Is the chamois exactly the same as that in the Castelli Free Aero Race 4? I ask, because other than the wonky straps (which I can deal with, even if they're not ideal), my main problem with the Free Aero Race 4 is the chamois' apparent durability. At the back of the chamois, there is a "v" notch which exposes the underlying foam/gel pad, which appears to generally float between (i) the soft top material of the chamois and (ii) the main body of the bibs that contacts the saddle. That foam/gel pad is only stiched into the main body of the bibs in certain areas, to aid movement and prevent friction; there is a thin white nylon material laminated to both sides of the foam/gel pad, apparently to assist that movement. My particular problem is that nylon material begins to delaminate within just a couple of rides/washes and starts bunching up; it also means that the foam directly contacts the surface material and isn't as friction-free as I believe the chamois is designed to be.MarkoP wrote: ↑Mon Jun 14, 2021 9:47 pmThanks for the reco on these. Bought a pair past week and did a 6 hour ride in them on Saturday. Bought a large (medium in Assos and Q36.5).jgman wrote: ↑Tue Jun 08, 2021 2:37 pmI am small in Assos and Q36.5 bibs and medium in Castelli bibs. However,whenever I order a different brand I usually order two sizes to try on both and return one
Overall I was impressed and they will be in my regular rotation. Need to do a few more rides before I can compare to Assos Rs9 and Q36.5 Elite (comparable to the Dottore X I believe).
At this point I felt the chamois wedged a few times but other than that the length is great, chamois isn't bulky, junk isn't compressed and anesthetically I can mix and match the all black look with various jerseys.
The straps are good but I still find the Assos and Q36.5 soft straps hard to beat.
Will give it a few more rides break in and see how they hold up with multiple washes but definitely on par with the 2 brands.
If only Assos would only extend the length a couple of inches...argh
Given the price of the bibs and that this is the top-of-the line chamois, I'm a little surprised. The chamois is compact, firm, and quite comfortable otherwise. With this exception (and the flimsy strap issue), the materials, fit, and compression are all great. I would prefer these shorts even to my current Assos bibs (or at least rank them as their equals), but for the chamois durability issues. Of my current rotation of upper-end Assos, Giordana, and these Castelli shorts, the Castellis are the only ones that I have this issue with. Always machine washed cold/delicate with Assos wash detergent; line dried indoors.
Anyone else have similar issues?
