Castelli free aero pad

bikemanspen

Ok so I went to my local Evans store and treated myself to a pair with the progeto x2 pad!
I went out last night for a 30mile spin and can't believe how thin the pad felt,overall I'm quite disappointed as these are quite a premium pair of shorts!

Am I missing something or has anyone else been shocked at lack of comfort? I have a couple of other cheaper pairs that seem to have more pad but the materials are not as good as the castellis !

Can anyone add/help with this?

Cheers ben

Grill

The x2 is a fantastic pad. I did a hilly 80 miler on the TT bike with them yesterday and have done many 100+ milers and never have an issue. Keep in mind that my saddles are both full carbon and weigh 110g and the issue is more likely to be your position. Only the Assos pads trump it.

apreading

Thickness of the pad means nothing, the key is shape and density whether it still holds that shape and density after several hours in the saddle. I have had thicker pads which compress to nothing in half an hour and are then next to pointless. Free aero with the progetto x2 pad are waaaayyyy better than anything else I have ever tried.

philbar72

Brilliant pad. Done Flanders and LBL using the x2.

menthel

X2 is great for me. I now have 2 pairs of free aeros because of it. It seemed a little thick on the first ride but after that it made riding more comfortable.

bikemanspen

It maybe my position as you say as I've recently changed my seat post so maybe my seat position has changed! I'll have to have a look. I really like the shorts it's just the pad felt to thin on my bum bones!

Cheers for replies guys

ai_1

It's not a case of:
Thin pad = bad
Thick pad = good

I've used some pretty chunky pads that I found uncomfortable and some much thinner ones, including a triathlon one which I found very comfortable. As others have said it's not the thickness that's most important. Having said that I've never used Castelli so can't comment specifically but I'm considering a pair of Castelli Free Aero which is why I opened this thread!

gimpl

I have two pairs of Free Aero and have been very pleased with them. I think like you Ai_1 I'm on the larger side at 6'4" and 90 ish kg and was happy in the XXL. I have also though just bought a pair of Rapha Sky Pro Team bibs as they were reduced significantly and fancied giving them a go. The XXL is much tighter than Castelli but on the ride felt more comfortable both fit and pad. Not very scientific but there you go !

DiscoBoy

I don't find it any better than my kiss3 pad. It is all personal preference.

TheHound

DiscoBoy wrote:

I don't find it any better than my kiss3 pad. It is all personal preference.

I was perfectly content with the kiss3 until I used the x2 in the SanRemo winter suit.

I can't use anything else now.