Product Spotlight: Castelli Body Paint 2.0 Cycling Bib Shorts

Castelli Body Paint 2.0 Bibshort

Constantly revolutionizing cycling apparel, Castelli has developed bib shorts that pro cyclists are raving about – the Castelli Body Paint 2.0 Bibshort. As a BicyclingHub.com choice brand, Castelli uses the latest in fabric design and technology to create the fastest and most comfortable bib short to date. With the Body Paint 2.0, the company took its introductory bib short model and elevated it to a new level of performance. Castelli is so confident in the quality of its newest bib shorts that the item is backed up with a warranty.

Features of the Castelli Body Paint 2.0 Bibshort

• Seamless design for maximum fit and comfort.
• Comfortable, gripping and air-wicking bib straps.
• Radio pocket in the upper bib.
• Added airflow in the chamois.
• Comfortable seat pad.
• Superbly aerodynamic.
• Cool, lightweight fabric.
• Nine-inch inseam.
• Warranty from Castelli as well as a 1-year exclusive warranty from BicyclingHub.com.
• European sizing.
• Instead of using elastic at the bottom of the legs, a gripping material is knitted directly into the end of the bib shorts so the fabric lays flat.

Advantages of Bib Shorts Over Traditional Cycling Shorts

• They offer a snugger fit, which reduces chafing and saddle abrasions.
• Bib shorts are more aerodynamic.
• The shorts stay in place without the need to adjust drawstrings or feel irritated with uncomfortable elastic waistbands that cut into the skin.
• There is never a need to hike up bib shorts or worry about exposed skin on your lower back.
• Bib shorts offer a better fit in the seat.
• They’re more comfortable at the waist, which is generally higher than that of traditional cycling shorts.

The CastelliBody Paint 2.0 Cycling Bibshort is so comfortable and light you’ll feel like you’re wearing a second skin. For serious cyclists, bib shorts don’t get better than this.

Comfortable In The Saddle

Comfortable in the Saddle

All of us should certainly be able to ride comfortably for as long and as far as our legs and lungs will carry us.  Saddle sores no more!!  These three hints are key to ensuring that your next ride will be the best and more comfortable that it can be!

1) Bike Fit - THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN YOUR COMFORT. If your bike is sized incorrectly, you will never be comfortable on the bike. You may have the fanciest seat in the world and own the best best shorts that money can buy, but if your bike doesn't fit well, you will still feel less than cozy. We recommend seeing a bike-fit specialist who will properly fit you to your bike. It may cost anywhere between $50-$200, but a proper bike-fit can be one of your best investments. Here in Portland, we hear great things about the bike-fitting pros at Crank pdx. In most cases, it is best to avoid purchasing bikes online or via mail unless you know for sure what size you need.

2) Cycling Shorts - Once your bike fits well, then you're safe to proceed to shorts shopping. Cycling Shorts come in a variety of styles and pad thicknesses. The shorts should fit snugly, especially to ensure that the pad doesn't move or shift while riding. We strongly recommend bib shorts for more of a seamless feel and the most comfort, but many riders do prefer regular cycling shorts. DO NOT WEAR UNDERWEAR with your cycling shorts!  The shorts are meant to be in contact with your skin.

3) Chamois Cream - For longer rides, or on early season rides, many folks like to use chamois creme. Chamois creme provides a bit of a barrier, can help reduce friction, and decrease the frequency of saddle sores.

If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact our friendly cycling clothing experts so that we can find solutions that will help you ride in comfort.  We want you "back in the saddle again!"

BicyclingHub.com

(888)-817-8060

customerservice@bicyclinghub.com

Cycling Shorts Buyers Guide

Why Buy Cycling Shorts?

