Castelli Jersey Range : Details, Pricing and Buyer’s Guide
Having a hard time understanding Castelli’s jerseys line up?
You’re not alone.
If you look at their website, there are easily more than 10 models available with the premium models being 2x the entry-level models. To make things more complicated, they’ve many different fabric types and in many models, there are two or more fabrics used.
- What are the differences between the jerseys?
- What type of riding are they designed for?
- Which one suits the regular cyclist?
To begin, we can categorize Castelli’s jerseys into four based on our research and years of owning Castelli’s.
| Category | Jersey Models | For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aero | Aero Race 6.0 | Aero, Race Fit | $160 |
| Lightweight | Climber's 3.0 SL, Superleggera 2 | Hot, Summer Days | $140 - $160 |
| Long Distance | LaMITICA, Hors Categorie, Vantaggio | Long, Epic Rides | $120 - $140 |
| Everyday Use | Avanti, Maison, Rapido, Classifica | Regular Fit | $100 - $120 |
| Entry Level | Prologo V, Entrata VI | Budget, Regular Fit | $90 - $100 |
| Gravel | Unlimited, Polvere | Durability, Regular Fit | $130 - $140 |
Before we go deeper, here’s a general overview when it comes to understanding the differences between the various Castelli jersey models.
- Pricing range from $80 (entry-level) to $160 (aero jersey). These are the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) but in most times you can find them available at lower prices.
- Rosso Corsa, or RC is the label Castelli uses for the best apparel they make.
- Jersey fit. The top of the line jerseys is race fit for slim cyclists, while entry-level ones are a regular fit for most cyclists. The long-distance rides jerseys are in between the two.
- Sizing. Castelli’s jersey is known for running a size small compared to many brands Some might also refer this to Euro sizing.
- Fabric materials. There are several materials used depending on the price points and functionality of the jersey. It’s common to see a Castelli jersey utilizing at least two different materials on the front and back panels.
- Riding conditions. All the jerseys are designed for summer riding with temperatures starting from 18ºC (65ºF) and up to 40ºC (104ºF) depending on the models.
Aerodynamic Race Jerseys
Castelli Aero Race 6.0 Jersey
Now in its 6th iteration, the Aero Race 6.0 jersey sits at the top of Castelli’s jersey collection and retails for $160. It’s also the go-to jersey for Ineos Grenadiers for most of their race days.
The front and sleeves have a silky smooth Velocity Rev2 fabric while the back uses a meshed fabric for ventilation. To achieve the maximum aerodynamics effects, Castelli strategically placed seams further down the collarbone and have elbow-length, raw cut sleeves to achieve a body-hugging, race fit.
The Aero Race 6.0 jersey weighs 119g for a Large size and available in four colors.
Geek Tip : This is a race jersey that fits like a second skin. Consider sizing at least a size (or even two) up from the regular Castelli jerseys.
Lightweight, Race Fit Jerseys
Castelli Climber’s 3.0 SL
The Climber’s 3.0 SL is Ineos Grenadier’s choice when it comes to the hot days (40ºC/104ºF) in the high mountains during the Tour de France. It’s very similar to the Aero Race 6.0 except that it’s lighter due to the different Flusso 3D fabric on the front and sides. It weighs 107g for Large size.
The Flusso 3D fabrics are of the bare minimum, much thinner, and very transparent. On the back, the StradaPro 3D fabric is meshed and can block up to 90% of UV. Alternatively, this jersey can also be used as a base layer during the shoulder seasons due to its very snug, race fit.
The Climber’s 3.0 SL jersey is available in four colors and retails for $140.
Geek Tip : This is a very thin, semi-transparent jersey that fits like a second skin. Consider sizing at least a size (or even two) up from the regular Castelli jerseys.
Lightweight, Regular Fit Jersey
Castelli Superleggera 2
If you’re after a lightweight jersey but the Climber’s 3.0 SL is too tight, then the Superleggera 2 could be the answer. The Superleggera 2 is slightly lighter than the Climber’s 3.0 SL at 102g Large) but with a caveat. The fit sits somewhere in between a regular and race fit jersey in order to accommodate more body sizes.
