Sorry, this product is no longer available!
Castelli Free Aero RC Pro Bib Shorts - SS22 is no longer available at Merlin Cycles. However you may find an alternative or updated product below.
Castelli Free Aero RC Pro Bib Shorts - SS22 is no longer available at Merlin Cycles. However you may find an alternative or updated product below.
Castelli Free Aero RC Pro Bib Shorts - SS22
This item was discontinued 7th March 2024.
If you require help finding an alternative to this product please contact customer services.
Code:: CS220020
Castelli Free Aero RC Pro Bib Shorts - SS22
The Castelli Free Aero RC Pro Bib Shorts are the latest reincarnation of Castelli’s all-time best-selling model, known for doing everything well. Engineered as fast, top-level racing bib shorts, they expertly combine luxury with speed, being built around Castelli’s best seat pad, the Progetto X² Air seamless.
Constructed with two densities of foam and gel pads that absorb vibrations and improve ride quality, not to mention a soft upper layer that moves with the skin, this pad offers superb long-distance comfort.
Half the number of panels in the short portion means less seams, making these bib shorts easier to wear than ever, as do the minimalist, breathable mesh bib straps, constructed with an open weave and narrow coverage for maximum airflow. There’s also a convenient mesh pocket in the centre back for nutrition and other essentials.
Meanwhile, after 28 prototypes and their most extensive testing programme ever, Castelli has succeeded in creating a raw cut leg ending that stays put without grippers – their most comfortable ever.
Also sporting a forgiving, raw cut waist and made from super-light, stretchy Forza 2 fabric that simultaneously supports and compresses the muscles, with reflective piping down the back of the legs, the Free Aero RC Pro Bib Shorts pair cutting edge performance with supreme comfort, making them one of Castelli’s most impressive offerings.
Features
- Constructed from printed Forza 2 fabric with 32% Lycra®
- 50% reduced number of panels and seams in short portion
- Newly refined Progetto X² Air seamless seat pad
- Leg ends stay in place without elastic or grippers
- Minimalist mesh bib strap for maximum airflow, with reinforced yoke
- Mesh rear pocket
- Weight 184g (M)
DrK A bit of a mixed bag, for me anyway. I've been using the Castelli Free Aero Race 4 bib shorts since these came out, and considered them one click away from perfection - the one click being a slight issue with the straps, which tend to bunch up across the shoulder and thus create some discomfort. This new design addressed that problem successfully: the new straps sit flat across the shoulders, and appear to be more stretchy as well. However, Castelli updated the bottom half as well, and here I found the changes less successful: the new design of the legs is considerably more compressive than before, to the extent that the pronounced, diagonal seam that runs across the upper thigh leaves deep red marks on my legs on every ride. So for me, the upper part is a marked improvement over the Free Aero Race 4, whereas the lower part is a step back. These things are personal, however: for someone else, perhaps with slightly thinner legs, this may be perfect all around.