Doomrider74

Ive just taken delivery of some Castelli Competizione bibs (large) and the fit is perfect, except the straps feel a little tight over the shoulder, although not uncomfortably so. Are they supposed to be like this when walking upright, on the premise that they'll feel fine when on the bike? Or is it just that they don't fit?

I'm 5ft 10 (178cm), so not particularly tall, and I feel the next size up would be too big in most places.

This is my first pair of Castelli shorts, by the way.

Sy Reene

fwiw.. my Free Aero Race 4s, are much tighter over the shoulder than my FR3 versions from the year prior.. or the fabric isn't as stretchy. I'm about 6'2" in an XL. That tightness does seem to be unnoticeable once in a riding position and on the bike though.

urbanknight

My understanding is that you size bibs by height and don't worry about things like waist unless you are seriously outside the realm of a normal human being. The straps will stretch a little, so if they're not causing soreness, let it be and enjoy. Otherwise one size bigger might serve you well. I'm 5'10" and fit most brands size large, which hasn't changed even though my waist has.

Doomrider74

Thanks. I'll give them another try tonight. Id originally ordered the mediums, which is what I take ìn most clothing, and they proved too small in the leg and height, so these are me "sizing up".

Koyote

Yeah, that's what some manufacturers say, and it's not good advice. I'm 6'2" and about 168 lbs; if I buy the size that some brands recommend based on my height (large), I've got waaay too much lycra and padding. It's better to buy according to waist size, and make sure the bibs have soft & stretchy straps.

MagicHour

This has been my experience for most bibs, usually go by waist size, the rare times I've tried sizing up from my normal size Medium I've been disappointed with a sloppy fit. 5'11"/164# w/ chicken legs. Tighter straps will usually loosen up a bit (within reason). There has been exactly 1 item where the straps were too short - a pair of M tights that seemed like the straps were sized for a toddler, not convinced it wasn't a mfg error!

urbanknight

Sounds like everyone has their own experience. I stopped buying mediums (even when I was 145lb with a 34" waist) because I literally got sore shoulders from the straps. Large felt just as good to me on the bottom, and less restrictive up top.

Doomrider74

Its OK, you can all relax as I've just been for a quick 18km and the fit is fine on the bike. They feel great, in fact.

surak

I had to size up on their Free Protect bibs because the straps were much less stretchy than every other bib shorts I've ever owned (e.g., Assos, Sportful, Rapha, Voler). Not sure why they skimp on that, especially when the Castelli size charts have no height measurements, only inseam. Definitely see Castelli as catering more toward shorter people, as I have multiple Rossa Corsa items and they're all either short or on the loose side.

urbanknight

Nope, we're gonna take this thread to 3 pages before we even think of letting it die.

Doomrider74

Id expect nothing less

79pmooney

Broken record here. I never got into bibs because using clip-on suspenders with shorts works so well. I buy shorts by crotch fit (and I try them on). For me, a snug fit of the "chamois" and the shorts keeping everything comfortable and where it belongs are all important. Adjustable suspenders mean I never have to even consider strap length. (This does mean the shorts are typically a little tight around the waist when new but those straps quickly stretch that waist and is a few rides, they are fine. And for older shorts, I tighten the suspenders to go a little snugger down there. Bibs go the other way.)

There are two drawbacks. I don't get to be hip and I don't get the spend the really big bucks/

superdex

yes. welcome to sh*t that fits right

Koyote

Yes, you’re right – my post was about my own experience.
But your post reminds me: I’m amazed that some manufacturers can’t get the straps right. They should all be supple and stretchy and virtually unnoticeable in use. And yet, some are awful: about two years ago I bought a pair of top-of-the-line bibs from Specialized, in my usual size, and the straps had almost no stretch and a texture like sandpaper.

urbanknight

79pmooney’s post is making me think bibs should have adjustable straps.

Thanks for the comment on Specialized. I was about to try their RBX bib, but maybe I’ll skip the sandpaper experience.

Koyote

That wasn't the model - it was the SL Pro, or something like that, of a couple years ago.

I do have a couple-year old pair of the RBX bibs, though, and they are very comfy - and the lycra also started to fall apart after one year of light use. Between those two experiences, I am kind of done with Spesh.

If you've not tried them yet, Rapha seems good. Great customer service, too.

Doomrider74

Adjustable straps would introduce something else to rub, which is against the whole point of bibs in the first place I.e to eliminate pressure points where possible.

Doomrider74

Id hope so for the price.

Koyote

Quality is often cheaper, in the long-run. The Spesh RBX bibs were $150 and started failing within a year of light use...Rapha cost (I think) about $230, and after three years of hard use, both pairs are still in great shape.

urbanknight

I switched to bibs because my gut started to spill over the waist of my shorts and fold it down. When I was a twig, I really didn't care if I wore bibs or shorts.

Still, I think a little creativity would allow for some adjustability in straps without rubbing.