Castelli launches new Free Aero Race 4 Bibshort

Distributed by Saddleback, Castelli has announced the launch of its new Free Aero Race 4 Bibshort, continuing the legacy of a 12 year project first started in 2007.

Equipped with millions of miles of pro peloton development, the Free Aero Race 4 is dubbed Castelli’s “fastest and most comfortable” racing bibshort to date.

The new Free Aero Race 4 is the latest evolution of Castelli’s original Aero Race bibshort, which gave Castelli riders an aerodynamic edge in the peloton when it launched in 2007. The bibshort will be used by Team Sky throughout 2019, who through riding over 30,000km a year will act as the ideal testers for Castelli, and is now available to all riders priced at £150.

After visiting the Team Sky squad in Belgium, Nice, Manchester and Italy to get training and racing feedback, Castelli concurred that while the existing Free Aero Race was a really good pair of shorts, there were still improvements to be made.

The Free Aero Race 4 has been completely re-engineered to improve the short’s performance, incorporating new Vortex dimpled fabric which discourages air attachment so that it flows cleanly off the back of a cyclist’s legs while riding. This new design also allows for a better print quality.

To ensure compression is only applied where needed, Castelli has overhauled the short’s leg grippers; The new Giro4 design features a lie-flat raw-cut edge with vertical silicone stripes to better distribute grip over a larger area to keep the hem in place without restricting stretch and leg movement.

Made with 38% lycra content, the inner legs feature Forza fabric for a snug, un-restrictive fit. Castelli has also completely redesigned the short’s panelling with the new Doppio V construction improving fit and support.

The Free Aero Race 4 bib straps have been re-designed with new lighter, more breathable material, resulting in better moisture transfer to keep riders cooler and drier while lying flatter for more of a forget-it’s-there feel. The straps are also more durable than before and feature a sophisticated new pinstripe design.

There’s a tidy lie-flat race radio pocket on the rear and a new loop for the radio’s microphone was added at the request of team riders.

The bibshort incorporates Castelli’s brand new Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad, which features a two-piece design. Castelli’s advanced use of fabric technologies means the supportive foam core is slightly narrower and smaller than before. This is because the design’s flexibility and elasticity mean it sits exactly where it needs to be and therefore doesn’t have to be wider than the saddle.

The upper layer is dimpled to reduce full skin contact, encouraging air to drive moisture away from the body. It’s also more elastic so it doesn’t fold while a soft fabric finish improves comfort.

In order to better cater for the needs of female cyclists, Castelli has developed the Free Aero Race 4 W; a pro-level women’s-specific short available in two styles, with and without bib straps. The bibshort design is available in standard, Team Sky or Team options, and Castelli has implemented its redesigned straps which have been tried and tested by Team Sky and Castelli’s team of female testers. The Women’s Free Aero Race 4 Bibshort retails at £150.

For the short versions, Castelli has opted for a comfortable high-rise waistband that holds the shorts in place without restriction and gives the same coverage as the bibs to ensure there are no gaps between jersey and shorts. The Women’s Free Aero Race 4 Short is priced at £130.