User submitted reviews
Review by John Twist
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
Review by Mike Hutcheson
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.
Review by MSpencer
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!
Review by glenn
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.
Review by Gary Walters
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.
Review by Anonymous
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.
Review by PedalOnward
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
Review by Old Guy
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.
Review by KC
These shorts are very well made as well as extremely comfortable even for women.
Review by Anonymous
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.
Review by Lamar
Castelli continues to improve on the bib shorts. Cant go wrong with these. Great for century rides.
Review by Anonymous
Great bibs that allow for �comfort� breaks easily. I�m 5� 7� and the mediums are tight but ok. Large fits perfect. I take a medium in everything else. I also regularly ride 200 mile weeks in FL mostly.
Review by Jeff
Great bib, so comfortable! I normally wear medium and had to return for a large. The large is even slightly small, but I like tighter vs baggier, so I'm super happy. I just ordered a second pair.
Review by Old fart
I think Castilli are great bibs always order a size up these ran a little smaller than normal but they are still great
Review by BCarma
Super comfortable. Yes, they are expensive but they are durable. Have been riding for over 20 years, definitely the best bibshorts I've ever had. Euro sizing, I had to get one size up from most brands,
Review by Anonymous
I was so impressed with my first pair.. I ordered a second. All day comfort, big climbing days.. No problem.. Just order 1 to 2 sizes if you are tall (I'm 6ft 2 inches). The suspenders are tight..
Review by Anonymous
I am a fan of Castelli bibs. The fit and compression on these bibs are perfect. I am 5'9' 160lbs and ordered a medium. The reason for not giving the bibs five stars is due to the fact that the stitching was coming out before I wore them. I only realized it about two months after buying them because I ordered in the winter when they were on sale and did not get them out to wear until the spring. Thankfully they are double stitched so they are no serious issues.
Review by Anonymous
Very comfortable and provide good cushion-light weight.
Review by Anonymous
I have always like Castelli. I use several different brands but the Castelli always are a great comfortable well riding bib short for the money.
Review by Anonymous
Can barely feel this chamois on my skin, and the chamois insert is comfortable. No numbness on long rides.