In this article I’m going to share what I consider to be some of the best cycling bibs on a budget.
Before I do let’s first establish a benchmark of what I consider to be budget cycling bibs. I’ve taken into consideration around a hundred bib brand name offerings, and the average price of a cycling bib hovers around 185 USD.
So it makes sense to declare a big brand cycling bib with a price below 100 USD to be a budget cycling bib. Obviously, more expensive items on sale can also get the price below a hundred dollars.
As far as quality is concerned budget cycling bibs definitely hold up against their more premium counterparts. It’s just that in general these cycling bibs will not feature the latest in technology, or the most expensive materials.
But in no way does that mean you will have an inferior product. In fact, comparing products side by side sometimes reveal that less expensive cycling bibs provide the most bang for your buck.
So with all that out of the way, let’s head over to my list of the best cycling bibs on a budget.
Craft Core Endurance Bib Shorts
The Craft Core Endurance Bib Shorts is a remarkable well-crafted option, no pun intended.
I’ve been using Craft cycling products for years and they’re one of my go-to brands for cycling apparel. So it’s interesting to see what budget feels like when it comes to their cycling bibs.
And really, there’s nothing budget about the very well made Endurance bib shorts. Granted they do come with the C4 pad, which is their entry-level chamois, but that’s still a very comfortable 3 layer pad with multi-density characteristics.
And as far as looks goes, the Craft Core Endurance Bib Shorts are the best looking of the bunch as well.
My favorite brand has come up with an absolute winner in the budget-friendly cycling bib department.
- One the best value-for-money bib shorts
- Has entry-level chamois
Craft Essence Bib Shorts
The Craft Essence Bib Shorts are a great allround choice for budget-minded cyclists.
One of Craft’s most affordable cycling bibs feature their C3 chamois, which still provides ample levels of comfort with a hollow-fiber pad.
Craft displays a high degree of corporate responsibility, with this short being created with recycled polyamide. So if that’s something you value and look for in a product, Craft is definitely worth choosing.
The cycling bib has two front straps, which ends in a large back panel.
Highly affordable and with sustainability in mind, the Craft Essence Bib Shorts is a great choice for the recreational road cyclist.
- Extremely budget-friendly bib shorts made from recycled polyamide
- None
Pearl Izumi Men's Expedition Short
The Pearl Izumi Men’s Expedition Short is a cargo short with storage meant for road and gravel riders.
The bib short features a dual-density Men’s ELITE Escape 1:1 chamois. Its top layer can move independently from its foam layer, which reduces friction and chafing. It means that these shorts are perfect for your average dry ride and will prove to be comfortable for a number of hours in the saddle.
The short is made from compression fabric and has 2 large thigh pockets. This means you can store larger objects, like your phone, as well as smaller ones like multiple energy bars or small tools. The compression fabric ensures a snug, yet comfortable fit. Silicone printed hems to keep the short in place.
For anything but ultra-distance riding, these shorts are a fantastic option, that doesn’t hurt your wallet too much, offers good storage options, looks the part, and are durable as well.
- Durable, affordable cargo short
- None
Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Short
The Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Short is a great all-round and durable cycling bib for budget-minded cycling enthusiasts.
Featuring the Men’s Levitate™ chamois, which is a single-density foam layer of varying thickness to provide shock absorption for the male anatomy.
Its price point well below a hundred dollars will attract cyclists who want a cycling bib from the Italian brand, which is known to make high-quality durable offerings.
With a classic look of medium-compressive moisture-wicking SELECT Transfer fabric the shorts will look good in combination with any cycle and jersey.
Probably the best cycling bib in Pearl Izumi’s more wallet-friendly lineup.
- Affordable bib short for recreational cyclists
- Buy
Pearl Izumi Men's Attack Bib Short
The Pearl Izumi Men’s Attack Bib Short is also one a great option from the Italian brand when looking for quality at low cost.
Featuring the Men’s SELECT Escape 1:1® chamois, it differs from the Levitate series of pads in that it offers a single medium-density foam layer made of a two piece construction. Where one section functions to provide the right amount of support, the layer is finished with an anti-chafing top sheet to reduce friction, which will cause your skin to get irritated over time.
Made from the same moisture-wicking transfer fabric, the cycling bib offers a comfortable, breathable, stretchy fit with modest compression capabilities.
I would argue that as far as budget cycling bibs go, this one will prove to be a bit more performance oriented than its competitors.
- Breathable bib short with mid-tier chamois
- None
Gore C3 Bib Shorts+
The Gore C3 Bib Shorts+ are fantastic-looking cycling bibs for an equally great price.
They offer the ACTIVE Comfort chamois, which is a perfect pad for the recreational rider who likes casual riding. Although at the lower end of their price spectrum, it still offers a dual-density setup, where the support is offered in areas where it makes the most sense. And a slim profile ensures the pad stays in the correct place and doesn’t bulge.
The cycling bib itself shares similarities with offerings that are far more expensive. For instance, Gore uses the same fabric across their lineup, which means you get a premium-looking short for a perfectly acceptable price.
I really can’t fault this excellent offering from Gore, especially not at this price point.
- Excellent value-for-money bib short
- None
Endura Xtract Lite Short
The Endura Xtract Lite Short are good quality cycling shorts with great moisture-wicking characteristics.
Their 500 series chamois is meant for shorter rides of up to a couple of hours, and is made from water-expelling foam called DisperseFoam. This does a more than adequate job of keeping your comfortable in hot temperatures.
Furthermore, the short is made from fast-drying Lycra with UPF50+ protection ideal for riding in sunny conditions. Flatlocked seams ensure a no-feel fit and a silicone printed double-layered hem keeps them positioned correctly.
A perfect and modestly priced hot temperature road cycling companion.
- Budget friendly, hot weather shorts
- None
Specifications cycling bibs on a budget
Name | Price | Chamois | Straps | Material | Hems | Pockets | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Craft Core Endurance Bib Shorts | 70 euros | Infinity C4 Pad Men | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | Polyamide | silicone leg grippers | none | |
Craft Essence Bib Shorts | 90 euros | Infinity C3 Pad Men | straps w. back panel | Lycra Sport Energy compression fabric | silicone leg grippers | none | |
Pearl Izumi Men’s Expedition Short | 100 USD | Men’s ELITE Escape 1:1® | none | ELITE Transfer fabric | silicone leg grippers | 2 thigh pockets | |
Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Short | 75 USD | Men’s Levitate™ | straps w. back panel | Transfer fabric | silicone leg grippers | none | |
Pearl Izumi Men’s Attack Bib Short | 100 USD | Men’s SELECT Escape 1:1® | straps w. back panel | SELECT Transfer fabric | silicone leg grippers | none | |
Gore C3 Bib Shorts+ | 90 USD | ACTIVE Comfort | mesh straps w. mesh back panel | GORE® Selected Fabrics | stretch woven | none | |
Endura Xtract Lite Short | 85 USD | 500 Series | none | none |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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