Castelli

Free Aero RC Bib Short - Men's

Best shorts I've ever owned

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

XL

Height:

6' 1"

Weight:

200

Make no mistake, these are targeted towards the single digit body fat, 1000K/week, leg shaving crowd. Designed to fit snugly on low volume body to maximize the compression effect and whatever aero benefits that are claimed. That's not me. 6' 1" and some change, between 200 and 205, and it's not all muscle. Size chart suggests XL, which is what I bought. Pulling these on, you notice the fit, but once you're on the bike, they disappear. One of the best pads available, the compression effect is noticeable, especially on tired legs, and a long cut on the legs to cover my longer femur bones. They are not for everyone, but for a certain type of user, they are as good as it gets.

Great shorts if you're short.

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

6"1" and 155# XXL straps STILL dug into upper traps. Otherwise great quality stuff.

Too small

Size Bought:

XL, 2X

Too small, way too small! Could barely fit into 2X. I’m not that big 6’0”, 195#

Love Castelli, but not these

If you like loose leg-grippers and painful straps, these are for you!

Horrible sizing/fit

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Large

Weight:

180

These bibs run SUPER small. I'm 6'-0", 180lbs and wear a large in every other brand (Rapha, Le Col, Giordana, Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi) but i could even get these on. I don't even think an extra large would fit. Not only that but they are cut extremely weird. They manage to go all the way down to the top of my knees while simultaneously having shoulder straps that were too short to even attempt to get them over my shoulders. I tried but I was afraid I was going to rip them, that's how short the straps were. They also seem to be made out of a very abrasive fabric, I can't imagine that they would be comfortable. I highly recommend avoiding these bibs but if you must, size up AT LEAST one size.

Nice piece of kit

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Large

Excellent quality. Nice chamois. It's like a honeycomb cell structure put the foam is fairly firm, which I like. A smidge on the small side for me but I can pull and shimmy into them. I'm 6' even and 185 lbs. Most brands' large size fir me perfectly but these are very tight and the straps could be a bit longer. I've worn other Castelli stuff in the past, which always runs on the slightly smaller side compared to American brands, but this is even small by their standards.

Very confortable.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Very light and confortable, size up. Good for long redes. I usualy buy Large in other brands and XL in Castellis.

Runs small, bib straps are uncomfortable

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Lg

Weight:

173

In the same size, the Aero RC fits smaller than a pair of Espresso bibs. The pad is nice and located well. The material used in the lower is comfortable and the legs do stay down without silicone gripper. The bib straps are just bad though. They aren't at all soft so are prone to raw nips. The also aren't very stretchy and are cut short for the size. So much tighter than the straps of the Espresso bibs of the same size. And there is an uncomfortable seam in the yoke that is itchy & scratchy on the upper back.

Great bibs

it’s very good choice for the price I bought them, regular price its a little high but the quality it’s really good and the chamois are the most comfortable that I have for a long ride

Weird sizing, even more than normal

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Small

Height:

5' 8"

Weight:

150

I wear size small in Castelli not counting jackets I intentionally bought in medium for additional space to layer. Rosso Corsa series included. Depending on the Castelli piece, their fitting descriptions generally makes sense for me. A "race" fit is exactly that, compressive and aero. "Tailored" similarly delivers - not as racy, still nothing flapping, but not as aggressive a fit as "race". Their "regular" for my deep winter bib tights deliver on that idea. This Aero Race series though... It doesn't help that the materials aren't particularly stretchy. It's very tight but I can tolerate them once they're on, but getting in is tough. This is made worse by possibly weak seam stitching compared to other lines; the very first time I carefully put them on I heard a "pop" of stitching letting go. I gave it a chance (which I regret) to break in as Castelli's new Espresso and some others for sure break in a little bit. But after several uses it's still very tight even for "race day" kit I intended it to be, well beyond "compressive". I've got stitching letting go and there's really no break in. For comparison I have a Climber's jersey purchased at the same time in small. It's supposed to be the same race cut and fit, and it's perfect, while the Aero jersey is just too tight. It fit out of the bag, broke in ever so slightly - and it's perfect. Sadly I'm just beyond 30 days for returns (I asked and understandably was refused other than a 15% discount) so this is mostly just a very tight and expensive disappointment. Bottomline is size up (even MORE, even if you don't normally) and don't assume there will be any break in. If it's too tight when you try them on for the first time they'll likely stay that way. This applies to the jersey too.