CastelliFree Aero Race 4 Team Bib Short - Men's
Item # CST00S5
Free Aero Race 4 Team Bib Short
The Free Aero Race 4 Team Bib Short from Castelli is built using extensive feedback from the professionals on Team Sky. Its general consensus is the existing Free Bibshort was already pretty well dialed and the only requests were the addition of a loop in the bib to hold a race radio microphone and one rider wanting his chamois shifted back a bit. Team Sky isn't the only one who likes it, in fact, the Free Aero Race Bibshort is the best-selling Castelli short of all time, so it knew that when it was time for an update, it wanted to make it better but not change the shorts too drastically. As far as the "Team" moniker goes, the only difference we can tell over the standard version is the inclusion of white Castelli lettering at the bottom of the legs.
First up is a new leg gripper that still features a lie-flat, raw-cut edge but now has vertical silicone stripes to hold it comfortably in place without restricting stretch. Next is a new fabric that allows for better print quality and Castelli updated the seams to improve the fit and looks. It also re-engineered the bib straps with new fabrics and construction so they help you stay cooler, lie flat, and are more durable. Finally, it also receives the updated Progetto X2 Air seamless seat insert featuring one of the softest surfaces we've ever felt in a chamois.
- Castelli's popular racing bib updated
- Vortex dimpled fabric on the legs offer an aero boost
- Forza fabric on inner legs stretches for a perfect fit
- Stripe mesh engineered minimalist bib construction keeps you cooler
- Doppio V construction in the front increases support and comfort
- Flat-lock stitching throughout reduces irritation
- Progetto X2 Air Seamless chamois offers long ride comfort
- Giro4 leg gripper elastic provides better grip that's distributed over a larger area
What do you think about this product?
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November 23, 2020
Nice!
- Size Bought
- XXL
- Weight
- 220 lbs
Good product!!
Cristhian M.
November 8, 2020
light weight and easy
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- S
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 150 lbs
really love it for my long rides. makes a huge difference in performance. love it
pankaj T.
September 15, 2020
Like a second skin
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- Large
- Height
- 5` 9"
- Weight
- 190 lbs
These bib shorts are amazing. So comfortable that I literally had to make sure I wan’t riding naked the first time I wore them. They do run small so size up all you Clydes out there! The padding is much better than less expensive bib shorts as well. Love these! Go Castelli or go home!
Eric K.
August 21, 2020
1-They Run Small 2-They are AMAZING
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XL
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 210 lbs
For transparancy, Castelli is my brand. (I haven't found need to even consider alternatives.) With that, these babies take the cake. Everything about these bibs are just right to me. I normally wear a L (6'0" 210 lbs.-lifelong footballer build) in all things Castelli, but other reviews are true, maybe more so for these than any other Castelli product, these babies run small...Order at least a size up, please! I got the XL and they were a delicious race fit. If it's possible to feel faster, these do it. The leg length on these is a touch longer than I've encountered from other versions, but it's no bother b/c the leg grippers are ace. (Please take your time sliding into them so you don't overly stretch the tops once the gripperss start to catch on your leg.) They do not move, or I just don't produce enough power to move them. The compression is amazing as well and once I'm warmed up, I don't think about them until it's time to squirm out. The chamois feels firmer than other vesions, but could it be like upgrading your BB and now everything underneath feels like it could never go wrong...??? Down there as well, they have separated the inner fabric of the short from the chamois pad. Castelli suggests this is to mitigate friction and chafing. Regretfully, I cannot comment on if this does work as stated as I have had ZERO undercarriage friction problems with this brand. At the waist, they seem to come higher than others, giving a nice sense of security in that area. Also, less chance of that front gap if the jersey shifts. The straps feel a touch snug while standing straight up, but melt away once your in the saddle and on the hoods, etc.. The word synchronisity comes to mind at this point as your body and the garment find the perfect snuggle position and stay there until the job is done. I have purchased both the Team and "not-Team" versions. One of them seems to have more pronounced aero dimples on the leg panel.The dimples add to that fast feeling, for sure! The Team version has words across the back side. There is the little pocket that is for the pro radio 'doo-dah' that I have yet to find a use for. No comment on that. If you are already familiar with the brand, then I would highly recomment these if you are ready for an upgrade or a nice treat for yourself. If you are new to the Castelli brand and are accustomed to top tier apparel, I don't think you will be disappointed. Please be patient with figuring out your size... Be safe out there!!!
