Castelli Alpha Jacket- Their Biggest Innovation For 2014

We will probably never know how many ideas Castelli has that never make it to the pages of Bicyclinghub.com.  From the Gabba to the Body Paint bib shorts, the company from Italy is always coming up with new ideas to make cycling clothing better than what we are used to.

The Alpha jacket from Castelli is the piece in their line that we are most excited about for this year.  Unlike most cycling jacket, the insulation layer and the windproof layer are not attached to one another in the front.   Opening the front zipper when you are riding hard allows rapid evaporation of sweat without excessive cooling. Zip up at the top of the climb to keep the wind out and the warmth in for the descent.

The video below is excellent at pointing out many of the highlights of this jacket.

The Alpha jacket features 5 pockets including a zippered back pocket for security.   There's plenty of storage space for carrying your cycling essentials including tubes, tools, keys and your cell phone. Reflect strips help you stay safe on the bike.

The Alpha features Gore Windstopper 150 fabric that is both windproof and water-resistant.   It has a 4 way stretch so the garment stretches and moves with your body.  The collar of the jacket is also articulated to match the bends of your body.  Wether your sitting upright climbing a hill or in the drops on the descent, the collar forms to your neck so you don't feel a draft down your back.



The Castelli Alpha is a simple solution to an age old problem of ventilation when you're on the bike.  We are excited to try this jacket out in our testing ground of Portland, Oregon.  This jacket will resist rain and wind but will also be more breathable  In 1977 Castelli had release the first Lycra cycling short.  Since then, they have never stopped innovating and now produce some of the best cycling clothing in the world.

See the Castelli Alpha Jacket here.

Doug Duguay Doug has been cycling since he learned to ride at age 4.  In 1984 a friend gave him a Bicycling Magazine  and that launched a love affair with cycling and the sport that remains undiminished to this day.  He remembers watching the 1984 Olympics, the 1984 Tour de France and 1985 Paris Roubaix.   After selling jerseys on eBay to pay his mortgage, Doug Duguay launched BicyclingHub from his home in 2002 after a productive six-hour coding session. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Doug’s passion for cycling already had plenty of momentum when he moved to Portland, the town that inspired him to take up all manner of racing, from cyclocross and track to road and stage races. He considers starting BicyclingHub a lucky accident, and while running a business has cut into some of his training time, he’s chasing the idea of a race comeback--something he contemplates while climbing Portland’s west hills. Doug is BicyclingHub’s resident bibshort expert.

New Colors Make Castelli's Gabba 2 Jersey Standout From the Pack

New colors for the Gabba 2

Castelli Gabba- Drive Blue

One of the best products we have ever tested is Castelli Gabba jersey!  Not only is the jersey extremely water resistant, it's also very breathable, keeping us comfortable on the bike.   There wasn't a lot to be improved upon but Castelli has made some slight upgrades to the product.

For 2014 there is one new color, drive blue, joins yellow fluorescent and black in the line.  Castelli has also improved the zipper of the Gabba including a flap above the zipper for additional waterproofing.  Other improvements include a mesh drain in the back which is improved over last years metal drain.

Castelli Gabba Convertible with zip off sleeves.

As of August 21st, 2014 Castelli has not shipped the Gabba 2 to retailers but we are anxiously awaiting the release of this fantastic jersey.  In men's, they come in three


different styles.  A short, long sleeve and the convertible with removable sleeves (pictured left.)  The convertible covers a larger range of temperatures with the zip off sleeve option.

For more information on the shorts sleeve go here.  Long sleeves are here and the convertible is here

Castelli Women's Convertible 2 Long Sleeve Jersey

Castelli Women's Gabba 2 Long Sleeve 
In other exciting news about the Gabba, Castelli has made a women's Gabba jersey for the first time
ever!  It comes in three colors including purple and coral.   In the past, women had to make due with men's sizes.  Like most Castelli women's items, they typically sell out quickly.   The women's sizes will fit small like most Castelli items for women.  If you need help with sizing call our experts at 888-817-8060.  Find out more about Castelli's Gabba for women here.

We know Gabba

I bought my Gabba in 2011.  Since then it's been my main, go to piece of winter cycling kit.   I wear the short sleeve version of the jersey paired with arm warmers.  It's enough for me in most situations.  I wear it in cool and rain.  In Portland it doesn't usually get much bellow freezing so I can get away with less.  On really cold and rainy days I turn to another Gore Windstopper jacket.

Doug Duguay Doug has been cycling since he learned to ride at age 4.  In 1984 a friend gave him a Bicycling Magazine  and that launched a love affair with cycling that remains undiminished to this day.  After selling jerseys on eBay to pay his mortgage, Doug Duguay launched BicyclingHub from his home in 2002 after a productive six-hour coding session. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Doug’s passion for cycling already had plenty of momentum when he moved to Portland, the town that inspired him to take up all manner of racing, from cyclocross and track to road and stage races. He considers starting BicyclingHub a lucky accident, and while running a business has cut into some of his training time, he’s chasing the idea of a race comeback--something he contemplates while climbing Portland’s west hills. Doug is BicyclingHub’s resident bibshort expert.