Like anything in cycling, bib shorts can be very expensive. While you certainly can spend upwards of $300 on a high-end model, there are plenty of options at lower price points that get the job done. The primary differences are in the materials used in the body of the shorts, straps, and seat pad, as well as the design and construction. Most of the time, the high-end models use higher-quality fabrics, fancier pads, and construction methods that result in greater comfort or some marginal performance gains. Racers or those who spend long hours in the saddle multiple days a week will likely notice and benefit from more expensive bib shorts, while those who ride more casually, less frequently, or for shorter periods of time may be just as happy with less expensive options. Fortunately, even the least expensive models we tested are as good as the best shorts on the market from a decade or two ago, so it’s a good time to be a cyclist.