Winter is coming, and for many serious cyclists, the options are ticking off the miles on the indoor trainer or gearing up and braving the cold. For those who prefer the latter, Castelli has updated its warmest bibtights. The brand claims that its “next generation Polare Bibtights usher in a new era for cold weather comfort and performance.” They are intended for use in winter temperatures ranging from 23° F to 41° F (-5° C to 5° C).
For this update, Castelli is leveraging its exclusive use of Polartec’s AirCore material, a “genuinely game-changing fabric that is both windproof and water-repellant, as well as being highly stretchy and breathable.” The AirCore front panels are being paired with Thermoflex fleece on the back of the legs and seat for warmth and breathability. Of course, the Polare bibs also feature Castelli’s high-quality Kiss Air2 pad for maximum comfort.
“For serious winter cyclists, the difference between a good ride and a miserable one often comes down to the quality of their clothing. With Polartec AirCore, we’ve been able to re-write what high-performance cycling garments can do in cold weather by providing a windproof front that doesn’t sacrifice breathability or stretch,” said Steve Smith, Castelli’s Global Brand Manager. “By pairing that pioneering fabric with Thermoflex fleece in our Polare Bibtight, we’ve created the perfect blend of warmth, stretch, and breathability to make your very cold rides as comfortable as possible.”
Polartec AirCore
The main story with the new Polare Bibtights is the use of the new Polartec AirCore material. This new fabric was developed as a collaboration between Castelli and Polartec, and first seen on the new Perfetto RoS jacket that launched earlier this year. For a more in-depth look at this unique material, be sure to check out that article. As of now, use of the AirCore material is exclusive to Castelli.
We’re told that this new fabric is made from recycled Polyester yarns and is 100% PFAS-free. It has been engineered to create “an extremely tight membrane that shuts out the elements while still allowing air to permeate it.” As such, it is essentially windproof and highly water-resistant. At the same time, they recognized that “getting wet from the inside through sweat is as big of a problem for cyclists as getting soaked from rain, sleet, or snow.” Therefore, the brand says that breathability was prioritized over water repellence during the material development, which will hopefully help reduce moisture trapping inside the bibs.
Other Features
The windproof AirCore material is only used on the front panel of the bibs to actively block the wind. A Thermoflex fleece material is employed on the seat and back of the legs to provide warmth but also “maximum breathability in the areas where wind protection is unnecessary.” We’ve seen strategic mapping of materials on garments for years, and it is particularly common on cold-weather apparel like the Polare Bibtights.
Castelli makes some of the best seat pads in the business, and the Polare Bibtights use the KISS Air2 pad. This pad uses a multi-density design to provide maximum cushioning for the sit bones while tapering to the perineum and edges. It is topped with an “ultra-soft top fabric engineered to reduce chafing and abrasion.”
For the poor visibility that often accompanies winter riding, Castelli has incorporated reflective stripes across the calves and above the knees. Additionally, ankle zips are included to make it easier to put on and take off the Polare bibtights.
Castelli Polare Bibtights: Pricing and Availability
The latest versions of the Polare Bibtights are available now and come in black. The men’s Polare 4 appears to be available in sizes XS to 3XL, and the women’s Polare 2 comes in sizes XS to XL. They sell for €220 / $250 / £240 and can be found at your favorite Castelli dealers or on the brand’s website.
