Castelli RoS and FLY Winter Special
25.11.24 08:05 122024-11-25T08:05:00+01:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin HaidenGone are cold and dry, welcome wet and bitterly cold - a blend of super-warm, wind- and water-resistant clothing pieces for the harshest conditions on any terrain.25.11.24 08:05 542024-11-25T08:05:00+01:00Castelli RoS and FLY Winter Special
25.11.24 08:05 542024-11-25T08:05:00+01:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin HaidenGone are cold and dry, welcome wet and bitterly cold - a blend of super-warm, wind- and water-resistant clothing pieces for the harshest conditions on any terrain.25.11.24 08:05 542024-11-25T08:05:00+01:00
Storm, cold, fog, or rain? No problem. In addition to the new Espresso/Perfetto Collection for icy and dry conditions, Castelli remains the first choice for adverse, wet weather with its outstanding RoS clothing - so that road cyclists and gravel bikers don't have to give up their outdoor training even in winter.
Products marked with "RoS" are known at Castelli to stand for "Rain or Shine" and blur the lines between dry and rain clothing. In short: The Rain or Shine jackets, jerseys, bibs, gloves, and overshoes keep you warm in the cold, protect against wetness, and always offer high freedom of movement while maintaining good breathability.
Below in the showroom, you'll find the following products:
4520515-305 Tutto Nano RoS Jersey, Medium, Dark Tarmac *new color*
4520522-030 Sorpasso RoS Bibs, Medium, Dark Gray *new color*
4524500-085 Fly Direct Jacket, Medium, Light Black *new model*
4523530-010 Unlimited Shoecover, Large, Black *tip for MTB and gravel shoes*
4524534-085 Pro Thermal Neck Warmer, Uni, Light Black *new design*
4524532-085 Pro Thermal 2 Skully, Uni, Light Black *new model*
Tutto Nano ROS Jersey
Medium, Dark Tarmac *new color*
We already know the Nano Flex 3G material from Castelli's arm and leg warmers of the same name as well as the Sorpasso Tights. It is cut close to the body, brushed on the inside, tightly knitted, and therefore wind-resistant. With 20% elastane for better stretch and a water-repellent nano-technology finish on the outside - thanks to these features, the Tutto Nano RoS Jersey has the potential to become a true classic for the cool transitional season. Equipped with reflective inserts on the shoulders and under the three back pockets, a YKK Vislon zipper, and a noble 3D embossed logo.
Insulation: 3/5
Waterproofness: 3/5
Windproofness: 3/5
Breathability: 3/5
Weight: 3/5 (392 grams)
Temperature range: 12-17 °C
Colors: Belgian Blue, Black, Dark Tarmac
Sizes: XS-3XL
Fit: Tailored
Price: € 159.95 RRP
The Tutto Nano ROS Jersey in practice
We ordered the winter jersey this time in "Dark Tarmac" and expected a dark gray to black-gray color with a subtle, slate-like hue. However, there is no talk of "subtle slate" with the Tutto Nano ROS Jersey - it still looks classy and understated. Additionally, the material is much thicker and fluffier than it appears in the photos on the online shop.
The close-fitting jersey gives wonderfully when slipping in thanks to its high stretch content and feels very pleasant on the skin and not too tight at all. It moves with all your movements, doesn't flap in the wind, and provides better warmth than stated (official temperature range: 12-17 °C). With the "Flanders Warm Neck Warmer" long-sleeve undershirt, two hours at 4-5 degrees were easily possible, although the combination ultimately reached its limits in the chest area during fast descents (wind chill).
The Tutto Nano RoS Jersey is not only warm but also somewhat water-repellent. It obviously doesn't replace a rain jacket, but it handles light rain or wet roads without any problems. Ideal in combination with the Perfetto RoS Vest for improved wind protection on longer descents or even with thicker jackets, like the new FLY Thermal Jacket. The latter shifts the temperature window of the combo to 0 degrees and below.
Subtle or not subtle? Doesn't matter.
Tutto Nano ROS Jersey
Sorpasso RoS Bibs
Medium, Dark Gray *new color*
The Sorpasso RoS Bibtight combines all the advantages of the classic Sorpasso - the ‘magical mixture’ of stretch, compression, and insulation - with the innovative Nano Flex 3G material. This ensures high water repellency without compromising the breathability, elasticity, or warmth of the material. Additional layers of Nano Flex Xtra Dry material on the front and over the thighs increase wind protection and offer improved splash protection at the back.
