By Terry Doyle
Fall in the Bay Area means the long, cold, foggy days of summer are usually behind us and the heat has finally arrived. I took advantage of these endless sunny days to test out some warm weather cycling gear from Castelli that I had bought earlier in the summer.
As I grew up in Canada, I have maple syrup running through my veins and crumble on rides where the temperature sores above 75 degrees. I was hoping that the white colored Castelli GPM Short Sleeve Jersey and Endurance Bib Shorts might offer me some relief from the heat.
When ordering, the main issue was getting the right fit. As Castelli cycling apparel trends towards European, not Lumberjack sizing, I wound up needing to order two sizes above what I would normally wear in other outdoor apparel.
On my first ride, it became immediately clear that Castelli cycling apparel does not suffer from the same problems of other lightweight gear. With my standard back pocket load of cell phone, energy bar, money, and some GU, the GPM Jersey held its shape without stretch or sag.
The classic cut of the GPM Jersey is complimented by Castelli's seamless construction on the neck and shoulders, holding the sleeves and collar in place without feeling constricted. Castelli's delightfully named ProSecco treatment is a hydrophilic coating that quickly wicks away moisture and leaves you feeling cool.
The Endurance Bib Shorts also feature ProSecco treatment, which combined with the lightweight Lycra panels throughout the body of the cycling shorts, eliminates the usual wet blanket feeling of other brands. The Giro++ single-layer grippers comfortably held the bib cycling shorts in place, resulting in a consistent tan line to help you remember where to apply your sunscreen on the next ride.
The Progetto X2 chamois is extremely comfortable, but only once it has finally settled into place after a couple of washes. Even with the white color, Castelli cycling apparel cleans up nicely and will endure many washes with the flat lock seam construction.
Bottom Line: The Castelli GPM Short Sleeve Jersey and Endurance Bib Shorts offer a great solution for warm weather riding, without the fit and durability issues that normally arise with lightweight gear. I would recommend buying at least one size larger than you normally wear.
Even though cooler weather is here, much of the Castelli cycling apparel is currently on sale, enabling you to cheaply stock up now for next spring.