Bicyclinghub.com's Kevin Langton advises buyers to buy cycling shorts for longer distances. Cycling shorts are specifically designed with one thing in mind, and that thing would indeed be the hugely enjoyable pastime that we know to be riding our bikes. As kids some of us would go everywhere on two wheels, maybe even turning pro at an early age and taking on a paper route! Some of us never stopped riding and some of us came back to it later on. Most of us, if we choose to spend many recreational hours on a bicycle, will inevitably end up in bicycle shorts. In the case of mens bike shorts, or women's bike shorts, it is absolutely okay to follow the herd. All those who ride know the comfort of doing so in a good pair of cycling shorts, and that there really is no substitute.
Whenever you are going to spend a good solid block of time on the bike and the purpose of the ride is the ride itself, those cut-off jeans, cargo shorts or skinnies, really are not going to cut the mustard! You'll also sometimes see triathletes on their time trial bikes in a speedo but remember that those guys and girls have to swim and run as well, without stopping to change into anything other than their shoes and to maybe put on a bike helmet.
So, cyclists wear cycling shorts because they are the best and most comfortable shorts to ride in and that's all there is to it. What makes them so comfortable? The seatpad, also called a chamois as in earlier bike shorts the seatpad was made using chamois leather (See here for your chamois 101). Seatpads nowadays are quite a science with variable thickness and pad density in specific areas that need cushioning, such as your sit bones. They are shaped specifically to interface with most saddles and to be anatomically correct, providing comfort without any unwanted additional bulk. They are also covered in fabrics that are treated to wick away perspiration and inhibit growth of bacteria, ensuring good hygiene and both your immediate and long-term comfort. The fabrics used in a modern day bike short provide valuable muscle support, next-to-skin comfort and flexibility with light weight, whilst also wicking away perspiration to keep you cooler and drier as you exercise. The fit on a pair of bicycle shorts is designed to be figure hugging, allowing the fabric to support you and to wick away sweat. The fit is more aerodynamic and, combined with the stretchy fabrics used, eliminates areas where material can bunch up and cause chafing or discomfort. Everything is held in place nicely, including the all-important seatpad, and at the same time complete freedom of movement is allowed. Remember that when you are cycling, your legs will be turning at a rate of anything between 50 to more than 100 pedal revolutions per minute!
One of our favorite brands of cycling shorts is Pearl Izumi. Our least expensive short is the Canari Velo II cycling shorts.

What about bib shorts?

You've probably seen those cycling shorts with suspenders. What's that all about? Well, where shorts are typically held up with the aid of elastic at the waist, in some cases a drawstring, and occasionally both, the bibshort has no waistband and is held up by what is basically a suspender made from lightweight, stretchy, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric such as mesh. With the suspender being worn under the jersey there is little difference in outward appearance between a cycling short and a cycling bib short. For more information on bib shorts check out our Buyers Guide To Bib Shorts All of us here at Bicyclinghub.com can be considered cycling shorts and bib short veterans, and we would love to share our collective wisdom and experience with you. Whether you are looking for your first pair, upgrading, or perhaps giving a brand you haven't used before a try, we are happy to assist with product information and sizing advice. You can reach one of our cycle clothing experts toll-free at 1-888-817-8060 or e-mail us at sales@bicyclinghub.com

Presto, Chango: Castelli's new bib shorts are MAGIC

Erik Solberg from Castelli USA demonstrates the Presto Bib short with Kiss 3 pad.

Castelli Presto bib shorts are available
in 4 color ways, including the new
Grey/Anthracite/Orange

Your dollar goes a long way with these great bibs from Castelli. Plenty of features are included that will help you to clock many miles on the bike, in both comfort and style. These include the ever popular Castelli Kiss 3 seatpad, great high-performance soft and supportive fabric and multi-panel construction providing a super fit and all day comfort.

Castelli Presto Bib Shorts Feature:

• Affinity Lycra provides outstanding rebound and stretch.
• 8-Panel construction.
• 4-needle flat-lock stitched seams for added comfort and durability.
• Mesh upper bib for breathability.
• Castelli's Kiss 3 seat pad.
• Durable Castelli heat transfer wordmark on the outside of the legs.
• Classic silicone gel leg grippers.
• Reflective piping, alongwith 2 rear reflective tabs at the bottoms of the legs, increase low-light visibility.

Castelli's century-worthy and race-proven KISS 3 Chamois

The Kiss 3 chamois has been engineered to eliminate seams that may cause abrasions and chaffing. The top layer provides a comfortable and soft interface with the rider. Most riders will not need chamois creme with the Kiss 3 seat pad. High density foam helps pad the short in places where you need it and have less foam around the edges of the pad.

Sneak Preview: Get what You REALLY Want blowout deals coming your way!

