Castelli been pushing the envelope on lightweight shorts since 2011 but have butted up against the limits of compromising durability for ever lighter weight. They needed to step back and find a better way and the result was the Castelli Men's Superleggera Bibshort
Castelli examined what the short really needs to do: it needs to hold the seat pad securely in place while otherwise adding as little weight or fabric as absolutely necessary (without being transparent, obviously), and it needs to last a season of hard use. Castelli engineered a brand-new fabric using a woven rather than a knit that shaves 30% in weight for the same level of support and non-transparency. A gradient fabric that becomes increasingly lighter farther down the leg is one of the many unique features that set this bibshort apart.
This fabric, while being insanely light, maintains a decent durability along with excellent abrasion resistance, at least against the saddle. While, not guaranteed to protect against unplanned slides on asphalt, the fabric offers more than your normal short.
Note that while the short saves a mere 48 grams while dry, this means it also absorbs around 30% less moisture when you're sweating. So when you're sweating your way up the Alpe d'Huez you're actually saving closer to 150 grams.
This short doesn't compromise on comfort. The Superleggera Bibshort utilizes the top Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad, the spectacular striped mesh bibs from the Free Aero Race 4 Bibshort and a flat stretch woven leg gripper to keep everything in place.
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: L20004010-2 |
Black - Medium | Mfg PartNum: L20004010-3 |
Black - Large | Mfg PartNum: L20004010-4 |
Black - X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L20004010-5 |
Black - 2X-Large | Mfg PartNum: L20004010-6 |
I bought these shorts because I sometimes ride on gravel and more often on chip-seal asphalt, either of which could give a nasty case of road-rash if I hit the ground. I've only worn them in cool weather so far and they're good for that because of the 2nd layer on the outside and front of the lower thighs.
As for sizing, I don't understand a 165-pound 34-inch waist reviewer buying size XXL because that's the size I bought and I'm 6'0, almost 215 pounds and close to a 38-inch waist. I'm much more in line with the Castelli size chart. They're snug but not uncomfortably so. I sized up from my usual XL size in other brands and I advise others to do likewise.
I sweat profusely when it is 85 deg and humid when riding hard. Even my Rapha Classic bib shorts would be soaked and starting to rub me uncomfortably. By the Superlegerra has been fantastic, breathing very well and not accumulating sweat. I wear them now for temperatures over 75 degrees.
The Superlegerra jersey is an excellent match, much more comfortable than my Rapha Flyweight jersey.
The only Castelli issue is sizing. The XXL bibshorts and jersey fit my body very well, but note that I am 5' 11", 165 lbs, with a 42" chest, 34" waist, and skinny legs.
