This high-end hybrid speed suit is basically a pair of Castelli Body Paint cycling shorts put together with an aero road racing jersey and offers some of the aero advantages of a time trial or track-style skinsuit with the practical features you need for the road, including a secure rear pockets and a zip down the torso.
The tight performance fit, one-piece design and silicone dots on the front and sides are designed to make it more aerodynamic, and Castelli say it can save 10-15 watts at 25mph. The incredible comfort and solid practicality are a draw, too.
The soft fabric, flat leg grippers and Progetto X2 pad show the quality of this kit and are really comfortable. It’s not as aero as a full-on skinsuit, though, and the thickness of the pad rules it out for triathlon use, but it's ideal for road racing. This was perhaps best exemplified by pro cyclist Johan Van Summeren, who wore one when he won the 2011 Paris-Roubaix, the toughest one day road race in the world, beating many more fancied riders.
It comes at a high price too, though to buy Body Paint shorts and Castelli’s Aero Race jersey as separates would cost more.
