The Gabba WS Rain Jersey is either the most specialized cycling top on the market, or the most versatile. After several weeks of testing, I’m leaning toward versatile. It’s not a jacket, with half-length sleeves. But it’s not quite a jersey, either, with four-way stretch Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric that’s burlier than any jersey.
It’s windproof and, says Castelli, waterproof. Windstopper’s maker, W.L. Gore, shies away from calling anything waterproof that can’t pass stringent rain chamber and water column tests. But Castelli is serious about the water thing, even building grommeted drain holes into the three rear pockets.
You’ll find nothing like it for riding and racing in wet, cold conditions. It’s far more breathable than any hardshell top, and lacks the bulk of laminate-sandwich softshells. It fits snug and won’t flap in the wind. A full-zip front offers great temperature regulation, and the extended back panel protects your chamois from tire spray.
For its maiden test voyage, I took the Gabba on a two-hour jaunt in 40 to 45 degree temperatures, in a steady rain. Under it, I wore a long-sleeve baselayer and a sleeveless baselayer, paired to Castelli’s Nanoflex arm and knee warmers. About an hour in, the Nanoflex warmers stopped beading up water, but still did serviceable job of protecting me from the cold. The jersey, however, was unstoppable even when it looked like water was soaking in. At home, I peeled it off to find absolutely dry baselayers. Sweat worked its way out; rain couldn’t get in.
Because of its breathability, the Gabba works fine on cold, dry days too, but it’s really best suited for inclement weather. It’s a rare piece of apparel: it may actually compel you to seek out a ride in the rain.
By: Joe Lindsey
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7 Comments
Awenome product!
Please, could you let me know where I can find the Team Garmin Cervelo edition of Gabba in size L?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Jon, we’ll keep the team version print for Garmin only, but the Castelli jacket looks pretty awesome too.
Castelli,
Really think you should reconsider that position. Most of my Castelli gear is Garmin Cervelo edition.
I’ve been trying to purchase a Gabba WS Jersey for months now. I have been unable to find anywhere in the World (searched European Websites as well) that carry a size small in black color. Do you guys even make a size small in black? I really want to purchase one ASAP but they are no where. I’m about to just forget about it all together. Spring is coming soon.
It seems there is a serious supply problem with these! Atliest in smaller sizes.
[…] are: New Castelli EVent Pocket liner jacket Hincapie Event shell Castelli Gabba WS rain jersey (Castelli | High Speed Race Wear
It’s a fact, that the Gabba range is almost perfect for rain and/or cold conditions.
It seems to be, that the new Pocket Liner Jacket will be the ulitmate for (heavy) wet training (maybe even racing).
The features of this jacket include the ‘must have effect’!
Garmin Gabba without logos – mistake.