Castelli Fly Collection 2023/24
04.12.23 10:09 62023-12-04T10:09:00+01:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin Haiden, @Tailor.ShotsLightweight, comfortable, yet highly warming tops for fast rides on cool days.04.12.23 10:09 1782023-12-04T10:09:00+01:00Castelli Fly Collection 2023/24
04.12.23 10:09 1782023-12-04T10:09:00+01:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin Haiden, @Tailor.ShotsLightweight, comfortable, yet highly warming tops for fast rides on cool days.04.12.23 10:09 1782023-12-04T10:09:00+01:00
Whenever you think you are perfectly equipped for autumn, winter, and spring, the Italians come along with the next innovation - this time with their FLY COLLECTION, four tops for the cold season made from Castelli's latest FTT material (FLY Fabric Technologies). In truth, nothing that would make an Alpha Jacket or the Perfetto LS obsolete; still, the thought of feeling as if you're flying on cold day rides has something appealing.
But now seriously: "Fly Collection?" "Feel like Flying?" What might sound a bit far-fetched is simply meant to express that the jerseys, vests, and jackets are so warm, protective, and yet light that you almost forget you are wearing them. Oh yes, of course, they are also aerodynamically cut, so nothing should stand in the way of your nosedive.
Feel like Flying
Castelli Fly Collection
Technology
The Castelli FLY Fabric Technology (FFT) is based on an ultra-light, three-layer construction for increased comfort, aerodynamics, and protection against the elements. The outer layer utilizes the namesake FLY SL-Shell, which is made of 100% recycled material and offers full protection against wind and water, especially from light rain and splashes. In the middle, the lightweight, breathable CLIMA SL-Insulation (insulation layer) provides warmth, which is also 100% ecologically sustainable. And inside, the water-repellent GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER fabric protects against the cold by blocking even the slightest bit of wind and wicking moisture from the inside out.
FLY LS JERSEY
The Fly LS Jersey is a lightweight long sleeve jersey for cool days when warmth and optimal aerodynamics are required. Despite the close-fitting cut, it does not feel uncomfortable or constricting. The FLY T-SL fabric with brushed back is very soft and stretchy; the low collar provides additional comfort without irritating.
With YKK Vislon zipper, 3 back pockets including zippered security pocket for valuables, elastic/silicone at the waist, and reflective trims on the back pockets.
Item number: 4523511-085
Color: Light Black (also available in Vivid Blue and Sulphur Yellow)
Fit: Aero
Material: Fly T-SL
Temperature: 12°C - 18°C
Sizes: XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
List price: € 149.95
NoPains Conclusion on the FLY LS Jersey
Admittedly, I was initially a bit surprised that the FLY LS Autumn/Winter jersey did not have a high collar. Normally, in cold temperatures, I always wear undershirts with a higher collar or even turtlenecks (Neckwarmers) and sometimes an additional scarf, in case the wind still pulls uncomfortably at the neck. But after just a few rides, I came to appreciate the new experience. Whether with a turtleneck, scarf, or jacket, wind vest & Co. - there was no "fabric jam" in the neck area, no excessive pressure feeling, or other irritations. The autumnal aero cut harmonized especially well with the Castelli "Flanders Warm" long sleeve undershirt (see photos). But even at 15-20 degrees with a normal undershirt and without a scarf, the aero cut was convincing. Although the neck was free, the low collar lay so perfectly and comprehensively that no breeze could enter the jersey through any folds.
I would endorse the rest of the official Castelli specifications: The jersey fits snugly without constricting, and the flexible pockets are designed large enough and do not sag with heavier items like a phone or a tool pouch.
FLY VEST
The FLY Vest is the ideal addition to the FLY LS Jersey and is made from the three material layers of the previously introduced FLY Fabric Technology (FFT). It also impresses with its small packing size. Thanks to the high stretchability of the material on the sides and back, the vest offers a perfect fit as well as optimal protection against cold and wind.
