Editorial Review from Bicycling Magazine, December 2011 issue
"As you'd expect from Castelli, the devil is conspicuously absent in the details on their new Trasparente W Jersey. For almost 40 years, the Italian company has been at the forefront of technical—and stylish—cycling apparel. But even the best fabrics and head-turning features can be damned if a garment doesn't feel good when you wear it. Castelli has made sure you're going to love wearing this one; thoughtful details abound.
Windstopper X-Lite fabric on the front and breathable soft fleece on the back keep you toasty. The company recommends this jersey for temps between 50 and 65 degrees, though I was comfortable wearing it with just a base layer when the mercury dipped as low as freezing. The collar zips up high, and a slight notch in the front saves your neck from zipper chafe; another divot at the back allows room for a low-slung ponytail. The sleeves are blessedly long enough to reach my gloves without leaving exposed skin, and a wide elastic rear waist gripper lays flat without gapping, puckering, or riding up. I appreciate that the black fleece back on the version I tested hides mud spatter, and the splash-resistant white fabric in front has stayed mostly spot free. Vanity may be the devil's favorite sin, but I have to admit the feminine cut is so slimming, this jersey has flattered its way into my regular rotation."—Leah Flickinger
A versatile stylish and feminine piece, the Castelli Mare Women's Headband is fashioned in a cashmere-soft acrylic fabric. Use it to keep your head warm, your head and ears warm - or it can also make an excellent neckwarmer. Fold it, scrunch it - however you like it! And like it they did:
Editorial Review from Bicycling Magazine, December 2011 issue
"Use Castelli's Mare headband on the bike and it'll keep your ears and head nice and warm. But it's off-the-charts cute, so you can also wear it while you're hanging out at the 'cross course after your race, watching your kid play soccer early on a crisp fall day, or even while running errands after the Saturday-morning shop ride. The cheery red, silver, and white stripes not only hide even the most heinous helmet hair, but, if you are out among the non-cycling public, also proclaim your allegiance to cycling ("Castelli" is embroidered on the front). The smooth knit of soft acrylic offers a snug, warm fit. Because it's a headband and not a hat, it gives you more styling options, and, even better, you can use it as a neck warmer, too. Castelli rates it for temperatures between 46 and 60 degrees, and it's machine washable.."—Christine Bucher
"I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice" … I simply must go - Baby, it's cold outside"
"Never let a little snow keep you from riding," says Mario Bartel.
We're not going to lie: cycling in inclement weather can be tough. There’s so much to deal with – negative temperatures, freezing rain, snow, sleet and relentless wind. Not to mention important health concerns, including frostbite and hypothermia. But with a little planning and the right equipment, the worst day of the year may be your best ride yet.
BicyclingHub.com wants you to be prepared--which is why we’re offering some of the best protective winter cycling clothing on the market to keep you pedaling strong through all four seasons. We've also recently developed new At-a-Glance Rating Charts to help our customers easily determine what pieces of gear will meet your needs. Categorized by Waterproof, Windproof, Warmth, Breathability, Chamois (if applicable), and quick summation ("BicyclingHub.com says"), educated consumers can now easily navigate through product pages and rapidly determine what item(s) will best suit their needs.
For example: when it's overcast, 50 degrees, and spitting rain (read: a typical January day in Portland, Oregon) and you're looking for something to get you through a 3 hour training ride, Castelli's Pave Bibtights raise to the top of the selection criteria.
Nanoflex Water Resistant Material with Normal Stitching
Need something a little warmer, and wondering if the mid-weight Sorpasso Bibtights by Castelli are going to do the job on your next Sweat and Ice Century on a cold and dry day in Upstate New York? Survey (and chart) says: YES!
Hollow-core fabric is light and very warm. Kevin's Staff Pick.
Rain, Rain Go Away
In the market for some serious rain gear and trying to decide amongst all our Showers Pass catalog for the best year-round commuter or touring piece? Ranking 5 out of 5 for Waterproof, Windproof and Breathable, you'll quickly understand why Showers Pass Elite 2.0 Rain Jacket is universally considered "The Gold Standard in Rain Protection."