Just in case Santa forgets to bring you some new cycling clothing this year, BicyclingHub.com has you covered.  We're pleased to offer a sneak preview of our upcoming Get What You REALLY Want year-end sale, ready to be unwrapped Christmas morning.

Strengthen your resolve to Ride More in 2012 and start the New Year with a bang!  From December 25th thru January 1st, 2012, select cycling apparel from all of your favorite brands, including Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Retro, Twin Six, Icebreaker, Canari and Primal Wear will be deeply discounted 30% OFF or more.  Below are some highlights.

Castelli Body Paint Bibs
Regular Price: $249.99
Sale Price:  $159.99

Castelli Body Paint Bib Shorts only $159.99
So unobtrusive your body feels as if you're wearing nothing at all, Castelli Body Paint bibs are constructed with a single piece of Power Stretch Lycra that eliminates seams and covers your body as if it was painted on. Featuring Castelli's top of the line Progetto X2 seat pad, these bibs remain a favorite of Garmin-Cervelo pro riders and everyday cyclists alike.

This Year Ride A Bike T-Shirt by Retro
Regular Price:  $23.99
Sale Price:  $19.99

Remember Cycling Tees for Apres-Ride Comfort
Display your velo love off the bike as well as on it with one of these cycling-themed t-shirts from Retro and Twin Six. Constructed with 100% pre-shrunk cotton and offering eye-catching prints for both men and women, you'll be eager to shed that damp, smelly jersey after a hard training ride for some soft cotton comfort next to your skin.

New York Yankees Cycling Jersey
Regular Price:  $79.99
Sale Price:  $49.99

$30 OFF all Major League Baseball jerseys
Hit a home run these season and root for your favorite team in one of these officially licensed major league baseball cycling jerseys. Currently on sale for $30 OFF regular price, there's no better time to buy and get ready for some spring training of your own in 2012.

Icebreaker Short Sleeve Circuit Merino Wool
 Cycling Jersey - Rocket Red/Silver
Regular Price:  $139.99
Sale Price:  $99.99

Wool with Sex Appeal: All Icebreaker Cycling Apparel 30% OFF
Recently dubbed "Wool with Sex Appeal" by fashionistas at the New York Times, Icebreaker "takes tough, old-fashioned Merino wool and spins it into whisper- light layers that keep you warm but let you breathe." An investment in premium cycling clothing you'll reach for again and again, here's your chance to grab 100% fine Merino wool bib shorts, jerseys, warmers and hats for 30% OFF list price.

Pearl Izumi Attack Cycling Shorts
Regular Price:  $74.99
Sale Price:  $59.99

Save 30% on all Pearl Izumi cycling shorts and bib shorts for men and women
Pearl Izumi cycling shorts and bib shorts feature anatomical designs for both men and women with amazing 3-dimensional seat pads that ensure long-lasting comfort. Other key pieces of technology include new In-R-Cool and Minerale fabric, UPF protection, antimicrobial odor-reducing treatment, non-chafing leg grippers and reflective details for safety. Our best deal on Pearl Izumi bottoms all year (including Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Bibs and Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Bibs, both BicyclingHub Staff Picks), you'll want to stock up for 2012 NOW.

The Ritz Cycling Jersey by Primal Wear
Regular Price:  $59.99
Sale Price:  $49.99

Go Primal: screaming deals on all Primal Wear jerseys in stock
Out with the old, in with the new is how the saying goes. Looking for short-sleeve cycling jerseys designed with bright sublimated graphics, rapid moisture- wicking breathability, and durable construction? Look no further than Primal Wear's latest offerings.  Between now and January 1st, you can take advantage of special pricing for all Primal Wear men's jerseys and women's jerseys in stock.


Be certain to open your browsers to BicyclingHub.com Christmas morning for the full gift bag of savings, and let us help you resolve to ride more in 2012 in comfort and style.

Castelli Endurance Bibs: the "All Day Gobstopper" of the short world

Our friends at Crossbikereview.com share our philosophy that one should ride bicycles in both comfort and style.  They've just published a review of Castelli's Endurance Bib Shorts, a BicyclingHub.com staff pick and customer favorite.  Read on to find out why they've earned a full 5 out of 5 cowbells rating.

