Which shorts for circa £70

[cslwannabe]

Anyone got any experience of Castelli Competizione Bib shorts or Lusso Primary shorts?

I’m in need of some new shorts to replace my Rapha Core (non bib shorts). I only cycle once a week (use it as a non running workout) and generally under an hour. Never had any bib shorts but there appear to be more options than going with a direct replacement of my Rapha shorts - although Lusso Primary is available as bib or non bib.

From a bit of googling the 2 I’ve mentioned seem to get good reviews and are at a price I don’t mind paying, so just wondered if people had any experience of them. I’m a bit wary of Castelli sizing from what I’ve read though. I’m user a Medium for running shorts, but reviews suggest I might need XL for Castelli shorts!

Thanks in advance.

[defblade]

Yes, 2 or 3 sizes up in Castelli for me.

It's hard to recommend any particular shorts as different people prefer different fits/pads/etc.
But 2 general rules:
1) Bibs are more comfortable than shorts
2) You do tend to get what you pay for - I've found the more expensive ones last longer, but there's still no guarantee you will find them comfortable.

I would say get on StartFitness or SportPursuit and find some name products in your size at a healthy discount to have a try.
Lusso generally punch above their price point; I'd add Galibier to that as well.

[cslwannabe]

Thanks for your reply defblade.

The Galibier Classique looks to be a good option and the sizing should be less of a lottery than ordering a pair of Castelli!

[Andy OH]

I recently bought a pair of Castelli Espresso Bib Shorts and they are excellent. I have always worn Castelli products and you're correct that you would generally go up two sizes for Castelli.

As suggested above I would go with bib shorts as they are a lot more comfortable. I've worn Bib shorts for cycling for the past 20 years.

[cslwannabe]

Thanks also Andy OH.

Noted, I will definitely try a pair of bib shorts this time.

[Harpoon]

As mentioned above, SportsPursuit have some of the Endura Pro SL for £59 if you don't mind deep teal as the colour. I've not tried this version of the short, but the previous version of these shorts are superb for me and I have four pairs. Sizing was accurate IMO as I'd generally buy a medium T-shirt and I have medium in the shorts. The CW review does say they size up smaller though.

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/...

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/clothing/end...

[Salted_Peanut]

Harpoon said:

As mentioned above, SportsPursuit have some of the Endura Pro SL for £59 if you don't mind deep teal as the colour. I've not tried this version of the short, but the previous version of these shorts are superb for me and I have four pairs.

While I haven’t tried these particular bibs, Endura’s Pro SL range is superb. I have a Pro SL jacket that’s on a par with my Assos gear. Regarding quality, I’d put Endura Pro SL above today’s Rapha.

The usual bib shorts caveat applies: fit is highly personal.