Last but not least, don't forget the extremities. If your fingers, toes, and head remain unprotected, chances are you'll have a cold and miserable ride. Optimal temperature ratings (when available from the manufacturer) are cited on every product page, aiding cyclists in determining which piece of gear is going to best work in which conditions.
Still wondering what to wear when? Trust the cycling clothing experts!
Looking for the best bib short on the market under $200, the most ventilated waterproof rain jacket to take on a bike tour, or which jerseys make the perfect gift? Check out our BicyclingHub.com Staff Picks.
Unsure about sizing, fit or temperature range? Call the cycling clothing experts toll-free at 1-888-817-8060 or email sales@bicyclinghub.com and get concierge service from staff who ride and test the products we sell. Honest opinions and personal recommendations at no extra charge.
Heeding our customers' requests for more high-quality, breathable and long-lasting wool cycling apparel, BicyclingHub.com is proud to announce we've recently added Icebreaker into our selection of outstanding brands that keep you rolling in comfort and style.
Icebreaker's line of wool cycling clothing is designed for serious road riders and mountain bikers who want rapid-wicking, temperature regulating, fast-drying and odor-resistant technical garments that will take a beating and last season after season. Enhanced with 3% LYCRA® for a perfect fit, these 97% Merino Wool technical cycling jerseys, bib shorts, warmers and cycling caps are and comfortable in any conditions--wet, cold, dry, warm, or any variation of in between.
To know wool is to love wool: that's my motto, especially on crisp autumn day trips, chilly winter commutes, and breezy spring training rides. Sweating one minute up the hill and shivering the next as the road or trail slopes downward, fine Merino wool fibers retain warmth yet breathe easier than many synthetic fabrics I've tried.
The moment our shipment from Icebreaker arrived and I tried on the Women's Rhythm Merino Wool jersey, it was love at first touch. The soft, silky feel of the 97% Merino wool was like receiving a nice warm hug for riding your bike; the beautifully scripted spiral pattern reaching out of the back pockets and across the torso ensures we look as good at the coffee shop or food cart snack break as you do while riding; and the five--count 'em, FIVE--rear pockets meant I could store all my energy gels, electronic devices, keys, pump, windbreaker and arm warmers without ever feeling I was going to spill the beans.
True story: took this jersey out for a test ride on a cool Sunday afternoon in October on some of the well-known scenic hills in Portland. As my friend Maria and I were cutting through downtown on our way to Mt. Tabor, a woman rode up behind us and and said, "Excuse me: can you you tell me where you ladies got such cute cycling clothing? I love what you're wearing!" My answer: "BicyclingHub.com, baby!" Be prepared for similar questions and compliments on your 1st--or 50th--time in this gorgeous wool cycling jersey.
In May of 2011 I bought my first Icebreaker baselayers at their warehouse sale in Portland, Oregon and I have been a convert ever since! I wear their clothing almost every day, including warm summer months.
In October, BicyclingHub.com received our first shipment of cycling clothing from this brand, famous for their Merino Wool technical garments made for outdoor sports. Normally, I wear a size XL in most bibs we sell, but in the Icebreaker I was a pretty roomy large. Other staff members noticed the same thing, that they were wearing a smaller size than their usual.
On the bike, the bibs feel very comfortable. Merino Wool does an incredible job of wicking away moisture from my skin. My skin feels dry and I'm warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In the interests of maintaining the highest level of quality and comfort, Icebreaker have sourced the chamois for these bibs from Cytech - firmly established as amongst the best in the business - seatpads are what they do! I don't have to fret about issues with saddle comfort at all, however long my ride. These bibs are all about premium functionality – better temperature regulation, sweat management and a great interface with the seat.
Congratulations to Mario Bartel, aka Jay Suburb, for his winning photo entry of our Facebook photo contest on wintertime riding conditions. Bartel states, "It was shot with the self-timer on my camera while on a ride out to the University of British Columbia last Friday [February 18, 2011]. We'd had some pretty bizarre weather role through here on Thursday, with rain, hail, sleet, snow and even thunder and lightning in the space of a few hours.
