Our Favorite Castelli Winter Gear
Now that we’ve gotten our first dusting of snow, it’s officially winter here in NYC. Some teams have already been gathering for regular virtual Zwift rides, but many folks on our team have committed to riding through the winter outdoors as much as possible. Whether on the roads or in the woods, minimizing time on the trainer is our goal this winter to keep motivation and the fun-factor high, as well as to continually sharpen our skills.
Finding gear that keeps you warm and comfortable outside without overheating is a skill in and of itself it seems. Fortunately, we’ve found that Castelli Cycling’s winter range offers several pieces that do just that. Recognizing that everyone runs at different body temperatures, you may need to try a few different options to dial in your optimal gear selection depending on the weather, but we’ve assembled a list of our favorite layers that aim to keep you warm, dry, and comfortably moving (or stopped sipping coffee) all through the winter.
Jackets
ALPHA RoS 2 LIGHT JACKET
Reviewed by Alvaro
Picture this: a jacket with a wind-breaking base layer built into it. I am not entirely sure if it’s meant to be wind-breaking or if it’s meant to be for extra warmth, but it’s great. I have worn this jacket riding in 30ºF and all I need under it is a base layer or a jersey. Best of all: it isn’t bulky and has a nice cut, without a baggy front-side. I usually zip it all the way up and put the Pro Thermal Head Thingy over the collar – so the neck doesn’t let air out but is comfortable enough to keep zipped up to the top. I highly recommend it, and the Alpha RoS main (not the light one) is even warmer.
Price: $289.99
Unlimited Puffy Jacket
Reviewed by Lucia
The Unlimited Puffy Jacket is a bit of a misnomer in that it’s not actually very puffy at all. But, this is a good thing. When I think puffy jacket, I think marshmallow man-esque thicc insulation. Castelli made something of a puffy jacket in its Elemento and Elemento Lite lines - with a substantial insulated layer for the coldest days. The Unlimited Puffy Jacket, on the other hand, is much sleeker and feather light - more akin to a wind jacket - but with a layer of soft but super thin Polartec® Alpha® Direct insulation strategically placed in areas where you might feel the most wind, and a stretchier jersey material everywhere else. This makes the jacket quite warm but without any of the bulk you’d expect out of a typical puffer, and very breathable so you don’t overheat, sweat and freeze thereafter. It’s really suited for comfortable movement. It can be worn loose if you size up, or sleek and fitted if you size down. There are two rear pockets with a top flap and additional zippered pockets for smaller items. I’ve worn this jacket out riding in the woods on a 30F day with just a thermal baselayer and felt quite comfortable. My favorite part of the jacket is how soft the material feels, and a size small women’s jacket weighs only 182 grams and packs down to the size of a 22oz water bottle!
Price: $329.99
Bibtights
VELOCISSIMA BIBTIGHT
Reviewed by Leah
These bibtights are officially rated for 41°-59°F, but tbh I would be sweating if I wore them in those temperatures. (I am also someone who refuses to wear leg warmers above 55° so do with that information what you will). For temps below freezing these tights are amazing — soft and cozy and fleecy without feeling stifling. They run a little large and they’re not intensely compressive, so I’d size down. These come in a variety of colors — I have these in a lovely navy with soft pink accents — but the basic black may go with more of your existing cold weather gear. Nothing will ever match the coziness of an indoor winter Zwift ride, but these tights can bring a little bit of that warmth to the outdoors.
Price: $129.99
SORPASSO RoS BIBTIGHT
Reviewed by Alvaro
For when you hate being cold in a particular area. There, we said it. For me, regular bibs + leg warmers don’t cut it once it gets near or below 40ºF. These have become a staple for my winter riding lately – I get home and wash them immediately so I can use them the next day. They are warm enough so that you can focus on riding instead of being cold. The fit is slim and they may run tight, but I enjoy some light compression. They go far enough up your torso to keep warmth under your jacket, and the reflective heel strips are a nice touch.
Price: $209.99
Baselayers
Flanders Warm LS Baselayer
Reviewed by Matt
A proper base layer is the secret weapon for winter riding: seldom seen, but vital for warmth and moisture wicking. For more mild winter weather I will typically go with a short sleeve base layer under team kit. But on the coldest days I’ll revert to a Flanders Warm LS Baselayer, typically worn under the Alpha Ros 2 Light Jacket that Alvaro mentioned above. The thin layer of base layer fleece cranks up the warmth, while breathable panels in the construction ensure that the jacket doesn’t become a sweat box.
Price: $99.99
Accessories
PRO THERMAL HEAD THINGY
Reviewed by Alvaro
OK, the “Head thingy” is a neck gaiter. A “Snood” if you’re Australian. This one is thicker than your normal gaiter. The thermal fabric is fantastic: it’s soft on your skin, keeps you warm, and has the enormous benefit of blocking the wind (which most gaiters don’t do). There have been occassions where it’s too warm, but nothing a little unzipping of a jacket can’t fix. I’ve also succesfully been able to remove this while riding, although I wouldn’t recommend it. If I go for a cold ride and realize I forgot this, I turn right around and go home to get it.
Price: $24.99
3G NANO FLEX ARM AND LEG WARMERS
Reviewed by Ben
As a rule, there is no good way to put on arm and leg warmers. Your options are either: 1. scrunch up your bibs and jersey and pull them up or: 2. put them on first which results in the temporary, but highly-cursed, ‘arms-and-legs-only’ look. That aside, this arm and leg set is fantastic. I’ve raced in mine and worn them down to 15F and found them both warm and breathable. The Nano Flex fabric is nice and waterproof and the grippy, rubber linings hold up well to washing. The perfect warmers for a chilly group ride or for fumbling around your bathroom by the glow of your phone’s flashlight trying not to wake anyone.
Price: Arms - $49.99, Legs - $69.99
ESPRESSO GT GLOVE
Reviewed by Matt
Castelli makes a number of excellent gloves. But for winter riding my favorite is the Espresso GT Glove. While not their coldest weather glove - that title goes to the similar sounding Estremo Glove, the Espresso proves more than capable for winter escapades in and around New York City with a prescribed temperature range extending down to 25 degrees. Construction quality is excellent, and the zipper system is a nice touch for ease of entry. Below 25 degrees I would go with the Estremo or perhaps a mitt/lobster shell, but outside of those most severe riding conditions, this is my go to for winter miles.
Price: $119.99
Disclaimer: TBD team members receive a discount on Castelli products.
I am a New Yorker who rides bikes of all kinds, sometimes runs, loves cats, and nerds out on transit justice issues. I am an advocate at heart and a member of the All Powerful Bicycle Lobby, though opinions here are my own.
Instagram: @luciadlite
Twitter: @luciadlite
E-mail: lucia@tobedetermined.cc
