Product news: The brand new Castelli Premio Black Bibshort ensures unique performance and comfort with a simple look, high-quality materials and innovative features. The key to success is said to be minimalism.
At Castelli, the name Premio has a past, because the last two top cycling shorts from the Italians were called that. In order to continue this legacy and at the same time to build on it, the decision was made to use the same name again. These bib shorts began as a development project, not a design project. The material was designed for this at the very beginning and a test process was carried out. This resulted in the technical but subtle look with tone on tone optics and black logos on the black short. Therefore, it quickly became clear that the name suffix Black would be included, similar to, for example, black labels of fashion greats.
Of course, apart from a unique look, functionality was at the top of the list during the development process. The basic idea: above all, perfect cycling shorts must be comfortable. But that also means that you shouldn't really notice them at all. This also gave rise to the motto "Less is more comfort, more performance and more driving pleasure!" And as it is often said, something is only perfect when you can't take anything away from it. The number of panels, seams and inserts has been reduced to a minimum by combining these components in a single functional material that surrounds the body like a second skin. The three panels that make up these bib shorts replace up to ten components in conventional cycling shorts.
Castelli Premio Black Bibshorts – The material makes the difference
Of course, in order to be able to implement these ideas at all, you absolutely need the right material. For this purpose, the engineered weave material specially developed for Castelli is used, which allows the structure of the fabric to be adapted according to the specific needs of the individual areas. In order to guarantee an absolutely non-slip fit, not just any kind of silicone band is used, but a special woven material that brings the Lycra fibers to the inner surface. Higher on the thigh, the material gets lighter to keep your legs cool while providing just the right amount of compression. In the hip area, the thicker material increases the compression effect and ensures that the seat pad stays in place even when you stand up.
At first you might think the material feels papery, but that's because it's constructed as a woven fabric like denim, poplin or taffeta. The weaving process creates a thinner, denser and more durable material that is extremely abrasion resistant. Since woven fabrics do not normally stretch, lycra is added. Not only the fit, but also temperature regulation are among the great strengths of this material, because you simply stay drier. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that there is simply less material and that it covers a larger temperature range. In cool weather the dense weave means less wind gets through, and in the heat it's great that the thinner fabric allows moisture to evaporate closer to the skin.
The technical, stretch-woven material is smooth on the outside to improve aerodynamics. The elasticated straps are a paragon of minimalist comfort while still serving their intended purpose: to keep the shorts in place. They cover as little of the upper body as possible to keep it cool. In the chest area, a special trimming prevents the straps from constricting. The extra soft, perforated back part ensures an even hold on the back of the shorts. Lots of small details that not only make a big difference on long rides and stages, but can also be felt from the very first meter.
Castelli Premio Black Bibshort with Progetto X² Air Seamless seat pad
In addition to the right material, perfect cycling shorts also need the right seat pad. The Progetto X² Air Seamless seat pad is designed for maximum comfort. Behind its exclusive construction lies more than a decade of evolution and optimization. The defining aspect of the X² is that it's actually two completely separate components, each designed to perform a specific function. The so-called “Skin Care Layer” comes directly on the skin. This is the softest and most stretchy upper to perfectly follow the movements of the skin and avoid any chafing. Below this layer is the “cushioning layer” as a separate component. Shaped like a saddle, this layer of cushioning provides progressive cushioning right where you need it. A soft foam layer ensures immediate comfort, a medium-density foam for support and 3 mm thick gel pads protect sit bones and the perineal area.
This chamois has over 12 years of continuous development behind it. It was originally developed with the Cervelo TestTeam in the 2009 season and has since been revised over 40 times. Each modification was aimed at making it even more comfortable. This iterative process of continuous improvement means that no single material used today is the same as it was in 2009.
Castelli Premio Black bib shorts for everyone! – Same technology, same comfort, but still completely different
The technology of the Premio was designed for universal comfort, but the development of the women's and men's models was independent from the beginning. The seat pads are different to accommodate different anatomy. Patterns and sizing have been developed from the ground up for an ideal fit. The legs are longer on the men's model, while the straps are wider on the women's model. There is also a version without straps for women. Lots of small details that should contribute to customer-specific comfort.
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