"I've learned to pack my camera along on rides as I keep a cycling blog chronicling my training for last year's Whistler Gran Fondo and, this year, Levi Leipheimer's Gran Fondo, as well as other random musings, at: http://thebigring.wordpress.com"
As Jay says, "Never let a little snow keep you from riding!" Amen to that, Jay, and congratulations on earning yourself a $50 gift certificate to BicyclingHub.com for some great new winter riding gear.
"I am really tired of people whining about how hard it is to bike in the rain...It's not like you melt or anything...What do you think rain gear is for? So, listen, I want you to pick the worst day of the year and organize a biking event. We'll invite local bike shops to show off their rain gear and sow people that it's really not that bad biking in the rain. It'll be fun."--Earl Blumenauer quoted in Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet by Mia Birk.
Photo, left: Ayleen Crotty, aka "The Penguin," from Good Sport Promotions warms up the crowd.
10 years ago, then-City Councilman Earl Blumenauer and Portland Bicycle Coordinator Mia Birk organized a bike ride designed to encourage Portland residents to seize their bikes in the dead of Portland winter and not let persistently gray skies and drizzle get them down. From 250 riders in 1991 to over 4,000 participants in 2011, the Worst Day of the Year Ride has grown to an annual event Portland residents look forward to each year--and for 10 consecutive years, it has yet to more than sprinkle on this festive occasion.
Photo, left: Most unusual bikes encountered on the route (and in Portland, that says a lot!) Glide Cycles, LLC was developed with rowers in mind.
Photo, right: Portland is famous for both its love of bikes and love of dogs...it's always nice when you can meld the two in one perfectly-themed costume!
Always up for a good ride (aka "team building session"), BicyclingHub.com was thrilled to don all our rain and cold-weather gear from Showers Pass, Castelli, and Pearl Izumi...and even more thrilled when the weather gods cooperated and didn't rain on our bike parade.
Doug and Kriss at the start line on their first tandem ride. 45 miles, one broken chain and a number of hills later, they're still happily engaged. A tandem success story!
Here at BicyclingHub.com, we were so impressed with Castelli’s introduction of the Nanoflex fabric in their Pave Bib Tights, Claudio Bib Shorts and Nanoflex arm, leg and knee warmers - that we were hard pressed to pick one item.
Nanoflex is a new fabric exclusively engineered by Castelli. Thousands of tiny silicone nanofilaments coat Castelli’s thermoflex fabric to create one of the most water-repellent fabric finishes we’ve seen! The treatment allows water drops to roll or bounce off of the fabric without leaving any wet spots. The silicone nanofilaments also trap a layer of air between them for added insulation. Each of the Castelli products made using Nanoflex has different areas where they really excel, and we are sure you too will find a favorite amongst the range.
Melissa Cate
The Pave Bib Tights are a great all-around Winter bib tight made with Castelli's Revolutionary NanoFlex fabric. Through the presence of tiny invisible hairs on the fabric, (like the fuzz on a peach) these bib tights actually allow water to roll right off you! Perfect for keeping you drier in inclement Spring and Fall weather when there's a chance for rain, but it's too warm to wear rain pants. The bib straps on these tights are incredibly comfortable. They also have a very subtle, (but very stylish) Scorpion logo on one hip that I've fallen in love with. Also, these Pave Bib Tights feature Castelli’s popular (and comfortable!) Kiss3 chamois and reflective ankle zippers to boot!
Doug Duguay
On September 3, 2010 I left for Montana to ride the Park 2 Park Montana. The temperatures in Montana were unseasonably cold and I didn't pack enough cold weather gear aside from my Castelli Claudio Bib Shorts. Not only were the temperatures down in the 30's in the mornings, we also were in more than one rain shower and we even rode through a hail storm! No problem, the Claudio Bib Shorts, combined with my NanoFlex Arm and Leg warmers, handled it all, keeping me warm and dry and very happy.
Winter-weight warmers are always a great way to extend your wardrobe as well as battle ever-changing weather. With the addition of a lightweight fleece that sheds water from that occasional rain shower, the Claudio Bib Short and Nanoflex arm, knee and leg warmers are multi-season, multi-purpose-you can't go wrong!
