No Need to Take a Rain Check
By Stan Portus – 9 March 2020
The days are getting warmer, but the rain can still be a deterrent to getting out on the bike. Don’t worry, though. Castelli has been making foul weather kit for years and will help you overcome the inclement weather.
Even with Spring on the horizon, getting wet can make it feel a fair few degrees cooler and bring an unpleasant edge to otherwise great days out on the bike.
However, Castelli’s extensive research and development and its history of creating some of the most lauded foul weather kit means you can keep riding in the most inclement weather.
Here we profile some of our favourites from Castelli for riding in wet and mild conditions. The Rain or Shine (RoS) collection provides protection in the wet while remaining breathable and helping regulate temperature. Waterproof warmers and lightweight Gore-Tex jackets also mean you won’t be encumbered when the weather brightens up.
No need to take a rain check. No need to stop riding.
Superlight Gore-Tex
The Idro 2 Jacket is the lightest Gore-Tex waterproof Castelli has ever made. The jacket is fully waterproof and is small enough to fit into a jersey pocket with room left for more. Packing up smaller than most gilets, it’s perfect for days when rain is forecast but it doesn’t look like it will be wet the whole ride.
Using Gore’s Gore-Tex Shakedry two-layer technology the rain will bead off the Idro 2 no problem. The jacket is cut to be a race fit with an extended tail, avoiding the flap that some Gore-Tex cycling jackets have and providing protection from wheel spray.
Short Sleeve or Long Sleeve?
The Perfetto RoS Convertible is a waterproof and breathable jacket that will have you covered in a wide variety of conditions from single digit temperatures to the mid-teens.
It has zippers above each elbow, so you can unzip the sleeves changing the jacket from a long sleeve to a short sleeve. The zippers aren’t visible and can’t be felt when the jacket is on and can easily be rolled up and stowed in the two rear pockets.
The jacket-come-jersey uses fabrics Castelli developed in collaboration with Gore to offer high-grade water protection without sacrificing breathability. The Gore Infinium 205 brushed fabric on the front provides waterproofing where it is most needed, and the Infinium 203 on the back provides stretch for comfort.
Taped shoulder seems provide extra waterproofing, and a dropped tail keeps spray away.
For the Pros and the Mortals
The Perfetto RoS Light unites different Castelli fabric technologies into one jersey. It keeps the wind and rain at bay on warmer days where the sun’s out but there’s still rain swirling around.
The front and sleeves are made from Gore-Tex Infinium 203 providing, wind protection, and water repellency, while the back uses Nano Flex for breathable stretch and good water protection.
The jersey is worn by Team Ineos riders for the same reason it’s ideal for amateurs. Whether pro or just a mere mortal this jersey will allow you to stay focused on your efforts rather than worrying about what mother nature might decide to do next.
Keep Your Legs Moving
In bad weather keeping the upper body dry and warm may be the priority but protecting your legs from the wet and cold will drastically improve your ride experience.
The Omloop Nanoflex bib shorts will keep your leg muscles warm and functioning at their best in bad conditions. They are cut to come down just above the knee providing coverage for your whole upper leg. The Nano Flex Xtra Dry fabric provides higher levels of water protection than the Lycra usually used for bib shorts thanks to its tight weave and water-repellency treatment.
Often Imitated, Never Equalled
Castelli invented the Nano Flex warmers to provide protection against the rain while offering some extra warmth. The water-repellent thermal fabric is turned into warmers using flat-lock stitching to reduce any chance of abrasion. The warmers feature silicone grippers on the outside and inside to keep them firmly in place.
Perfect for training but equally suited to racing, the Nano Flex warmers are used by Team Ineos in races such as the Spring Classics which are defined by tricky weather condition.
Castelli Nano Flex 3G Arm Warmers
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Castelli Nano Flex 3G Knee Warmers
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