Castelli Aero ra ce 5.0 jersey fz an d Aero bibshort s

Prices £ 100, £ 135 | $180, $199 > www.castelli- cycling.com

Castelli make some big claims about the aerodynamic qualities of their new Aero Race 5.0 jersey. They quote a saving of 14 watts over the previous version and say that it will save you a massive 20 watts at 40kph over a normal jersey.

When wearing it there is little doubt that it’s designed for speed. It’s snug, almost tight, but still comfortable. The fit is more akin to a skinsuit, with a low, collarless neckline and mesh arms that sit exactly flat to the skin.

It’s extremely light, too, weighing in at less than 100g, so it’s perfect for fast summer rides and races. The silicon hem grips well keeping the jersey firmly in place and there are three deep rear pockets for storage. The full-length zip makes it easy to get on but it always seems to bulge, especially when in the riding position, rather spoiling the neat fit. While we’re told that a half-length zip offers no aero saving, it would have given a tidier fit.

The Aero Race bibshort is the top offering from Castelli. It’s made with no inner seams and employs extra stretchable Energia fabric on the side and back panels, so it’s extremely comfortable. It uses Castelli’s durable and fantastically comfortable Progetto X2 multi-layer pad, which has been updated to help airflow and keep the pad dryer during rides. The bibs sit flat on your shoulders and have a low front cut to keep you cooler and enable easier comfort stops.