For pretty much everything else I wear Castelli L(arge) size (bibs, jersey, jackets, etc) so I thought I should get an L for the arm warmers too (it doesn't help that Castelli does not publish a sizing guide that considers hand length/circumference). Well, that was wrong, the L warmer barely sits on my hand, it's probably not going to slip on its own but it doesn't feel like it sits firmly on the hand either. Next time I'll get an M...
The other problem is that some of the stitching has already started to come off after 3 wash cycles (I use the lightest setting on the washing machine for bike clothing). I think my cheaper Pearl Izumi warmers held longer.
I expected much more warmth for a winter rated sock, but the devil was in the details. This sock is kind of a specialty item for very high intensity riding in cooler weather. If you want traditional winter warmth definitely look elsewhere. I wish I had not bought these as one got a snag on the very first ride so I don't believe these will be at all durable.
The color is vibrant-nice and the compression/fit is decent so I'll use these during the fall/spring shoulder season but won't be buying any more that's for sure.
This is sort of a specialty item for a racer Castelli makes much better winter socks than these!
Overall, I'd say this product is middling.
Offers good warmth and waterproofing, as well as a decent ease of entry/exit and interior volume to wear a thick winter sock if you wish. I've worn these comfortably down to the low teens on a blustery day, which is good for someone like me with post-frostbite feet that run cold, despite being a human furnace otherwise. Weight is decent for riding with and factoring the two-layer setup of these. I like the removable inner for faster drying.
Where these fall short though, is they could be better in how securely you can fasten them after putting them on. The single Boa only does an OK job of securing the lower portion over foot, but the strap on top doesn't do a great job of securing the upper, even yanking on it hard only provides moderate anchoring, so the upper still feels floppy - maybe a second Boa dial would be better.
Additionally, the sole on these leaves much to be desired. The lugs are too small, shallow and too close together for good purchase when doing an off-bike scramble, making them slip and slide even in shallow snow. They also cake way too easily and don't clear fast.
The soles do a decent job of grabbing the pins of a flat pedal, though the design requires frequent reseating to have a comfortable foot/leg orientation, esp. for power transfer of the forefoot on pedals. They do OK on wet rocks and roots grip-wise. Didn't try them in the SPD configuration, but I imagine they'd do OK there.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend them and plan to sell them on eBay shortly.
Only a few rides so far, +/- 200 miles. I look forward to putting in a longer, single ride but I believe these bibs will hold-up well. The chamois is reasonably comfortable and these bibs have a snug, compression fit. Initially, the shoulder straps felt a lil' scratchy but were fine after the first ride, no worries. The medium fits me best.
I'm a slim 155 lbs, 6' tall with a 33" waist and 19" thighs. I tried sizes large and medium and went with the medium, my normal size. The large fit comfortably but the leg openings were slightly loose.
Sure, there are "better" bibs out there but at this price, the ProCorsa McKenzie Summit Pro Bibshorts offer a very good value.
