Review of the new Castelli Free Aero RC bib shorts

For 2022, Castelli is offering a fifth version of its benchmark bib shorts, the Free Aero RC, already used by the professionals of the Quick Step – Alpha Vinyl team, with several technical optimizations designed to improve comfort and aerodynamics. A high-end bib short that we were able to test over several weeks.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3Bikes.fr

The Castelli Free Aero RC is the fifth version of the Italian brand’s star model, the first of which dates back to 2007. From the outset, these high-end bib shorts stood out for their honeycomb straps and the absence of an elastic band on the thighs, in addition to an anatomical construction with multiple panels. A kind of grail in terms of support and athletic comfort that has continued to evolve over the versions, and sold at a high price but still less stratospheric than some competing models.

Among the notable new features integrated into the 2022 Free Aero RC, we notice a new fabric with a high elasticity module to provide good muscle support and balanced compression. A fabric and cut design that above all allows for the complete abandonment of any adhesive band on the thighs, but also, thanks to the product’s elasticity, to use only five panels instead of the previous ten, with as many fewer assemblies and seams.

At the straps, we also immediately notice the two different materials used at the front and back to distribute tension well and improve breathability. On the front of the bib shorts, these same straps are anchored below the waistband, so as to be closer to the chamois and offer better support for the bib shorts at the hips and crotch.

The Free Aero RC is equipped with the very latest Progetto X² Air seamless chamois, Castelli’s top-of-the-range, with progressive cushioning and 3 mm thick gel padding. This chamois is stretchy and perfectly conforms to the anatomy during pedaling movements, which greatly limits friction, and thus improves comfort during long rides.

Among the other details noted on the Free Aero RC bib shorts, we can notice a small pocket at the back (at the kidney level), which allows professionals to slip in a radio, and for amateurs keys, cash or a credit card. The flocked Castelli logo on the back is replaced by a sewn logo, much more durable and with a more precious appearance. Finally, two small discreet but clearly visible reflective strips are present on the back of the legs, for more visibility.

Aero bib shorts

As its name suggests, the Free Aero RC is a bib short designed for competition, and for this purpose it has been studied to limit aerodynamic drag, with its particular cut and the quality of the materials. Castelli announces a gain of 2 watts at a power of 300 watts, which is of course impossible for us to verify.

The bib shorts quickly find their place, and do not seem to wrinkle.

The fact remains that when putting on the bib shorts, you can feel the racing DNA of the model with a strong impression of support and slight compression, at the thighs and hips. At first glance, the materials seem firmer and thicker than most bib shorts on the market. Nevertheless, the comfort of the flat and thin straps is immediately appreciable, especially when layered over an undershirt. The bib shorts quickly find their place, and do not seem to wrinkle. They are relatively long at the thighs, which remains destabilizing if you don’t have very long legs. For us, they sit just above the knees, and to position them slightly above as usual, you only have to rely on the relative rigidity of the fabric, since there is no elastic or adhesive band to hold them in the desired place.

Unrivaled comfort

On the road, the design of the Free Aero RC and the quality of the fabric make perfect sense, as the whole seems to be completely at one with the anatomy in motion. Even after nearly 5 hours in the saddle, the fabric does not stretch, and the chamois remains perfectly glued to the crotch. We feel no unpleasant friction, and the thickness is sufficient for dynamic and committed riding. At the straps, the observation is identical, with ideal support and no discomfort in the long term.

As for the support on the thighs, it is, however, more “vague” than with a traditional adhesive band. The bib shorts do not slip and stay in place, but you may feel a curious sensation of floating around the thighs while pedaling, depending on leg movements and differences in muscle tension. Nothing really bothersome in the end, but a feeling of freedom that contrasts with all our usual bib shorts.

So, are the Free Aero RC bib shorts as innovative as Castelli promised? There is no doubt that in terms of seating comfort, the cut, the quality of the chamois, and the design of the straps provide notable support, which proves to be truly effective after long hours of pushing big gears. This is all the more remarkable as the seemingly firm fabric is ultimately quite breathable, and therefore well suited for rides in the heat. In the case of a more passive and contemplative practice, there are undoubtedly more suitable models for absorbing bumps and the user’s weight on the saddle, especially with more targeted padding on the back of the chamois. And for the thighs without an adhesive band, it is above all a question of habit, but the system has the advantage of avoiding the sensation of constriction around the muscles. Finally, we appreciate the superb finish of the product, which suggests durability in line with the brand’s reputation.

These Castelli Free Aero RC 2022 bib shorts are available for men or women, with or without straps. With a price of around €180, they offer a very good value for money, which is obviously a bonus.

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