The focus, however, remains on warmth and comfort. This is complemented by a sporty cut and Castelli's seamless Progetto X² Air Seamless seat pad, which is specially designed for long stages. Plus reflective inserts for improved visibility from the back, as well as extra-flat, elastic straps and a YKK Camlock zipper at the ankle.
Insulation: 4/5
Waterproofness: 4/5
Windproofness: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Weight: 3/5 (381 grams)
Temperature range: -2-10 °C
Colors: Black, Black-red, Belgian Blue, Black-Silver reflex, Dark Gray
Sizes: XS-3XL
Cut: Tailored
Price: € 199.95 RRP
The Sorpasso RoS Bibs in Practice
The winter pants combine ultra-elastic, warm, and water-repellent Nano Flex 3G material with optimal moisture management and additional warmth through Nano Flex Xtra Dry on the hips and thighs. The great fit and perfect support without creasing are impressive - even with a bit more around the hips and the same pants size.
With a wide temperature range from -2 to 10 degrees, the bib is perfect for changeable winter weather, from frosty mornings to milder afternoons. Thanks to the seamless Progetto X² Air Seamless seat pad, even on long tours, there are no comfort wishes left unfulfilled.
Even below zero: no problem at all.
Sorpasso RoS Bibtight
FLY Direct Jacket
Medium, Light Black *new model*
This super warm jacket follows the same vein as last year's FLY Thermal Jacket, but it has to do without the Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper lining as well as the Clima-SL and FLY-SL technology for insulation.
Instead, the Polartec-Alpha-Direct material in the FLY Direct Jacket provides maximum insulation with minimal pack size, while a windproof outer layer made of microfiber fabric with DWR impregnation offers wind and water protection. Furthermore, it is explicitly designed for long cycling adventures (tighter, anatomical, and shorter cut), provides about the same warmth as the FLY Thermal Jacket, but is lighter, more affordable, and better packable. It features a YKK Vislon two-way zipper, three back pockets, and reflectors on the waist and sleeve cuffs for better visibility.
Insulation: 5/5
Waterproofness: 3/5
Windproofness: 4/5
Breathability: 4/5
Weight: 5/5 (238 grams)
Temperature range: 0-12 °C
Colors: Twilight-blue/Silver-gray, Light-black/Dark-gray
Sizes: XS-3XL
Fit: Regular
Price: € 259.95 RRP
The FLY Direct Jacket in Practice
On December 4, 2023, I wrote: "It's official: I have a new favorite winter jacket!" This statement referred to the FLY Thermal Jacket priced at 299.99 euros, which could be easily used as a cycling jacket, a running jacket for low temperatures, and even for commuting.
Not even a year later, the Italians presented the FLY Direct Jacket, which is very similar to the FLY Thermal Jacket not only in name but also in its performance characteristics. Why? I suspect that, on one hand, it is due to wanting to gradually move away from the Gore-Tex Infinium material for EU legal reasons. On the other hand, the high purchase price for many and a significant disadvantage of the predecessor jacket might have played a role: Due to the universal cut and many layers, it was almost impossible to store the FLY Thermal Jacket in a jersey pocket.
The new FLY Direct Jacket keeps you comfortably warm even at temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees with a regular cycling undershirt and is absolutely sufficient in combination with a Castelli Flanders long-sleeve undershirt down to the zero-degree mark. It reliably protects the chest from the wind, insulates the warmth, offers protection from light rain and splashes, and scores with above-average breathability. The jacket fits comfortably and pleasantly around the neck, torso, and arms - comparable to a Primaloft jacket - and does not flap in the wind. The sleeve cuffs close completely without constricting and harmonize perfectly with winter gloves.
The best part: The FLY Direct Jacket can just be stored in the jersey pocket of the Tutto Nano RoS Jersey and can be easily and quickly put on in case of a temperature drop.
Cheaper, lighter, better (for cycling).
FLY Direct Jacket
| Tutto Nano ROS Jersey |
| The Tutto Nano ROS Jersey in practice |
| Sorpasso RoS Bibs |
| The Sorpasso RoS Bibs in Practice |
| FLY Direct Jacket |
| The FLY Direct Jacket in Practice |
| Links |
