Ask the experts

[toast2266]

The bibs with pockets idea is interesting add on - good to hear review of what ones are well designed.

I'm a fan of the bibs. I've got a couple different pairs of Specialized Swat, and one pair of Pearl Izumi something-or-others. The pockets on all of them are fine. Quality of chamois varies with price.

Bottle on bike, 2nd bottle in bibs. Some food in bibs. Multi tool in pocket. Tube / lever / dynaplug kit strapped to bike. That setup takes care of me for any ride under 3-4 hours (unless it's really hot and I need more water).

[robnow]

Yeah, you like the PI pockets as much as the Specialized, was going to order last week while putting an order through but refrained? And Toast is right about cost and chamois quality.

I’ve tried:
Sombrio - pockets hang too low and loose, don’t hold as securely
Giro - pockets are ‘attached’ and not ‘loose’ at bottom. This is key, pockets need to be ‘detached’ to be much more effective, holds much more
7Mesh - also look to be ‘attached’

Like I said, I just find the Specialized to be in the right spot (high enough on my lower back and not my bum, secure) and I’m wearing Large at 6’2”, mind you their straps could be a little longer. Haven’t seen any better executions but am always open to suggestions.


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[toast2266]

Yeah, you like the PI pockets as much as the Specialized, was going to order last week while putting an order through but refrained? And Toast is right about cost and chamois quality.

PI are a bit looser than Swat (both in the pockets, and in the rest of the bib), but they still hold a full size bottle just fine - I've never lost anything out of a pocket, other than a pump that was clearly way too long to stay put securely. And stuff in the PI pockets doesn't bounce around any worse than on the Swat. They're more "attached" at the bottom than the Swat, but not totally attached, and therefore still hang correctly. Positioning on the back is similar to Swat.

*Caveat: these bibs are a few years old now, so there's a good chance PI has found a way to screw them up on newer models.

[bagtagley]

Was it here I read about Timberbells? I just bought one and it never stops ringing going down on the lowest setting. Did Bag or someone have an issue with it ringing too much in the lower setting because it was defective? There is a dramatic difference bewteen low and high setting but it annoys the hell out of me.

Mine isn't defective, low is just loud, and I don't notice a huge difference between the settings. I dulled the reverberation a bit on mine by putting pieces of tape on it until I was satisfied with the sound. I still think it's irritating and kind of distracting, but people f'realz thank you for using it.

[Andeh]

Was it here I read about Timberbells? I just bought one and it never stops ringing going down on the lowest setting. Did Bag or someone have an issue with it ringing too much in the lower setting because it was defective? There is a dramatic difference bewteen low and high setting but it annoys the hell out of me.

Do people squeeze some glue way up there or tape to reduce the noise just for the lower setting?

I was using it going uphill in Park City, first ride with it. Guy going down is going too fast and skids past me, as in could not stop until he was by me level of control. First thing he said was 'Hey, I heard your bell." And then said sorry. Sooooo...this bell is pointless and loud to me, why do people like this thing? I should mount it on my seatpost so it's not in my face, ha.

I wasn't aware that you could modulate it, just turn it off or on. Mine basically rings non stop when open. If it doesn't shut up when closed (up position), that's a warranty issue and the guy will send you a new one for like $5.

[jamal]

I just got a timber bell and found that I do need to make sure I have the tab fully up or it will rattle and ring a little. it's easy to pull it up, and it seems to be all the way, but isn't.

Also on smoother ground it doesn't seem to ring at all, even on dirt. On like a smooth path I actually have to rock the bike back and forth a bit to get it to make noise. So far I'm liking it though. Have had a few somewhat close bear encounter lately and it's nice to make a little more noise.

[zion zig zag]

Specialized doesn't really have a legit DHR2 equivalent. Eliminator and Purgatory are the closest. If I wanted a meaty Specialized tire for the rear, I'd run a Butcher (which is more or less a DHF clone).

Copy. Thanks for the info!

[jm2e]

I've been running a 2.3 Minion DHR2 for a few years and am happy, no real reason to change, but what would the corresponding Specialized tire be? I may be able to get a deal on some if they offer something that works as well.

Butcher. Grid if you don’t want flats every ride. Blck dmnd if you don’t want flats every month. DH if you don’t want flats.
The knobs are a bit grabbier, but the rubber is harder. So, more durable, but less traction in wet rocks & roots. Compared with DHR/DHF.
That’s just my take.
Are they necessarily inferior to Maxxis? Ask Loic Bruni.


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[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Speaking of bibs I finally sacked up and bought some Assos (one sale). Literally lightyears beyond every other bib I have worn. It's not even funny. I'm officially a bib snob now and do not want to wear anything else ever again.

[joetron]

Speaking of bibs I finally sacked up and bought some Assos (one sale). Literally lightyears beyond every other bib I have worn. It's not even funny. I'm officially a bib snob now and do not want to wear anything else ever again.

Welcome to bib town, my friend.


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[rideit]

My only problem with bibs over the years is that I find them a little warmer than I’d like, and (gasp) nipple chafing.
Anyone else?

[grinch]

I never wear my swat bibs. Old age, im scared nature will call

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[plugboots]

My only problem with bibs over the years is that I find them a little warmer than I’d like, and (gasp) nipple chafing.
Anyone else?

You may want to revisit this. There are new bibs now that ride lower, and the straps feel like nothing. Assos don’t fit me. I like Endura, narrow chamois, long length. Every once in a while I’ll ride non-bib shorts and I just hate the way that tightness feels around the waist.

