can’t seem to find them on Aliexpress, did you?

[@ZnakeTech]

@@deurkl I haven't come across any, that are properly cheap enough where it would be worth the risk compared to buying a known brand. But there are a few DIY projects out there, if you are capable with a soldering iron, that I'm considering trying my hand at, but you will probably end up experiementing a bit, destroying a few parts, and in the end paying close to a brand name power meter for all the parts including the ones you destroyed in the process, and it definently won't be worth it if you factor in any cost of your own time put into it...but could be a fun learning experience.

[@st939]

I have 2 the Xcadey and the Magene both on Ultegra left cranks, super cheap, super reliable never looked back.

[@Demon09-_-]

How cheap is cheap? I got my 4iiii left crank for like 220. Seems unless they are really cheap it would be hard to reccomend them over name brand cranks

[@craigelliott1989]

still had anxiety incase today was the day he changed his name from Luke

[@ADCFproductions]

Wait, his name is STILL Luke?? Goddammit Luke!

[@westwingaero]

you are the the mvp, no nonsense advertising just real talk.

[@mmb4063]

Biggest gamble is fit of your ali cycling clothes. Sometimes the ratio arm length/torso length, or waist ratio versus leg length is... weird. But quality usually is just as good as A brand clothes.

[@feldybikes]

Kinda scared of the search results when typing in “didoo”

[@jgreenjeans]

Haha! I just found some g-spot ticklers until I checked my spelling!

[@markfisher7962]

Yes, type carefully : )

[@edpilling4955]

I have some, material is really good, wash well. The only criticism is that the pad is not as thick as some pricier bibs.

[@jtech011ify]

I searched it up with the correct spelling on Amazon and only 3 of the results were what I was searching for. The rest were for " tools" I wasn't in the market for.

[@galaxiphant]

Just don't misspell it

[@AllanPhillips]

I'll bet the dislikes are from people who have been daft enough to spend £200 on bib shorts.

[@dndlab1]

YES! I use the didoo bibshorts and I agree that they are a good product 👍 Trace Velo warriors unite!!

[@tomgarner5965]

@Alien On a Bike you didnt did you 😳

[@dndlab1]

Always lube.......always😱

[@joeochoa4030]

Are they true to size ??

[@markj.a351]

But with the premium ones you're paying for someone to invent a mystical yet scientific sounding name for the padding. Doesn't that just make it all worth it?

[@georgec2894]

It's utter, utter craziness, but £70 is probably low-to-mid range nowadays. Having said that I have many, many pairs below this price, and only one pair above! Top video as always Luke!

[@mathewrose2951]

195 quid for bibs . . . Assos: “behalte mein Bier”

[@thomasjousse2427]

Ever tried the Assos' ones? I cannot really fathom how they could be that much better that an already very good middle of the pack pair.

[@SandokhanKucic]

@@thomasjousse2427 I'm currently wearing one while sitting in the train and what can I say. I have plenty bibs but the one from assos are from another world. Can't even explain but it feels like sitting on clouds. Probably also because they are quite thick, but my number one product for every ride > 100k

[@alexleide1823]

I sometimes buy used high-end bib shorts where the seller bought the wrong size so super cheap, normally

[@madmonkeycycling9098]

Assos is quite cheap considering they last 3-4 years

[@Kampfschildi99]

I`m gonna be *that* guy and say your translation of "hold my beer" is not entirely correct. You would have to say: "Halte mein Bier". You wrote "keep my beer". (Yes I know, I`m shutting up already)

[@lihtan]

One feature that I really like with slightly higher end bib shorts, is the ones that come with leg pockets. The convenience of having an extra place to stash things is worth the small increase in price.

[@johnnydegs41]

I realize I basically decide to buy anything you recommend... What else can you sell me?

