Here at the ProBikeKit blog, we always aim to bring you something you didn’t know before, which is why we’ve recently brought you features such as the Ultimate guide to cycling success, cycling photography and advanced nutritional guides. In this new series, ‘Brand focus’, we’re going to bring you the lowdown on your favourite cycling brands, so you can find out what sort of products we sell and what you can expect to see in the coming months. First up is Italian staple, Castelli cycling clothing. As one of our best selling brands and a pro favourite, there’s plenty to talk about.
History & heritage.
Like all good Italian cycling clothing companies, Castelli’s story comes adorned with a rich heritage and a beautifully romantic narrative, and it all started 138 years ago in a tiny tailoring shop in Milan. Vittore Gianni has been tailoring and creating fine Italian garments since 1876, and set the high standards that we all know today. It wasn’t until 1910 that Gianni started to develop cycling clothing for five-time Giro Alfredo Binda. A few decades later, and youngster Maurizio Castelli makes his way into the picture, and we can see now where the name came from. Castelli was the son of the then-owner of the Vittore Gianni shop, and after a brief cycling career, Castelli took over his father’s shop and began to carry on the torch.
Over the next few decades Castelli managed to innovate and improve on their previous technology, and went on to develop new and impressive garments for cyclists such as Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. Castelli’s legacy is carried on today, and each and every one of their garments is made with the same care and attention to detail as they were all those years ago.
What we know them for.
Castelli are known for their heritage and innovation, producing some of the finest and most inventive garments in cycling history. A few of their ‘firsts’ include:
- First aero lycra cycling shorts – 1977
- First colour cycling shorts – 1981
- First aero skinsuit – 1996
- First modern bib short – 1998
As you can see, Castelli have broken down many barriers in cycling clothing technology, and now we can’t imagine a world without these products; it seems as though they’ve always existed. At ProBikeKit, and in the cycling world, we know Castelli for their jerseys, jackets, shorts and accessories. Best sellers include the Gabba Windstopper Jersey, which is famed for its professional use in the big tours, it is even said that non Castelli sponsored teams were using them and removing the logo – they were that good.
The Gabba jersey is aerodynamic, reinforced, well-ventilated and super lightweight. It’s technologically advanced make-up meant that it was an instant hit and still is today. You can see on this amazing video below just how impressive Castelli’s water resistant technology is.
Coming soon for Summer 2014…
Summer 2014 is a truly exciting time for Castelli fans, as at ProBikeKit we’ll be getting the new Gabba Jersey in around February/March, along with a whole host of fantastic new garments. See below for our run down of what to expect this year from Castelli at ProBikeKit.
Rider’s favourite: the return of the Gabba Jersey.
The last couple of years have seen the Castelli Gabba jersey go from strength to strength, and new in for summer 2014 is the short-sleeved instalment available in a bright fluorescent yellow and a more subtle black. Here at ProBikeKit we can expect to get these in stock mid-February to early March, and we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Featuring Windstopper technology and Nano Flex fabric, the Gabba is the way to go for all-round cycling performance and comfort, get yours first from ProBikeKit.
Spotlight on: Climber’s Jersey FZ
Another garment to watch out for in Castelli’s Summer 2014 collection is the Climber’s Jersey FZ. A perfect tool for the mountain enthusiast, this jersey is engineered for climbing, and not just for anyone, it was designed for the Garmin-Sharp team. The technology behind this means it weighs in at a shockingly light 91 grams, which is over 30% lighter than the Garmin-Sharp riders’ aero jerseys.
Only the best deals at ProBikeKit
As always we boast the most competitive prices on Castelli kit, with our expert team providing the latest Castelli garments and cycling clothing at great value.
Shop Castelli at ProBikeKit now to find all your favourite products at low prices, whether it’s that essential windbreaker or base layer set, or a new jersey you like the look of. Don’t forget to head over to our international websites if you’re not shopping from the UK. Try shopping Castelli from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Japan.
