Fair weather driver?! - Not with me !

Who does not know it, the season is about to start, you are motivated and want to train and then the bad weather throws a spanner in the works. The changeable April weather in particular makes life difficult for us cyclists and has already made many a classic bike a torture. However, thanks to the ever-improving clothing, you can arm yourself against bad weather and declare war on the conditions. When it comes to bad weather clothing, the two Italian manufacturers Castelli and Sportful are among the pioneers and most innovative brands in this field. We have looked around the product range of both companies for you.

Castelli Gabba 3

A few years ago, the Italian clothing manufacturer Castelli revolutionized the market with its Gabba and over time has brought several other products onto the market that enable us cyclists to defy even the worst conditions. Over the years, the Gabba has established itself as the ultimate rain jersey and it is hard to imagine the peloton without it. It's not for nothing that Chris Froome and his colleagues from Team Sky chose Castelli products in 2017. In the third generation of the Gabbas, some changes were made to the previous model, such as the optimization of the water-repellent material, an improved finish on the back that prevents the jersey from riding up and extra drainage holes for rainwater on the back pockets.

Sporty Fiandre Light

Fiandre, Italian for Flanders, is Sportful's foul-weather clothing line, and it's named after it for a reason. With the Fiandre Light you have a rain jersey for changeable conditions in the program that offers an incorruptible combination of water resistance and breathability at less than 150 grams and is therefore ideal for competitions. With Trek-Segafredo and Bahrain-Merida, there are two WorldTour teams in the running this season who will be wearing Sportful gear.

Sportful Fiandre WS LRR

But also for colder temperatures combined with rain, Sportful has the Fiandre WS LRR another jersey in the Fiandre collection that is quite impressive. From the outside it almost feels like a short-sleeved rain jacket, the Gore windstopper and the waterproof seams provide additional weather protection. In slightly milder temperatures, however, it is better to use the Fiandre Light, since the WS LRR gives off little heat and you can start sweating very quickly.

Castelli Perfetto Light

In addition to the long-running Gabba, Castelli has now launched a slightly lighter version of the rain jersey with the Perfetto family and especially with the Perfetto Light. When the temperatures are a little milder, the thinner material on the back guarantees improved breathability with good wind and weather protection, making the Perfetto Light the ideal companion in the transitional period. In addition, thanks to the wind-repellent properties of the Perfetto Light, you save yourself a flapping wind vest.

Sportful Stelvio and Castelli Idro

The Stelvio from Sportful now enjoys a similar status to the Gabba among the pros and is considered the rain jacket par excellence. No wonder, because a lot of time was put into the development and together with the Tinkoff team around world champion Peter Sagan, they were able to bring a real flagship model onto the market. The Stelvio keeps you warm and dry, especially when riding in the rain at low temperatures. Due to the sporty fit, you are still quite aerodynamic compared to other jackets. With the Idro, Castelli also has a rain jacket for competitions and training in their range. Due to its small pack size, it fits comfortably in any jersey pocket and can be easily stowed away. Even if it can definitely keep up with the Stelvio in terms of functionality and rain protection, we see it as more suitable for milder temperatures. The Idro is also suitable as a wind jacket on cool descents.

For those who want to complete their outfit, the two manufacturers have two revolutionary products ready with the rain pants Fiandre Light Norain and Nano Light Pro. Inconspicuous from the outside and hardly different from usual cycling shorts, we were completely surprised at the first test. Although the trousers don't feel heavier or uncomfortable, all the water just rolls off and your bottom is kept dry for a long time. An absolute must from now on. Just like the Nano Flex and Fiandre arm warmers, which, like the trousers, keep the water away for a long time without getting in the way or getting soaked.