[@isaiperez8968]

🤣

[@beans392]

My kidneys for a fully carbon Dura ace road bike

[@steve0680657]

Just discovered this channel. I love how it focuses on cost. So many road cyclists HAVE to buy within a budget and this channel helps them! (and me)

[@yanissol8884]

6:33 for Luke showing off his big sized equipment

[@roilev]

I have high-end LeCol, Castelli and DBH bib shorts, and all of them have mesh straps. Only the winter long bibs have non-mesh straps. Yes, the chinese bib's straps are lower quality, but they breathe well and are wide and comfortable - much more comfortable than the castelli bibs in fact! I use them for muddy races or races that I don't care much about, they are fine. Only one of the chinese bibs came with the upper part sewn incorrectly, the front side was on the left and the back was on the right :) But they sent me a replacement one for free. I agree that the major difference is in the pads. These blue pads that you shown, the perforated ones, are the worst. They have a foam inside that tears apart easily, the inside of the pad becomes two separate parts. Still it is fine for training indoor rides though. Then there is the thinnest pad, the X-Tiger that you shown in your ali listing, the first bibs with red and black. They are much stronger but also less comfortable. I'm fine using them for

[@rg807]

Assos. Worth every penny and they last 5+ years. I rotate 4 pairs at around 4K miles a year. I actually have some that are 10+ years old that I use on my trainer. The elastic is a little weak but the padding is still fine.

[@nicholasmontoya5369]

which pair of bibs are they?

[@Kuninkas]

I don't have experience about Chinese bib-shorts but I have owned many bib-short from more wellknown manufacturers. I have owned DHB bib shorts (35£, real size), Craft velo (40£, real size), Castelli free aero race (120£, size up 2) and sportful bodyfit pro 2.0 ltd (~70-80£, size up 1-2 sizes) and must say that I enjoy the sportful bibs. They are super comfy and i can use them on short or longer rides, on road or mtb rides. Castellis are also really comfy but not as comfy as sportful. DHB & Craft bibs i would use for shorter community rides.

[@FilipNikoloski]

I've tried many Chinese bib shorts in the past 5-6 years, and from experience I can recommend Santic (their $45+ models) and Spexcel ($30+ models, light blue pad). They last me for 2 summer seasons and are much more comfortable than these cheap no-name or knock-off shorts. I've ridden 150km with shorts that had the same blue pad you showed in the video and I would never do that again. I've also ridden 200km with a $60 Santic (grey pad, rated for 6 hour ride, already worn for 2 years at that time) with no problems at all.

[@st939]

I have Spexcels and they are fantastic.

[@polthomaskeeley7860]

Good to know, especially as I ride 200km at times. I found out that SANTIC supply some continental teams with their top model kits, so that's saying something. I'm looking at the $45+ and $60+ models on Amazon, particularly with grey 4D pads. Thanks again 👍

[@polthomaskeeley7860]

One more question. AliExpress says the Spexcel sizes are 'true to fit.' How accurate is that? I'm 6ft, 180lb/81kg, race fit. Would you recommend a LARGE as the Asian sizes tend to run small, even when they say they are 'true to fit'? Thanks.

[@st939]

@@polthomaskeeley7860 You can measure yourself and decide based on their sizes. I am 1m82 75Kg and use their large shorts and medium tops.

[@FilipNikoloski]

@@polthomaskeeley7860 I'm 183cm/6ft, 73kg and I always buy medium size shorts from Spexcel, Santic, DHB, etc... They all fit me snug.

[@mjock392]

I have an 80ish dollar craft bib and 45ish dollar decathlon ones. To me it all comes down to elasticity of the material especially at the finish around the thighs. Decathlon ones are harder to put on and leave marks from the threads on my skin whereas Craft ones - don’t. To me 2x the price is 3x more comfortable in this case. Having said that, I just use the cheaper ones for short rides and save the premium ones for longer rides. Summary: 2x the price - 3x the comfort and I use them for 2-8x more time for a single ride. Does that mean decathlon ones should be avoided? No, they’re decent for the price and work fine for sub 2hr rides. Having said that - always look for a sale, don’t ever pay the full price for either of them.

[@toxicexplorer1382]

Try out some skin/speed suits also. They are massively beneficial for speed, performance per pound. Also great would be to see you try out some nice carbon tribars or aero helmets!

[@raharold]

I tried a set of Dedoo bib shorts on your recommendation. I have to say that they absolutely SUCK compared to the Castelli, Pearl Izumi, and SUGOi shorts I've used. My main gripe is that the stitching/seams gather too much, pulling in more than the areas in between stitching. They are especially tight at the leg bands around my thighs. I also found the padding to be too thick and stiff for my comfort. Adding more chamois lube helped but doing that was simply a band-aid fix. To me shorts are NOT something that is worth cheaping out on - purchase the best shorts you can afford and stick with them. To me this means Castelli - they are simply the highest quality and typically last the longest - worth the 3 - 4x cost of the crappy Dedoo shorts. If you want to go cheap, do it on something out of the direct load/comfort path like your jersey, bottle cages, saddle bag, etc.

