Castelli Men's Free Aero RC Bibshort

Its always about the pad. Its a personal journey!

So far the best pad I have used, POC, Sugoi, Castelli-KissAir, Craft. Now the Castelli Progetto pad.

I have long legs so finding bib shorts that don't look like those wrestlers nut-smasher bibs, is a challenge. These bibs are just above the knee and grip my matchsticks well. There is no evident gripper, so they are very comfortable. Fabric is very soft. I have Castelli bib knickers with the Kiss Pad. Comfortable, but too bulky IMO. This pad better. And did I mention more comfortable? It is a smaller pad in section/ profile so it is just better. Don't get me wrong, The Kiss Pad is excellent. These are just more excellent er!

The straps, like all the Castelli bib lines are slightly shorter to accommodate an aero position, thus maintaining tension on the straps at all times. Some people with longer torsos complain about this. Not a problem for me at all. I like the tight straps because I really dislike catching the bib pad on the saddle every time I am out of the saddle.

I have learned the painful way. NEVER short sell your butt time in the saddle!

5'10" 36" inseam 32" Waist 160lbs I bought XL but I could have/ should have taken an L

WBW had these on sale so I jumped in and I wasn't disappointed. If I ever see another sale like that, Ill be buying another pair...

The manufacturing is impeccable and I expect this product to perform as good as the first day that I put them on for the very first time. Castelli is my go to Manufacturer.

Great quality and durability.

I bought these bibs because they're awesome Castelli makes great products. I was not disappointed they fit and feel amazing the chamois is so comfortable it makes for a very comfortable ride . They look great too which doesn't hurt!

Compared to the prior version of the aero race bib, I think the increased compression and new materials are a nice upgrade. Leg material is really nice with good compression., midsection feels fine, unabtrusive despite feeling higher up the tummy. straps are interesting and a bit rigid with a bit more reinforcement/padding in the shoulders. Also, I've always worn mediums (6', 165lbs with slightly larger legs and rump and thinner torso) and I find these a bit too tight and the shoulder straps too short for my height. I should probably have gotten large, but I'll just try to stretch out these mediums and see what happens.

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.

Purchased 2 pairs they are fantastic, great Chamois, fantastic compression great fit

I had to give 4 stars because 1 seam on the rt leg is a bit rough I'm awaiting response from Castelli

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.