I followed the recommendations about ordering a size larger because they run small. It would be better to recommend two sizes larger. I ordered one size larger than all other short and bibs I have and these are not wearable. They are extremely small and do not fit. Never had this problem before in ordering shorts or bibs.
This is my fourth pair of Castelli shorts, which seem to have lasted for about as long as any other shorts before getting thin places. I agree with other reviewers that these run very small as a larger size is necessary. The picture on the website partly shows the inside of the shorts-there is no red band around the outside on the top. By the way, the little kiss tag on the backside is not too cool, but was easy to cut off.
This was my first pair of Castelli's, my standby short or bib has been Pearl for year, but always like giving other brands a try. I am 5'9 158 pounds with a 32 waist and looking at the reviews, I thought a large would be the right size. Out of the box, they were extremely tight in the thighs, my thigh is 16 at the base of the short. Everything else felt pretty tight too, but it did loosen up after a few washes. Most shorts are tighter at the base then the rest of the leg to keep the shorts from moving up, but these are equally tight over the entire leg. Not to the point of being uncomfortable though. Where these shorts disappointed me the most is during any climbing at all, the waistline rides down in the back to the point it is almost half way down my rear! There is no drawstring to hold them against the waist. Maybe an XL would fit better, but from a person who has never had a problem with shorts, I'm not going to experiment on them again. They look great, but the only time I wear them is on short rides with my wife.
I bought 2 pair of these shorts - they have become my go-to shorts and I barely wear any of my others. They are comfortable, lightweight and warm in the cooler temps. Padding is generous. Sometimes it chafes a little bit on longer rides, but generally quite good.
I've had mine for about 6 months, probably usedwashed for about 50 rides. These are the favorites, always being the first out of the drawer. They fit very well with no wrinkles and I have no issues with comfort on even the longest rides. With Castelli, I go for one size larger than I use with Pearl. We wash them with cool water, but always line dry. So far the elasticity has held up like new.
First pair of Castelli shorts. Really liked them. Even at the entry level pair I found them comfortable on the ride. Longest ride 2.5 hours and no issues. Rotated with a few other pairs of shorts, hand washed for most part. Problem silicone leg grip strip delaminated from the spandex as I put them on for a ride. Returned as was within the year warranty, received a credit. I like them, would like to have a Castelli, but likely need to pay up for a higher level unless they use the same leg grip system on those. Liked the shorts in terms of looks and fit when on the bike (where it counts), but need to have confidence they will hold up.
This is my first Castelli short. Its very well made, it should last. The padding is midweight, but was enough for a century. Im looking forward to many rides with these shorts.
FIRST YOU MUST ORDER ONE SIZE LARGER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED .... HAND WASH LINE DRY AND WILL LAST FOR YEARS ... I HAVE A PAIR FROM 5 YEARS AGO WITH SO MUCH USE STARTING TO LOOSE THE PATCHES BUT THE ELASTIC IS STRONG AND NOW I WEAR THEM ONLY FOR GYM USE...THE STITCHING IS STRONG - THE COMFORT EXCEPTIONAL ...
Castelli designs great cycling clothes period. Of course as a long time supplier to the professional peloton their high end stuff is pricey. But even their lower price clothes is better than most other brands. The Evolutione 2 short is a great example of quality ata good price, even better on sale. You could spend more for lesser quality tha these shorts.
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Castelli is my favorite cycling clothes designer and as a long time supplier to the professional peloton. I am no stone as a fan. Of course their intelligently designed high end stuff is pricey but even their lesser priced shorts like the Evolution