Castelli Podium Collection - Gavia Bibshort - Men's - 2011 BCS

These were the first bibs I purchased for my introduction into road biking and didn't have too much experience at the time of purchase. Since then I have a couple of Garneau Real Cyclist bibs and a pair of Black Bottoms from a local club. I will draw some comparison between the brands. I'm 6'0" tall with a 33" waist. I purchased a large in the Castelli Podium and they have a snug fit. I probably could have gone with an XL, but didn't want any extra movement in the fit. Overall I'm satisfied with the product and general fit, but would go with the other brands mentioned for all of my future purchases. The comparison: The chamois in the Castelli does not perform as well as the Garneau or Black Bottoms. I reserve the Castelli bibs for shorter rides. The bib on the Castelli seems a bit cheaper than the other two brands. I'm a bit worried that over time it will tear away from the shorts. The Garneau and Black Bottoms bib shoulder straps are very substantial compared to the Castelli and the fit is more comfortable. The fit at the front of the Castelli bib is very low below the belly button and just doesn't seem/feel right (maybe if you are 5'10" with a 33" waist, they would be fine). The overall quality of the product doesn't seem to be on par with the Garneau and Black Bottoms. I wear a large in the Garneau and Black Bottoms and they fit perfect. Perhaps I would have been happier with an XL in the Castelli.

I have purchase a couple of pairs of these bibs. The chamois is a love song for long rides. I cringe when I do not have a clean pair when I have a ride longer that 4 hours. As far as size is concerned, they run a little small, but not enough for me to go a size larger than what I usually wear. I am 5'9" and 150 lbs and I went with the medium.

Got these and other Castelli bibs on Bonktown, saved big $$$. I'm 5'10" and 160 lbs and these fit great in medium. My build is from triathlon so a little bigger in the upper body than a Cat 1 and a little thinner in the quads. These fit slightly looser than the 2 Castelli Ganna bibshorts I have (I prefer a pretty snug fit). I love, love the AC chamois for longer rides (with chamois cream of course!) and quickly adapted to the wide bib straps. The strap length is good and snug but not too tight and the low front is awesome for calls of nature. A great feature is the lack of silicone leg grippers which equals no skin irritation but they still stay put well. This kit looks good and I've been complimented on it before, but the black does soak up heat from the sun if you're wearing the jersey too. Overall, comfortable and well padded, quality construction and great looks at a steal of a price on Bonktown.

I just got these and I think the sizes are pretty true. I wear smalls in Castelli, Giordana, and Pearl Izumi. Sure the Italian stuff are tighter but that's a good thing. The fabric is very soft and high quality, the details are much better than any pearl izumi and the chamois is one of the most comfortable. The wide set straps takes a bit of getting used to but it's def not a bad thing. I definitely recommend them and I have the Ganna Navy on the way and will probably get more of them. The price is worth it and if you can get it from bonktown then it's a steal!

Overall, I do like these shorts, they have a great chamois and the cut is really great except for one minor detail.

They are cut really low around the belly. I suppose this is so you can perform quick nature breaks, but if you have any kind of belly this can be really uncomfortable. I really would rather have them come up just a bit higher and I'll be a bit uncomfortable for my nature break rather than feel like I'm getting saw'd in half while riding.

Also, because the short is lower in the front, the straps attach farther to each side. For me this causes the straps to dig into the front of my shoulders more than I'd like.

I had middling expectations but they've been laid to rest. These bibs have proven to be extremely comfortable. The wide-set straps are a bit unusual but it works well for me, and the chamois is the best I've ever put under my taint. I've never disliked the usual gripper strips on the legs of other bibs/shorts, but I think I prefer the way these do without it. At bonktown prices these are a steal and a half.

I did, however, find that the size chart here did not match Castelli charts found elsewhere, and would have led me to buy the wrong size. I followed the other charts and the fit is spot-on.

You of course need to size up on these shorts like all Castelli stuff. These shorts are a little low cut in the front, so your mid-drift is a little exposed when you aren't on your bike. I bought them on sale because I didn't want to spend $220 on a pair of shorts, but I'm very happy with them.

great shorts. i especially like the bib strap placement, which keeps them from sliding off my shoulders.chamois is also good quality. the usual castelli - very good.

I really like this bibshort. the chamois is conforming, so it's not just a pad you are sitting on. I also like the placement of the straps, which fall off to the side and prevent chaffing. The sizing is small, so size up. I'm 6'1" 185# and went with the XXL and it fits well. Didnt try the XL, so not sure what the difference would have been.

Overall a great buy if you pick up on btown.

These are good bibs, but like all Castelli products, their sizing is weird.I'm just under 6'3'', 178 lbs and I first ordered a XXL. Although the leg openings were snug, they were loose around my upper thighs and my stomach. This created a little rub because of the loose material.I exchanged them for an XL and these things are snug! The shoulder straps are too tight for me, but hopefully they'll loosen up. The snug fit is a lot more comfortable than the XXLs.These look good and they are nice and thin, but I wish the inseam were longer. They are about 2'' short in my opinion, but some people like them that short.

Holy Crap these things are small. Euro fit so get at least a size larger.