[volklpowdermaniac]

I’m a bibs and BC Research strap.
Bib with pockets - love Ketl- pockets are detached at bottom
Like Giro pockets aren’t detached but still fine, just get it situsted correctly before you ride
Rides less than 15-
BCR strap: tube, WT plier thingy with space in it for links, multi tool, co2 canister and inflator, one tire lever
Pockets: one or two bottles, food, wallet and or phone, sometimes phone and wallet go in overshorts pocket
15-25 or with the dog, I bring a hip pack with 100 oz to carry more water for dog, and then can lose the BCR setup on bike
25 or longer, bring a full pack.

[radam]

My only problem with bibs over the years is that I find them a little warmer than I’d like, and (gasp) nipple chafing.
Anyone else?

Yes, but a little bit of athletic tape can take care of the latter. No real solution for the former though, aside from just wearing lighter over layers. With that said, I'm with you, and having found saddles my bottom agrees with, I usually go sans chamois for shorter rides.

[Iowagriz]

I can't ride with baggies over my bibs as I get too warm and sweaty (then chafed). Recently saw some mesh bibs advertised by Pearl Izumi that are meant to go under baggies. Seem like the solution, anyone try those?

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[toast2266]

I can't ride with baggies over my bibs as I get too warm and sweaty (then chafed). Recently saw some mesh bibs advertised by Pearl Izumi that are meant to go under baggies. Seem like the solution, anyone try those?

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All of my bibs are liners (intended to go under baggies). It would be indecent to wear them without something on top.

[jamal]

I have those PI liner bibs. They are really thin and breathable, like, see-through btw so don't go wandering around without shorts over them.

Don't find the cargo pockets particularly useful so far. The side ones will hold a gel or some shot blocks but then they're hard to get out with shorts on.

Chamios is ok. It's their mid-level one. I have a couple of pairs of the pro level bib shorts and prefer those, but it's fine. For me the overall fit could be a little more snug. I'm 6'1 160 and in a medium.

[Dee Hubbs]

In my opinion MTB specific bib liners are the only way to go.
I have some older SWAT bibs with really good pockets in the rear, and on the sides of the legs. These are the best pockets out of all my MTB bibs, but the chamois has not agreed with me lately. The bibs are a solid material and don't breath as well. (the new versions looks to have more mesh/vented now) I can carry my wallet/phone is a zippered sweat proof pocket. 3 big pockets help with carrying the other essentials. In the right pocket I usually carry one of: gloves/vest/arm warmers/jacket, a water bottle in the middle pocket, and snacks in the left pocket. No bounce, sag or pulling down on the straps, even with a full 24oz water bottle. The upper body fit was a little tight and it felt like the straps were too close together and really tight across my ribs/hips/love handle region. I cut 2" reliefs into the sides of the bibs and they were way more comfy after that.
I also wear some Pear Izumi Cargo Bib Liners. These are totally mesh and practically see though. They do not compress as tight as the Specialized SWAT, but they breath way better. The 3 pockets are a bit looser, but hold the same gear just as well (just no zippered pocket). I've never had an issue with these pockets. I'm a fan of the Pearl Izumi chamois more than the Specialized. This may also be due to age and millage on the SWATs. But non of the MTB chamois compare to the PRO series chamois found on most Road Bibs.

I'm not going to get into Road Bibs, that is a deep deep rabbit hole. All I can say is laser cut straps with no seams or stitching is the only way to go.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Anyone know a good place to buy 700c wheelsets with 15x100/12x142?

Most 700c stuff is 12mm in the front. Toughish gravel ready 700c wheels seem to be hard to find. I would love to spring for some Hunt, but the wait is like a month right now. I realized yesterday that for long distance rides without a ton of gear I need to be pushing 700c instead of 650b.

Edit to add: Or I can not be a dolt and just run 29er wheels, no?

[Dee Hubbs]

Anyone know a good place to buy 700c wheelsets with 15x100/12x142?

Most 700c stuff is 12mm in the front. Toughish gravel ready 700c wheels seem to be hard to find. I would love to spring for some Hunt, but the wait is like a month right now. I realized yesterday that for long distance rides without a ton of gear I need to be pushing 700c instead of 650b.

What 15x100 fork are you trying to use? JJBP adapters are an awesome way to turn a 15mm fork to accept a 12mm wheel.
If you have other bikes with 12mm axles and want to swap wheels in-between these are a great solution.
Depending on what fork, I'd adapt it to 12mm and buy a 12mm wheels that will be future proof. (until SRAM comes up with a 13.6mm axle)

[El Chupacabra]

Anyone know a good place to buy 700c wheelsets with 15x100/12x142?

Most 700c stuff is 12mm in the front. Toughish gravel ready 700c wheels seem to be hard to find. I would love to spring for some Hunt, but the wait is like a month right now. I realized yesterday that for long distance rides without a ton of gear I need to be pushing 700c instead of 650b.

I have a set of Easton EC70 Trail carbon 29er wheels, which I was holding onto for some eventual project that hasn't happened yet. Interested? They're 15x100/ 12x142, 6-bolt rotor, 20mm internal width, nice shape. These wheels:

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gea...l-29er-wheels/

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

I have a set of Easton EC70 Trail carbon 29er wheels, which I was holding onto for some eventual project that hasn't happened yet. Interested? They're 15x100/ 12x142, 6-bolt rotor, 20mm internal width, nice shape. These wheels:

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gea...l-29er-wheels/

Shimano HG hub or XD? I need HG. Tubeless or need to be taped?

Otherwise those would be perfect. Look like narrow enough internal width that I could run 700x38s?

[El Chupacabra]

Shimano HG hub or XD? I need HG. Tubeless or need to be taped?

Otherwise those would be perfect. Look like narrow enough internal width that I could run 700x38s?

Oops. Shimano HG, so 8-11 speed compatible. Taped for tubeless - rim has spoke through holes (traditional design).

[XXX-er]

re : the fit on bibs, fit them so the straps pull a bit when you stand straight up but are right when you bend forward into ride position