Castelli Climber’s 3.0 Jersey Review

A few days after the review of the complete Castelli Superleggera kit, this time we’re looking at the Climber’s 3.0 jersey, which is the model used by pros on hot days and in high mountains. A more fitted jersey than the Superleggera, a little less light but just as pleasant to wear in intense heat, and above all, a little less expensive.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: 3bikes.fr

Developed by and for the pros of Team Ineos, the Castelli Climber’s jersey retains the very fitted cut of the Free Aero Race jersey they usually use, primarily for aerodynamics. However, it features a construction with mesh fabrics that improve airflow over the skin, which is essential when speed is low, such as when climbing a pass, and which have the advantage of drying very quickly.

As previously seen in the Superleggera kit review, we weighed the jersey dry and wet. Compared to the Superleggera jersey, it is 16 g and 64 g less light, but this is actually a false problem because most of the time the fabric dries before moisture really sets in. This is not entirely the case in extreme conditions such as during a big indoor trainer session (which could resemble a climb in intense heat with low speed), but as soon as there is a little air, you never feel this sensation of humidity on the road.

According to Castelli, its moisture absorption rate is so low that professional riders sometimes use it in the rain. Well, summer rain, that is, because the thinness of the fabrics does not promote good body heat retention, and in fact, the opposite is desired.

The construction is obviously relatively complex, with the front and side parts forming small holes to promote ventilation and drying, and a back made of mesh fabric as well, but with tighter openings, to block 90% of UV rays.

The three pockets are of a relatively simple design, but they keep the contents (phone, repair kit, nutrition, or keys) close to the body, thereby preventing any sensation of bouncing.

At the back, a wide silicone band keeps the jersey in place, and as for the full-length zipper on the front, it is doubled to prevent irritation and has a perfect finish.

The sleeves benefit from a slightly less thin fabric, to ensure a good fit and avoid folds detrimental to aerodynamics. Like most modern jerseys, they are relatively long and extend almost to the elbow.

An ideal fit

Among the other qualities of this jersey, we appreciate its excellent fit. While the sleeves require a little attention before being put on because they are quite tight, it only takes a few hundred meters to completely forget the jersey.