[@Dee-Ell]

Agreed! But I must say some people's sitting area is just made of steel -- practically any pad works for them. So they can go cheap. (I know someone who is perfectly fine with no bib, just a sports short!) Personally, my sitting area is pretty picky and sensitive. I ride a lot and often hard. So, not all bibs work for me.

[@endcensorship874]

I have no problem paying for quality bibs. Anything touching your junk should be quality. (think about it...). But you don't have to break the bank to do it. Santini, Castelli, Nalini for example. All fantastic brands.

[@stefanobellote]

Another great video as always, Luke! I own 4 chinese bibs and jerseys and I fully recommend going to the mid-tier, where you gain a lot of durability and comfort, brands like Rion and Spexcel are in the $20-35 range and offer great products in par with premium brands.. Santic, Cheiji and Phmax are also good brands in that range.. my bibs from Rion and Spexcel with 50+ uses (bit less than 1yr) and still look like new, padding is 100% and even rides of 6-8 hours they keep working well.

[@blorg8206]

I agree, there is actually a quality difference with the Ali shorts, they aren't all the same. Rion in particular is very very good, they have those super comfy flat straps that you usually need to go >$100 with Western brands to get similar and the fit is very good. Spexcel also good but more $. Cheji, Santic, good too and cheaper but not as good as the Rion. Also have tried some much cheaper ones which frankly aren't great, you want to up slightly up from the very cheapest. They really aren't all the same. I have a ridiculous number of Chinese shorts and have been using them for years, they are perfectly durable IMO. They are my primary daily shorts. Also have plenty of >$100 Western brand shorts, are they better? Than the cheaper Chinese shorts, yes, but not sure they are better than the Rion to be honest. I think part of the bad reputation on Chinese shorts is people don't read the size chart, you need to size up.

[@VitaminD8000]

In the end, all that matters, is how much you ride. last year I rode over 20k kilometers, and went through 3 premium pairs of bibs. Had a pair of Pro team Raphas and 2pairs of castelli free aero race 4s. At the end of the year just couldn't use any of those anymore because padding was basically gone. Had to get 3 new ones for 2020 season.

[@jacksquat2067]

I've had really good luck with Przewalski bibs. Their 4d shorts have very thick padding, if you're into that kinda thing. :P

[@williammarshall4277]

You can find these on Amazon for 29.00 US. I just ordered a pair...thanks much!

[@2013branth]

You had me at "used underwear" you've got yourself another sub, good sir.

[@funk44]

I have been buying the PHMAX bib shorts from AliExpress for a couple of years now and they are fantastic, just as good as my bonts which I only use for racing which cost 5x the price

[@scQue]

Having tested several brands for fit and comfort, I can say with utter confidence that Skins brand triathlon shorts are hands-down the best quality and fit. They're the only brand I've found where the padding does not slide around. They also have consistent sizing--a huge problem in the athletic gear online marketplace!

[@jackglossop4859]

I was given a pair of top of the range Rapha bib shorts for free, it pains me to say this but they are by far and away the most comfortable, reliable and high performing piece of sports wear I've ever owned. It's like being held in place on the saddle by the soft hands of a dozen Angels. Very hard for me to wear anything cheaper.

[@aacc8466]

honestly i have bought the aliexpress bib shorts and had enough money to buy like 3 or 4 for under 100 usd and would recommend this option over "high quality" bib shorts. It is a good option!

[@bike-jay]

My experience said to me: Cheap bib shorts is a very good option for commuters or for people ride max 40 or 50k in touring Mode, if i ride 2 hours at pro level, the cheap bibs completely soaking at lower temperatures outside, i not imagine ride with this shorts on Summer, like i said is a very good option for commuters and touring into 50k.

