Specification

 

Where to start? Well, for those traditionalists who believe that all bicycle shorts should beblack, there’ll be mild distaste. However, a lot of us will appreciate the change to contrast and complement when coordinating colours. Ours were smoky grey, which I think goes excellently with several of the even wider range of colours available for the jersey range – or, that’s what Mrs Steve says. Actually, I’d remarked on it first.

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The targeted temperature range is 15-35C, with suitably lightweight and breathable material. This is Castelli’s Duo fabric, which is, fundamentally, 73% Polyamide and 27% Elastane. Expect a stretchy fabric that will give a snug fit – even if not a racing skin hug. The back has a different balance, 80%/20%; straps 83% Polyester, 17% Elastane. The pad is 83% Polyesterand 17% Elastane.

 

The point is that this mix is designed to fit the function of each element of the garment. The legs have neatly cut ends and a gentle silicone gripper strip, maintaining that sporty feel.The straps and back are both mesh, adding to that summer feel. Finally, Castelli points out that the changes from the original Espresso Bib Shorts are refinements, not revolutions. However, they suggest that these gains amount to a worthwhile improvement.

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The legs have neatly cut ends and a gentle silicone gripper strip, maintaining that sporty feel.

The straps and back are both mesh, adding to that summer feel. Finally, Castelli points out that the changes from the original Espresso Bib Shorts are refinements, not revolutions. However, they suggest that these gains amount to a worthwhile improvement.

 

Pad 4.5/5

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The pad is their Progetto X2 Air Seamless model. This has an anti-bacterial treatment. Castelli states that it is designed to deliver comfort for long hours in the saddle. Indeed, a print on the pad says “15 viscose comfort zone.” The straps are mesh, of various densities, aiding airflow and moisture dispersal and reducing the risk of hot spots and potential sore points.

 

The pad has a mixture of padding thicknesses and density which makes it very comfortable. This is definitely one for long rides, and I’ve turned a couple of eighty to ninety-mile rides without feeling either pad or saddle. I look forward to hitting the centuries in the next few weeks, feeling confident that a leathery old arse on a leathery old saddle will happily sandwich a highly effective pad. At first, the pad looked a bit bulky, but it has never felt like that on or off the bike. Of course, it is obvious one is a cyclist, but bib shorts have never been highly rated as camouflage. These are no different.

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Size and fit 4.5/5

 

Sizes range from XS to XXXL. Ours was XL and fits admirably well. Castelli offers a couple of ways to calculate sizing, and it’s worth spending time to check things out. It is a lot of cash to splash, so don’t just default to your usual. Remember, these should be a snug fit. They aren’t Castelli’s race range, but they are very sporty. 

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I’ve found the fit to be spot on, around the waist, over the shoulders, and leg length. True, I’d not have been too worried about having less of my thigh covered, but the stretch is excellent and I have noticed no pull when turning the pedals. The cut at the front is helpfully low for men, especially those of a certain age, who find quick darts into the bushes an occurrence distressingly increasing in frequency. That’s enough of that.

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Performance 4.5/5

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Just to reiterate, the stretchy fabric gives good coverage that stays firmly in place, whether twisting around sinuous gravel or stooping on the drops on straight drags. Equally, the lightness of the material and the mesh strap just shout hot summer days, with their excellent wicking and cool feel. I’ve used these in temperatures from 15-22C – less under pad-less tights. I’m confident that these will be comfortable when things get much hotter.

 

When the rain comes, they’ll dry rapidly when the sun returns. I felt comfortable some twenty minutes after a heavy-but-short shower. Mind you, I managed to keep the rain away from the pad. That would take longer to dry. When the pad did get wet, there wasn’t much in the way of discomfort as I pedalled along waiting for things to dry, but I’ve never found this a pleasant experience. A minor grouse would be that the stretchy mesh straps easily get twisted, but since it takes all of a few seconds to set them right, it is a very minor bit of grumpiness rather than a significant issue.

 

Aesthetically, the length of the leg does wonders for a shapely thigh. More practically, it feels good around the muscles, doubtless giving a minor gain to blood flow and recovery. For me, they just look good and make me feel a good deal younger than I am.

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Care and durability 4/5

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This is the usual guidance for garments of this type. 30C wash, don’t use bleach or tumble dry. Line dry, ideally not in bright sunshine, and don’t hang it on a heated radiator. That’s all easy enough. I always turn padded shorts and tights inside out so that the pad is open to the air. Let’s face it, if it wasn’t for the pad, these shorts would be dry, after a machine wash cycle, in an hour or so. Triple that for the pad, outside on the line, in my experience;

overnight if drying indoors.On the drying note, after a short, sharp shower – pad protected by my nether regions – drying on the go is rapid. 

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The Espresso 2 Bib Shorts certainly feel light. They are well-constructed, but the material does feel relatively flimsy. That’s to be expected, but It would be best to keep away from fiercer undergrowth. Mind you, any bramble will find it hard to gain a grip, so snug is the fit and silky the fabric. Needless to say, I have not tested these to destruction, but I’ll not betaking them deep into singletrack country.

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Without being distasteful, I've used these for two weeks commuting and leisure rides covering some, some 500 miles without washing them. The antibacterial treatment certainly seems effective. I’d not say that they did not need a wash, but I’d not have been ashamed in a bunkhouse dorm. I suspect I’d have managed several more days out before disapproving sniffs broke out. Even better, my skin has remained as soft as a baby’s ….. I lie, but it has stayed healthy.

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Value 3.5/5

 

As with much Castelli gear, one begins by saying that this is not cheap. If you want cheap, you’ll find it, but do not expect the sophistication of fabric and construction. The question is, how deep are your pockets and how much do you value all those little extras that splashing the cash can bring? I’ve had excellent mileage from 7Mesh bib shorts. Although the model I have is now obsolete, if the Men’s RK2 Bib shorts are anything like as good, then they’ll definitely be worth a look. They have a rrp of £200, but only come in black – which will please some

traditionalists, but not everyone.

 

Cheaper than the Castelli Espresso 2 are RedWhites The Bib at £113. They have been used in some pretty fierce events and have the advantage of two in-seam length options for those with a preference or having longer or shorter legs (both that is, not one of each). Equally, there are a whole number of competitors. More closely priced are Leatt’s MTB Endurance 6.0 Bib Shorts Leatt MTB Endurance 6.0 Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing at £166. Aimed primarily at the endurance MTB audiences, Michael felt that they made a great transition to gravel or road, making them a good choice for the all-rounder. 

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Significantly cheaper - £59.99 – are the Madison Roam Cargo bib shorts Madison Roam Men's Cargo Bib Shorts | cycling-not-racing. These have become Michael’s go-to for general riding, so a good choice even without the sophistication of more expensive models, especially if you just want to get out and about.

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Summary

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The Castelli Espresso 2 Bib Shorts are an investment in sporty warm to hot weather cycling. Superbly comfortable for long rides, stylish, and effective, they fit the bill. Moreover, whatever Castelli says about them not being in their racing range, they’ll do perfectly well for time-trialling or other competitive cycling. Really good short. Roll on a El Nino!

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Verdict:4.5/5  What price comfort on those hot summer rides?

 

Steve Dyster

 

https://www.castelli-cycling.com