BicyclingHub.com has been excited for Nanoflex product to arrive, since we first heard about the new technology earlier this year.
Castelli says: Roger Hammond, who lives in the heart of Belgium, does most of his winter training in the area around Brussels and also in the UK. Carlos Sastre lives about 1000m above sea-level in the mountains north of Madrid in Spain. Both riders were looking for something to keep them warm and dry during their winter preparation and both are more than happy with Castelli's Nanoflex products for 2010.
“This new water-repellent fabric not only bounce off the water drops, it insulates and wicks the moisture away quickly so I don’t get that cold, clammy feeling any longer.”-Carlos Sastre
The Trasparente was voted "best product Castelli has ever made!” by Castelli’s testers. This jacket features stretchy Gore Windstopper X-Lite fabric on the front and around the neck, providing both wind and water resistance. Castelli Warmer fabric on the rear of the jersey and the sleeves will provide enough warmth with breathability so that you do not overcook in this garment. Castelli has long recognized the importance of Wind Stopper Fabric in their winter riding collection and, based on our collective cool Winter riding experience, we very much share this view.
Melissa Cate
This jersey is my absolute favorite piece in Castelli's line. Don't think of it as a jersey--think of it as a jersey and jacket in one. With the Windproof front panel and the fleeced back, this jersey keeps you warm in the Winter and is also perfect for cool Spring and Fall riding when it's often windy. It features a flip-up collar for extra neck protection. I love the thumbloop feature on the sleeves which mean that they will never creep and leave your wrists exposed to the cold-brilliant! Well worth the investment when you consider the features and how much it will extend your wardrobe.
Don't let cold conditions keep you off the bike! Castelli's Windstopper X-Fast Fabric by Gore stops the wind dead in its tracks, forming a protective barrier that keeps heat IN and cold Winter chills OUT. Not only does Windstopper protect you from the wind, it is also highly breathable and will keep you dry from the inside. The Invidia from Castelli is an eye catching jacket that provides superior protection from the elements.
Melissa Cate
This jacket feels like luxury! I've quickly become a big fan of it for many reasons. My favorite feature is the wide stretchy elastic waist band in the rear. It made for a very comfortable and complimentary fit. The exterior shell is made of Breathable Gore Wind stopper fabric that offers complete wind protection. The interior of the jacket has a warm brushed fleece that is very nice and adds a lot of warmth without bulk. Additional two-thumbs-up features are a flip-up collar that is great for extra warmth around the neck on the coldest of days and the 2 full sized rear pockets that are slightly slanted for ease of use on the bike. The cut makes it super easy to get items in and out of the pocket, and I'm really impressed with the depth of the pockets on this jacket. It's hard to find women's gear, (especially jackets!) which has pockets that are large enough to hold all you might need on a Winter ride. Two rear reflective tabs further catch the eye, and finish off this great piece nicely!
These are the gloves you will need for those day's where your friends ask, "You went out in this weather?!" These should be your go-to gloves for those colder days, to keep your hands nice and cozy on those nippy winter rides. A more padded glove with a warm fleece insulating layer and a waterproof membrane, these gloves will retain heat and keep your hands dry. A no-slip palm means you can keep a good grip on those bars in all kinds of weather.
Kevin Langton:
Men’s Pioggia Glove
“These certainly are my go-to gloves for the depths of Winter. I'm a long one (6'4") and my extremities tend to get very cold in the winter. I’ve had, and do own, other Winter weight gloves but these are the ones that I find the warmest. They help me make it through January and February here in Portland, without getting frostbitten! Plenty of reflective piping on the back of this glove makes those hand-signalled turns a little more visible to fellow road users on those dark commutes home.”
Melissa Cate
Women’s Vincente Donna Glove
I product tested this glove all Winter long in 2009/2010. It is another multi-purpose piece that Castelli really excels at. It has great features like ample reflective piping, a longer cuff to keep your wrists warm and a no slip palm. The best feature on this glove is that it protects your fingers from the wind and keeps them nice and warm on colder days without overheating you on warmer days. I wore this glove in a temperature range of 50 degrees right down to colder 25-degree days and I was very comfortable throughout that temperature range. I found it even managed to stay dry in light sprinkles and rain showers!
