Castelli Espresso Bib Tight review - the simple bib tight with a versatile temperature window and unrestrictive fit

Simple, warm and comfortable, Castelli's Espresso Bib Tight is perfect for cool rides in spring and autumn

Rider wearing Castelli Espresso Bibtight sat on a red Cervelo Caledonia-5
(Image credit: Andy Jones)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Simple but brilliant, Castelli Espresso Bib Tights could almost be considered long-legged shorts - cosy Thermoflex fabric, comfy Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad and a great fit make them very easy to wear across a broad spectrum of temperatures.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Midweight Thermoflex fabric

  • +

    Few seams

  • +

    Very comfortable and unrestrictive

  • +

    Premium seatpad

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Not particularly windproof

  • -

    Little water resistance

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple, and that is exactly what Castelli’s Espresso Bib Tight does. They don’t offer any fancy panelling, exotic materials or a stratospheric price tag, but what they do provide is warmth, comfort and great freedom of movement on all but the coldest of days.

The Espresso range is billed as being "the first kit you reach for any time you go to ride and are not pinning on a number," according to Steve Chapin, Director of Brand Strategy at Castelli, with a more minimalist aesthetic and smaller branding than some of their other kit. I've already been impressed with a couple of pieces from the range, and love the look and colour palette - so it was with the Espresso Bib Tight too.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Tim Russon

Tim Russon is a writer and photographer who has worked in the outdoor and cycling industry for over 20 years. He can’t remember a time when he didn’t own a bike and has road, gravel, mountain and retro bikes in the shed. His favourite place to ride is the Dolomites, a simply stunning area which has breathtaking views and incredible roads combined with lovely food and great wine.

He prefers long, hot climbs in the big mountains, but as he lives on the edge of the Peak District he has to make do with short, cold climbs most of the time instead.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.