When Castelli initially released the Gabba jersey in 2010, it went somewhat under the radar. It wasn’t until the infamous 2013 edition of Milan-San Remo (when it snowed and the race got shortened) that it really grabbed the public's attention.
The sight of many in the peloton donning Gabbas with blacked out logos was a watershed moment. A new category of water-resistant and breathable rain-jerseys was created almost overnight, and practically every brand has jumped on the bandwagon.
Since then, Castelli has been refining its original design and expanding its range of cycling clothing for changeable conditions – with what Castelli calls its ‘Rain or Shine’ (RoS) range. Now the RoS range has been revamped, ready for the winter ahead.
The winter 2020 RoS range contains a number of such refinements and new features. Castelli claims its "Gabba and Perfetto RoS products are now more waterproof, more breathable and better fitting than ever."
Let’s take a closer look at the highlights.
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Castelli Gabba RoS Jersey – £170 / $199.99 / €179.95
Now in its fourth generation, the Gabba RoS Jersey features a new Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper 205 fabric on the front. Castelli claims this new and exclusive fabric is more water-resistant than the previous generation, and it’s also now lightly brushed on the inside for extra warmth.
The rear of the jersey is made from a lighter, stretchier Gore-Tex fabric. Castelli says this fabric is both more water-resistant and breathable than on the previous Gabba. It's also taped the shoulder seams for additional wet weather protection.
Available in five different colours for men, and four for women, it remains a jersey designed to be worn for hard riding in foul conditions. Castelli recommends a temperature range of 9 to 16℃ (48 to 61°F).
Castelli Perfetto RoS Light Jersey – £150 / $189.99 / €159.95
The Perfetto RoS Light Jersey is a lighter version of the Gabba RoS, designed for use in milder weather.
Just like the Gabba, it was developed after feedback from pro riders, who wanted something lighter than the Gabba that wasn’t just for cold days.
Castelli says that the 2020 version of the Perfetto is more versatile than ever before. It apparently weighs just 199g, and it also claims it’s more water-resistant and breathable than the previous version.
Castelli Perfetto RoS Vest – £120 / $179.99 / €129.95
The Perfetto RoS Vest is the Perfetto RoS Light Jersey with the sleeves removed, for even more versatility.
It should be easier to take off and store in a jersey pocket, for example, if it gets too hot, and still gives you that windproof, water-resistant protection on the core when it does rain.
Castelli recommends a temperature range of 12 to 20℃ (54 to 68°F) for the Light jersey and 14 to 20℃ (57 to 68°F) for the Vest.
Both are available in five different colours for men, and four for women.
Castelli Perfetto RoS Long Sleeve Jacket – £195 / $229.99 / €199.95
The Perfetto RoS Long Sleeve is a Gabba RoS Jersey with long sleeves, designed for colder temperatures (it’s not really clear why they didn’t call it the Gabba RoS Long Sleeve).
Featuring the same Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper 205 fabric from the Gabba RoS on its front panels, Castelli naturally says the 2020 version of the Perfetto RoS Long Sleeve is the best yet.
It’s available in five different colours for men, and four for women.
Castelli Perfetto RoS Convertible Jacket – £225 / $259.95 / €239.95
The Perfetto RoS Convertible jacket is perhaps the more interesting of the family though. As the name implies, it’s convertible between a Perfetto RoS Long Sleeve jacket and a Gabba RoS Jersey, simply by making the sleeves removable just above the elbow.
This ‘jerket’ (jersey/jacket) doesn’t come cheap, but it appears to be a very versatile option that could see a lot of use throughout the autumn and winter. It’s available in five different colours, but currently for men only.
Castelli recommends a temperature range of 4 to 16℃ (39 to 61°F) for both jackets.
