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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: FEBRUARY 21st
HOW DO WE REACH THE OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
Castelli Espresso Bib Tights
283g Large (as tested) £136
The Castelli Espresso Bib Tights are, according to Castelli “The first kit you reach for any time you go to ride and are not pinning on a number”. A bold claim perhaps but one I’m inclined to agree with, several wintry weeks down the line. Designed to perform well in a wider range of settings and contexts, I’ve found them temperate in conditions between minus 4 and +10 degrees. The only compromises I’ve found to date concerns wind chill and water resistance.
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Pros: Great pad, supportive, yet stretchy bibs, classic styling compliments most riding kit.
Cons: Relatively pricey, not wind or water resistant.
Specification
Materials wise, we’re talking the usual mix, but high-quality blends. The Thermoflex fabric has a warm, soft, thin pile fleece texture to keep warmth but without overheating, or restricting movements.
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Mersh bib sections are designed to cope with a wide temperature range typical of early autumn through to changeable springs. Castelli suggests 4-15 degrees, although in the right contexts, I’ve been comfortable when the mercury’s slid to minus 4.
During the cooler period, the mesh will, like a string vest, hold warmth, improving moisture eviction in milder conditions, or should the temperature fluctuate, as it can during early autumn and spring. Seamless construction avoids discomfort and unsightly post ride branding and elastic ankle cuffs avoid issues of zipper bulk, or abrasion-especially if like me, you err towards booties when there’s a nip in the air and frost layering the tarmac.
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While the overall design is very classic and understated, there are a choice of colours. Black works for me- compliments or contrasts nicely while hiding a multitude of sins. However, Castelli recognises we’re not all the same and offers natural gray, dark steel blue, red wine, dark gray, space green and Belgian Blue, too. Subtle retro-reflectives and Castelli logos complete the classy, understated, yet highly practical aesthetic.
Pad 4/5
Though never the only consideration, a pad is pivotal to comfort. In this instance, Castelli has gone for their Progetto X2 Air Seamless Seat Pad. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this also features in their Espresso Bib Shorts, and I’ve found it music to my derriere, regardless of bike, saddle, or riding context. For the uninitiated, it’s a three-layer design. The outer (or skin care) layer features a very tactile anti-bacterial (bacteriostatic) designed to assumed shape of rider and saddle without any bunching, or chafe inducing folds in the fabric. Air is apparently designed to flow straight into this surface and enhance wicking.
The second, “cushioning” layer is a multi-density foam, which promises to “place the padding where you need it most”. Finally, we have the perforated viscous padding, which is placed under the ischial and perineum pressure areas. Aside from the 600miles with the Espresso Bib tights, I’ve done a good 1500miles with the Bib Shorts, so a design I hold in high regard.
Sizing/Fit 4.5/5
I’ve said his before but it’s fair to say Castelli’s sizing chart is comprehensive and precise, for the most part taking the guesswork out of online purchases. For reference, I stand 1m81 and tip the scales at 70 kilos, have a 86cm (34inch) inseam and found our large bang on, all round. Interestingly and unlike the bib shorts, this includes the crotch region- no sense of being trussed up when pulling over to answer my bladder’s call.
Performance 3.75/5
Consistently good across the board and better than I was expecting in some very cold but dry conditions. Ours arrived in early January, coinciding with some sub-zero temperatures and a black ice tumble that claimed a long serving pair of bib longs. I was astonished at how effectively the relatively lightweight Lycra and thin pile fleece kept my legs temperate and turning a decent tempo. Alternating between hoods and drops, the bib section has offered unrestricted movement, while offering my back and vital organs plenty of protection. They are a little narrower than I’m traditionally keen on, but in common with the bib shorts, they displace the load better than their width might imply.
For broader context, I was layered-up - vest base layer, a softshell jacket and an Oxford Venture Jacket, during our first two-hour outing, which flipped from –3 to –4 within the first hour. The legs are the right side of snug, caressing, rather than death gripping, the cuffs slipping beautifully into winter type booties - Shimano's MW501 and MW7S specifically. Regular readers will know I'm not keen on overshoes but some that are confirmed they’ve had no compatibility hassles there, either.