Emmanuel
August 12, 2020
Sophisticated, luxurious... sized small
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- Large
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 167 lbs
I pulled these out of the bag and was impressed. I have 2 pairs of this exact style of bib short, bought 2 years ago, that I thought were absolute perfection. When I held this new pair, I decided that Castelli had actually improved on the earlier edition. Chamois was slightly firmer, with the promise of even better support, the leg grippers sported slick, red lines of silicone, the bib straps were an elegant, gossamer, gray mesh. I was thrilled. Then I tried to pull them on. My spindly, climber's legs barely made it through the openings. I hit the maximum stretch of the shorts at my hips. I didn't dare pull the straps over my shoulders for fear of tearing them from the short. Despite owning Free Aero bibs in Large, this Large appeared to be sized for children. I typically wear a Medium in other brands; with Castelli I had sized up to a Large. I'll now be ordering a size XL in these shorts... and keeping my fingers crossed.
Robert B.
June 2, 2020
Feels great, runs very small.
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XXL
- Height
- 6` 4"
- Weight
- 215 lbs
I love the way this material feels. It's definitely high quality. Being a bulkier guy who does a lot of weight lifting and strength training I had to size up significantly. I normally wear a Large in all of my other clothes so I got one pair each of L, XL, and XXL, with the plan being to send back the pairs that didn't fit. I tried the XL first and I could tell it was gonna be way too tight (and I didn't wanna rip it before sending it back) so I switched to the XXL and it was just right. If you're the typical skinny, "bean pole" cyclist this might fit true to size or you may only have to go up one size, but if you're a more muscular build you'll definitely have to go up 2 sizes. Still great though!
Eric H.
May 28, 2020
My Go-To bibs.
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XL
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
This is an awesome pair of bibs. Runs small. so go up one size, they will feel tight, but the compression is welcome after an hour on the saddle. I've ridden over a hundred miles already and I can't find a deal breaking flaw. The straps fit great, the chamois is excellent and the grip on the legs keeps the bibs in place so they don't ride up. Will I be purchasing a second pair, absolutely. I don't normally spend much on bibs, because I have fitted my bike to the most comfortable I can, however after riding in these a few times, i don't see why not have an extra pair so i don't wear this first pair out fast. I recommend them and they are worth the money.
JR Cardenas
Robert S.
June 28, 2020
Hey JR. Do you normally wear an L but in this case moved up to an XL? Or that you normally wear XL and found these too tight? Thanks, Robert
May 24, 2020
Always been a Castelli fan....
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Large
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 155 lbs
This newer version is surprisingly better and improved from previous versions. The chamois is fantastic! The compression panels of these shorts are good and the leg grippers work really well. The bib straps lay flat. No issues at all and I would purchase another pair.
Gary
May 9, 2020
Excellent but get 2 sizes larger
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- L
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
American large? Then order 2XL
Tom T.
April 19, 2020
Incredible...
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 5` 6"
- Weight
- 165 lbs
The padding is somehow so soft yet supports perfectly and does not move around. Soft also means give in the front to allow a more comfortable space for the marbles to be. About a half size smaller than the norm but the bib straps are a full size tighter than they should be. I’m 5’6 and stocky and the M is pretty tight but I believe it keeps the chamy in place really well. Other too tight shorts I have worn would just make the chamy dig in on the crotch but these are obviously designed with super tight in mind. The fabric is incredible. But yeah if you are normally a medium but are taller than 5’6” you would have to modify the straps with some old bib short materials and add a few inches. To me I modify my gear all the time so this doesn’t bother me. Especially since these might be the most comfortable shorts on the market. Maybe assos can compete.
downhill_f
Corey
May 29, 2020
I’m 5’10 and the straps on mediums are absolutely fine. They fit better than the Sportful bibs I have actually.
April 13, 2020
I have a pair of Castelli Meno+ leggings in XL and they fit great, does anyone know if these have a similar fit, or will I need to size up?
B-Man 518
downhill_f
April 19, 2020
Definitely about a size smaller than I would consider normal but I still fit ok in them a little on the tight side but not enough for me to want to return them. It’s sort of nice but the bin portion is short. I’m a stocky short person and always buy a Medium in every brand of bibshorts I’ve owned these are the smallest. At 5’6 im surprised at how short the length of the bib straps feel considering size mediums are 5’7-5’10 range... I’m lucky they juuust fit without ‘pull-up’
August 7, 2019
An Assos guy but . . .
