Castelli Espresso Kit Review

With the Espresso range, Castelli offers a lightweight and versatile bib short and jersey set, particularly comfortable in hot weather. An outfit with breathable and stretchy fabrics that provide a snug fit while suiting a wide range of body types.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr / ©Vincent Lyky

At Castelli, as with most competing brands, a vast collection can sometimes complicate the choice for potential buyers, with specific features that are sometimes difficult to grasp, particularly in terms of fit or temperature. The Italian brand is no exception, with high-end jerseys designed for breathability in hot weather like the Climber, for aerodynamics like the Aero Race, or with an ultra-light fabric like the Superlegerra, for example. Not to mention more accessible models like the Entrata. And we’re only talking about a small part of the range here. The same obviously applies to bib shorts.

Nevertheless, the new Espresso collection stands out for its versatility, with lightweight and stretchy fabrics that are well-fitted but not constricting, and what’s more, with numerous color options (11 for the jersey and 8 for the bib shorts). Recommended for riding in temperatures from 18 to 35°C, the Espresso kit is undoubtedly THE essential outfit to own from Castelli, for all the reasons mentioned above. Personally, I even found it to be the most comfortable in my wardrobe in hot weather.

Simple and effective

The Castelli Espresso bib short benefits from a brand new Castelli fabric, named Doppio, which offers a second-skin feel, always remaining perfectly adjusted, but without providing the same compression sensations as the Free Aero RC bib short, for example. The very thin mesh straps ensure breathability and easy layering with a jersey and/or base layer, without creating bulk. The Progetto X2 Air insert is the brand’s top-of-the-range, and it proves to be extremely comfortable without being too thick. Vertical silicone bands keep the bib short in place at the bottom of the thighs, without causing any discomfort. A pocket at the back in the lower back area and reflective elements on the back of the legs complete the product’s features.

=> Buy the Castelli Espresso bib short for €109.99 instead of €149.95

The Espresso jersey, meanwhile, is designed with a fabric called Air_O Stretch, which is thin, light, breathable, and stretches in such a way that it perfectly adjusts to the shape of the torso without constricting or limiting movement. A fabric that may appear transparent, but which filters 97% of UV rays according to Castelli. In line with current trends, the sleeves are long and have a raw cut (without elastic) that holds perfectly on the arms. The jersey’s zipper operates smoothly, and with one hand if necessary, for example, to adjust ventilation during long climbs. The zipper pull is easy to grasp and has a truly high-end feel. At the back, there are three fairly deep pockets and an additional zippered pocket, for keys or change. Finally, an elastic band at the back on the bottom of the jersey keeps it well in place, even in a bent position on the bike. For this outfit, I chose my usual Castelli size, which is S. When I put on the jersey, I had the feeling of having a little room, thanks to the flexibility of the fabric. But in the end, it adjusts perfectly and causes almost no wrinkles.

=> Buy the Castelli Espresso jersey for €101.99 instead of €119.95

An ideal summer outfit

The Castelli Espresso kit provides comfort and breathability in many situations, and across a wide range of temperatures. When the thermometer struggled to exceed 20°C, I had to adjust the outfit with a light base layer under the jersey to avoid shivering at the start of rides, which did not cause any discomfort, either at the bib short straps or the jersey fabric. But it was especially in hot weather that I appreciated the set, with a jersey that manages excess moisture very well, drying very quickly after intense effort, and providing the necessary ventilation to avoid feeling overheated in direct sunlight. I also found that the depth of the pockets ensured better retention of their contents than other jerseys from the brand.

As for the bib shorts, the hips are slightly less supported than with the Free Aero Race, and the insert tends to move a little during intense efforts in a speed-seeking position. However, it remains comfortable and never restrictive, especially at the thighs where it doesn’t cause wrinkles without being too tight, and at the torso, where the thin and elastic straps are completely forgotten.

Overall, this Espresso set proves to be a resounding success, both in terms of comfort and finish. And even if the tested outfit features rather classic colors, the number of available colors is a real asset for those who want to sport a look that is both understated and modern. The price of the outfit remains in the upper range, but its versatility and comfort largely justify it.

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