[@saintuk70]

I always struggle with some of the premium, quality, clothing items, as you've pointed out, they are far from cheap. My choice of bib-shorts is based on the type of cycling I do and just how long I expect an item to last. I commute everyday, or at least did until lockdown, through all types of weather and, as you perhaps are all aware, the weather in Scotland it's always fair and rosey. Luke completely sums up the use scenario perfectly - bibs are a consumable, I'll get through 2 pairs at least. Washing and wearing everyday favours neither premium or budget . So I'll get far more bang for buck value from a budget pair over a pair that's £80-£100. The Didoo branding, I've used many times (aim to get the least garish as possible), but they are robust and well made for the more budget end. I've a pair of leg and arm warmers, 6 years old, and apart from some fading and logos long gone, they still fit and grip perfectly. The same can be said for the bibs I've had, last well, keep their grip and get me through a year without issue.

[@TraceVelo]

Nice, thanks for the comment saint uk! Yeah good to hear other people have had a decent experience with didoo stuff!

[@jorismak]

I have some premium stuff for when I go out on longer - entertainment - rides. It's nice to have nice stuff then :). But for the daily commute I've got budget stuff.. Because it gets washed everyday, and I want at least 3 pairs to rotate them out. And all year long riding means I need underlayers for every season and weather type, bib shorts for all seasons and leg warmers and arm warmers.. And multiple gloves, etc.. Would cost me way too much to have it all premium.

[@bobTubeization]

Have a few shorts and jerseys from Specxel, its more like 15-20 pound range but great quality. Even for longer rides!

[@shrv-pro]

Hey, Luke, thank you for a another great episode! I'd like to pay your attention to Santic chinese brand. It's quite pricy compare to other unbranded chinese stuff, but it looks like they do aaa quality products for a decent price. Greetings from Russia :)

[@TheValman123]

Recently bought a brooks cambium saddle and now I can go without padded bib shorts for 30-40 mile rides and only need very light padding for longer rides. Expensive saddle but completely worth it for me (saving on bib shorts).

[@edpilling4955]

Went to Didoo factory in Bradford, really good blokes. Bought bib shorts and tights. 3 years on, still really good.

[@AF1337AF]

Love your videos, they are hilarious to watch. Subscribed!

[@chriscross5689]

The planet x clubman shorts are spot on for £25 I paid. Fit is spot on and material also fits well. Would never pay £100+ just for shorts.. Sports pursuit do some premium ones at a massive discounted price.

[@lmread8722]

Big congrats on passing that 30k TV. Also, when will the American detective intro return?

[@wanna-be-cowboy]

Personally I have really cheap muddy fox ones and a more expensive pair that the padding looks like a spaceship. And I can tell you the cheap padding is just as good. Cycling is so full of snobbery especially here in the UK that it puts so many people off joining a club because they know they will be judged

[@koanarec]

I never thought I would watch such an interesting video about underwear, love your videos :)

[@claytonmarkin7863]

I swear by the black bibs. Unbranded bibs that are a reasonable price and are amazing quality. No logos, but pure function.

[@shapes2000]

Thanks Luke, not sure I could buy a bib with a name like that though, especially when it is such big letters!

[@TraceVelo]

Lol, yeah i thought that when I first saw them. I almost expected to see an 'L' in the name...

i'm using the chepo ebay shorts, and can say they are pefecly fine for rides up to 3-4 hours.

[@aguagou]

La Badana (padding) se puede reemplazar una vez terminada su vida útil para así no tirar la calza (maillot), para éso haz de conseguir un buen sastre que te descosa la badana sin destruír la calza y luego coser la badana que hayas comprado. Saludos Luke. 👍

[@koenvercammen2259]

I guess they are on a different level when you compare them against a X-bionic or a Castelli. I had some cheaper Chineese ones and the seaming on the legs gets loose and the padding is also not that great. The difference in fabrics is more noticeable in jerseys than in bibs i think, they need to handle more sweat and the cheap ones just feels like a wet towel around your body then. Something mid bugdet that is like is DHB but I think they are getting more expensive. Most of the times I just order branded clothes in the outlet or in a sale at the end of a season.

[@soadlvrs]

Hi Luke, What was the brand of the shorts you are wearing over your bib tights? I know you mentioned it once in a video, but I'm not able to find it again :D Great channel btw!

