High performance women's riding kit for warm conditions
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The ProSecco 3D fabric is designed to be light and breathable for summer riding(Image credit: Phil Hall / Immediate Media Co)
The Castelli Climber's Jersey is made from lightweight – bordering on translucent – fabric, with a modesty panel behind the front zip(Image credit: Phil Hall / Immediate Media Co)
The Fortuna jersey has a close fit and laser cut sleeves(Image credit: Phil Hall / Immediate Media Co)
The Castelli women's Velo Vest incorporates reflective detailing on the back(Image credit: Phil Hall / Immediate Media Co)
The Velo Vest is wind and water resistant, and stows away to a pocket size bundle(Image credit: Phil Hall / Immediate Media Co)
Available in a stealth black, the Fortuna Jersey also comes in white, atol blue and coral(Image credit: Phil Hall / Immediate Media Co)
If your summer riding plans involve long climbs and sunny weather (fingers crossed) or if you're jetting off for a road cycling camp, then Castelli Climber's or Fortuna Jerseys could be just what you need.
Italian born firm Castelli have built a global reputation for quality products. It's one of the brands you'll see constantly on the backs of road cyclists, from club riders to pros.
Castelli's extensive women's collection provides top to toe options. The product range is well thought out with an eye on fit and comfort, incorporating technical fabrics and panelled construction.
From caps down to socks, Castelli's spring/summer 2015 range includes pink and blue options to complement the usual black and white options. The overall look of the range is towards the race-inspired end of the spectrum, but playful motifs crop up here and there.
Typically Castelli kit is cut on the performance side, and the items we've looked at are no different. This means you can expect super close-fitting jerseys and bibs. If you sit towards the upper end of a size, or you prefer your kit a little looser, it's worth going up a size.
Women's Climber's Jersey
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Designed for climbing but great for general hot weather rides, the £75 / US$120 / AU$TBC Climber's Jersey combines panels of extremely lightweight and breathable Flusso 3D fabric, with slightly thicker back and arm panels for sun protection and fit.
The Fortuna Jersey (£55 / US$TBC / AU$TBC) is a lightweight summer jersey constructed from ProSecco 3D fabric. This material contains small recessed circles, said to help wick sweat away from the body, and has a subtle honeycomb appearance. The zip is three-quarter-length, and it's available in white, coral pink and blue options as well as stealthy black.
The Velo Vest (UK£65 / US$79 / AUS$TBC ) is lightweight, packable and comes in a range of colour options. It's the type of staple kit item found in the back pocket of many a cyclist. It stows away conveniently into itself and is DWR (durable water repellent) coated, which provides some rain protection if you get caught out.
Aoife loves a bike-based adventure, whether it’s out in the mountains on her MTB or exploring new places by road or gravel. She’s tested a LOT of bikes and kit, and is passionate about making cycling accessible for everyone. After all, it’s much more fun with friends, right?
Bikes currently owned: Juliana Maverick, Liv Devote
