As the perfect companions to the Castelli Aero Race 6 Jersey, the new Free Aero Race 4 Bib Shorts offer aerodynamics and all-day comfort with all the features you’d expect with some of the best bib shorts on the market.
Castelli Free Aero Race 4 Bib Shorts Features:
- Vortex dimpled fabric on legs for aero performance
- Forza fabric on inner legs with 38% Lycra® content for perfect fit
- Stripe mesh engineered minimalist bib construction keeps you cool
- Giro4 leg gripper elastic for better grip distributed over larger area
- Doppio V construction in front for increased support and comfort
- Flat-lock stitching
- Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad
- Weight: 172g
- MSRP: $199.99
All-aero with plenty of comfort
Long days in the saddle require added trickery to stay comfortable. Chamois cream comes out, but can’t hide a bad chamois, so I’ll start there. Castelli’s Progetto X2 Air chamois is among the best on the market. Part of that is due to the dimpled chamois lining, which adds breathability in a big way. No matter the saddle, I’ve been able to maintain chaff-free comfort here.
All the seams are perfectly-placed for muscle support, aerodynamics and comfort. Each panel is laid out perfectly to sit flat against your body and take full advantage of the Vortex dimpled material on the legs. Again, think a dimpled golf ball or Zipp Firecrest wheels. Those dimples improve airflow and the thighs are a big surface area that can be optimized with the Free Aero Race 4’s. Icing on the cake are the flatlock seams throughout that put the overall fit in rarified territory.
With wide leg cuffs and vertical silicon grippers, the legs stay put as well. With those vertically-positioned grippers, your muscles don’t ever fight against the material like they do with horizontal grippers. I love the feel of the Giro4 leg grippers and look forward to other manufacturers following suit because it’s a winning design.
The uppers are very breathable and comfortable, but don’t sit as flat as I’d like. They tend to get bunched up at the shoulders (yet they remain comfortable). For nature breaks, it’s easy to stretch these out and use the restroom.
While these don’t feature a full-frontal pocket for your man parts, like Assos, they do have more room and still don’t require you to choose right or left, if you know what I mean.
The Good
- Ultra-comfortable chamois
- Dimpled chamois lining aids in overall breathability
- Giro4 vertical leg grippers keep things in place and stretch with you
- Nature breaks are easy
- Good consideration for your man parts on long rides
- Dimpled leg fabric for added aerodynamics
- Panels are purpose-built for muscle support
The Bad
- Straps do get bunched up at the shoulders
The Bottom Line: Castelli Free Aero Race 4 Bib Shorts
The combination of the Aero Race 6 Jersey and Free Aero Race 4 Bib Shorts is an absolute winner. With all-day comfort, the Progetto X2 Air chamois delivers, but the chamois has a huge support cast throughout. The legs offer perfect muscle support without hindering movements and the flatlock seams put these over the top.
Buy Now: Available at CompetitiveCyclist.com
