Bicycling: Gabba Jersey Gear review
The Gabba WS Rain Jersey is either the most specialized cycling top on the market, or the most versatile. After several weeks of testing, I’m leaning toward versatile. It’s not a jacket, with half-length sleeves. But it’s not quite a jersey, either, with four-way stretch Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric that’s burlier than any jersey.
It’s windproof and, says Castelli, waterproof. Windstopper’s maker, W.L. Gore, shies away from calling anything waterproof that can’t pass stringent rain chamber and water column tests. But Castelli is serious about the water thing, even building grommeted drain holes into the three rear pockets.
You’ll find nothing like it for riding and racing in wet, cold conditions. It’s far more breathable than any hardshell top, and lacks the bulk of laminate-sandwich softshells. It fits snug and won’t flap in the wind. A full-zip front offers great temperature regulation, and the extended back panel protects your chamois from tire spray.
For its maiden test voyage, I took the Gabba on a two-hour jaunt in 40 to 45 degree temperatures, in a steady rain. Under it, I wore a long-sleeve baselayer and a sleeveless baselayer, paired to Castelli’s Nanoflex arm and knee warmers. About an hour in, the Nanoflex warmers stopped beading up water, but still did serviceable job of protecting me from the cold. The jersey, however, was unstoppable even when it looked like water was soaking in. At home, I peeled it off to find absolutely dry baselayers. Sweat worked its way out; rain couldn’t get in.
Because of its breathability, the Gabba works fine on cold, dry days too, but it’s really best suited for inclement weather. It’s a rare piece of apparel: it may actually compel you to seek out a ride in the rain.
By: Joe Lindsey
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