The perfect mix of comfort and speed. Engineered for top-level racing, which also makes it supremely comfortable for every ride and rider.
INNOVATIVE EVOLUTION The Free Aero RC Bibshort is our top race short, which also means that it's insanely comfortable even if you never pin on a number. It's fair to say that we've been working on this short for the past 15 years. That's how long it's been since the original Free Aero Race Bibshort was first introduced, initially as our top-of-the-line race short. Since then it has won three Tours de France, three editions of the Giro d'Italia, one Vuelta and San Remo, but it also became the best-selling product in the history of Castelli because, simply put, this is the short that does everything well. The concept is quite simple: start with the best pad we know how to make, surround it with a supportive short with good muscle compression, and then remove everything else that's not absolutely necessary. You feel Free thanks to the reduced number of panels and the reduced number of seams. In fact, the short portion has just 5 panels compared to 10 in the previous generation. You feel Free because of further refinements to the Progetto X2 Air seamless seat pad. The two densities of foam plus the gel pads provide progressive damping, while the separate Skin Care Layer is soft and stretchy to move with your skin. You feel Free thanks to the most minimal bibs you've ever seen in a short, including open-weave straps for maximum airflow. But we reinforced the yoke so the straps stay in place and made the mesh back narrow for coverage that is minimal yet just enough to hold the shorts in place. And the bib elegantly frames a convenient pocket at the center back. You feel Free because this is the first high-end short that doesn't need any sort of gripper or elastic at the end of the leg to keep the leg in place. Getting this right meant 28 prototypes and our most extensive test program ever, and it results in the most comfortable leg ending we've ever made. The Forza 2 fabric has 32% Lycra® with a high modulus for exceptional muscle support and just the right amount of compression. There's reflective piping on the back. And all logos are either stitched or embossed for durability.
Product features
- High-compression 215 g Forza 2 fabric with 32% Lycra® content provides exceptional muscle support and compression
- Progetto X2 Air seamless seat pad is soft against the skin but well padded for long-distance comfort
- Minimalist bib straps allow maximum airflow, while a reinforced yoke keeps the straps flat over the shoulders
- Rear mesh pocket
- 5-panel construction for reduced seams and less chafing
- Stitched scorpion logo patch and embossed Castelli wordmark for durability
- Reflective piping on back of legs
- Raw-cut edge at waist for extra stretch and comfort
- Raw-cut leg ending engineered to stay put without silicone grippers
- Weight: 197gm
- Temperature: 15°C - 35°C / 59°F - 95°F
- Fit: Aero
Castelli Men's Clothing Sizing Chart
Please note: Castelli clothing is slightly smaller than traditional standard sizes. Please refer to the size chart below for ensure a perfect fit.
Castelli Warranties
Castelli products are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase. For returns and warranty claims related to items purchased from a retailer, please return your Castelli product to the retailer from which you have purchased it. To ensure that your return will be handled smoothly remember to keep your proof of purchase.
To make sure your Castelli product lasts as long as possible please follow the suggestions below.
Where do I find the washing instructions ?
Washing instructions are printed on a white tag inside each piece of clothing. Following these instructions will help make sure that your gear will last as long as possible. Careful washing and maintenance will ensure the highest performance from your Castelli products and extend their useful life span.
- Always read the care label before washing a piece of clothing.
- Close all zips and Velcro fasteners and turn the garment inside out.
- Hand or machine wash on a lukewarm permanent press cycle (max. 30°C / 86°F)
- Use a small amount of liquid or powder detergent, not other products that contain fabric softeners, conditioners, stain removers or bleach as they will affect garment performance.
- Hang dry or dry flat. Do not tumble dry.
What should I do when my Castelli softshell jacket starts to absorb water?
Castelli softshell jackets treated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish, which keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated so that the breathable barrier can do its job, may start to absorb water.
First of all, make sure the garment has been cleaned properly. Your Castelli softshell garment could be soaking up water just because it is dirty. First, try cleaning it. If it is fairly new or recently re-waterproofed, the DWR will be revitalized just from cleaning.
Once the garment has been thoroughly worn, you will need to restore the water-resistant finish.
You can rejuvenate the DWR finish by putting the garment in the dryer at low heat for about 20 minutes, or by ironing under low heat being careful not to melt the synthetic fibers of your garment.using a spray-on softshell treatment agent. Make sure to clean the garment first.
If this doesn't work, you may want to re-treat your Castelli product’s water repellency by applying a commercially available water-repellent spray-on DWR treatment by following these instructions:
- Make sure the garment has been cleaned properly and is dry.
- Lay the garment out flat and spray the entire outer shell with the water-repellent finish, holding the bottle 15 cm from the surface.
- Allow the water-repellent finish to soak in for 10-15 minutes.
- Wipe off excess water-repellent finish with a damp cloth. Check carefully to make sure no areas have been missed.
Remember, the garment will not become waterproof, but it will take longer for water to penetrate the outer fabric.
We recommend spray-on finishes (such as Nikwax SoftShell Proof™ and McNette) rather than wash-in finishes as it will effect the moisture management.
What should I do when a Nano Flex product starts loosing its water repellency?
The Castelli Nano Flex fabric repels water through both a DWR finish and thanks to millions of ultra-tiny nanofilaments that cause water droplets to bead up on the surface of the garment and run off instead of pooling on the fabric and soaking through. The Nano Flex treatment will last approximately 40-50 washes. (Of course, the garment must be washed correctly; if the detergent contains fabric softener the treatment will disappear immediately).
There are two ways to re-treat your Castelli Nano Flex garment and restore the water-resistant finish.:
- Apply a commercially available water-repellent spray-on softshell treatment agent. (See above for spray-on water-repellent treatment instructions.)
- If necessary to reactive the water repellency, you can also tumble dry on low heat for about 20 minutes. If unable to tumble dry, iron the dry garment on gentle setting (warm, no steam) by placing a towel or cloth between the garment and the iron. Do not iron over the heat-transfer Castelli and Nano Flex letters.
How to clean winter gloves with membrane fabrics?
Gloves with a wind membrane may be adversely affected by the usual care process for the fabric. Check the care label before proceeding, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always read the care label before washing your gloves.
- Close the Velcro wrist straps.
- Hand or machine wash on a lukewarm permanent press cycle (max. 30°C / 86°F)
- Use a small amount of liquid detergent, not powder detergents or any products that contain fabric softeners, conditioners, stain removers or bleach as they will affect garment performance.
- Do not use a fabric softener! This can destroy wicking and water-repellent treatments.
- Squeeze excess water from the gloves, starting at the fingertips and moving to the wrists; do not twist the gloves.
- Drip-dry the gloves with the fingers facing upward.
Since 1876, Castelli has been the tailor for the cycling champions. It was the innovative mindset which brought the earliest heroes to them; legends like Binda, Coppi and Bartali.
Castelli invented the first Lycra shorts used in racing, the first sublimation printed jerseys, the first use of windproof membranes, the first anatomic seatpad, the lightest jersey ever produced, and the most aerodynamic jersey ever produced.
Today, Castelli continue this innovative tradition for the cyclist seeking maximum performance.
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