Product news: The Castelli Gabba is probably the epitome of a rain jersey. Every cyclist, from hobby cyclists to professionals, has it and uses it. Now the legendary Gabba has been redesigned and some features added to ensure even better performance on rainy days. The Castelli Perfeto RoS line also benefits from the innovations, as it uses the same materials and features. In order to test everything thoroughly for you, we went with Castelli to the home of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon and were able to see what Castelli has to offer on the unique routes around Sölden.
There are few garments that can claim to have invented a new category, but the Castelli Gabba is one such product. Launched in 2009, Project Gabba was developed with the participation of riders from the Cervelo test team, including Gabriel Rasch, after whom the Gabba is named. The answer was a water-repellent jersey.
Thor HUSHOVD (Nor)/
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne (184 km) / (c) Tim De Waele
Only at the World Championships in Yorkshire could you see a number of professionals in Castelli Gabbas again, although they are not sponsored by Castelli and could even have problems with their actual sponsors. Stories like this have been around for almost 10 years in the history of the Castelli Gabba, because shortly after the Gabba appeared every professional wanted one and bought one. At wet races you can still often see the Castelli logos painted over so that you don't violate the sponsorship agreements.
The fourth generation of the Castelli Gabba comes with the biggest performance improvements yet to improve function in different conditions. The aim is to do justice to the name suffix RoS - "Rain or Shine" (rain or shine) and to combine comfort and breathability in dry weather as well as waterproof protection in the best possible way. In collaboration with GORE, two new exclusive Castelli fabrics have been developed for the latest Gabba and Perfetto models, which are more waterproof, breathable and tailored.
The new Gabba RoS features a lightly insulated, windproof and waterproof fabric on the front and a lighter, stretchy fabric on the back to regulate temperature. The seams on the shoulders have been taped for additional rain protection. In addition, the fit is improved by the new fabric, as the material is even more supple. As a further innovation, only two larger jersey pockets have been added, with a small addition for a pump sewn into the right pocket so that it doesn't fly around in the jersey pocket.
The Ötztal offered us the ideal test conditions with its unique road bike routes, even if it didn't rain. Because when we started early in the morning it was only a few degrees above zero, but the meters up to the Timmelsjoch quickly made us sweat and so we were able to convince ourselves of the good breathability of the new Castelli RoS collection. Arrived at the top and after a wonderful view, we went downhill again towards Sölden, whereby the Castelli Gabba kept us nice and warm.
In addition to the Castelli Gabba, the other Perfetto RoS products have also been improved and offer lighter protection from the elements compared to the Gabba, as they do without the insulation of the Gabba RoS. The shoulder seams are also taped here and the Perfetto RoS long sleeve and the convertible jacket now have ventilation openings with side zips.
The Castelli Perfetto RoS Convertible Jacket has been revised on the detachable sleeves. The zippers are now just above the elbow and circle three quarters of the arm circumference. The zips are discreetly covered so they are not really visible from the outside.
Rounding out this round of updates is the Perfetto RoS Light jersey and vest, which have been added to the range as a lighter weight alternative to the Gabba. As with the Castelli Gabba, the back has a water-repellent fabric, but with an extra eye on breathability. This is combined with a 25% lighter fabric on the front, reducing the overall weight. If you want to treat yourself to additional weather protection, you can also find arm warmers, leg warmers or knee warmers that have the same technology from Castelli.
For us, the Ötztal with its impressive routes and passes was definitely worth a trip and with the new Castelli Gabba and the Perfetto RoS products in our luggage we can hardly wait until the next rain comes.
Website: castelli-cycling.com / oetztal.com