Castelli Competizione bib shorts review

Castelli’s aim with the Competizione bib shorts was “to do everything right without overdoing anything.”

That’s quite an ambitious target, but trying to incorporate as much tech as possible from its top-of-the-line bib shorts at a more accessible price is an admirable goal.

In testing, I found the Competizione bib shorts to deliver on this promise. These are very impressive bib shorts that excel on both short and long rides, with a tried-and-tested chamois pad and premium construction technology.

Castelli Competizione bib shorts construction

Sitting one rung up from the brand’s entry-level Entrata short at £99.99/$109.99/€89.95/AU$159, the Competizione differs in that it’s slightly more performance-oriented in trying to balance comfort with aerodynamics.

Castelli advises a 15 to 35°C optimum temperature range for these shorts.

The Competizione’s appearance and construction are some of the best I’ve seen in a pair of bib shorts at this price. I’d typically expect the technology on show here to be seen on a higher-end short.

Castelli uses Affinity Pro Lycra fabric on the inside of each leg for optimal stretch. On the outsides of each leg is a Vortex BLC textured fabric, with golfball-like dimples which Castelli says is for aero-optimisation.

This fabric was also found on the Free Aero Race 4, the brand’s previous top-of-the-range aero shorts which has now been replaced by the Free Aero RC.

The Competizione uses Castelli’s KISS Air2 chamois pad. Castelli uses two seat pads throughout its road cycling range: the KISS Air 2 and the more premium Progetto X2 Air, as seen on the brand’s Endurance 3 bib shorts.

Castelli says the KISS Air 2 pad is a stretchy soft, dual-density layer that provides freedom of movement with minimal bulk.

The brand’s GIRO4 silicone gripper is deployed to keep the bottom of the legs in place, with red silicone strips along the shorts’ edge for grip and comfort.

There’s flatlock stitching throughout and Castelli uses mesh for the bib straps to enhance comfort and breathability. There’s also a silver reflective stripe on the back of each leg for added visibility in dim conditions.

The bib shorts are available in six colours: Black, Dark Grey, Forest Grey, Deep Green, Savile Blue and Belgian Blue, the latter of which I tested in a size large.

The shorts are available in sizes XS to 3XL.

Castelli also makes a short version without bib straps for £95 /$119.99/€89.95/AU$159.

Castelli Competizione bib shorts performance

I’ve been testing these bib shorts for a couple of months on a variety of short rides and longer escapades.

The Competizione’s were very comfortable from the off – sometimes bib shorts require a few rides to break them in.

The shorts have been used with three saddles during testing: the Specialized Power Pro Elaston, a Bjōrn Setka and a Forza Stratos. The shorts performed equally well with all of them.

I’ve ridden in a variety of Castelli bib shorts over the years and have extensive experience with the brand’s chamois pads.

The KISS AIR 2 pad is one of my personal favourites and it didn’t disappoint here. It handles both road and off-road vibrations well and doesn't shift out of place.

I even rode a 400km audax in a pair of Castelli bib shorts with this pad earlier in the year and didn’t experience any aches or pains until after the 320km mark, which is very impressive.

Unlike some other bib shorts I tested alongside these, the pad didn’t soften up in the washing machine and the shorts look as they did on day one, apart from two spots of stitching coming undone at the front of the outside of the pad.

While the small stitching issues are a potential long-term concern, they are very minor and it didn’t affect how the pad sat (or caused any other issues) during testing.

The mesh bib straps are excellent and I didn’t notice them when riding. They do a great job at keeping the shorts firmly in place and distributing tension across the shoulders really effectively.

The silicone grippers perform as intended and don't leave any unwanted pressure marks. Over the test period, the elasticity of the material didn’t degrade.

Ventilation also seems to be excellent, although I haven’t been able to test the shorts in conditions warmer than 22˚C air temperature (albeit the sun has been far warmer).

Castelli Competizione bib shorts bottom line

Castelli’s hit a home run with the Competizione bib shorts, which perform incredibly well for the money.

The construction is impressive, chamois pad comfort is up there with what you’ll find in some of the best bib shorts and the overall design is well thought out.

Overall, there’s little to criticise here and at a reasonable £110, you can’t ask for much more.

If it wasn’t for the stitching coming undone, these would score a full five stars.