Castelli

Velocissimo Equipe Bib Shorts

In Italian, 'velocissimo' means fast. In French, 'equipe' means team. Put the two together and you have the cycling ideal expressed in the dual official languages of the sport. Though we spend a lot of time alone when on the bike, we all know that competitive cycling is a team sport, and we work hard to be fast so as not to let the team down. The Castelli Velocissimo Equipe Bib Shorts have been designed to be comfortable enough to inspire long hours on the bike; the fact that you'll look pretty darn slick while doing it can only serve as additional motivation.

Part of the genius behind these bibs is a cut that makes full use of the qualities of the special Affinity Lycra 210GR fabric. The Affinity Lycra is the secret weapon behind many of Castelli's most comfortable pieces because it has a wonderful stretch-return aspect that allows it to give when you need to, but then retake its shape once you are back in your habitual riding position. Essentially, it moves with you and doesn't fight or rub against you. That's because it has an amazingly soft and smooth texture with an attractive semi-matte finish. Using this fabric in a ten-panel construction means that the bibs will follow your contours so well that you won't even remember you have them on.

Castelli calls the pad in these bibs the Kiss3 chamois, and you'll realize the name suits it as soon as you sit on the saddle. It is nearly as comfortable and advanced as their top-of-the-line Progetto X2, but costs considerably less. They have done this by using all of the same comfort features while saving slightly on the construction. What you'll get is the seamless skin care layer that is made from a super soft brushed microfiber to maximize the luxurious comfort and perfect fit. Since it is seamless, there will be no worries about chafing, while the flexibility of the material will help the pad move with you as you jump to an out-of-the-saddle assault. It has also been given a bacteriostatic treatment to avoid saddle sores and infections. The interior of the insert provides the ultimate in intelligent cushioning so that the maximum padding is placed in the ischial zone, tapering to a moderate thickness in the perineum and then narrowing still further at the perimeter of the pad. The anatomical shape will keep it nuzzled against your undercarriage through every pedal stroke.

On the bibs, Castelli has included super-comfy and airy mesh straps. They will hold the bib in place without tugging, and the mesh keeps them from becoming oppressively hot on a humid, sunny day. The Giro3 integrated leg grippers have been fashioned so that the grip material is knit directly into the short. The generous 5 cm wide band will gently compress to secure the leg hem in place. It also lies completely flat, keeping your leg aero as if it were in a skinsuit. And for those evenings you get caught out after sunset, reflective bands at the back of the legs will help ensure that you'll make it home in one piece.

The Castelli Velocissimo Equipe Bib Shorts are available in three color options: Black/White, White/Black/Red and White/Black/Acid Green. They come in sizes Small through XXX-Large.

• Giro3 leg grippers keep the short in place without binding
  
• Reflective hits on the backs of both legs help ensure you stay visible after dusk
  
• Matches perfectly with the rest of the Velocissimo Equipe kit, right down to the cap and gloves