Cycling bib shorts are just awesome. They offer comfort, support, and aerodynamics, making them a must-have for both casual and professional riders.
However, one of the most common questions among cyclists is how to pee in cycling bib shorts.
Imagine you’re right in the middle of a tough cycling race, wearing those sleek and snug cycling bibs. You’ve been giving it your all, pushing through the challenging course with determination.
But suddenly, nature calls, and you find yourself in a dilemma. How do you handle it?
Peeing in bib shorts requires a bit of skill and practice. The last thing you want is to end up with a wet chamois or pee all over your shoes.
There are several techniques you can use, such as the “up and over” method or the “squat and pull” method.
In this post, I’ll share some practical techniques on how to pee in cycling bibs for both men and women. Plus, I’ll go over a few FAQs.
The Challenge of Peeing in Cycling Bibs
Cycling bibs are a type of cycling shorts that have straps that go over your shoulders, unlike regular cycling shorts that stop at the waist, and are designed to fit snugly to your body.
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However, this close fit can make it challenging to take a bathroom break without removing your bibs entirely.
This can be especially difficult during long rides or races when you don’t want to lose time or disrupt your momentum.
It Can Get Messy
One of the most significant challenges of peeing in cycling bibs is finding a way to do so without getting urine on your clothing or shoes.
While it may be tempting to simply pull down the front of your bibs, this can be difficult to do without stretching or damaging the fabric.
Plus, this method can be messy and may result in urine getting on your shoes or the ground.
It Takes Time
Another challenge of peeing in cycling bibs is finding a way to do so quickly and efficiently.
During a race or group ride, you may not have the luxury of stopping for an extended period.
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This means that you need to find a way to pee quickly and get back on your bike without losing time or falling behind.
Why Do Cyclists Still Wear Cycling Bibs?
Knowing this, why would cyclists still choose to wear cycling bibs for long rides?
Well, there are a few reasons. Some of the main ones are:
Bibs Stay In Place
Unlike regular cycling shorts, which can ride up or down, cycling bibs stay put thanks to the shoulder straps.
This means you won’t have to keep adjusting your shorts while you’re riding, which can be distracting and uncomfortable.
Bibs Offer More Coverage
Cycling bibs offer more coverage than regular cycling shorts.
The straps provide extra coverage for your lower back, which can be beneficial on long rides.
Plus, many cycling bibs have longer inseams than regular cycling shorts, which can help prevent chafing and irritation.
Bibs Are More Comfortable
While cycling bibs may look a bit strange at first, many cyclists find them more comfortable than regular cycling shorts.
The shoulder straps distribute pressure more evenly across your body, which can reduce discomfort and pressure points.
Moreover, many cycling bibs have a chamois (padding) that provides extra cushioning and support for your sit bones.
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How To Pee In Cycling Bibs
Fortunately, there are several ways to pee in your cycling bibs without causing a mess or disrupting your ride.
Before we take a look at these, remember to find a place to pee that is private and out of sight from other cyclists or pedestrians. You can also look for a spot with some foliage or trees for additional cover
But avoid peeing in public places or near someone’s property.
1. The “Up and Over” Method
With the “up and over” method, you pull one leg of your bibs to the side, creating an opening.
Then you use that opening to hold the chamois (the padded part) out of the way while you pee. It’s a quick and easy way to go when you’re in a hurry.
But here’s the thing – it can get a bit messy.
Since the chamois isn’t completely moved out of the way, there’s a chance you might accidentally get some pee on your bibs or clothes.
So, it takes some practice to get it right.
Men can also pull the front of the shorts down and or slightly to the side.
2. The “Squat and Pull” Method
The “squat and pull” method is another technique used by cyclists to urinate while wearing bibs or cycling shorts.
With this method, you squat down low to the ground, similar to a squatting position, and pull the back of your bibs or shorts down slightly.
This gives you enough room to pee without making a mess on your clothes or shoes.
It’s not as fast as the “up and over” method, but it is the best – especially for women.
3. The “Diaper Change” Method
This method involves removing your bibs entirely and putting them back on after you finish peeing. While this method may take longer, it can be a good option for women.
4. Use A Female Urination Device
Another option for women is to use a FUD such as a SheWee or Pibella. These devices allow women to pee standing up, which can be helpful while cycling.
Tips And Tricks To Make The Process Easier
Here are a few other tips and tricks that can help make peeing in bibs easier:
- Try to pee before you start your ride to avoid having to stop on the road.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but be mindful of how much you’re drinking so you don’t have to pee too frequently.
- Consider wearing bibs with a drop-tail feature that makes it easier to pull down the back of the bibs when you need to go.
- If you’re really struggling, you can try using a product like “SheWee” or “GoGirl” to help you pee standing up without having to take off your bibs.
With a little practice and some careful planning, you can master the art of peeing in cycling bibs and enjoy a more comfortable ride.
Bottom Line
Cycling bibs are a popular choice among cyclists for their comfort, coverage, and ability to stay in place while riding. However, peeing in them is a challenge.
We covered 4 ways you can handle bathroom breaks while cycling in your bibs.
Remember, it’s all about personal preference and what works best for you.
