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

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.

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.

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.

I'm 5'11 190 lbs. I wear large in most cycling bibs or shorts. I followed the advice of many others & ordered XL. Perfect fit. They are comfy, cool, & stylish. The chamois is great for long rides. Too soon to say anything about longevity but was happy I bought these at % off. $ off brought them into the affordable realm for me. My only knock is the long tag in the rear.

I wore these shorts today on a 3 hour ride in 90 degree weather. They were awesome in the heat and I find them more comfortable than any of my other bib shorts.

I sized up from my normal Large size selection and purchased XL's. I am 185 lbs and 5'10.

already my fourth castelli aero race bib. by far the best product on the market. converted my wife and friends. everybody loves them.

use them for DK200 and don't have any butt pain after 200 miles

I have worn these bibs for 2 rides so far, one 24 mile's the other 28. I have not done a long ride yet but on these 2 ride's the shorts were very comfortable and the fit was right on. I'm 5'8 and 143 lbs and the Medium fit tight but perfect on the bike. I need to do a longer ride to be sure on the long distance comfort or I would have given 5 stars.

Castelli always fits me perfectly. Their products last a long time and hold their shape forever. They have a tech look and styling, but not over the top. I highly recommend Castelli.

These are comfortable and fit beautifully! As with most Castelli products, size up one size.