For autumn training: Castelli expands its Perfetto and Gabba ranges with AirCore

Perfetto 4: More warmth for training and everyday life

The Perfetto 4 is the long-sleeved all-round jacket in the new range. Castelli recommends it for rides in temperatures of around 4 to 12 degrees Celsius and in light rain. The AirCore fabric used, weighing 219 grams per square metre, is said to offer greater insulation than the previous generation without compromising on breathability.

The PFAS-free, partially breathable membrane is designed to strike a balance between wind protection, protection from showers and moisture management. Breathability is key here: heat and sweat are meant to escape more effectively as exertion increases than with fully windproof membranes. Castelli has therefore omitted side ventilation zips.

The splash guard on the back and the back pockets with metal drainage holes have been redesigned. The Perfetto 4 has a close-fitting cut and, according to the manufacturer, weighs 286 grams in the men’s version and 239 grams in the women’s version. It is available for both men and women. The recommended retail price is 260 euros. Information on materials, weight and temperature range is provided by the manufacturer.

Perfetto Pro: Lightweight race jacket for high-intensity cycling

The Perfetto Pro is clearly aimed at performance-oriented cyclists who want as little excess fabric as possible when riding at high speeds and during intense sessions. Its AirCore fabric, weighing 150 grams per square metre, is lighter than that of the Perfetto 4. Castelli recommends a suitable temperature range of approximately 6 to 14 degrees Celsius, depending on base layers, intensity and weather conditions.

The slim-fit race cut, minimalist design and two-way zip are designed to ensure freedom of movement and adjustable ventilation. Transparent shoulder tapes are designed to provide additional protection for the seams in light rain. Floating rear pockets and an extended splash guard are designed to remain securely in place even when the rider is in a low racing position.

Weighing 226 grams, the Perfetto Pro is significantly lighter than the Perfetto 4. It is available exclusively as a men’s model in sizes XS to 3XL and costs 280 euros >> available here. For long, low-intensity base training rides, the warmer Perfetto 4 is likely to be the more suitable choice.

Gabba Pro: Short-sleeved version for racing

The Gabba Pro is the first short-sleeved Gabba to feature the lighter AirCore construction found in the Perfetto Pro. Weighing 196 grams, this race model is designed for cyclists who require plenty of freedom of movement and moisture-wicking performance during high-intensity rides, for example when worn with arm warmers.

Like the Perfetto Pro, the Gabba Pro features the 150-gram AirCore fabric, transparent shoulder reinforcements, floating rear pockets and a splash guard on the back. Castelli describes the fit of this model as a close-fitting race cut; the product page specifies a temperature range of 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. It is not intended as a fully-fledged rain jacket for continuous rain.

The Gabba Pro is only available online; it is sold as a men’s model in sizes XS to 3XL and costs 260 euros. As well as black, there is a Race Edition with a different logo placement.