Premio Deep Dive
11 May 2023
By George Wise
Since Castelli’s conception, the brand has been pushing the technical boundaries of cycling apparels status quo. Never content with what they have produced, they are always chasing that next marginal gain, whether in speed or comfort.
The Premio name has been in the Castelli collection for a number of years now under the guise of a pair of bibshorts. Previous iterations of the Premio bibshort took design cues from the revolutionary, and very minimal, Body Paint Bibshort which set a new benchmark in design and comfort. The Premio bibshort was a luxurious bibshort for all day comfort, with minimal construction, raw cut leg endings and a compressive fabric with high lumbar support: The perfect bibshort for all day comfort on big rides.
How the Premio Black Bibshort is different: Less is more.
Last year saw the launch of the most recent evolution of the Premio Bibshort, which once again raised the bar in bibshort performance and comfort. Bibshorts are historically created from multiple panels, made from various fabrics to give specific stretch characteristics. For instance, a lighter, stretchy fabric over the hips aids pedal efficiency, whilst compressive materials over the lumbar and main muscles for support on longer rides. In addition, there are leg gripper’s and aero fabrics on race bibshorts to consider.
The Premio Black Bibshort uses a innovative engineered woven fabrics that does away with the need of multiple panels, being made from just three panels. The fabric can be manufactured to provide different characteristics like higher stretch levels and more compression all within the same panel of fabric. This has led to being able to create a very minimal and exceptionally comfortable bibshort that features unhindered movement through the pedal stroke, compressive support where needed and a leg gripper all within only 3 panels of fabric. The Premio Bibshorts weight is a minimal 156g (size small) and are designed to absorb minimal moisture, meaning on hot days this weight doesn’t significantly increase from sweat or start rubbing. Flat lay bib straps and Castelli’s marketing leading, technically advanced Progetto X2 Air Seamless seatpad are at the heart of the short to complete the ultimate bibshort.
Despite not being part of Castelli’s objectives, when they tested these bibshorts in the wind tunnel they came out as the fastest shorts they have ever made. This is why they now feature on our fastest road race outfit, the BTW Suit as used by Remco Evenepoel to 2x Liege Bastogne Liege wins.
Premio Jersey
New for 2023, Castelli have launched the new Premio Jersey. This has been designed to be the perfect match to the industry leading Premio Black Bibshorts, borrowing many of it’s technical fabrics.
With a performance fit for all day comfort, it’s aero without being an all-out race top like the Aero Race 6.0 jersey. The main body is constructed from light weight stretch woven microfibre polyester which is recycled for environmental credentials. This fabric is exceptional at moisture management with excellent stretch with the bonus of being UPF 50+ for sun protection during the warmest days.
The arms and shoulders are a ribbed stretch woven fabric similar to the legs on the bibshorts which provide world-class aerodynamics and give the jersey a modern clean aesthetic. The collarless design is a throwback to previous aero jerseys, and increases air flow around the neck for better temperature regulation on the hottest days.
For practicality, the jersey comes with 3 large pockets which lift garments off the back and don’t sag under load when carrying all the requirements for a long day. A 4th security pocket is useful for keeping valuables that you don’t want to accidentally lose on the ride.
Speed or comfort? With the new Premio Black Collection you can now have both.