Worn by Garmin’s Ryder Hesjedal at the Giro, Castelli’s new Climbers Jersey and Inferno Bibshorts are made for the hottest days out there. Both items have titanium dioxide integrated into the material to reflect UV rays
The shorts (Italian for Hell) use ultralight mesh on the sides (see his skin through them?), upper back and bib panels among the other seven different fabrics to maximize cooling while still providing a bit of modesty – opaque panels in the center front and back hide your junk. A more wear resistant material is in the saddle contact area. It uses their Progetto X2 Air Pad. It’s part of their 2013 Summer collection, pricing TBD. They recommend sunscreen under the shorts given the somewhat transparent, super thin fabrics.
The Climbers Jersey is very similar to their Aero Race jersey, but gets lighter weight materials like the Strada Light 3D Mesh and Velocity aero fabric. Castelli claims it gives up just 3 watts to their Aero Race model thanks to a very fitted cut. The material won’t absorb water, so it remains light and dry. A full zip front further helps you regulate body temp. Jersey is available now.
Hincapie has two new sets of cycling kit. Above and directly below is the Gran Premio jersey and bib shorts. They’re made of the same materials, cut and construction as the Team BMC kit, just without the team branding. They use their TourTrek aero fabrics and Accelerator stretch mesh to wick moisture and keep it comfortable.
The Gran Premio jersey is $89.99 and bibshorts are $109.99. There’s also the Equipe jersey and bibshort that shares the same materials, just with a different graphics package. For both, jerseys offer SPF30 UVA/UVB protection, shorts are SPF 50.
Their top of the line, which even they admit is at the top end of the price scale at $149 for the jersey and $229 for the bibs. For comfort, the sleeve openings have a smooth, non-elastic cuff, the collar is laser cut to eliminate stitching and there’s a zipper garage to keep it from snagging your sensitive skin. The body is made up of VeloTek and VenTek stretch mesh for easy movement. Hems and seams are laser cut and taped for a smooth, chafe free fit. Select panels are made of Resistex Carbon, which they claim helps lower temperature, heart rate and lactic acid concentration in muscles (apparently by dissipating static electricity).
The shorts also have abrasion resistant material in the seat and a soft leg band. Chamois is 3D, anatomical and multidensity. All items are available now.
