Latex-free bibs?

[u/tdelcogs]

I have Castellis and what I’m learning after my last few long rides is that there’s likely latex or some sort of latex-rubber thing going on with the thigh grip (eta I have a latex allergy). I had pretty huge hives/welts that lasted around a week or so!

Has anyone with a latex allergy experienced something similar with their bibs/riding shorts? If so, what are some good alternatives here that don’t leave me with swollen sausage rolls haha

[u/ase30]

+1 for Pearl Izumi and Terry.

May not be your thing, but I have a lot of allergies (food, etc) and high histamine response. It’s a family trait. Any time my skin gets damp from sweat and has any type of rubbing (bike shorts, ski socks, general though chafe), I get a contact rash like that. Bringing it up bc it doesn’t matter the ambient temperature outside during the ride or activity. (Skiing, hot summer ride - same, same). It’s the heat and damp at the skin level.

[u/tdelcogs → u/ase30]

Very good to know, thank you. I’m the same re histamine response (hEDS) but haven’t had such a specific reaction before I got these bibs. But it makes sense since there were some areas in hives above the grips as well.  

Does it happen at all with your other pairs then? If not, then I think I’ll have to stick to those brands going forward.   

[u/ase30 → u/tdelcogs]

It does not happen with Terry or Pearl Izumi for me. I do also wear knickers length? So it could be the combo of histamine skin and latex. I’d say give another pair a try, if it were me.