[@jinnij.caiman]

I remember watching this when it was first released and now I’ve rewatched. Now bibshorts can get up $395. Power weave from rapha crazy…. I really just don’t understand. An outfit costs $675…. They really want to leave comfortable cycling to the rich. As comfortable I mean more temperature controlled and let’s be honest a bit of quality control. But not enough worth $330. It’s advertising, new technical fabric that prevents swamp ass. $1,000 skin suits that save you 35 watts… that may be so. But 2% of cyclist are professional who really need those 35 watts, there are the cyclists who seek the extra watts which is fine if they can afford the bib shorts great!! We need more companies like, siroko, neopro and the black bibs who offer decent quality clothing that you don’t need to spend a whole paycheck on… just my rant for the year.

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah i know what you mean! I feel like ever few months everything to do with road cycling just gets more and more expensive. Bib shorts for $395 is freaking crazy!

[@Dee-Ell]

lol No amateur/recreational cyclist needs a Rapha or an Assos. Those are extreme cases. There are brand name bibshorts for a quarter of that price.

[@MyPAPAH1]

got 2 pairs of the Didoo bibbs nice colours good quality

[@fredrikfroststrand5070]

And I thought we would see some "live" bib catwalk strutting, oh well.. Thank you for another good - cheap vs expensive video.

[@galaxiphant]

One word , geek. This app has some excellent pro grade full kits winter spring Summer and fall and i bought probably 1000s of dollars worth of name brand kits, even team kits that have all 5 pieces with removable arm covers, leg covers, and even shoe covers all matching and so this normally is outrageously expensive but I bought it for 90- 97%off. I’m not affiliated with them at all. I have had one issue with them but I’ve ordered probably 8-10 kits all this year. No more lbs overpriced kits for me. I’ll check out Ali too. But when I’ve looked there they aren’t name brand. Geeks stuff is and fit is true. Not one was off. The one thing is the zip on left like ladies garments in states so I don’t know if they’re ladies kits or it’s a European thing. But they all have identical male padding to stuff I’ve spent far more on so the left zipper is no big deal.

[@sshum00]

In the next video, Trace Velo shows us how to replace the padding on bib shorts.

[@Dogbreath1974]

Didoooooo-do-do now on order! Cheers Luke...budget shoes next?

[@mrfuzz6744]

One important thing to note - the bib short padding TYPE is critical! I don't think you showed it in your examples, but a lot of the Chinese budget bibs have lumpy, thick padding. When I got my first pair I was surprised at how good the overall quality is for the price, but quickly found out the padding doesn't agree with my backside - it chafes my left "cheek", probably due to some pedaling asymmetry left/right that I have. I literally can't ride them for more than an hour before my butt is literally burning - hugely disappointing! So there they sit on the hanger every day unused, they are my "last resort" pair. Wish I had spent more to get a name brand.

[@StopaskingformynameYouTube]

Allright, New video is up so i'll put on a covfefe and have a nice relaxing break from building my hardtail!

[@DanGleebowls]

"That's nearly as much as my entire drivetrain" my dude! That's nearly a third of the price of my whole bike

[@DougTheSnowMan]

I recently found The Black Bibs, I was wearing specialized RBX shorts, not bibs, before, and holy crap The Black Bibs are super comfy. 40 bucks, hard to beat. Just ordered another pair of basic and tried the Adventure bibs with the extra pockets on the leg and back.

[@joshtipton7417]

I have some and they're my favorite shorts I own.

[@paulk232]

Yes I buy Didoo shorts and tops, nice and cheap and good quality.

[@justinbouchard]

I ordered some very familiar looking cargo bib short from aliexpress. They look great.

[@justinbouchard]

No Didoo in Amazon Canada :) Also in ebay the shipping is from UK. Seems like you found a sweet UK brand that sells cheap bike kit !

[@DamnitsAdriel]

Once I've got a Spexcel BIB Shorts.. Never turn back anymore..

[@princeg973]

Next Video suggestion: Cheap Powermeter (4 example IQ2)

[@mrskeltal3281]

plenty of other reviewers who cover that sort of thing

[@arhu74]

They are dutch, not Chinese.

[@galaxiphant]

What's cheap?. In your opinion..

[@gusteixeira5011]

Hey Luke Great Vid (Love those Intros and gags in between)!! Was wondering if you know the Brand FDX on amazon, I bought one with side pockets, I find it handy, and the cost was around £24. Has the upper Cheap Mesh but the stitches are really well done!

[@xdaddyxxspudx]

Yep I use them and the side pockets are amazing for fells or rubbish to store.

