This is the first time I've used Castelli shorts, and I am quite impressed with the padding and compression. I don't ride far -25 to 30 miles at best- but I live in the northern California foothills and produce a lot of sweat from all the climbing. The material that Castelli uses certainly does wick the moisture away nicely. It's nice to get off the bike at the end of a ride and still feel comfortable, even refreshed!
I will say, as several have already noted, that I had to return the size medium shorts I ordered for size large even though I was meticulous about following the sizing guide. I will also add that Bike Tires Direct makes it painless to return a product. Simple instructions for printing the return label, and, if you need to talk to a real person, they're courteous and reassuring.
BTD is a great online resource selling excellent products.
Ordered these nice shorts in large, same nominal size as my previous Castellis.
Pair I received was labeled Large, but they were tiny
on me.
(I�m 150 lbs, 5�11�, 34 waist) and they also had that annoying (to me) low cut waist now popular.
Had to return (which, btw was zero problem).
I�ve had sizing problem b4 w/ other Castelli products.
I�ll go two sizes larger, see if that works, as I really like these shorts
These are great shorts with an excellent chamois and tight legs with great let grippers at the bottom. They seem even smaller than other Castelli shorts, though, so order one size larger. I normally wear large shorts and other Castelli large shorts fit, but I needed an XL in these.
Have worn these shorts several times on long rides and they are very comfortable. No problems with chafing or discomfort in the crotch or anywhere else.
I'm 6 feet tall and have a 30" waist, weigh 55-60 lbs. Ordered medium but they were too tight. Returned for large and they're just right. Bike Tires Direct return was easy peasy.
By far the most padding I've ever had in a short. I would never wear these on a regular ride, but I do have a big ride coming up so I'm giving these a try. For long rides it sounds like the common wisdom is to have two different shorts, these are about as different from my Pearl Izumi's as I can imagine.
I love the Castelli shorts, always order one size up to XL, but this time I felt poured into them. Am leery about ordering yet another size up, might shop at local store to try them on. Im a loyal BTD customer - it's not their fault, but don't like the thought of multiple exchanges and hassle time.
These shorts run way too small. Unfortunate because otherwise it would be a fine product. Ordered the XXL for my 36" waist, could barely get them on. Might consider the 3XL if they become available.
Very well made, but the only issue was the cuff was too loose for me and this is because I have thin knee joints. Why did I give it 5 stars? Because the quality is very good (and nothing ticks me off when reviewers trash a product b/c of a fit issue, as if everyone is made the same).
I measured myself as instructed and got a medium. Like many reviewers, I initially thought the shorts were too tight. I called BTD and described the fit and was told that it was correct, but that if dissatisfied after a few rides I could return the shorts for store credit. BTD was correct, the fit is perfect, and the shorts are a step up from the $50 shorts I was using before. On 50+ mile rides I really feel the difference.
I have been wearing Pearl Izumi Pro shorts for many years. Recently the prices keep getting higher and the pads are too bulky where they don't need to be. The CASTELLI MEN'S ENDURANCE 3 SHORT has plenty of padding in the sit bone area. But there is a relief channel, down the center and to the front of the short, that prevents the numbness that I was getting on road rides with the Pearl Izumi shorts. The Castelli shorts are also more compression and do not "creep down" your leg. This keeps the chamois in close contact and eliminates friction.
The good: I love the outer fit and fabric (they do run a little small). The chamois is just the right thickness for comfort and performance. Now the bad: the fabric that covers the chamois is excessive, more than any shorts I've ever owned in many years of riding, to the point that I wonder if I got defective shorts. The excess fabric tends to bunch up, sometimes right near my ischial tuberosities, which is about the worst thing for long-distance comfort and performance. Overall disappointing for this price.
I wear a size medium in multiple other quality name brands (Assos, Pearl Izumi), but this shorts size medium was too tight. The chamois is excellent. The fabric seems a little less stretchy than others.
Love these cycling shorts! Loaded with all the best of Castelli's comfort and compression technology. The only concern I have is they seem a bit high waisted compared to earlier comparable Castelli shorts of equal quality. I wash them in cold water and medium spin after each ride and they seem to last well over 300 long rides. Comfort worth the price!
