New: Castelli Espresso Review

Where the Espresso range fits in is immediately apparent on the first product page of Castelli's Summer Catalog 2024, there, where the overview of men's bib shorts is displayed (p. 7): right in the exact middle of the complete line-up, both monetarily and functionally.
Well-equipped with technologies and materials that combine high comfort and great performance, Castelli does not excessively delve into its own bag of tricks to keep the price moderate and the suitability universal. Because that is the primary promise of the Italians: That the Espresso collection becomes the favorite gear for most types of rides.

Unique in the current Castelli range is the material of the Espresso series jerseys. The fabric has been specially developed for this purpose. It's called Air_O Stretch, and the name already suggests what makes it stand out: breathability, high elasticity and thus freedom of movement, and probably decent aerodynamic values, because why else would there be a pun in its name?
For the latter, of course, the cut is more decisive, and here the product developers have chosen a compromise that should make everyone happy – whether you usually wear streamlined race kits or more casually configured jerseys. I definitely belong to the Capucchino-Ride faction and therefore, forgive me, I do not tug my sleeves towards the elbows until all wrinkles are gone. Nevertheless, the Espresso Jersey seems very comfortable to me and fits well thanks to smart body mapping. In addition, the wide elastic band with silicone gripper at the lower back keeps it reliably in place.

In action, I appreciate three things about the jersey, available in countless colors: The full-length, high-quality YKK Vislon zipper is always easy to operate thanks to the generous slider for quick airing or fast zipping. The feather-light (98 g in size S), fully perforated material is pleasantly airy and dries very quickly, but was also dense enough for spring (recommended temperature range: 18-35°C).
Most importantly, the pockets – three open ones and an additional zippered one for valuables, keys – can be stuffed without restraint. Neither does the jersey lose its shape and pull uncomfortably downward, nor does the pocket content itself move – congrats to Castelli for this successful interaction of material properties, cut, and elastic band strength!

This 160 g (size S) lightweight bibs for summer temperature ranges (15-38°) comes with a real wow effect: So soft and snug, yet shape-retaining can a trouser fabric be? Amazing. Amazing and very pleasant. Especially since Castelli has also managed a really good fit: Legs, braces, waistband – everything has just the right lengths, widths, and stays exactly where it should be. Silicone grippers at the leg end and an elastic band in the back waistband contribute their bit.
What I personally appreciate the most: Despite the excellent fit while riding, it is possible to respond to a call of nature without having to perform a full upper body striptease. The mesh braces, by the way (which is pretty cool), can optionally be crossed either at the front or the back, are elastic enough for this purpose and still never give the impression of slipping around limply in action.

The Progetto X2 Air Seamless seat pad met my high expectations – after all, this is also in Castelli's top pants – completely: Not too thick, but comfortably padded at the crucial areas and well ventilated, making long rides a real pleasure.
Also nice: The small pocket that Castelli has incorporated in the back, offering space for flat essentials like emergency cash.

The collection is rounded off by pleasantly thin socks (2 sizes, 3 colors, €15.95) with antimicrobial silver ions, hence anti-odor features, and a 12 cm cuff height, which skillfully combine support and comfort thanks to compression bands and padding in the footbed, as well as a solid-colored cap (10 designs, €24.95).
I cannot judge whether the latter is worth its money due to the lack of a review sample and willingness to test. For the other parts of the Espresso lineup, I can wholeheartedly give an unreserved recommendation to buy. The set is actually currently one of my favorites, which I use for everything from quick home rounds to extended weekend highlights, and thus represents an extremely cost-effective option overall.