[@robertwalkerdine1178]

One plus for FDX. Great stuff I think, has lasted just as long as premium kit I got as a present for Xmas.....if not better. Bit disappointed really as I was really looking forward to trying out exspensive kit. No difference

[@linfrancis9452]

MY KILOMETRE cycling bib shorts on Amazon have the side pockets too. I really love them!

[@wimjilson9867]

Hi Luke, great video. Have you ever tried the Assos bib shorts? Bought my first pair this year for about £80 discounted and they are way better than anything I’ve tried before. I will have a look at the didoo ones though so thanks for that.

[@mikebell4468]

Great vid as always! Do the didoo come up smaller than usual UK sizing?

[@cicckany8540]

I just came to see whether his name is still Luke. I can't wait for the next video. 😃

[@h.s.5995]

Nice video. I've been on the fence to buy some on Ali. Maybe I ll try! Please do a jerseys comparison too, if cheap ones get rid of sweat just as easy as premium ones. Cheers Luke

[@blorg8206]

Make sure you read the size chart. It's usually accurate, but you usually also do need to go up at least one, maybe two sizes if you are used to Western sizes. If looking for a jersey Racmmer are very good IMO, very light and breathable usually which works for me, I am in the tropics.

[@solocyclist3993]

The cheap cycling cloths end up in land fill sooner than expensive ones.

[@shamuslamont100]

Luke, you scroll past a pair of blue Darevie shorts on Aliexpress for $27.56 (8:06 into teh video). I can attest that this are OUTSTANDING bibs, not just outstanding value for money, but just as good to ride on as some of my bibs that are equivalent to the 200 quid Rapha that you show early in the video.

[@fitnessdad00jb58]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention just replacing just the pad in your favorite bib shorts as I think you’re handy with a sewing machine (based off your jersey vid)

[@mauriciorosales1259]

Love the content, but not sure I’d call those Santini ‘premium’, more like mid range. For example, premium bib shorts don’t necessarily have elastic on the legs, they use a more elastic material that’s about 3-5 inches in width in that area, so the shorts don’t move but you get a constant pressure.

[@lechprotean]

can people comment on the sizing? I'm told bibs should be as tight as possible but I wonder how big or small should the padding be? Should it extend into the legs are pads sizes different for different size bibs?

[@harsdensus88]

I have that blue padding one. Yeah it comfort at first, but not long lasting. Still wearing it tho for short ride.

[@LoscoeLad]

Can you do an update on the latest Aliexpress bibshorts please? They look great

[@BerserkerNick]

We're men, Manly men, Men in tights, Tight tights, We roam around the forest looking for fights, We may look like pansies, But don't get us wrong or else we'll put out your lights

[@jonreed5510]

I’m all for “de- elitisming” cycling but having had some naff bibs and now splashing out on ‘premium’ ones Id never personally go back . A well fitted quality chamois is well worth expense.

[@flooooooo0686]

Couldn’t agree more. I’d rather save up for a pair of Rapha or Assos than riding on these crappy 30$ shorts - i own a pair and they suck! In contrast I have spent 10h+ and close to 250km within a day in Raphas without a problem. Plus Rapha repairs shorts making the purchase worth it even for 200$+

[@gusjeazer]

Maybe if we never wash our bib shorts, we'd never need to buy new ones!

[@makeitpunk6716]

I ride the Didoo bibs.. the bibs are awesome for the money but the matching jerseys are kinda garbage.. The stitching in the jerseys uses cheap thread that breaks when stretched and comes unstitched at the waist gripper and the zipper seams.. so I highly recomend the bibs , but say avoid the matching jerseys..

[@TraceVelo]

Yeah I totally agree with you. The bibs are great, but the didoo jerseys leave alot to be desired...

[@jaz97]

Should be good if u get 3-4 of the cheap ones and u won't wear them out daily and still come out cheaper

[@jamble7k]

i've found sizing a bit weird for some of the aliexpress ones, ie. legs too short or body too loose - great review!!

