The Castelli Men's Free Aero RC Bibshort is Castelli's top race short, which also means that it's insanely comfortable even if you never pin on a number.
It's fair to say that the Free Aero RC has been in development for the past 15 years. That's how long it's been since the original Free Aero Race Bibshort was first introduced, initially as Castelli's top-of-the-line race short. Since then it has won three Tours de France, three Giro d'Italia, one Vuelta and San Remo, but it also became the best-selling product in the history of Castelli because, simply put, these are the bibs that do everything well.
The concept is quite simple: start with the best pad made, surround it with a supportive short with good muscle compression, and then remove everything else that's not absolutely necessary.
You feel Free because of further refinements to the Progetto X2 Air seamless seat pad. The two densities of foam plus the gel pads provide progressive damping, while the separate Skin Care Layer is soft and stretchy to move with your skin.
You feel Free because this is the first high-end short that doesn't need any sort of gripper or elastic at the end of the leg to keep the leg in place. Getting this right meant 28 prototypes and one of Castelli's most extensive test programs, and the result is the most comfortable leg ending in the Castelli catalog.
The Forza 2 fabric has 32% Lycra with a high modulus for exceptional muscle support and just the right amount of compression. There's reflective piping on the back. And all logos are either stitched or embossed for durability.
Free Exchanges: This product qualifies for free exchanges within the first 60 days after order. We'll cover the shipping both ways for US customers if you need a different size and/or color of this product. Returned product must be in new condition with all labels and packaging. Free exchanges apply only for product in stock or available for backorder.
B-Stock - This product has one or more B-Stock units available. These units can be purchased at a discount (see option select). B-Stock units were returned from other customers and may have missing or damaged packaging materials. These units are otherwise as new. The full manufacturer warranty applies. Click Here for more information.
S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | |
Chest | 36¼" | 37¾" | 39½" | 41¼" | 43¼" | 45¼" |
Waist | 31½" | 33" | 34½" | 36½" | 38½" | 40½" |
Hips | 37" | 38½" | 40" | 42" | 44" | 46" |
Inseam | 32¼" | 32.67" | 33" | 33½" | 33.85" | 34¼" |
Style Type: Bibs | |
Black - Small | Mfg PartNum: L4522000010-2 |
Black - Medium | Mfg PartNum: L4522000010-3 |
Black - Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000010-4 |
Black - X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000010-5 |
Black - 2X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000010-6 |
Black - 3X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000010-7 |
Dark Grey - Small | Mfg PartNum: L4522000030-2 |
Dark Grey - Medium | Mfg PartNum: L4522000030-3 |
Dark Grey - Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000030-4 |
Dark Grey - X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000030-5 |
Dark Grey - 2X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000030-6 |
Gunmetal Gray - Small | Mfg PartNum: L4522000125-2 |
Gunmetal Gray - Medium | Mfg PartNum: L4522000125-3 |
Gunmetal Gray - Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000125-4 |
Gunmetal Gray - X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000125-5 |
Gunmetal Gray - 2X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000125-6 |
Steel Blue - Small | Mfg PartNum: L4522000473-2 |
Steel Blue - Medium | Mfg PartNum: L4522000473-3 |
Steel Blue - Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000473-4 |
Steel Blue - X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000473-5 |
Steel Blue - 2X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L4522000473-6 |
I am a Castelli devotee . Been wearing their products for years. Sometimes though you get surprised. These are really designed for racing with a highly compressive fabric suited for a leaner body type. They didn't work for my 70+ year old body. Just too tight around the torso and legs, and the bib straps were quite rigid. Can't return them, so going to try and sell them, but I did order the Espresso bib shorts which are basically the same bibs without the heavy compressive fabric using the same Progetto X2 chamois. Much happier. Just for reference, I am 5'6" and weigh 158 and bought a Medium.
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 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!
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.