The winter months can be brutal on cyclists. As Vancouver aims to become ever more cycle-friendly, we’re seeing many commuters bundled up with smart gear to protect against the elements. Castelli, an Italian cycling brand synonymous with high performance gear, was founded by the late cyclist Maurizio Castelli. His company is best known for producing the first Lycra shorts used in racing, as well as the first use of windproof membranes, lightest and most aerodynamic jerseys ever produced, and the list goes on.
Castelli sent us a few products from their well-varied collection to test-drive: a long-sleeved jacket, insulated gloves, cozy socks and shoe covers.
Perfetto Ros Long Sleeve Jacket
I recently got the Perfetti RoS Long Sleeve Jacket in light black (RoS signifies Rain or Shine). It fits very snug yet still feels comfortable due to the stretchy fabric used.
Castelli incorporates GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® 205 warm brushed water-resistant fabric on front-facing surfaces and GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® 203 stretch on rear-facing surfaces.
The jacket has good breathability and there’s a zippered ventilation opening on the side of each chest. In addition, the Perfetto features full wind protection making it ideal for colder, unpredictable weather.
It also wears great in dry weather, and you get near-waterproof protection if you do get caught in a downpour as the shoulder seams are taped to keep water out.
This jacket is very light (305g) and I love the detail and craftsmanship that Castelli has put into the design. They went the extra mile: the jacket looks and feels very racy and I somehow feel a more accomplished cyclist when wearing it.
Additional Features:
– Reflective shoulder seams for extra visibility
– YKK® Vislon® zipper for easy sliding, covered for extra wind and rain protection
– 2 rear pockets with pump sleeve easily accessed with gloved hands
– Gabba-style dropped tail with large black reflective panel
– Ideal for temperatures ranging from 4° to 14°C / 39° to 57°F
In Yellow Fluid, Orange, Drive Blue, Steel Blue and Light Black in sizes S to 3XL; CAD $350
Spettacolo Ros Glove
The Spettacolo RoS Glove is warm yet not too bulky, is easy to take on and off, and feels super comfortable to wear. Castelli has innovated everything on the glove, starting with the base fabrics: a stretch water-resistant windproof outer shell over PrimaLoft® Gold insulation for warmth, combined with a very soft inner liner that happens to slide easily over even the sweatiest of hands.
The water-repellent wrist zipper allows the glove to open almost completely and an added bonus is the touchscreen inserts at the thumb and index fingertips.
Additional Features:
– Rain or shine product made to excel in both dry and wet conditions
– Engineered silicone print for optimal grip
– Water-repellent fabric for protection in wet conditions
– Ideal for temperatures ranging from 3° to 12°C / 37° to 54°F
– Weight: 99g
Available in a black/red combo in sizes XS to XXL; CAD $95
Diverso 2 18 Sock
I love the bright red-checkered pattern on these Diverso 2 18 Socks.
They keep my feet warm and snug in the winter. The 18cm cuff is a good length to ensure that my ankles stay protected and warm as well.
If you’re not a fan of red, they’re also designed in a black and grey check pattern in sizes S/M, L/X, XXL; CAD $41
Estremo Shoecover
I’ve been in need of a cold weather, waterproof and easy-to-wear warm bootie for a while now. I finally found the right pair in the Estremo Shoecover — they’re as warm as I hoped for. This is Castelli’s warmest shoecover, made to withstand extreme conditions using GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabric for windproof water protection with maximum breathability.
Gone now are my cold and sometimes wet feet! No more water creeping in as a result of sloppy construction and bad design of my old booties.
I did have to size up to XXL (I wear a 44/45 shoe) to make them fit my bike shoes due to the thick and sturdy material used (my advice is to go one size larger than your regular shoe size). This also helps with taking them on and off. When the fit is too tight, it’ll be that much more tedious zipping them up and pulling them over your cycling shoes.
Additional Features:
– Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro™ lining to keep you warm
– Reflective details for high visibility
– YKK® AquaGuard® zipper
– High-durability material under foot
– Ideal for -10°-5°C / 8°-41°F
– Weight: 200g
In black, sizes S to XXL; CAD $135
