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Castelli Mens Free Aero Race Bib Shorts ( Discontinued )

CastelliMen's Free Aero Race Bib Shorts ( Discontinued )(Return to Product Page)

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(78 customer reviews)
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User submitted reviews

Review by C Buckley

Great Shorts
by C Buckley
Cycling Enthusiast
Austin, TX

These are great shorts, I only wish I had tried them sooner! The chamois is the feature that really makes these so nice, specifically the shape and the way the edges of the chamois are thin to minimize chafing. I have previously used the top model Pearl Izumi bib shorts for years and they performed ok but in the last few years my mileage has increased and I was getting more and more irritationchafing resulting in minor sores (especially in the Central Texas summer sweat season when everything gets soggy). These Castelli shorts rival the much more expensive Assos shorts in comfort and chamois performance. The only thing I would change would be to add a bit of length to the bib straps since I am tall and the size that fits my legships is a bit too shorttight from a length perspective ... it's not really a problem when in riding position but noticeable nonetheless.

Reviewed 8/16/2018
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Review by K. Holland

The best bib shorts I've owned
by K. Holland
Cycling Enthusiast
Chicago area
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short
7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.

The material used in these bib shorts is of very high quality. I have around 1000 miles in them and they've been washed numerous times (be sure to hang dry). All stitching has remained perfect and the material shows no signs of pilling. The leg grippers are thin, simple, comfortable and perform great. The mesh straps are airy and the feel of them disappears while riding. The Progetto x2 air chamois really completes the package. I've had issues in the past with chamois that have uneven edges (pod like areas) where they contact the skin. The ultra soft material of the Progetto X2 chamois is flat with any padding thickness variations taking place below the skin contact surface. I've worn these on several century rides and when paired with DZNUTS chamois cream have had no issues. These are and will continue to be my go to bibs for every ride over 60F. Just waiting for the right price to order more!

Reviewed 10/13/2014
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Review by Quadrifoglio

Most natural and comfortable bib I've owned in 38 years of riding
by Quadrifoglio
New York City, NY
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.

After years of riding $100 bibs, I stepped up for these Castelli's back in January. Bought one pair. I now own four. The most comfortable chamois imaginable! Why do so many manufacturers make their chamois with corduroy ribs and such?! The chamois flexes naturally on the saddle and never feels bulky, yet also provides good comfort. My rides are typically 30-50 miles. They also have good protection up front and I experience no numbness as I have had with some other bibs. The compression on your thighs is firm, but not strangling (I'm XXL with 25 thighs) and the fabric warms up and the fit eases after just a couple of minutes. Excellent construction throughout. Nice bit of graphic flare without being too loud. Love 'em!

Reviewed 8/28/2014
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Review by N. Velez

Perfect
by N. Velez
Miami

Castelli for me has never been a shot in the dark they never disappoint. As always size up. These bibs are great for a hot steamy 3hr ride here in Miami. Comfortable and cool!!!

Reviewed 9/24/2018
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Review by TeamAslan

Great, snug fit, perfect cut
by TeamAslan
Cycling Enthusiast
Colorado Springs CO

My first pair of Castellis, and I'm a believer!! About me I'm 5'9, 168 lbs, with (I think) average thighs.... I bought the Large size and they are snug but not too tight. The shoulder straps feel a bit snug at first, but once on the bike, and after a few wearings, the fit is perfect for me. As some have mentioned the length on the shorts may be a BIT on the short side compared to some others, but I like it, I don't care for some shorts today that seem to hit your knees, so this may be a personal choice. The cut in the front of the shorts is on the lower side which is great for mid-ride nature breaks (as Phil and Paul would say - ha ha ha). All in all, a great investment, and I'll definitely be putting this on my Christmas wish list. More color options would be nice, but that's a minor nit for a great pair of bibs. Get yours now!

Reviewed 9/28/2018
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Review by Anonymous

Sizing Is Meaningless
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Williamsburg, VA

First off, I am 5'11, 180 lbs. I admit that I am a bit heavier than my usual 165 lbs for reasons I won't bore you with. Losing the extra weight is a priority at the moment. That aside, this appears to be a nicely made, if rather pricey, pair of bib shorts. I say appear because I have yet to use them. The reason? The fit! I studied the sizing chart carefully and came away believing the XL would fit me fine. Wrong. I swear, trying to slip this thing on was like putting on a too small condom. It was so tight I could barely breathe. I don't know how much weight I'll have to lose to fit into this, but it could be at least 20 pounds.

My question for Castelli is who are you making these for? Eighteen year-old professional cyclists? Come on, calling this an XL is like calling a size 8 shoe a 12. And whoever came up with that sizing chart needs to get some real world experience.

Reviewed 9/1/2018
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Review by cdoqrun

5'8' 150 LBS size Large fits PERFECTLY
by cdoqrun
Cycling Enthusiast
lebanon ohio
0 of 1 customers found this review helpful.

Century riding often

Reviewed 8/10/2018
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Review by Anonymous

Great bibs
by Anonymous

Excellent fit and compression. Nice chamois. Could be a little longer

Reviewed 7/17/2017
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Review by Patrick

Right stuff
by Patrick
South Texas...where the wind doesn''t blow it suck
0 of 1 customers found this review helpful.

My bib inventory looks like this...only Castelli. My friends ride my 'other' brands castoffs. They will never get my Castelli bibs.

Reviewed 6/19/2017
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Review by Mark12

Looks good but seems a little tight.
by Mark12
Downers Grove, IL

I bought these for the chammie. I normally get regular but these are tight. After riding a while, they seem to loosen up

Reviewed 6/19/2017
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Review by Anonymous

Excellent fit and comfort.
by Anonymous
Competitive Racer
Folsom, CA.

The most comfortable bib shorts I have worn. Excellent padding, no points of discomfort, above average durability.

Reviewed 1/16/2017
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Review by ScottP

Great fabric, not so great fit
by ScottP
Cycling Enthusiast
Florida
1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.

First, the good stuff. The fabric is great - light, supportive, very breathable. The leg grippers are also well designed - somewhat mesh-like, so they're cool in the heat, and they allow some sunlight to pass through which minimizes the sharp tan line lines. Finally, the flat seams are comfortable and non-chafing.

Now the not-so-good, specifically, the fit. As others have mentioned, these run small, so you'll need to order one size larger than normal. And I did, yet they were still very tight in the quads (everywhere else was fine). The oddest part of the fit was the pad. There's an ample amount of padding at the rear of the pad, well beyond what would make contact with the saddle, and seemingly unnecessary. On the other hand, there's a distinct lack of padding in the frontal area. While some might this free sensation (they are called Aero Free after all), I found it uncomfortable after 50 miles in hot weather. Finally, the padding itself seems very thick (too thick) in the perineal area which hampers long-ride comfort.

As a point a reference, I have several top-end bibs by Assos, Nalini, Squadra and ViFra, none of which give me any problems, even on longer (100) mile rides. These Castelli's are distinctly less comfortable than all the others (some costing much less) and will likely be relegated to short races and club rides. Sad, since I have several Castelli jerseys and gloves and they're among my favorites.

Reviewed 12/27/2016
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Review by FeltF2rider

Should have tried bibs sooner.
by FeltF2rider
Cycling Enthusiast
Edmonds Wa

Although more than I would have spent on competitors shorts, these are worth it. Tight but in a good way, and the chamois is not overly big but does the job well. I can't give some rave review like a scribe in a magazine but these fit very well and are probably going limit the use of my other shorts. I am quite pleased with this purchase and can say you definatley get what you pay for. I will buy another set for sure.

Reviewed 3/31/2016
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Review by Fenster

Great product! 6'1 180 lbs ... XL fits perfect!
by Fenster
Houston
5 of 6 customers found this review helpful.

Cycling primarily - chamois is amazing.

Reviewed 1/19/2015
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Review by Biker Doc

My first pair of bib shorts
by  Biker Doc
Cycling Enthusiast
SW Ohio
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short

my first pair of bib shorts. Researched for days before pulling the trigger. Love 'me! Great fit and very comfortable.

Reviewed 10/9/2014
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Review by JMATandem

Well-Made but odd fit
by JMATandem
Cycling Enthusiast
Los Angeles, CA
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short
6 of 7 customers found this review helpful.

I like these bib shorts (I wear only bibs now), but the fit is a bit odd. I'm a 34 waist, and needed an Extra-Large, and then the leg-grippers are a bit too big. Maybe these are made for younger guys with skinny waists and humongous legs, and the sizing reflects the quad size, no the waist. I dunno. I just roll up the leg grippers and enjoy the rest the fit and the great chamois. I'm not sure I'd buy another pair, I bought these to see how I'd like them. Overall, they're pretty good, but I do better with Pearl Izumi PRO bibs.

Reviewed 9/20/2014
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Review by JRinTexas

New favorite bibs.
by JRinTexas
Cleburne, TX
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short
5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.

My experience with bibs consists of Pearl Izumi Elite, PI Pro and Louis Garneau Elite Lazer bibs all size large. My favorite and most comfortable have been the PI Elite. I ordered these Castelli's in size large and could barely squeeze into them. I re-ordered an XL and I absolutely love the fit and comfort. I am 5'10, 180 lbs. My longest ride in these bibs has been 112 miles and they were very comfortable.

I absolutely intend to order another pair of theses Castelli bibs when I have to replace one of PI bibs.

Reviewed 8/29/2014
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Review by Eric H

okay after 1 year use
by Eric H
Cycling Enthusiast
California
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short
3 of 4 customers found this review helpful.

I have many different bibs from most major vendors. I've used these bibs for about 1 year maybe 30 times. The stickers are all delaminating (most other manufactures have figured this out)--gentle wash, never used dryer. And, the pad is holding up okay. Frankly, I think Capo for same price point is probably a better buy, at least for me.....

Reviewed 7/24/2014
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Review by Letrfly

Most comfortable bib shorts I've worn
by Letrfly
Cycling Enthusiast
Utah
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short
4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.

The look and fit are excellent, and the chamois itself feels like it was tailor made for me. The fabric is light and perfect for hot summer days. Allows for great freedom of movement. Chamois might be a little on the light side if you are looking for bibs to carry you through a long ride, however. If I plan on riding more than 50 miles or so I go to a more heavy duty chamois. But on shorter rides this is the way to go. Yes, they size small so order up one size.

Reviewed 7/11/2014
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Review by Anonymous

Great shorts for riding all day
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
New Jersey
Review for Castelli 2014 Men's Free Aero Race Bib Short
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.

Paid a little extra to get these shorts, it was well worth it. They work flawlessly and fit comfortably. I am 5' 11 185 and the XL fits great. I did not realize this is part of Castelli's Rosso Corsa line.

Reviewed 6/30/2014
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