These shorts are comfortable and great value for bibs. Medium size is about right (5'9" 150 lbs.). Good leg length and grippers with light compression. Chamois doesn't bind or bunch and doesn't slip or stick. Straps are set wide enough for no nipple chafing. Cheap enough on discount to get a couple to be able to rotate for indoor training.
The shorts fabric is on the thinner side so probably better for summer and warmer shoulder season. The chamois pad thickness is about average and compression is fine for a couple hours. (For longer rides I'd go with a thicker chamois like Assos.) I recommend this for a first timer or when you need a low cost bib.
I bought 2 of the Endura Men's 6 panel shorts, then went back and ordered 2 more on sale. I bought them for trainer rides this winter, but I will be wearing these out in the wild (as opposed to just the garage) come spring. The pad is low profile and much better than other shorts that I've bought for the trainer. Comfort and fit are good. I bought a large and I'm 5'8 and (unfortunately) 185 lbs right now. They might be even better if I lose some weight. Regardless, excellent value and surprisingly happy with them.
This is my favorite winter jacket and I have a lot of 'em. Here in the Eastern Sierra it is high, dry and cold, by which I mean in the low thirties (fahrenheit!). This jacket was made for such conditions, the Alpha direct insulation and advanced breathable shell make for a comfortably dry and therefore warm ride. It's not actually a substitute for its predecessor, the Alpha Doppio, which I also have, because this jacket is stretchy and fits tight, which limits layering. The Doppio is (much) more weather proof and has room for more layers, so I save it for the stormy days. Finally, the caveat is, this jacket is not perfectly windproof despite what the ad copy says. It takes a very cold day with a headwind, but I have to break out the shell. I have that with me anyway, because as Castelli admits, this is a fair weather jacket...
I have a couple musts when it comes to shorts and bibs, starting with a long inseam. I like my shorts legs to come nearly all the way to the knee to prevent any skin contact with bike frame. These are great on that count. I also like a snug fit and usually get a size smaller than recommended. I went medium with these and the fit is right. I've purchased a couple Rapha bib shorts (regularly $130) as well in the past year and I'd say these are comparable. I purchased on sale and they are definitely worth the sale price, but I'm not so sure they are worth the regular MSRP.
