Castelli Competizione bib shorts review - affordable bibs ideal for shorter rides

Despite their competitive price point, the Competizione shorts feel luxurious and benefit from trickle-down tech

Male cyclist wearing the Castelli Competizione bib shorts
(Image credit: Tom Couzens)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

A comfortable, well constructed pair of shorts, adequate for short to medium days spent in the saddle. With technology filtered down from the premium Castelli Rosso Corsa range the Competizione are a great reasonably priced pair of shorts from a well renowned cycling brand.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Thick, secure grippers keep everything in place

  • +

    Seamless construction eliminates chafing

  • +

    Stretchy fabric helps to mold and provide a comfortable fit

  • +

    Raw cut finish to the legs help make these feel like a premium pair of shorts Breathable upper mesh panels prevent overheating

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    There are more comfortable pads for long days out in the saddle

  • -

    Sizing comes up a little small, so worth considering going up one size

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Castelli Competizione bib shorts offer great value for money, with a feeling far more luxurious than the price point may suggest. With a great attention to detail, these are a well rounded, comfortable pair of every day shorts and are among the best cycling shorts for men.

Castelli Competizione: construction

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Tom Couzens
Freelance Writer

Tom Couzens is a racing cyclist currently representing The Ribble Collective on the road and the Montezumas cyclo-cross team off road. His most notable results include winning the Monmouth GP national series race as a junior; finishing sixth in the 2022 British National Cyclo-cross Championships; and he was selected to represent Great Britain at the European Cyclo-cross Championships in 2020/21. Tom draws on his high-level racing experience and knowledge to help Cycling Weekly readers maximise their potential and get as much as possible out of their riding.