Cycling clothing for the transitional season: At Castelli, this is called ‘Transition’

Clothes for a longer transitional period

The traditional categorisation of cycling clothing is simple: in summer, lightweight jerseys and shorts are worn, whilst in winter these are replaced by thermal jackets, long-sleeved base layers and extra layers for warmth. In between lies a period of mixed weather that is becoming increasingly important in practice. Temperatures fluctuate; the morning may start off cool, whilst an afternoon ride is already noticeably milder.

Castelli aims to cater more specifically to these conditions with its new Transition range. According to the Italian manufacturer, the concept is designed for the period between summer and winter, when summer clothing alone often offers insufficient protection, whilst full winter kit can quickly become too warm.

Castelli states that the typical temperature range is 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. It is not just the temperature that matters, but also the combination of wind, sunshine, riding speed and the duration of the ride.

Lightweight materials, greater protection

The long-sleeved Corretto jersey is a prime example of this approach. It offers more coverage than the short-sleeved version, whilst retaining the characteristics of a lightweight summer jersey. Castelli describes the fabric used as breathable, lightweight and aerodynamic.

This jersey is therefore designed for cyclists for whom a short-sleeved jersey is no longer sufficient on chilly days, but who do not yet require insulated winter clothing. The long sleeves can protect the upper body and arms from the wind without providing the same level of warmth as a more heavily lined thermal layer.

This difference can be particularly significant when cycling at a brisk pace. Whilst a warm jacket can quickly cause you to overheat during intense stretches, a lightweight long-sleeved jersey offers greater versatility. However, in very windy, wet or significantly colder conditions, an additional protective layer is likely to remain necessary.

New colour options for the Corretto

To mark the launch, Castelli is adding two new colourways to the men’s range. The jersey is available in Steel Fade with Chestnut and Vivid, and in Night Shade with Elmwood and Rosa Giro. The colours feature a subtle base design with contrasting accents.

According to the manufacturer, the Corretto jersey forms the core of a wider ‘Transition’ concept. This is said to include, amongst other things, lightweight bib shorts, warm short-sleeved bib shorts, compact, packable insulating layers and lightweight protective clothing. Castelli is thus adopting a modular approach, whereby individual garments can be combined depending on the weather conditions.

Here’s what the Transition collection can do

• Castelli is launching ‘Transition’, a clothing range for the transitional season.
• The operating temperature range is between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius.
• Lightweight, breathable and aerodynamic materials are designed to prevent heat build-up.
• Two new colourways are available for the men’s model.
• Further products, such as lightweight cycling shorts and compact, packable base layers, are set to follow.