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- large
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 160 lbs
These are of great quality and fit. Chamois is very soft and comfortable and I'm happy to put these in my rotation.
den101580545
Tony V
August 6, 2020
I've not had luck with Assos, bought two pairs T.milleshorts_s7 and neither lasted 1 season without getting a hole at inner leg from seat rubbing (usually used once/wk for 35-45 mile rides). I'd estimate approx 400 miles each before hole appears. Do the Castelli's hold up better? my Pearl Izumi's last 3-4 seasons with same use. Let me know, thanks
June 9, 2019
Awesome bibs - BTW, they run small!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XL
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 200 lbs
I think everyone here has said it - these bibs run REALLY small. I know it is tough to order 2XL when you know you are normally an XL but just DO IT. Outstanding fabrics and compression. The chamois is so soft I don't think there is a material that is softer. New leg grippers from last year really nice and the fading color scheme is really cool. Get lots of comments. Mine are tight because I did not read the reviews and got the XL. Having worn them, I would not go a size up.
Joseph M.
May 29, 2019
A NEW FAVORITE
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
Quite impressed by these bibs. Castelli's Free Aero Race shorts have always been a favorite and it looks like these will be at the top of the pile in my closet. Materials are excellent - the Progetto X2 Air chamois has padding in all the right places without excess bulk, the main fabric of the legs is compressive yet lightweight (I expect these will breathe well in summer), and the bib straps seem to lay especially well against my body and are once again quite airy. Usually I prefer seamless elastic bibs (like Giordana uses) but I have no complaints here. Even without the dimpled material on the legs I'm not winning races but it certainly makes me feel fast. Some of Castelli's lesser pieces have had occasional quality issues with the sewing of the seams but construction is excellent here. Lastly the leg grippers are wide and unobtrusive and the inseam length is perfect. Once again, the fit is compressive to reduce muscle fatigue in hard efforts or on long days. If you're not familiar with Castelli, in general their apparel runs smaller than American brands and sometimes even a bit smaller than European brands. I wear a large bib in Assos, Giordana, and Pearl Izumi's PRO line, I went up to an XL in this for the strap length as Castelli's straps run short and dig into my shoulders in smaller sizes. The XL's straps are perfect and while I was worried that the body of the bib would be loose and baggy, that's not the case at all due to the compressive material. So if in doubt, size up! The only difference between the Free Aero Race 4 TEAM and Free Aero Race 4 is the white Castelli logo on the legs.
Daniel
Timothy Stevens
April 6, 2020
Re: difference between Free Aero Race 4/4 TEAM: latter also has Rosso Corsa above pad on rear. Makes you faster!
February 22, 2019
POWER = COMFORT + EFFICIENCY
- Fit:
- Runs small
The three things I look for in bib shorts are: 1. No chafing. 2.No bunching. 3. A snug fit. The Free Aero Race 4 Team Bib Shorts checks all of these boxes and more. Upon receiving these bad boys the first thing I noticed was how soft the material was for the chamois. The bib short also has built in silicone stripes near the quad that help keep the short from riding up your leg. In other words, you can perfect that razor sharp roadie tan line all summer long. Lastly, the feature that also stands out is the dimpled fabric (just like a Zipp wheel) that provides an aerodynamic advantage that has been thoroughly tested in secret wind tunnels across the country. Now enough about the features, how do these things ride? Well, I have raced my bike across the country for the last decade in numerous companies products and the Castelli Free Aero Race 4 is in the top of the top. I mean it. But do you really need to be dive bombing corners on bell lap to require the most comfortable bib short? The answer is no. From Cat 1 racer to weekend warrior, do yourself a favor and upgrade to these bib shorts. I gurantee you will never look back (except when you are dropping your friends). If you have any questions about the bib shorts please reach out to me at gdewart@backcountry.com.
Graham Dewart
Scott S.
March 3, 2019
Great looking bibs in steel/blue; does anyone know which jersey matches this color/design?
February 20, 2019
top of my list
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
For a few years, one of, maybe the, favorite bibs. Checks all my bib boxes - excellent chamois, great compression and compression has held up, comfortable over long periods, comfortable strap. As usual they run small, Castelli/euro fit, the same as my previous free aero's. Definite thumbs up recommendation.
Kyle Br
rus114662953
August 12, 2020
Thanks Eric. Im the same. Didn't know if 1 or 2 sizes up