Castelli Free Protect Race Bib Shorts

The Free Protect Race Bib Shorts were made as a result of Chris Froome wanting protection on the early stage of the Tour De France. Those first days are characterised by chaos and crashes as every rider looks to stake their position in the bunch. And so Castelli turned to the track riders trick of wearing two pairs of shorts for inspiration, where two surfaces of lycra sliding prevent nasty cases of road rash.

Crash. Keep Riding.

To the outside layer, Castelli use the Vortex fabric from their Free Bibshort. This is a mighty durable fabric, even when sliding across the tarmac. And to this, they add an inner layer of stretch woven fabric reinforced with a ripstop grid made from Dyneema® - the stuff found in ropes, racing sails and bulletproof vests. The result is protection across the hips and outer thighs with reduced chance of rips, cuts and abrasions should you crash. Dust down. Keep riding. Crashing will still hurt but all being well, you won't have nasty road rash wounds sticking to the bedsheets that same night (we've all been there). 

Free Aero Race 4 Construction

Beyond the protection these shorts offer, you'll also be happy to find they also deliver the usual level of Castelli performance and comfort. Technology and construction are both carried over from their race-winning Free Aero Race 4 shorts. You'll find the same superb level of flexibility for smooth pedalling and Giro4 leg grippers that keep the shorts in place. The Doppio V front supports around the waist and minimalist Stripe mesh bibs are barely noticeable as you pick up speed. And then there's the sublime Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad. Comfort and support just don't get any better. 

While first created for Tour riders to survive the madness of the first week, these shorts will serve you just as well at a local criterium through to taking on the rough stuff at a gravel race. And should you crash. Well, you'll come out of it better. And a great pair of shorts won't have been ruined. Result.