These are very nice shorts. Castelli quality is always excellent. Comfortable pad for long hours in the saddle. Leg length is longer just above the knee which is just right. I'm 5'-9" tall and 152lbs. I really like the fit. The straps could be a little better which is why I rate them at a solid 4, maybe 4.5.
I'm avid cyclist and have been riding for years, road, gravel and mtb, even did some road racing in my younger days but now do some gravel racing so I've had the opportunity to have lots of shorts. These shorts are a solid purchase for any rider. Especially if you can pick them up on a BTD sale! Love BTD!
I have been using Castelli bibs (Body Paint 12 and Free Aero) for 10 years. I wear the large size (5'8, 150 lbs, 32 waist). The new Aero Race 4 bib-short shows Castelli's dedication to continually improve their shorts. The pad feels more substantial and comfortable when on the bike. The shell materials just fit great and feel more breathable. The grippers are vastly improved with excellent hold (vertical series of tacky stripes). The stitching on the seams and attachment point on the shoulder straps are improved- no frayed threads. I wash them in a mesh bag using detergent with no fabric softeners and dry on a towel warmer. After 20 rides all good- even the Castelli logo shows no flaking. The blue and the grey colors are subtly different than the standard black and compliment many of my team jerseys. I prefer these colors over the black. Highly recommend. JT
First time with the Progretto X2 seat pad - love it. Went with the compression version of these bibs & they are more work to get on, but after 50 miles of pedaling you can tell a difference.
This bibshort is a great addition to my cycling clothing, because it fits great, is comfortable, doesn't move around in the legs, and is fairly minimalist when it comes to the straps. The seat pad is comfortable even at the 50 mile point, and I've ridden in some fairly hot weather without any sense that they're too hot. The only downside is that they're a bit pricey, but if you can catch them when Castelli is running a sale, they're definitely worth it.
I ride about 200 miles a week in pancake flat Florida and these bibs have been the most comfortable shorts I've ever worn. Very pricy but in my opinion they are worth it. They wash and wear well and have held up for a few months now. I do not put them in the dryer and I think that gives them a longer life. The leg grippers are the best I've experienced functional and comfortable. These shorts are also very stylish and good looking. I now have a total of 5 pairs for each matching Jersey.
These bibs fit me so well I feel like they make me a better cyclist. They certainly help me cycle greater distances in comfort. They cost a lot, but the quality does not disappoint. Your lower regions deserve the best shorts you can get, so be good to yourself and don't cheap out! Fit is a personal thing, but the pad shape, texture, and overall construction are perfect for me. A word on sizing. I'm 5'9", 152lbs. I tried to go with a medium, but the bibs were too short for my torso. The shorts were pretty tight too, but I think they would have broken in. I exchanged for a large, and haven't regretted it.
They are soo good! I've had a hesitancy ordering Castelli clothing online because everyone always gripes about the sizing. The first pair I bought I did size up. To be clear they still fit and I thought everyone was right but since then I've ordered a couple more bibs in my normal size medium. I'm here to say that you should order your normal size if you feel you have a slimmish build. They are snug. It takes an extra second to pull them into place while getting them on but that is how they're designed to be. The right size feels a million times better once your into a bike ride. The pad is wonderful and probably my favorite I've come across in my cycling life. For reference I'm 5'10" and 160lbs.
Size bought: Medium
These are my third pair of Castelli bib shorts but my first set of Free Aero. They were an upgrade for me but I bought them on sale at a great price. I'm 5'7" at 150 pounds. Like my previous two pairs of Castelli bibs I went with the mediums. Yes, like all Castelli bibs they are really tight when I first put them on but soon after the first ride, they seem to conform to my body. Most of my rides are in the 30 to 50 mile range and the comfort of the Free Aero bibs is really great. The combination of comfort and compression kind of makes me feel like a better sand happier rider.
The new pad is very nice, and I like it better than the previous Castelli pads. The fit up front is much better too. Straps are comfortable and work well. I'm 5'7 132 lb and have worn medium Castelli bibs in the past but this one is a small and fits perfectly. Snug, but that's my preference.