[@yourrightiamwrong9643]

their could be of very poor fit. thats why I buy castelli and sportfuls, their cheapest models of course. There are some legite chinese brand also, santic appeals fit much better than those no names and are exceptionally well made

[@xGshikamaru]

@@yourrightiamwrong9643 agree with both of you, the sizing of some of those cheap bib shorts is just terrible but the Santic one is awesome for the price. I can still make the difference with my best bib shorts (I've got a M9 that has the best padding ever, did a 200km ride and my butt was happy with that) but it's good enough for a 3h ride

[@abedfo88]

If you want Ali express quality. Go on the Spexcel store. Thank me later. If you want a UK based brand. FDX stuff on ebay are really good too.

[@leconymcroad7685]

hello, could you give link for spexcel store?

[@justjordan8018]

I got 1 premium and many cheap ones. I ended up only riding the cheap ones not to ruin the premium. Damn this shorts don't last very long if you ride a lot.

[@lukecooper1993]

What if you tried out clothing from Planet X just as a suggestion

[@archiemoffat473]

Are they new shifters on your bike? And what brand are they?

[@TraceVelo]

Ohhhhh good spot my man! Yeah I slapped on some new shifters. They are on test at the moment, just getting some decent mileage on them before the review. As for the brand, gonna have to wait for the review I'm afraid, it's gonna be a wild ride 😜

[@xdirugamesh]

@@TraceVelo nice

[@Loz20365]

wouldn't sram compliment the derailleurs he previously bought?

[@isailaraprieto]

They look like micro shift

[@archiemoffat473]

Isaí Lara Prieto I thought that too, however they look like they are internally routed from that angle and not coming out externally at the handle bar area, could be wrong, hard to tell from that angle

[@daniellopez9622]

As always, top notch content. Greetings from Colombia, Don Luke Trace Velo.

[@marsallefrancisco4851]

Sorry to be way off topic but what is you're opinion on Shimano group sets from Alibaba Express vs Shimano Group sets from Europe or North America? Are they the same product?

[@targaW3007]

Well, I have one of this aliexpress bibs and I also have a assos S9 bib, and you can NOT compare this two bibs. The fabric is not even close, let alone the pad. The assos pad is a whole other world than this cheap ali pad. The premium bibs are overpriced, no question. But the are much much better than a $10 bib and they are also better then a $80 bib short.

[@kolbybroussard4630]

Having 4 or more pairs of cheap ones is definitely the best option who wears the same underwear everyday because that’s what your doing when you buy one pair of nice ones

[@mrdopeshoes]

pre-watching comment: I am always down for a good aliexpress deal and don't mind the cheap jerseys. However, a good pair of bibs is essential and worth the money!

[@blorg8206]

You can get good bibs, honestly. Need to be careful though they are NOT all the same. Rion is excellent, substantially better than entry level shorts from Western brands, comparable to mid-range Western shorts, but at $20-30. The quality and materials on Rion look better than the Santini in this video. I have owned several pairs of (entry level) Santini for comparison, and I have shorts up to around the $200 level.

[@missingpunctuation]

@@blorg8206 Which RIon shorts do you go for?

[@8paolo96]

You should really try Spexcel on aliexpress, maybe on stitching they're not in par with my castelli or ale, but for padding they're great

[@coachjonathangregory]

The last second had me laughing hard 😂

[@fast.biking_freddy]

It's always worth the wait to see what he leaves 😂

[@samuelkmaina]

Santic on AliExpress Amazon Wish are as good as the premium brands. Lidl and Aldi often have a summer cycling kit and they are good for the money. Who needs a kit to last 2 years. Buy 5 of the cheap ones, they'll last 2 summers at least at a cost below one of the so-called premium brands.

[@benmgiust]

There are some great pairs on Amazon with pockets on the side for pretty cheap. I'll never buy anything else.

[@damien4019]

Last thing you want is getting into an aero tuck and your shorts splitting at the stitch 😂

[@steveindorset]

You gotta love Mr trace velo, absolutely hilarious vids! Just what the doctor ordered for a Friday afternoon, when you’re had a bit of a sh*t week! 😁👍 But on the serious stuff a couple of pairs of didoo a year for blatting around on and maybe if you’re a bit of a poser get a posh pair for the sportive at the weekend. 👍 A question: what’s the longest ride you’ve done on your Ching Chang bike?? Was it comfy? Mr Velo Keep them great vids coming! 😁😉👍

[@robinbebbington7063]

I paid $30 Australian for some eBay ones are they are great.

[@MJ-tz8cq]

unfortunately not able to get the Didoo in Germany 😞