SQUIRREL_13097007
I only reviewed the brand new Castelli Espresso bib shorts last year, but with some eye-catching improvements on the brand’s understated yet brightly coloured line-up, I was intrigued to see if the updated version could take them all the way to five stars.
That, and they came in purple. It really is the year of colourful kit and the 2026 Espresso colourways don’t fall short.
But do they show the sweat, I hear you ask? It would seem that Castelli’s designers have worked hard on the material choice and colourways as even after hard efforts and warmer rides, there was none of the dreaded crotch sweat marks in sight.
I was also a bit worried about this paler colourway attracting dirt and stains, but even after a very muddy ride, they came out good as new after a laundry cycle at 30 degrees.
Right – onto the important stuff. The second generation Castelli Espresso women’s bib shorts use the brand’s Progetto X2 Air Seamless Donna chamois. This is a women’s-specific design with a medium-thickness, variable-density pad with gel inserts and a very soft, dimpled microfibre cover.
Just like with the first generation shorts, I found these great for most of my riding, from short to medium in duration, but for the very longest day rides I’d find myself opting for a little more support from a thicker chamois instead, such as those in the Universal Colours Chroma or Velocio Luxe.
So what is new for the second generation? First up, there are new mesh panels at the belly and lower back where the bib straps meet the shorts. These are designed to aid breathability in these often sweaty areas.
How I tested
Each pair of bib shorts was tested over multiple rides and laundry cycles in late spring and early summer, both on and off-road. The key factors tested were comfort and functionality (not to forget style); the most crucial aspects of this cycling wardrobe staple. The selection of bib shorts features standard and cargo bib options, reflecting the market demand for both options.
Personally I get a lot sweatier at the lower back than the stomach, and any measure to reduce the amount of sweat that cools and makes you chilly at the cafe stop is a winner in my book.
The front panel was covered by my jersey in the riding position, but taller riders may find it revealed when off the bike. A mesh in the same tone as the main fabric of the short would help to make this less obvious.
The easy-pee design has been altered a little, where the elasticated straps can now be worn crossed over the back (as before), or crossed over the chest instead. I think the choice will be entirely personal – though there’s no denying that it’s a very effective design that allows you to use the toilet without having to ditch all your other layers first.
This season’s shorts retain all of the great comfort features, though, from the soft yet secure raw leg hems to the wide bib straps and sleek matte fabric.
At £185, the Castelli Espresso 2 shorts are neither budget-friendly nor exceedingly expensive, but I believe they represent value for quality design, given the price of similar rival options.
Bottom line
A real workhorse for the everyday cycling wardrobe without compromising on style, the Espresso 2 bib shorts can do it all, bar the longest rides.
Product specs
- Sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
- Black, beige, navy, bright purple, terracotta, dark purple, burgundy colourways
- Easy pee design
- Raw leg seams
- Mesh panels at front and rear
SQUIRREL_13097007