With a YKK Vislon zipper that opens from both the top and bottom, 3 back pockets including a zippered security pocket for valuables, elastic/silicone at the waist, and reflective trim on the back pockets.
Item number: 4523504-294
Color: Clay Tarmac (also available in Light Black and Vivid Blue)
Fit: Performance
Materials: GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper, CLIMA SL & FLY SL
Temperature: 10°C - 18°C
Sizes: XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
List price: € 149.95
NoPains Review of the FLY Vest
Basically, the same applies to the vest as to the jersey. Its low collar fits broadly and keeps cold and wind out optimally. Despite the high warmth factor, the pack size is very small. A real game changer is the optionally bottom-opening zipper; this allows the vest to be easily opened on steep climbs without then fluttering unpleasantly in the wind.
No more fumbling! In addition to adjusting the wind protection on the upper body with this zipper option, the vest can be closed again with just one hand and in a fraction of a second after reaching the summit. This is especially practical for those who have difficulty riding hands-free in strong wind.
FLY JACK-SEY
More than just a FLY Vest with long sleeves. The FLY Jack-Sey represents the optimal compromise between "Jersey" and "Jacket" for the typical conditions and temperatures in the transition period. The low collar is also tight enough so that no unwanted wind gets inside, and the water-repellent treatment keeps it nicely dry even in light rain.
With a YKK-Vislon zipper that can be opened from the top and bottom, 3 back pockets including a zippered security pocket for valuables, elastic/silicone at the waist, and reflective trims on the back pockets.
Item number: 4523503-294
Color: Clay Tarmac (also available in Light Black and Vivid Blue)
Fit: Performance
Materials: GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper, CLIMA SL & FLY SL
Temperature: 9°C - 17°C
Sizes: XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
List price: € 229.95
NoPains Review of the FLY Jack-Sey
Just so there's no misunderstanding due to the design or my choice of color: Of course, everything that pleases is allowed, and no one has ever sweated to death, but many have frozen to death from the cold (quote by Gerhard Trampusch). The basic idea, however, would be to wear either the FLY Jersey with the FLY Vest or the FLY Jack-Sey. If you are unsure before starting the tour and have all three pieces of clothing available, the Jack-Sey is guaranteed to be the right choice.
I also very much like wearing the elegantly and unobtrusively designed Jack-Sey while running. The waistband stays wonderfully in place without slipping; the rear pockets perfectly accommodate my heavy smartphone and house keys, without the items annoyingly bouncing up and down as I move about. On the bike, I find the zipper that can optionally be opened from the bottom just as practical as with the vest.
FLY THERMAL JACKET
Super warm, super light, and equipped with a high collar, the jacket is lined from the inside out with all three layers of the FLY Fabric Technology (FFT). It keeps the wind away from the chest, insulates the warmth, protects against light rain and splash water, and still offers exceptionally good breathability.
Of course, like any good cycling jacket, it comes with a YKK Vislon zipper, three generous back pockets, a side zip pocket for valuables, an elastic hem with silicone gripper at the bottom, snug-fitting sleeve cuffs, and reflective stripes for additional safety on the road.
Item number: 4523502-085
Color: Light Black (also available in Clay Tarmac and Vivid Blue)
Fit: Performance
Materials: GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper, CLIMA SL & FLY SL
Temperature: 0°C - 12°C
Sizes: XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
List price: € 299.95
NoPains Review of the FLY Thermal Jacket
It's official: I have a new favorite winter jacket!
The FLY Thermal Jacket keeps you wonderfully warm even at temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius with just a normal cycling base layer, and should be sufficient down to the freezing point in combination with a Castelli Flanders long-sleeve base layer. It comfortably and snugly hugs the body, similar to a Primaloft jacket, and does not flap in the wind. The high collar absolutely makes sense, the sleeve ends seal perfectly. Moreover, they can be excellently combined with winter gloves.
No question: The price of 300 euros hurts; however, you get three jackets in one, at an average price of 100 euros each.
1. Cycling jacket
2. Running jacket for low temperatures
3. Commuting, because the jacket is a design killer
