Castelli Ergo Due Bibshort

I'm a big fan of Castelli stuff, so I naturally jumped at the chance to pick up these shorts at a steaming price during the fourth of July sale.
First off, to address the size concerns; yes, they do run small. I'm 6'0" and 160-165 (depending on the time of year) and take a large. Even with a large, the leg grippers on this particular model were slightly snug while the rest of the shorts fit perfectly.
Overall they are comfortable shorts. They fit well and I personally like the kiss chamois.
However, the stitching holding together the leg gripper is terrible. After about a month of moderate use (I typically rotate with my other pairs of shorts), the stitching on one leg has come undone, resulting in the gripper coming undone.
The fabric of the shorts itself seems pretty sheer and I'm not sure of its durability, but for $40, if I get a year out of them, they are worth it. Unfortunately, I didn't get to find out.
I guess shorts are just like anything else; you get what you pay for. Perhaps it's worth it to spend $100 + on a good pair and have them around for a while.

I've worn a number of Castelli shorts over the years, but these ones in particular appeared too sheer, and the leg grippers appeared ragged with an overstretched ribbon-like appearance.

True, these aren't Castelli's flagship shorts or anything, but I've worn numerous lower-level Castellis before and the fabric appeared far more durable.

Italian name made in Mexico product, mine started to come apart at the seam's after a month leg's first then crotch witch needless to say made them unusable great price though..

I bought a pair of these and the seams on the inside of the leg came apart on the first ride. I returned it and got another pair and they've been fine. I did make sure to carefully melt the ends of the seams closed with a soldering iron, though. It's lasted nearly a year of heavy riding now with no problems.

The do run small. Get a size smaller than you usually would. I normally wear a M (6'2" 150lbs), but L is very slightly on the small side for me. If you have a long trunk, maybe go two sizes because the shoulder straps can be a little short.

Aside from sizing and stitching quality issues, which don't appear to be unique to me, these are very comfortable shorts. The material breathes and moves well, I actually like the non-sticky leg grippers (may be too tight for those with monster thighs; again go a size larger). They stay put nicely for me. The Kiss chamois is a very nice chamois, cushy not too padded with low friction.

Bottom line, if you seal up the end of the stitching and get a larger size that you usually do, these shorts can work very well. That's a rather reserved recommendation, though.

Read the other reviews about these bibs. They're pretty spot on. I'm on my second pair after having to return due to a frayed leg grip. They are also made of a pretty thin slick spandex. This second pair is now having a problem with an loosening seam. So, probably going to have to either exchange or get something new. Also, be aware that the Castelli Kiss chamois is slightly less padded than many other brands. So, if you're not used to it or plan to be in the saddle for a long ride, be forewarned...it's an acquired taste. Another thing, be SURE to size up at least one size. These have a very euro cut.

These aren't bad bibs, but they're definitely entry level Castellis and I question their durability. If you can get them on a sale like I did at about 45% off they might be worth it. Otherwise look for the slightly more expensive Castellis like the Dome.

I bought a pair as my first short. Soon learned why they're relatively affordable. Like others, the elastic has frayed (completely away in my case), and the material seems budget-minded. I'm not saying they're terrible, but I am saying you're probably paying an extra $30 for the name. If doing it over again, I'd probably shop around more.

About a month into riding one leg gripper is super frayed; probably going to return them.