We put this jersey from Castelli through some serious testing during a Giant Bicycles media camp
in Mallorca, Spain, where daytime temperatures soared into the mid-90s. Photo courtesy Giant Bicycles/Sterling Lorence
The Lowdown: Castelli Climber's 2.0 Jersey
Ideal jersey for a super hot day? How about a mesh, sleeved baselayer with pockets and full front zipper? Sounds radical, but that's essentially what you get with the $130 Castelli Climber's 2.0 Jersey, which combines light weight, superb venting, and a snug aero cut that leaves little to the imagination. So is this top-tier top the perfect answer to the dog days of summer? Read on to find out.
| Material: StradaPro 3D supports pockets | Colors: Black/Red; White/Black; White/Blue/Red |
| Sleeves: Mesh raw edge arm grippers | Sizes: XXS-XXXL |
| Sun protection: UPF 16 on back | Weight: 101 grams (size Large) |
| Fit: Aero race/very snug | MSRP: $130 |
| Zipper: Full length | Rating:
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Flusso (floss?) 3D material on the shoulders and front of the jersey vents exceptionally well and dries fast.
Pluses | Minuses |
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Continue to page 2 for our full review of the Castelli Climber's 2.0 Jersey and a photo gallery »
The sleeves and shoulders lie perfectly flat while in the riding position, but there was some bunching at the waist.
Full Review: Castelli Climber's 2.0 Jersey
Warning: If you are at all self conscious about your upper body, don't buy this jersey. Its trim fit and near-see-through mesh material doesn't exactly hide unwanted curves. However, if you're looking for an aero-cut top that breathes almost as well as nothing at all, then pull out that credit card. On hot days the Castelli Climber's 2.0 Jersey is by far the best vented piece of cycling outerwear we've ever worn. There's no need to unzip, even on long climbs.
Constructed with what Castelli calls a combination of StradaPro 3D fabric on the back and Flusso 3D material on the front and shoulders, it has the delicate feel of a lightweight baselayer. Our size large test jersey tipped the scales at just 101 grams, or about 40 grams less than other summer weight jerseys in our regular apparel rotation.
The three rear pockets have good structural integrity, but don't expect to load them up with a ton of extra gear.
Notable features we liked include a full front zipper that's reasonably robust, and an aero cut where the sleeves and shoulders lie completely flat when bent over the handlebars. This might sound purely aesthetic, but there's increasing evidence that flappy clothing is a significant impediment to aerodynamic efficiency.
In back are three smallish (but secure) pockets that provide just enough space for a light rain shell, gel and cell phone. Sleeve cuffs are mesh with raw edge arm grippers that stay in place without creating drag.
[IMG alt="The material around the upper back and shoulders provides a "light amount" of sun protection. Best to lather up with sunscreen before your ride."]https://www.roadbikereview.com/reviews/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/castelli7.jpg[/IMG]
The material around the upper back and shoulders provides a "light amount" of sun protection. Best to lather up with sunscreen before your ride.
The material around the upper back and shoulders provides a "light amount" of sun protection. Best to lather up with sunscreen before your ride.
Points are taken off for the reduced sun protection at the upper back and shoulders. Castelli claims the material is UPF 16, but best make sure to apply sunscreen there before rolling out. Otherwise you could end up with some pretty weird tan lines.
The lightweight material is also more prone to snags than a standard issue jersey, and we experienced some subtle bunching at the waist while in the riding position.
Bottom line, if you're not the super self-conscious type, or you simply put performance above all else, the Castelli Climber's 2.0 Jersey is legitimate weapon for cheating the wind and beating the heat.
Not much left to the imagination with this jersey.
For more information visit /www.castelli-cycling.com.
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