Castelli

Free Aero RC Bib Short - Men's

Sizing way off and fabric not elastic

I love Castelli tops and accessories. I used to sell Castelli at one point of my life. Their quality and thought for the cyclist is usually higher than most. These are my first Castelli bibs. I have multiple brands from Pearl Izumi Pro to AGU, to Scott Pro +++, etc. I am 6’1”, 210 lbs, 35” waist pants and athletic build no tummy. I typically wear an XL in bibshorts and Xxl in jerseys. I wanted to love these shorts which I ordered in XXL per the reviews. The fit was terrible. I got it on but it feels like you are wearing thick nonelastic rubber similar to heavy resistance bands. I suppose this is what Castelli think is compression. It felt similar perhaps to a thick utility denim skin suit. I would have to be 180lbs with slightly less muscle on my legs for them to work. The shoulder straps are abrasive. I returned them and bought the Castelli Espresso bibshort in XXL. That short is a winner. It has true elastic compression. Stay away from the RC unless you are very slim for your height and like shorts that go to the knees. The chamois is great but the nicest part is towards the very rear. It tapers thin quickly as you go anterior. If they had extended the thick pad forward and to the middle just three more centimeters.

Best shorts I've ever owned

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

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

Size Bought:

XXL

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

Too small

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

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.

Fits super small

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Size Bought:

l

Weight:

190

Very nice, but fits super small. I'm no stranger to euro sizing. But at 6 feet tall 190, the sizer large bibs were not just tight. They were unwearable. Be sure to size up from your normal size.

Nice piece of kit

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

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

Size Bought:

XL

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

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.