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Again, the subtle elastics eliminated any gathering, or incremental creep, while still accommodating winterweight waterproof socks. The story stayed the same at higher cadences, particularly when things thawed a little, allowing me to venture out on Denise and my fixed gear winter/trainer. There’s no compression technology, but I’ve found the legs highly supportive, thus helping with fatigue, most noticeably on rides exceeding three hours. As for the pad, well, it features higher up the Castelli range- their £250 Premio Black Bibshort, to be precise.
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Best thought of as a middle density design, it offers a nice blend of damping, while still offering some cooling comfort and efficient wicking. Sure, there’s some faint misting, but I’d expect that from any pad. However, it never got beyond this and didn’t linger. I’ve sat in more pads than I can count over the years, and most have broadly agreed with me-allowing for things like design and price point.
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However, the Progetto X2 Air Seamless Seat Pad is among the highest ranking. I’ve done around 250 miles off road, a fair bit in the saddle-no issues, even after a few hours. Characteristics that lend the Espresso to gravel, exploring unmade roads on a rough stuff tourer and maybe a little trail fun when things turn cooler.
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Now, this leads me to some limitations- considerations, rather than cons. While chill is effectively managed by the Thermotex fabric, the fabric’s density struggles when confronted by icy crosswinds. Similarly, there’s no durable water repelling (DWR) coating, so expect things to turn decidedly soggy given a sharp shower, or more persistent wintry rain. Judging by the two occasions where snow and sleet defined things, this is a little more pedestrian. Fine if lighter sleet/snow’s forecast, or you get out on a shorter ride, but otherwise, I’d be reaching for a more water repellent pair.
Durability/Care 3.75/5
My recent spill served as a reminder that even the best of clothing can be ruined, given the right contexts. That out of the way, I’ve been suitably impressed by the Espresso’s resistance to the usual everyday wear and tear.
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As I’ve said earlier, though not a trail garment, I’ve done a fair few rides on the wilder side and despite the usual brushes with thorns, thistles and other foliage, no hint of bobbling, or similar deterioration. Sticking with the usual 30-degree, minimal detergent standard machine wash has seen them appear looking and smelling fresh.
Value 3.5/5
On the one hand, £136 (reduced from £150) is a fair bit to part with but then value is nuanced. Though the Espresso aren’t brimming with the latest tech, they are very well thought out and ultimately, executed.
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Sure, you can get great bib tights for £80 odd. Endura Extract Bibtight are a thermal model with high stretch Roubaix fleece, anti-bacterial, odour repelling gel pad, silicone grippers and reflective trim for £84.99. Staying with Endura, their Men’s Pro SL Bibtights II are designed for winter’s worst and feature a windproof and DWR coating at the front and seat, variable profile anti-bacterial components.
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However, while they’re arguably a better choice for wild and wintry conditions, they also come in at £194.99. Lusso Terra Bib Tights are another model reckoned good for temperatures between zero and 12 degrees. They also feature a DWR finish, are apparently windproof and breathable. It also features their on/off road Terra pad for mixed terrain adventures. At £155, they’re £19 dearer than the Espresso but this might be a price worth paying on wetter winter outings.
Again, at the heavier tog weight, mid-winter end of the spectrum, Rapha Men’s Pro Team Winter Tights with Pad II. These feature a size specific synthetic pad, gridded fabric to lock in warmth, while wicking moisture from the skin, wind and rain blocking front panels and a recommended temperature range between 1 and 8 degrees. However, they’re also considerably dearer at £260.00.
Summary
The Castelli Espresso Bib Tights are best thought of as a cool weather staple and generally, meet the design brief handsomely. They’ve got a great pad, cut and seamless construction for starters. The temperature range extends their versatility, too. While I’ve found them temperate when the mercury’s really been tanking, I’ve also been turning a brisk cadence. Similarly, the absence of a DWR treatment means they can quickly turn soggy when the heavens open.
Verdict: 3.75/5 Extremely comfortable bib tights but best suited to cool, cold and predominantly dry conditions.
Michael Stenning
PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2025