The Leggerezza has been one of the most internationally popular and raved about winter jackets that BicyclingHub.com features. One BicyclingHub.com customer writes, “This is a great jacket. In rain it even feels waterproof. It makes you feel comfortable, warm and dry inside.” The extra-light SG0.6 WIND fabric is made from hollow-core fibers that trap air to provide additional warmth in a jacket that seems impossibly thin and light. We love it's simple but stylish design and multi-season functionality and think you will too!
Doug Duguay
Comprised of Windstopper stretch fabric on the front and sleeves and thermal panels designed to keep you warm and dry, this jacket offers 3-season versatility at an affordable price point. A key selling feature are the zip-off removable sleeves (easily stowed in one of its roomy 3 rear pockets), allowing you to readily adapt to changing conditions and ride in comfort. Our customers agree!
The MC Wool jersey is quickly becoming BicyclingHub.com’s number one selling item. Here's why we love this jersey- 70% wool and washable 30% acrylic blend makes this full-zip jersey easy to care for. Complete with three rear pockets.
Castelli Women's Opera Wool Long Sleeve Jersey is great wool blend jersey that is cute cute cute. Classically styled with cool Castelli embroidery on the chest for great looks, it features three back pockets, which are rare for a women's jersey! It also features a 50% Merino Wool and 50% fine gauge washable acrylic blend to make it easy to take care of and give it a great soft feel against the skin.
Doug Duguay
“With its cool, modern-meets-retro styling, the Castelli MC Wool Long Sleeve Jersey makes an awesome gift to meet most tastes. This will be our best seller for the Holidays in 2010.”
With an optimal temperature range between 32-46 degrees Fahrenheit, "Baby, it's cold outside" is no longer going to cut it as an excuse for skipping out on a hearty commute or big group ride next time the temperature drops. Castelli's stretchy Windstopper (TM) X-Fast fabric in the front panels provide warmth, wind protection and water repellency, and up to 10 times better breathability than competitors's windproof fabrics.
Doug Duguay
Castelli’s warmest bib tight combines Windstopper fabric with their heaviest Thermafleece fabric. Guaranteed to keep you toasty in the most blustery winter weather you dare ride in.
Here at BicyclingHub.com, we've quickly become a convert to Castelli's Base Layers which help keep you dry, and comfortable. During one of our "Try and Touch" testing sessions," we had a hard time letting these Baselayers out of our hands! Soft to the touch, this ultra fine 100% Australian merino wool doesn’t itch, while keeping you warm and dry. It was a tough choosing just one because Castelli makes some incredible baselayers, including the SG0.6 Wind Shirt, Airco Longsleeve and the Uno Plasma.
Kevin Langton:
“Beware, Merino Wool is highly addictive.” You have been warned!
Light, breathable, water-resistant: are all words used to describe the Fusione. This jacket weights about 10 ounces and stuffs neatly in your jersey pocket. With 4 large sized vents and Gore’s highly breathable Windstopper fabric you will never get that clammy feeling inside this jacket and/or vest.
Doug Duguay
I've always liked vests for 3 season riding. Castelli's Fusione Vest is the best vest I've ever tried. It fits great and Gore's Windstopper fabric breathes really well keeping me warm and dry. My perfect outfit for the Winter would certainly include a pair of Castelli Claudio bibs, a BicyclingHub.com jersey (by Castelli), Nanoflex Arm Warmers, Nanoflex Leg Warmers and a Castelli Fusione Vest.
"As you'd expect from Castelli, the devil is conspicuously absent in the details on their new Trasparente W Jersey. For almost 40 years, the Italian company has been at the forefront of technical—and stylish—cycling apparel. But even the best fabrics and head-turning features can be damned if a garment doesn't feel good when you wear it. Castelli has made sure you're going to love wearing this one; thoughtful details abound.
DOUG SAYS:
Melissa Cate
Kevin Langton:
