I hate the indoor trainer with a passion, and Zwift makes me ill, so I got determined to find the ultimate winter kit so I can train more outside this winter. After lots of research I decided to go all-in with Castelli, although I'd never tried their stuff before. I got three different bib tights to cover the range of FallSpring and Winter temps. The Sorpasso 2 Wind bib tight is the warmest. They're significantly lighter than my winter Pearl Izumi's but actually warmer. The fabric on the front of the legs blocks the wind and keeps in the warmth with a light, comfy fleece inner surface, while the back and below the knees breathes a little to vent moisture and is more stretchy. The result is that I don't feel any cold wind coming through, yet they vent out the moisture so the legs stay dry even when the effort is high. Castelli gives a temp range of 23-46 degrees, but for me the high 20's is the lower limit (for more reasons than just the tights). A few rides have been around 30 at the start and 50 at the end, and these tights are comfortable all the way. On warmer days, mid 40's to around 60, I switch to my Nanoflex Pro 2 bib tights, which breathe more and are the perfect mid-range tight.
The Sorpasso 2 Wind tights have the superb Castelli fit, craftmanship, and attention to detail. Although the front wind-block fabric isn't super stretchy, the tights are still form-fitting and all-day comfortable, with a chamois that would be comfortable for a century ride. And the back fabric IS super stretchy. And a little rain, no problem, the water beads and rolls off like I'm a duck. Very cool to watch.
I pair these tights with my Alpha RoS jacket for the ultimate winter kit. It's pricey, but I'm very happy I got my mind over the price hurdle and gave Castelli a try. It's my new go-to brand.
Definitely order a size up from what you normally wear in other brands. I'm 5'9, 155 lbs and Castelli Large is a snug fit, with no room to spare.
I suspect these were cut to the same length as the regular Sorpasso straps, but they are anchored less elastic Windstopper fabric which results in a too tight vertical fit. The regular Sorpassos do not offer enough wind protection at the front of the crotch for temperatures below about 4C. These are likely be too warm above 8C though.
I hate riding on a trainer so need warm clothes when winter comes. I have only worn them once. It was in the low 40's and I was comfortable and was leaning toward the too warm side. I am very happy with them. I am 6' and 165 pounds and the XL fit me well. Castelli bibs run on the tight side and I normally wear a large. The XL is comfortable rather than tight. The bib straps are stretchy and very comfortable. Highly recommend these bibs for cold weather riding.
Nice warm waterproof bib. Fleece lined with zippered bottoms. Like bib extending above belly for warmth.
Good fit abdomen, thighs and legs but bib straps VERY tight and uncomfortable on shoulders (6' tall). Ordered same size as my other 4 Castelli bibs which fit well. These don't.
