Yes, Castelli Men's Free Aero RC Bibshorts are expensive. Yes, they are thin and won't protect you from the cold. But Castelli Men's Free Aero RC Bibshorts are fast, tight, comfortable, well made, and good looking. They will never irritate your private parts. They are made of high quality materials that look awesome months after months of use and washes (though I try to buy one per year, I still rotate with the old ones, even during not-so-cold winter rides). I am not a racer, but I appreciate the extra pocket in the back for your radio or garage opener. It's a little detail but it is really practical. The new model features a pocket that is lower and bigger, so it fits even my big iPhone. Fabrics for my 2023 model came slightly different and improved from the previous ones, and I like them. Fabrics front and under have a subtle strip design, the sides are slightly thicker and darker, and the straps are less transparent as they feature stronger stretch and support. Big fan. (This time I bought the black on black. BTD had the lowest price of any web store.)
I reserve these for longer rides, where the advantage over less expensive options becomes more obvious. I like the feel of the material, and the straps and leg cuffs are very comfortable. However, what impresses me most are two things. First is the chamois, which is great because I don't notice it or think about it (unlike some others that make me squirm around or get out of the saddle every so often after 20-25 miles). I was expecting that from other reviews I've read, but what I didn't expect and really like is the slight compression the bib shorts provide. I have other bib shorts that feel snug and support my muscles, but the Aero RC bib shorts go beyond that and seemingly help my legs stay fresh longer. Size up as usual for Castelli and take them out for a very long spin. Yeah, you'll still wish they didn't cost so much, but you'll understand why they're worth it.
I have used multiple other brands bib shorts, and have had the impression that Castelli was the best, so I dove in.
The first 20-mile ride with these wasn't good. The straps rubbed the nipples raw and developed an abrasion on the left hip from the seam. I have been riding and using bib shorts for 15 years and have never had either of these issues with rides up to 200 miles in one day with the other brands.