	Scott Mares from Crossbikereview.com says: We Liked: Castelli Endurance Bib Shorts (black) We went over to the Castelli faciliy here in Portland, OR and visited with the President of Castelli Greg Cowen and picked up a pair of these shorts. I could tell right away that these shorts were very high quality and very well made. And after several months of riding in them on a daily basis I can say that my inital impressions were spot on. The Endurance bib shorts have Castelli's Progetto X2 pad and it was truly a experience. I am usually good for a 3 hour ride and then I start getting uncomfortable in the saddle. Not so with these shorts. This pad really works. You can truly spend hours in the saddle with this pad. Castelli Endurance Bib Shorts (red) The other thing that was innovative about these shorts was the gripper. Grippers started out as elastic with thin rubber threads that were exposed and gripped the leg. Then they went to silicon at the end. The Castelli Endurance bib shorts have it integrated into the fabric so the actual fabric cuff is grippy. There is no raised section from the gripper to the fabric. This means a better fit and no more silicone or gripper marks on your leg after your ride. No more funny shapes aorund your thigh from the shorts! Other nice features are 4-way flat lock stitching that ensures a smooth transition between the different sections. The micro-fabric is truly high quality and very form-fitting without being constrictive. There are also reflective inserts on the back of the leg on the cuff that adds a level of safety to the shorts. All of these are very nice touches that you would see on shorts costing much more. We Didn't Like This did come out sooner. The Final Say Endurance in white!  Castelli is a company that has been around a long time and prides themselves on making high quality and innovative cycling clothing. They stand behind every single piece of clothing that they sell--so much so that Greg made a point to take me back and show me the returns that they have recieved for the year. If you're not happy with it for whatever the reason, they will exchange it. Oh and there were only a handful of things in the return bins. I saw 4 bins and they each had about 4-5 items in them. Not a lot considering the scope and volume that they do. So the company rocks customer service and so do the shorts. I wanted to see if Willy Wonka was back in the back working with these guys because this short is the "All Day Gobstopper" of the short world. Get a pair and they will become your favorite short.

Purchase Castelli Endurance Bib Shorts Here

BicyclingHub.com Buyer's Guide to Bib Shorts

Why Bib Shorts?

Whether you're relatively new to riding, or have recently decided to get more serious about your fitness and training, you're ready to bridge the gap from traditional cycling shorts to bib shorts. If you're already a convert then you'll probably know exactly what we're talking about! Many who start using bibs say that they will never look back - sounds like what we all used to say about pedals when clipless were first introduced. Bib shorts are found by most, if not all, to be the most comfortable option for a riding short - but of course this relies heavily on getting the fit right (see Ensuring Proper Fit guidelines, below). Lack of a waistband and the fact that bib straps serve to hold the shorts up in proper position significantly contribute to the comfort factor. Preferred by professional cyclists and general enthusiasts alike, with a cycling jersey worn over the top bystanders can't tell the difference between bib shorts and traditional ones.

Ensuring Proper Fit

You will notice that our sizing charts (provided on each product page) give height as the measure that you should use. Of course, some individuals will have a shorter torso and some longer, but we still find height to be the best measure. It is paramount to get the bib strap length right in order to get the optimum fit: too long and the straps will be loose, failing to hold the shorts up and in position effectively; too short could cause discomfort, pulling the short up too tightly with straps potentially cutting in on the shoulders.

NOTE: bib straps may feel just a bit tight in the standing position. In fact, this is actually probably best, as when you are in true riding position the straps should slacken a little. You might find that after a few uses, the shorts will loosen up a bit as well. We suggest when you first try on the shorts, re-create the riding position if at all possible - perhaps pretend you are on the bike and adopt the crouch position - or get on the bike on the indoor trainer - or just pop down the driveway on your bike. (Don't be tempted to keep going though, unless you are sure of the fit, as we cannot accept exchanges that have been ridden in!)

Sample Sizing Chart: Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Bib Shorts

Men's	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Height(bibs)	5'3"-5'5"	5'6"-5'10"	5'11"-6'2"	6'3"-6'4"	6'5"and above
Chest	35-37	38-40	41-43	44-46	47-49
Waist	29-31	32-34	35-37	38-41	42-45
Hip	35-37	38-40	41-43	44-46	47-49
Inseam	31.5	32	32.5	33	33.5