New winter arrivals

Castelli is well known as one of the most innovative and trendsetting clothing manufacturers. It’s no secret, that industry and consumers are curious year by year what the scorpion brand will unveil whenever a new collection is presented.

To call it by name, there was the SANREMO THERMOSUIT last winter which was a breakthrough in terms of protection, weight, comfort and aerodynamic for winter riding.
The thermosuit remains in the collection unchanged, but Castelli added another (white dominated) color scheme, what may attract everybody who isn’t a friend of fluo colors.

But let’s have a look at the latest news for winter 2013:
Beyond all doubt, the ELEMENTO JACKET is the most eye-catching innovation this winter. The focus during the development process was targeted at breathability.

Castelli already has some high-tech Windstopper® jackets in their range, but aimed for a garment with even more breathability. This lead to the invention of the new 7x (AIR) fabric which offers 7 times more air permeability compared to a Windstopper® membrane. An improved air exchange can be a crucial and welcomed feature, if you like to ride on higher intensity even during winter.

The outer shell is windproof and water repellant and lots of clearly visible venting zones are placed all over the jacket. These zones also add some stretch that leads to a better – close to body – fit.
A fleeced inner-layer has just the right level of warmth. The dedicated temperature range is a personal thing. Together with an IRIDE Long-sleeve base-layer the body climate is just right at +2°C during rides at medium to high intensity.

Three standard sized rear pockets allow enough space for the usual items like energy bar, spare tube or whatever. Two zipped pockets (one at the back and one at the chest) are functional details to store your mobile phone, keys or some money for a coffee stop.

As lots of Castelli tops, the ELEMENTO also comes with an extendable collar that is a simple but clever benefit in comfort and neck protection.
Wrist zips make dressing and undressing easier and allow wearing gloves inside or outside the sleeves (depending on the glove model).

When it comes to winter tights, the industry has almost endless options and most of us winter cyclists have experimented with different combos and layers:
Summer short + warm bibtight without pad, Nanoflex/Roubaix short + thermal legwarmers or whatever the own wardrobe makes available.
The most comfortable way to dress is probably a good pair of winter tights like our famous SORPASSO BIBTIGHT. It guarantees exceptional fit and a great level of protection and warmth.

Our new SORPASSO WIND TIGHT includes all the popular features of the SORPASSO, but we added some Windstopper® fabric at the front (upper leg and over the knees) for better protection and wind blocking at sensitive areas.
Poor fit may sometimes be a limiter for winter tights with Windstopper® membrane. The SORPASSO WIND TIGHT fits very well and comfort-wise you would not recognize the special fabric if there wasn’t the WS label attached at the right leg.
The real secret of perfect moisture management lies in the inner layer made of hollow-core Thermoflex Core Due fabric (red fleece lined). It gives an excellent amount of insulation, is very breathable and prevents from overheating.
The SORPASSO WIND TIGHT comes with Castelli’s top of the range seat pad ‘Progetto X2 Air’ which means that you even need not ride without your favorite summer shammy during wintertime. Short leg zippers make it easy to pull it on and off and Giro³ leg grippers (which you may already know from your favorite Castelli summer shorts) secure a smooth fit around the ankle. Some reflective details (Castelli word mark on both legs, and overlays at leg zippers) add visibility and safety.

Important accessories for enjoyable winter rides:

ESTREMO GLOVE:
As its name implies, the ESTREMO is made for the coldest winter rides. It’s the warmest glove in the Castelli line and the Windstopper® X-Fast outer layer and fleece lining are the key for a phenomenal amount of protection and insulation. The long cuff with a velcro closure avoids cold air around the wrist and allows wearing the glove in- or outside your jacket.
Despite the fine insulation the ESTREMO doesn’t feel bulky and offers a good feeling on the bars and ability to brake and shift properly.
Silicone texture on the palm secures a better grip and great durability.

THERMO HEAD THINGY:
It’s a highly adaptable piece and can be worn as a cap, neck warmer, scarf, headband or balaclava. That little something – made of the Warmer fabric on the inside – can make the difference if a ride feels cosy or freezing when cool air affects your airways or cheeks. Paired with our VIVA THERMO SKULLY, head and ears are protected from the elements. It’s the ideal headwear with clever placed seams that provide superb warmth and comfort.

From head to toe:
Warm feet and well-protected toes are one of the most important issues during winter season.
Warming socks like the Castelli VENTI or QUINDICI/GREGGE SOCK – made of merino wool – are fundamental.

A good pair of booties is essential as well. Some (who are not sensitive to cold) might be happy with thin overshoes like the NANO SHOECOVER, a lightweight, wind- and water resistant model.
The majority will certainly opt for warmer and insulating booties like the ESTREMO (warmest Castelli model with supreme protection against the cold and wet) or the updated PIOGGIA 4 (with a fashionable look and probably the best option for riding in wet and cool conditions).

Especially in winter the pleasure of cycling stands and falls with decent clothing.
No power to the rollers.