Castelli represents one of the premium bib/jersey brands on this site and the higher pricing in this case translates to better materials and more focus on performance-fit, aero and temp/moisture management benefits. You don't pick this brand to go longer-you pick them because when you are working on the bike, you don't want the distraction of discomfort whether that's in a 30 minute crit or a double metric century.
These specific bibs are a great way to introduce Castelli into the wardrobe, and since Castelli fit is generally more snug than other brands, a less expensive way to figure the sizing out. The brand is definitely race fit, which means for athletic builds they will feel comfortably compressive, but for less athletic body types this translates to tight and you'd either have to upsize for a bit looser fit giving up some of the benefits.
The main difference between this bib and their higher end offerings is the chamois. Highly personal preference, but I find the chamois very good, no friction or discomfort, and have zero issues on base mile rides of 2-4 hours. While I'm sure they'd be fine for all-day rides, I'd generally go for something a little beefier down under.
The bibs are very comfortable than the norm. Especially when I consistently ride between 3 1/2 to 5 hour.
My 1st pair of Castelli bibs, nicely made, good material, great fit, and compression, and the chamois is not too bulky, I'd say just right! the logos are rubberized, and will probably peel off after a few washes. Overall a great value on a well made piece of gear
Spotted this at a pretty good price, and like others, guessed wrong on the size. Made a swap for one size larger to fit my hips and quads (5'9 and 140 lbs, wound up with a large). It's a good fit with excellent overall muscle support....EXCEPT for the verrrry small area where my male parts are supposed to go. I'm not singing soprano but this might be a real problem on longer rides.
My 1st pair of Castelli bibs, nicely made, good material, great fit, and compression, and the chamois is not too bulky, I'd say just right! the logos are rubberized, and will probably peel off after a few washes. Overall a great value on a well made piece of gear
A little tight and small for its size.
Your service always the best.
Cheers
A little tight and small for its size.
Your service is always the best.
Cheers
At $50, these are certainly serviceable for a weekend warrior or the occasional short ride. I owned these for a few months and used them a few times a week as backup bibs, usually on 1 hr. rides, and they worked just fine. My main bibs became threadbare right around the time quarantine hit, so these became my go-to bibs. As I took longer rides, I noticed a substantial amount if irritation around the seams of the chamois. I initially thought this may be related to nothing more than longer days in the saddle, but as soon as I switched back to (another pair) of my standard go-to bibs, the irritation subsided. I now only use them for short rides or quick indoor sessions.
Also, as noted in the description, these definitely run a bit small, so consider purchasing a size larger than usual.
I'm much more of the type of person to relish submitting a raving review of approval (cough, POC Octal!, cough), but this time, nope!
When people say Castelli sizes their stuff smaller than average they ain't kidding!. I should have returned these things the first time I squeezed into them, but figured who wants pre-owned bibs? Then, trying to make the best of it, I rode in them ... one time ... 32 painful miles, only to feel like a vice grip was doing its worst to my tender bits. When I got home, I made good on my promise to myself and ceremoniously tossed them (and my money, goodbye).
There may, MAY have been redeeming value to these things if I had gotten one or two sizes larger, but who'd figure a guy who's 5' 8 and isn't morbidly obese would need a size XXL?
Sorry Castelli, I've liked some of your other stuff, but this one was a giant fail in my book.
I was convinced to try these by the low sale price tag. Ended up paying to return them upon arrival. Going up the standard 1 size for Castelli and the fit was fine. The quality on the other hand is very poor. The shorts are scratchy in several areas and there is almost no stretch on the legs with virtually no grippers. In other places the stitching wasnt great. For just a little bit more you can get better bibs that wont feel so cheap. Disappointed in Castelli for even producing this one. Its made me question the brand.
Love, love, love these shorts. I was slightly skeptical of the KISS chamois, as I was used to the Progetto x2 pad. But, as usual, I am pleasantly surprised at the ability of the Castelli bibs to hold all my bits snug enough without cutting circulation. I routinely ride 25-40 miles in these shorts and I will definitely purchase another pair. I am a sprinter build, massive thighs, trim, 190 lbs. 6'1 and the Large fit like a glove. And of course, these were on a brilliant sale.
Quality Castelli! I like the high rise in the front of the bibs (ride to drink more beer!), not the current low cut bib style. Medium size was spot on, 3-4-5 hour rides are fine in 100 degree temps. Time will tell if they will last more than a season with a nice rotation of my other bibs.
Fits well, does not wrinkle or pinch or bunch anywhere especially when pedaling hard or just coasting. feels great after riding for hours, bib straps do not bunch or crimp. Chamois feels good and does not irritate the skin after hours of riding.
Fit great and lasts a long time My second pair
These fit great and look great too. I'm 5'8 with 34 waist and weigh about 160 lbs and the large is a perfect size. The compression and the padding make for more pleasant rides.
Got this a few weeks ago and finally used this past weekend. With temps soaring in TX, the fit and comfort of this really helps! Sizing runs smaller so get one size up. Overall, a great buy
Best bang for the buck. I use this on my smart trainer and outside. I can easily ride 50 miles without any discomfort. This is what I use as my regular daily training shorts. I own 4 pairs.
I like this pair of big shorts. I'd give it a full five if the legs were just an inch or two longer though.
With every Castelli bib apparel, it runs small. Size up unless you really like it snug. The padding was comfortable but stiff in my opinion. Otherwise for the price its a good deal.
I wasn't able to wear them. I am normally LXL size. Ordered XL and couldn't get them on. Returned for the next size larger but was given a refund instead.