With spring approaching, Castelli is launching a completely new clothing line. The new Castelli Espresso clothing line consists of a jersey that is available in no fewer than ten different colors. The accompanying bib shorts are available in eight different colors and together you can form eighty different sets. So nice to combine. With the Espresso line, Castelli has a clothing line that bridges the gap between aerodynamics and comfort. The series is just below the top line.
Newly developed Air_O fabric for the shirt
For the Espresso shirt, Castelli uses the Air_O fabric that was developed for the Aero Race 7.0 jersey. This fabric must ensure that the shirt is comfortable but also has a snug fit. This makes it suitable for both a relaxing coffee ride, a tough endurance ride or even a competition. Or as Castelli himself puts it, a shirt that you want to put back on immediately after it has been washed.
This Air_O fabric is elastic and must therefore fit well without pinching. The fabric will easily wick away moisture and, according to Castelli, has good breathability. Due to the tight fit, the shirt also performed well in the wind tunnel test. The sleeves of the shirt are laser cut, so they have a nice sleek finish without stitched seams. The waist of the shirt has an elastic band to prevent it from hanging when you have filled the three pockets. The right pocket has an extra pocket with a zipper.
As mentioned, there are ten different shirts, all of which have a very sleek design. The Espresso shirt costs € 120 and is evenly colored with a subtle logo on the left shoulder and on the back of the middle pocket of the back. This makes it look very clean and sleek. The most striking shirt is the lime colored one, while the rest has calm colors and therefore looks very stylish.
Doppio fabric for the Espresso bib shorts
To stick to coffee terms, the Espresso bib shorts are made of the soft Doppio fabric. Soft and stretchy for a comfortable feel. In terms of comfort and fit, it fits in well with the Espresso shirt. The pants will therefore have to fit well due to this fabric and there is a silicone gripper at the end of the legs, which will keep the legs in place. The ends of the trousers are, just like the sleeves of the shirt, cut with laser. Here too, no stitched seams and a sleek finish.
The chamois in the pants is the Progetto X2 Air seamless. This chamois is also used in their top model trousers, which, for example, the men of Soudal Quick-Step ride with. The seamless chamois is made to last a long time in the saddle. The pants cost €150 and have eight quiet but stylish colors. From burgundy red, light gray to 'normal' black. The suspenders of the pants are made of mesh. Castelli has created an extra pocket on the lower back for extra storage space.
Also for ladies
The Espresso line is not only for men, but ladies can also enjoy combining it. The collection for women consists of eight different colors of shirts and six different colors of pants. So they can make a total of 48 different combinations. Technically, the products are similar to the men's items mentioned above. This also applies to the prices, which are the same.
The items are of course not identical because the fit is adapted to the female body. The suspenders are stretchy and you can cross them over your chest and back. This will make it easier for ladies if they have to pee on the go. The chamois is also specifically for the ladies, where they use the Progetto X2 Air Seamless Donna version.
We already received Espresso trousers and shirt from Castelli, which we will be taking out for an extensive review in the coming period.
More information via Castelli Benelux