After many years of wearing various iterations of Castelli’s high-end bibs I think it is safe to say that the new Castelli Free Aero Race 4 Bib Shorts might be one of my new favourite pairs of shorts. Castelli has had the Free Aero Race short line since 2007 and this current iteration has been designed with input from the world tour Team Sky who uses this short in their kit lineup.
Having now ridden in these shorts about 10 times I am finding myself loving these shorts more and more each time I am in them. The short features Castelli’s new Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad which is not only comfortable but also relatively breathable. The comfortable chamois is paired with a fairly snug short material that features dimpled fabric for added aerodynamics. The bibs straps are no nonsense, light and stretchy to keep the shorts in place. It looks as though Castelli has stepped up to offer a spectacular short option at a reasonable price. I tested the Aero Race 4 bib in two extremes, not only were they spectacular in balmy spring California weather but they also performed quite well while racing at a local Ontario gravel race over the weekend. Although I had to be a bit more bundled up around the shorts on the weekend they were ideal to race in, they even dried a decent amount in between the knee deep water sections on the course! While training down in California I paired the new bibs with the Castelli Tabula Rasa jersey and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the saddle while in the new kit.
Castelli has pushed the envelope with their new Aero Race 4 bibs, they have also added some sharp looking, aero jerseys to their 2019 lineup. Both the new Tabula Rasa Jersey and the Aero Race 6.0 Jerseys have impressed us with both the design and fit. The Tabula Rasa jersey has combined long aero sleeves into a semi relaxed fit for the shoulders and middle section of the jersey. For those looking for a World Tour style jersey the Aero Race 6.0 jersey combines lightweight breathable material with a skin-tight, laser cut jersey. The Tabula Rasa jersey will suit most body types and will have you standing out in the local group ride.
If you are in the market for some new kit this spring I would highly recommend looking to add some Castelli kit into your clothing rotation for the coming season. With innovation and design coming down from World Tour Team Sky riders can be at ease knowing their clothing choice with Castelli will not be cutting any corners in both style and performance.
See you on the road!
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