The first time we reviewed the Castelli Body Paint Bib Shorts it was done by a full on true racer type. This time we conducted the review by a Bicycle.net contributor who is a recreational rider who gets on his bike when his medical practice and family allows. We wanted to get the everyman opinion. So here it is.

First, I’ll let you read the Castelli propaganda/marketing on these shorts:

“Key Features:
• The short portion is made with a single piece of engineered Power Stretch Lycra designed to support muscle function and that painted-on look.
• Seamless straps using Giro++ elastic for lay-flat comfort.
• There is a fine mesh panel on the back that helps with ventilation/sweat dispersal on hot days.
• The front is low cut around your stomach for a chafe free ride.
• Leg grippers are knitted into the leg fabric. No stitching, no binding.
• Reflective serigraph print provides 360 degree reflectivity.
• Progetto X2 seat pad for maximum comfort.
• Fabric: Engineered Power Lycra.”

Lots of fancy words, to be sure. In my humble opinion, though, there is only one consideration when it comes to bib shorts: comfort. OK, we are cyclists, and we exist, while on the bike, in a hyper-competitive, uber-trendy, “who’s the alpha dog?” society. We slavishly follow the latest “in” fashions (while still insisting we are individuals!) set by the cycling elites in our local group rides. So we will have to assess the “cool factor” as well for these bib shorts.

Let’s start with comfort. Like a lot of race ready cycling clothes, comfort starts by getting the right size. For us “plus sized” Americans, that usually means getting one size larger than we normally would. Even so, I found these bib shorts difficult to get on. A big deal? No, because once they were on, Castelli’s Body Paint Bib shorts afforded tremendous range of motion and felt very light. There was little of the binding and resistance often associated inexpensive bib shorts and that make you feel like you are walking through water. The leg material is thin but in no way flimsy. It felt very smooth to the touch, like a high quality pair of slacks.

The upper body straps were incredibly light as well. I have a long torso and sometimes a bib short strap will pull on my shoulders. I felt none of that. The straps are broad and flat so they minimized chaffing. There is almost no material over the abdomen, but more on that later.

The chamois was, as well, above average. I tested the Body Paint bib shorts out on an 80 mile jaunt north on PCH. Although I shifted positions on the saddle frequently, I always felt protected by the chamois padding. There was almost no bunching up of the chamois and it seemed to stay right where it needed to stay.

As far as the “cool factor” is concerned, I’ve got to say, these are some suh-weet bib shorts. They really do look (and feel) like body paint; there is no bulky rubber or tread at the end of the leg or anywhere. It just seamlessly flows into the bottom parts of your thigh. The graphics are understated and classy. And, I think the red Castelli scorpion is one of the most recognizable logos in cycling today. Really cool.

But you know what? These bib shorts are not for me and they might not be for you. They truly are made for elite cyclists, or at least those with the body of an elite cyclist. If you can be described as “rail thin”, or shaped like a stalk of licorice, then you may never find a better pair of bib shorts. But, if you have any excess heft on your mid-section, not only will these bib shorts not act like control-top pantyhose, they may actually make your extra “padding” stand out more. I am often complimented by old friends for keeping myself thin and in shape. But as I was walking out the door on Sunday, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and it was not a pretty sight. I went back to my closet to get a looser fitting shirt. I would suggest that if you can’t tell in which camp you should place yourself, make sure you try on a pair before buying. That being said I still found the short to be of the best quality and comfort.

Overall, a great pair of Bib Shorts. Terrific all day in the saddle comfort; very stylish and classy looking as well. Looks better on those of us with a true cyclists’ body type.

Bicycle.net Rates

4 out of 5 chainrings