With endless options of cycling shorts on offer, it can be difficult to choose your next go to shorts, be it for a quick spin on lunch, or preparing for the 100km+ club ride Sunday morning. Many cyclists don’t view a pair of bib shorts as just plain cycling gear, but as an investment to better their experience on the bike. The break down to the perfect cycling short, the rider will test the insert, the compression around the legs, how the straps feel over the shoulders, all the way too “will this match my favourite jersey and socks?’. The right shorts will have a comfortable fit when trying them on for the first time, but how will they feel after 75km of riding, with over 30 km more to go.
The popular cycling apparel brand Castelli has launched a new line of cycling clothing within recent years labeled “CHPT3” offering jersey’s, socks, accessories, and of course bib shorts. We had the opportunity to try out the highest level of shorts currently offered by CHTP3, the Origin 1.11 bib shorts, and I must say they are impressive. When it comes to high-end bibs, Assos, Castelli, and Shimano offer some top of the line shorts that will come with a top of the line price point. The Origin 1.11 shorts fall into the high-end category and are definitely worth looking into.
Manufactured from a single piece of fabric, (there is no paneling) and high-density forza material along with the progetto x2 insert, comfort was the first word that came to mind when I first slipped them on.
Being a rider that is 6 feet tall, 180 lbs with a wide chest, it’s pretty clear I do not have the ideal cyclist build, but that didn’t stop me from trying these shorts. The Origin 1.11 shorts offer the signature Castelli body paint fit, my prediction would be they are going to feel to tight even with the correct size. Trying on the biggest size offered (36) I was immediately blown away from the cut around the legs, but mostly how the straps offered the perfect level of compression and comfort, I felt very confident in them. The no sew silicone leg grippers on the inside around the leg keep them in place longer; having shaved legs will enhance this feature. The entire shorts feel like a giant hug throughout and really holds that feeling on the bike especially while climbing. The stretch and compression hold true in and out of the saddle. The very breathable progetto x2 insert’s shape and function are taken after racing short’s inserts to offer durability, longevity, breathability, and most of all comfort. The insert offers support in all the right areas, and has a bright yellow colour that you can’t help but feel with your hands inciting you to try on these shorts. The straps offer a mesh material along the back to help absorb sweat, and feels very soft against the skin or a base layer. The bib shorts show their true fit while in the riding position catering the rider’s every movement.
Retailing at about $350 CND, the fit and performance are worth the price tag, but how do they look? Breaking away from a traditional all black with small notes of colour if any, the Origin 1.11 shorts are offered in two solid, yet refreshing colours. The shorts are offered in “Outer Space Blue” and “Climbing Ivy” the solid colours make it easy to complete your favourite summer riding kit, lets be honest, cycling can be an expensive hobby, we suggest looking good while doing it. I had the opportunity to ride in the Outer Space Blue, and they are as beautiful in real life as they are on paper. Luckily the colour matches our 2019 club kit perfectly, making them my go to shorts on the Sunday morning group ride. While looking closely at the shorts, one can see small trademarks of the CHTP3 brand, which is a welcome added touch. CHPT3 has also added a touch of humour within the care instructions that are stitched to the outside of the short, summing up the how to care for the shorts, and if you don’t know the properly care instructions, find someone who does. The added touch of humour makes the rider proud to have that on the shorts, not wanting to remove the warning label.
The CHPT3 Origin 1.11 bib short covers many questions or concerns when choosing a new bib short. From the quality materials, the engineering & design, the insert and even from a fashion stand point, we highly recommend looking into what CHPT3 has to offer especially if you have experience with any high end bibs such as Assos, Castelli, and Shimano S-Phyre bibs. Enough chit chat about the shorts, let’s get geared up with the CHPT3 Origin 1.11 shorts, and our favourite matching jersey and socks. See you on the club ride.
Ride safe, ride strong,
-James
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