CastelliMen's Free Aero Race Bib Shorts ( Discontinued )(Return to Product Page)

These are great shorts, I only wish I had tried them sooner! The chamois is the feature that really makes these so nice, specifically the shape and the way the edges of the chamois are thin to minimize chafing. I have previously used the top model Pearl Izumi bib shorts for years and they performed ok but in the last few years my mileage has increased and I was getting more and more irritationchafing resulting in minor sores (especially in the Central Texas summer sweat season when everything gets soggy). These Castelli shorts rival the much more expensive Assos shorts in comfort and chamois performance. The only thing I would change would be to add a bit of length to the bib straps since I am tall and the size that fits my legships is a bit too shorttight from a length perspective ... it's not really a problem when in riding position but noticeable nonetheless.

The material used in these bib shorts is of very high quality. I have around 1000 miles in them and they've been washed numerous times (be sure to hang dry). All stitching has remained perfect and the material shows no signs of pilling. The leg grippers are thin, simple, comfortable and perform great. The mesh straps are airy and the feel of them disappears while riding. The Progetto x2 air chamois really completes the package. I've had issues in the past with chamois that have uneven edges (pod like areas) where they contact the skin. The ultra soft material of the Progetto X2 chamois is flat with any padding thickness variations taking place below the skin contact surface. I've worn these on several century rides and when paired with DZNUTS chamois cream have had no issues. These are and will continue to be my go to bibs for every ride over 60F. Just waiting for the right price to order more!

Castelli for me has never been a shot in the dark they never disappoint. As always size up. These bibs are great for a hot steamy 3hr ride here in Miami. Comfortable and cool!!!

First off, I am 5'11, 180 lbs. I admit that I am a bit heavier than my usual 165 lbs for reasons I won't bore you with. Losing the extra weight is a priority at the moment. That aside, this appears to be a nicely made, if rather pricey, pair of bib shorts. I say appear because I have yet to use them. The reason? The fit! I studied the sizing chart carefully and came away believing the XL would fit me fine. Wrong. I swear, trying to slip this thing on was like putting on a too small condom. It was so tight I could barely breathe. I don't know how much weight I'll have to lose to fit into this, but it could be at least 20 pounds.

My question for Castelli is who are you making these for? Eighteen year-old professional cyclists? Come on, calling this an XL is like calling a size 8 shoe a 12. And whoever came up with that sizing chart needs to get some real world experience.

First, the good stuff. The fabric is great - light, supportive, very breathable. The leg grippers are also well designed - somewhat mesh-like, so they're cool in the heat, and they allow some sunlight to pass through which minimizes the sharp tan line lines. Finally, the flat seams are comfortable and non-chafing.

Now the not-so-good, specifically, the fit. As others have mentioned, these run small, so you'll need to order one size larger than normal. And I did, yet they were still very tight in the quads (everywhere else was fine). The oddest part of the fit was the pad. There's an ample amount of padding at the rear of the pad, well beyond what would make contact with the saddle, and seemingly unnecessary. On the other hand, there's a distinct lack of padding in the frontal area. While some might this free sensation (they are called Aero Free after all), I found it uncomfortable after 50 miles in hot weather. Finally, the padding itself seems very thick (too thick) in the perineal area which hampers long-ride comfort.

As a point a reference, I have several top-end bibs by Assos, Nalini, Squadra and ViFra, none of which give me any problems, even on longer (100) mile rides. These Castelli's are distinctly less comfortable than all the others (some costing much less) and will likely be relegated to short races and club rides. Sad, since I have several Castelli jerseys and gloves and they're among my favorites.

Although more than I would have spent on competitors shorts, these are worth it. Tight but in a good way, and the chamois is not overly big but does the job well. I can't give some rave review like a scribe in a magazine but these fit very well and are probably going limit the use of my other shorts. I am quite pleased with this purchase and can say you definatley get what you pay for. I will buy another set for sure.

Cycling primarily - chamois is amazing.

Well made pair of bibs, and price on BikeTiresDirect was best on internet. !

I like these bib shorts (I wear only bibs now), but the fit is a bit odd. I'm a 34 waist, and needed an Extra-Large, and then the leg-grippers are a bit too big. Maybe these are made for younger guys with skinny waists and humongous legs, and the sizing reflects the quad size, no the waist. I dunno. I just roll up the leg grippers and enjoy the rest the fit and the great chamois. I'm not sure I'd buy another pair, I bought these to see how I'd like them. Overall, they're pretty good, but I do better with Pearl Izumi PRO bibs.

My experience with bibs consists of Pearl Izumi Elite, PI Pro and Louis Garneau Elite Lazer bibs all size large. My favorite and most comfortable have been the PI Elite. I ordered these Castelli's in size large and could barely squeeze into them. I re-ordered an XL and I absolutely love the fit and comfort. I am 5'10, 180 lbs. My longest ride in these bibs has been 112 miles and they were very comfortable.

I absolutely intend to order another pair of theses Castelli bibs when I have to replace one of PI bibs.

The look and fit are excellent, and the chamois itself feels like it was tailor made for me. The fabric is light and perfect for hot summer days. Allows for great freedom of movement. Chamois might be a little on the light side if you are looking for bibs to carry you through a long ride, however. If I plan on riding more than 50 miles or so I go to a more heavy duty chamois. But on shorter rides this is the way to go. Yes, they size small so order up one size.

fits just fine, the small was perfect. the chamois is a little thick and does cause some hot spots on warm, sweaty days.

These really are the best pair of bib shorts I have ever owned........got a great price on them from BTD. Likely to never buy anything else anywhere else ever again. Chamois is quality with minimal seems. Fit was just right. Was concerned to buy larger bc its Castelli but it was spot on. Thanks BTD for offering at such a good price

I have two other Castelli bibs (both size small) that while they fit tight they are also comfortable. Thinking that this style Castelli bib would be sized similarly I purchase a small size. However I can hardly get these bibs on, these are much tighter than my previous Castelli bibs. Haven't tried to ride with them yet but the chamois feels great once I wiggle into the bibs. I just hope the seams hold up once I start riding. I would have returned them but had purchased the bibs on sale and there were no medium sizes at the sale price. I am 5'7 and 143 lbs with a 30 in. waist.

While Castelli can change sizing from time to time. These are some of my all time favorites!

Great chamois, comfortable straps, no bunching in the groin. I'm 5'8 and 165 lbs, and large is a good fit.

The Castelli bibs are the most comfortable shorts I wear. I am able to ride for HOURS with no discomfort. I highly recommend Castelli bibs. They really do run small relative to their identified size.

Like the fit and comfort over long rides

An awesome pair of bibs!......but be sure to order one or two sizes up from your normal size! Castelli is not the cheapest.....but you get what you pay for! Very comfortable for all day rides!

Great looking pair of bib shorts for long rides. Excellent feel and comfort. You may need to size up, I'm 5'11 and 175 lbs and large fits perfect.