PI definitely hit the mark with these shorts compared to previous iterations, with similarly cushy chamois that's now more fitted and less compressive than older versions. It does a nice job of cushioning on long rides ensuring my perineum doesn't get sore like it does with other brands. I also like how it extends further forward to a bit beyond the perineum, to cushion my man parts just enough to avoid numbness and damp down hard road vibrations, without those parts feeling like they're being stuffed up into my intestines.
The main body fabric is a wonderful blend of stretchy, while being form-fitting and compressive, and it breathes well and doesn't heat up excessively in 90+ degree temps. At 6'3" and having a moderately long torso, these are one of the few bib shorts in a L that have long enough straps I can wear them and not end up with stiff shoulders, neck and upper back from the straps digging in, especially on long and/or vigorous rides.
These are definitely pricey, but well worth the sale price cost. Hoping they last for many years of use and I bought a few at a time to have plenty to rotate.
Essentially the same bib as the Equipe RS Bib Shorts S11, but with a few differences. The RS has bit more room up from than the R, but it's tolerable. The RS has a very thin seam running up the center of the codpiece, and the R does not, so it lays flat much easier despite having less room. On the underside, the front of the chamois of the RS has 24 holes which provide fantastic ventilation. The R does not have these, so it's a better bib overall for cooler rides.
The leg length and S11 compression is exactly the same, as is the strap design / bib attachment. On the underside of the leg openings on the side/back, the R uses a row of 4mm u-shaped grippers, while the RS uses four rows of smaller, 1cm coin-shaped grippers. Both work great and are of course a personal preference.
Other than that, the bibs are almost exactly the same - with the R being slightly less expensive.
This is mainly due to the RS utilizing a more technical, lighter, and breathable strap material than the R.
Can't go wrong with either one.
Unlike most other reviews here, I'd say these bib shorts might not be suitable for everyone. In my case, the thick padding can actually make things worse since it needs to be precisely positioned; otherwise, it creates uncomfortable pressure points underneath. While I've had a few great rides with them, most of the time they've caused discomfort. Many have mentioned no saddle soreness even during long rides, but for me, discomfort typically kicks in after about 5 miles. My bike fitting remained consistent across both good and bad experiences, so it seems my rare positive experiences occurred when I happened to position the padding correctly, while most of the time it was just slightly off.
I have been riding for many years and Castelli used to be one of the few cycling kits available that was decent. Years ago, they suddenly started making (as did many other companies) their products offshore. Sizing was the first problem, products were now at least 2 sizes smaller and the quality started to slip. I gave up and started shopping around more. I took a chance on these shorts and it reinforced my prior discoveries, the sizing was even worse and the quality too. the straps are not even reinforced with seams just thin 1 ply material-fragile at best. These shorts really are not for a serious riding probably ok for a weekend warrior though. Order at least 2 sizes bigger.
