Essential Castelli Kit For Spring Cycling

Changeable temperatures, sudden showers and chill breezes can make spring kit selection a little tricky – but Castelli has you covered for everything the British weather can throw at you.

With the sun beginning to poke through the clouds and road bikes across the country rousing themselves from hibernation, now’s the time to assess your cycling wardrobe and stock up on essential Castelli garments to keep you cool, protected and aero for spring training.

We've put together a run-down of some of our favourites from the 2019 spring collection that will help you ride to your best this season.

Castelli Aero Race 4.0 Bibshort

Completely redesigned yet drawing on a 12-year pedigree at the front of the peloton, Castelli’s flagship bibshort has it all – sumptuous on-the-saddle comfort, a proven aerodynamic edge and forget-it's-there fit.

The totally new Progetto X2 Seamless seatpad is softer, stretchier and, as the name suggests, seamless to eliminate chafing. Its shape is also a little slimmer, so it feels virtually invisible against the legs, especially when you’re out the saddle. Add to this improved leg grippers and lighter, more supportive bib straps and you’ve got the ultimate performance bibshort, whether you’re racing to the limits, riding an epic sportive or exploring gravel trails. 

Castelli Free AR 4.1 Jersey FZ

While the Aero Race 6.0 Jersey is the natural partner of the Aero Race 4.0 Bibshort for racing, the Free AR 4.1 offers a slightly stretchier, more relaxed fit, a higher collar with a zipper garage to protect the neck, easy-access angled pockets and an extra zippered pocket for essentials.

Of course, being an evolution of Castelli’s tunnel-honed jersey design, it also counts against the wind, saving around 12 watts at 40km/h when compared to a regular race fit jersey. Available in a selection of classic styles to match your look – including the richer colours of the ‘Solid’ variation – it’s the do-it-all jersey for training, sportives, gravel expeditions and racing.

Oh, and don’t forget to add some matching Free Kit 13 socks to complete your style. 

Castelli Pro Mesh Baselayer

Depending on the riding temperature a baselayer can add a little extra breathable insulation when it’s cool or wick sweat away from the skin when things hot up.

Developed with and for pro cyclists, Castelli’s Pro Mesh baselayers come in sleeveless and short-sleeved options, weigh virtually nothing and, perhaps most importantly for the style-conscious rider, come in a selection of striking designs to give a flash of colour when you unzip your jersey.

Castelli Nano Flex+ Arm and Kneewarmers

Updated this year to give a more flexible fit, Castelli’s Nano Flex+ warmers build on a seven-year history as the pro and enthusiast’s warmer of choice thanks to the perfect mix of lightweight insulation, breathability and the exclusive Nano Flex water-resistant finish.

Adding these arm and knee warmers to your outfit gives you options when the day warms up, things get cooler as you take to the high mountains or rain threatens to spoil the party – all while being compact enough to store in a jersey pocket.

Castelli Toe Thingy 2

British temperatures are notoriously changeable, so a pair of Toe Thingy 2 neoprene shoe covers is essential for those long days in the saddle when you’re up before the sun’s warmed the tarmac. Easy to slide over your cleats and with a rugged rubberised sole to maximise wear life, they’re also small enough to take off and pop in your jersey pocket if the mercury rises while you’re pedalling.

Castelli Perfetto Vest

Part of the Perfetto family of protective garments that also includes the famous Gabba jersey, the Perfetto Vest is the perfect outer layer for chillier rides. Insulating, windproof Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric on the front and shoulders offers plenty of protection in gusty conditions. Water resistant Nano Flex Light fabric on the rear protects your backside from wheel spray and is also highly breathable to avoid overheating.

On top of that, there are two generous rear pockets and, thanks to the lack of arms, it packs down small if you need to take it off during a ride.

Castelli Idro 2 Jacket

When grey clouds loom or the forecast is changeable, there’s nothing better to stuff in a jersey pocket than the Idro 2. Made from Gore’s latest Shakedry two-layer fabric, it’s totally waterproof yet incredibly breathable. The cut is designed to fit over a jersey and vest while also covering your tail and providing extra coverage at the neck.

At just 107g in size L, it’s the lightest Castelli Gore-Tex product ever made and folds to just half a jersey pocket in size, making it an essential item when there’s even the remotest chance of the heavens opening.