Since its debut in 2010, cycle apparel specialist Castelli notes that the ‘Gabba has taken the pro peloton and all-weather cyclists by storm [and] the fully aero, breathable and fully protected performance jersey adopted a mystique to the name, as pro tour riders would shirk their sponsors and use the Gabba as their weapon of choice against foul weather conditions.’
Inspired by the Gabba, Castelli has introduced the Perfetto line of cycling performance protection for all conditions. Meaning ‘Perfect’ in Italian this collection provides all the attributes of the Gabba but for climates that don’t see exceptionally cold weather. As a release from Castelli adds, ‘The Gabba 3 and the Perfetto Collection add more arrows to your quiver and take aim at excuses.’
With a marriage of windproof, water resistant, breathable materials Castelli claims Gabba 3 and the Perfetto Collection offer the ‘best performance protective cycling wear on the market’.
Gabba 3
The Gabba 3 is the third generation of the garment that ‘launched an entirely new category’, and is the centerpiece of Castelli’s Perfetto family of foul-weather race apparel. The Gabba is made from Gore X-lite plus, a lightweight windproof fabric with water-repellent properties. It’s designed by and for pros, so the fit is tight and racy, and the fabric fully aero. It also features integrated storm-flap at the rear that can be tucked away or unflapped to protect from wheel spray.
Features:
- Fully aero, fully breathable and fully protected
- Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric for lightweight wind protection with water-repellent finish
- Nano Flex fabric insert under arms
- Storm-flap construction with reflective logo at back protects from wheel spray
- Silicone gripper at waist prevents ride-up
- Full-length YKK Vislon zipper with wind flap
- 3 rear pockets with laser-cut drain holes
- Weight: 291g
Perfetto Vest
Like the Gabba, this race vest is made from the same Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus material on the front and shoulders, but is combined with Nano Flex Light on the back for water repellency with a higher degree of breathability and an ‘extremely aero fit’. The vest/gillet is rounded off with a high neck for jugular warmth and two pockets on the rear for extra carrying capacity.
Features:
- Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus on front and shoulders provides lightweight wind protection
- Nano Flex Light fabric on back protects from wheel spray
- Packable construction
- Full-length YKK Vislon zipper with wind flap
- 2 rear pockets
- Reflective trim on back for visibility
- Weight: 192g
Perfetto Light 2
Designed out of a need for a jersey that’s not as hot as the Gabba (when conditions aren’t quite as wet and cold) but warmer than the Perfetto Vest, the Perfectto Light 2 was created. The Perfetto 2 is made from a lighter weight Gore Windstopper; and like the Perfetto Vest, the back is made from Nano Light fabric. Castelli points out that this gives the piece a lot of optimal breathability and prevents overheating in warmer temperatures.
Features:
- Gore Windstopper 150 fabric on front, sleeves and yoke for lightweight wind protection
- Nano Light fabric on the back sheds water but allows ‘significant breathability’
- 3 external rear pockets
- Extended tail with reflective Castelli wordmark
- YKK Vislon zipper for easy opening and closing
- Weight: 243g
Perfetto Long Sleeve
Essentially the Gabba with long sleeves, this long sleeve jersey has the refined fit and an ergonomical fit for foul weather, with longer arms, elongated neck, and a tail flap that can be tucked away — with reflective 3M detailing.
Features:
- Fully aero, fully breathable and fully protected
- Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric for lightweight total wind protection with water-repellent finish
- Nano Flex fabric insert under arms
- Storm-flap construction at back protects from wheel spray
- Silicone gripper on waistband to limit ride-up
- Full-length YKK Vislon zipper with wind flap
- 3 rear pockets with drain mesh
- Weight: 386g
Perfetto Convertible Jacket
The convertible Perfetto is billed as the jacket that can do it all. With the sleeves attached, it provides full protection in cold conditions, but it turns into a Gabba-style short-sleeved jersey/jacket in mild conditions, when the sleeves are pulled off. Castelli adds that this is ‘a perfect travel piece, because you can ride in nearly all conditions with this jacket’.
Features:
- Fully aero, fully breathable and fully protected
- Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric for lightweight total wind protection with water-repellent finish
- Nano Flex fabric insert under arms
- Storm-flap construction with reflective logo at back protects from wheel spray
- Silicone gripper at waist prevents ride-up
- Full-length YKK Vislon zipper with wind flap
- 3 rear pockets with laser-cut drain holes
- Remove the sleeves for a short-sleeved Perfetto Jersey
- Weight: 457g
Founded in Milan in 1874, Castelli creates ‘apparel that defines modern cycling’. Castelli USA is located in Portland, Oregon.
