Smitty: What We’re Testing
We’re busy testing testing new Castelli gear that you’ll see in the shops next fall. Yesterday dawned cold and clear and we had a great ride in some new products together with some of old favorites like the Espresso Due Jacket, Estremo shoe-cover and Quindici wool socks.
I admit that I’m not a big fan of wind proof tights but with the cold temps yesterday I was happy to have to test the new Polare Due windstopper tight. Usually wind proof fabrics are too rigid and not breathable enough.
This new tight uses our new Windstopper X-Fast 2 fabric that finally gets enough stretch to fit great yet breathes enough to prevent moisture from building up inside. I was riding the rolling hills outside of Bassano del Grappa, Italy, and that wind protection really helped on the cold descents, but wasn’t really noticeable the rest of the time.
A first for me with wind tights. We have some fit issues to work out, but that’s why we’re testing now.
The new Flanders base layer is turning out just like we wanted when we started this project: maximum wicking to get moisture away from your body. It uses 3 different fabrics for just the right stretch and insulation for each part of the body. It’s the best I’ve ever used for keeping dry, and it’s available in a sleeveless version that will be perfect under a jersey on cool days. It’s so good we’ve given it Rosso Corsa designation.
The last new product I used yesterday is the Leggenda glove. We designed it to be that perfect glove for most of your winter riding: minimal bulk, soft stretchy and comfortable, water and wind proof, great grip and Poron padding, and good wrist coverage. We didn’t make it for extreme cold but rather those conditions where you do a lot of your winter riding: 5-12 degrees (40-55F). This prototype I wore yesterday is close and I think it’ll finish off to be my favorite winter glove.
By: Steve Smith, Castelli