Using a completely different fabric called the Oltre, it’s lighter, more comfortable, and doesn’t sacrifice as much transparency. It comes in three minimalistic colors and retails for $160.
Jerseys for Long Rides
Castelli LaMITICA
Long and epic ride jerseys have different requirements compared to a race jersey. They’re designed with a focus on comfort, functionality, and utility. The fit sits between a regular and race fit jersey which would be suitable for most body shapes.
With this in mind, Castelli designed the LaMITICA. It has larger rear pockets for additional storage capacity and a smaller fourth pocket on the sides for keys and money. The combination of a dropped tail design and Giro3 waistband allows for a better pocket weight distribution when fully loaded.
Besides the LaMITICA, there are two other jerseys in the long-distance category.
- Castelli Hors Categorie Jersey. Comes in three retro-inspired designs, it weighs 160g for a Large size and retails for $140.
- Castelli Vantaggio Jersey. Same as the Hors Categorie in terms of fabrics except for the design. It comes in three basic colors.
Jerseys for Everyday Use
Castelli Avanti
The mid-range Castelli Avanti jerseys retail for $100. Designed for the everyday cyclist, the fit is geared towards a regular fit with more horizontal than vertical stretch. There are no raw cut sleeves or tight, race fit like the Aero Race 6.0
The fabrics are neither lightweight nor silky smooth found. They feel more like a regular cycling jersey and are meant to be more durable, functional, and more importantly comfortable.
Besides the Avanti, there are four other jerseys in this category.
- Castelli Maison. Inspired by traditional fabric design, the Maison comes in three colors and weighs 141g for a size Large.
- Castelli Rapido. Another modern design look using line textures. Comes in four colors.
- Castelli Classifica. For those who want a simple, minimalist, one-color design. Available in five sharp colors using a new dyeing process.
Entry Level Jerseys
Castelli Prologo V
The sixth version of the Prologo workhorse jersey is designed for long-distance rides. The dropped tail design allows for better pocket weight distribution. The entry-level Prologo jerseys retail at $90, ideal for those who are just starting out or have a tight budget.
They have been a mainstay in Castelli’s collection for over a decade and have gone through many iterations and improvements. While they might not have the best fabrics available today, they do inherit some of the previous technologies that are being trickled down over the years.
It comes in three versions – short sleeves ($90), long sleeves ($100), and sleeveless ($75).
Besides the Prologo, there’s also the Castelli Entrata V. It’s slightly cheaper, retailing at $80. Available in five colors and also sleeveless edition.
Jerseys for Gravel Rides
Castelli Unlimited
Not wanting to be left behind in the fast-growing gravel riding niche, Castelli launched the Unlimited collection in 2020. Currently, there are two models available in this range, we can expect the collection to grow at a rapid pace year in the coming years.
The Unlimited jerseys are made of more durable, snag-resistant fabrics to stand up to the off-road riding demands. The three back pockets are larger for extra storage together with a hidden fourth pocket at the sides for keys and money.
They retail for $140 and available in three colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Castelli Jerseys Fit?
Generally, Castelli’s jersey runs a size smaller compared to other brands. There are race fit, semi race-fit, and regular fit jerseys. For some, the race-fit Castelli jerseys could be two sizes smaller.
How to Accurately Determine My Jersey Size?
The best and most accurate way is to visit your local bike shops that stock Castelli jerseys and try them. Alternatively, you want to do a combination of these;
- Check the sizing chart.
- Check user reviews at online stores. In many cases, the reviewers will include the cyclist’s weight and height.
- Ask cyclists in your local bunch who wears Castelli and/or who has a similar physical build as you.
The combination of the above will help you better determine your size.
Where are Castelli Jerseys Made?
The majority of Castelli jerseys are made in Europe. Depending on models, they can be made in Italy, Romania, Hungry, Moldova, Bosnia Herzogovina among others.
