Castelli – Grandson of Gabba, son of Perfetto…

The new Castelli Ristretto range (of 2) looks like an interesting update to their Windstopper based stuff. I’ve been using Gabbas/Perfettos for years and apart from the mistep when they went to two pockets and rubbish fabric, they’ve been ace.

Anybody tried the new stuff yet?

https://castellicafe.co.uk/products/espresso-air-jacket?srsltid=AfmBOoqsf03zvq7QtlXLHtkdEGCCFlm5CorsSH79bo3YIwgs7_3OPPyH

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/GB/en/Men/Cycling/Top/Jackets/Cool/PERFETTO-AIR-JACKET/p/4524503_085_82_3XL

It’s only just launched, so probably not, but there’s an interesting article on road.cc with a bunch of info on the development. Sounds like they put water-resistance to one side and focussed on maximising breathability combined with wind protection using a fleece-backed, knitted rather than woven fabric:

“It uses a knitted face and a fleece back, so it is a slightly heavier weight, winter-rated piece that allows four times as much air to come through than was possible with Gore Windstopper. That is a considerable amount, but the rider still has no perception of wind coming through the jacket whatsoever, even on a high-speed descent.”

I wonder how suitable it’ll be for a classic British on-off showery sort of day.

https://road.cc/content/feature/castelli-ristretto-cycle-clothing-tech-new-era-sweat-free-cycle-wear-311583

This new fabric look interesting. I’ll not be buying just yet… just bought a half-priced Perfetto… I love it! Later model with 3 rear pockets. Also bought the RoS bib tights. Now have a developing Castelli addiction!

I think the old Windstopper Gabba/Perfetto was made in 3 versions. I had/have versions 1 and 2. Version 1 was the original and was fantastic. Version 2 had 2 rear pockets and a weird fabric that seemed to have a non stretchy laminated face fabric and 2 rear pockets. Nowhere near as good. Luckily, I bought a spare v1 before v2 came out and saved that until my original v1 was buggered. I bought a v2 out of curiosity and wanted brighter colours to try and avoid vehicle induced splattage… I’ve not had a v3.

It was the Roadcc article that prompted my post. I’m not ready for another yet having just pressed my spare v1 into service and having the unloved, part used v2 as a future spare.

Just curious.

I’ve got a custom V2 perfetto (team kit). It is a bit odd. 2 pockets is an odd choice on a winter jacket. I can see it works for racing but it annoys me for general riding.

Back when the Gabba first came out nobody else was doing anything like it. These days most brands have an equivalent so I struggle to pay Castelli prices.

I have a 2 pocket Gabba which can be a bit annoying!

I have a Castelli RoS Alpha 2 which is/was a deep winter jacket and the pockets are shite on that too, tiny with no stretch, so I’ve managed to rip the fabric just shoving spare gloves in them. I also have a 2 pocket Perfetto. Castelli just don’t seem to get the pockets right at all.