In exactly one week, summer is unfortunately coming to an end, and cooler temperatures are coming soon to a bike ride near you. Having lived in touristy, mountainous areas for the past 25 years, I’ve always referred to fall and spring as the “shoulder seasons.” Castelli calls the period between summer and deep winter the “transition period.” Whatever you call it, Castelli’s Espresso range of apparel is designed to keep you comfortable and looking good while riding in cool, but not freezing, temperatures.
Last week, Castelli expanded its popular Espresso range with new Thermal Bibshorts and TRNSTN Bibtights. Additionally, the Espresso LS Jersey, Espresso Thermal Jersey, and Espresso Vest were given some minor updates, too.
“Our latest Espresso pieces have been designed to excel in the time of year we call Transition; too warm for peak summer, yet too cool for mid-winter. What makes them so effective is their adaptability—each garment comes into its own at a slightly different temperature range, yet they all pair effortlessly with a host of base layers, jackets, and accessories right across the Transition season. Combined with our expanded palette of fresh new colors, riders now have total freedom to mix and match and compile a wardrobe that looks as good as it performs, no matter how unpredictable the weather gets.”
-Steve Smith, Castelli Global Brand Manager
New Espresso Thermal Bibshorts
The new Espresso Thermal Bibshorts share the same look as the Espresso 2 from the outside, but have a brushed, fleece-like thermal fabric inside to provide extra insulation for use in temperatures between 10–18°C (50-64°F). Additionally, the front of the short is cut longer to provide more coverage, wind protection, and insulation, with a precise, tapered cut at the back of the knee to prevent bunching and irritation. The fabric’s high elasticity allows for a gripper-free leg opening.
- Temp. range: 10–18°C (50-64°F)
- Weight: 222g (men’s only)
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colors: Belgian Blue, Black, Shadow, and Smoky Gray
- RRP €170,00 | $210,00 | £185,00
New TRNSTN Bibtights
If you prefer the full leg coverage and protection of bibtights, Castelli presents a compelling new option in the Espresso TRNSTN Bibtight. Designed for use in temperatures between 8-16°C (46-60°F), this new model is essentially a long version of the popular Espresso 2 Bibshort. It’s made with the same luxurious Doppio fabric and features the Progetto X2 Air seamless seat pad.
- Temp. range: 8-16°C (46-60°F)
- Weight: 212g (men’s), 245g (women’s)
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Colors: Belgian Blue, Black, Clay and Paprika (men’s), Black and Clay (women’s)
- RRP €180,00 | $210,00 | £190,00
Updated Espresso Jerseys
Castelli also updated its Espresso 2 LS Jersey and Espresso Thermal 2 Jersey. The back pockets have been reinforced to prevent sagging when loaded with snacks, gels, and extra layers, and they come in a palette of fresh colors.
Both jerseys maintain the clean, Espresso aesthetic with a close-to-body fit that deftly avoids being too tight or too loose. Castelli says this fit is key to the jerseys’ breathability and moisture management. The Espresso 2 LS is made with a summer-weight fabric and has a recommended temperature range of 15-25°C (59-77°F). The Espresso 2 Thermal includes a fleece-like thermal inner, which gives it a temperature range of 12-18°C (53-64°F).
Espresso 2 LS Jersey
- Temp. range: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Weight: 163g (men’s), 115g (women’s)
- Sizes: XS-3XL (men’s), XXS-XL (women’s)
- Colors: Silver Moon and Garnet (men’s), Silver Moon and Winter Sky (women’s)
- RRP €140,00 | $170,00 | £145,00
Espresso Thermal 2 Jersey
- Temp. range: 12-18°C (53-64°F)
- Weight: 256g (men’s), 216g (women’s)
- Sizes: XS-3XL (men’s), XS-XL (women’s)
- Colors: Black/White, Garnet, Ivory, Metallic Blue, Shadow and Twilight Blue (men’s), Black/White, Garnet, Night Shade and Steel Blue (women’s)
- RRP €160,00 | $190,00 | £165,00
Updated Espresso 2 Vest
Cool weather riders know that core layering is the key to comfort in the shoulder seasons, and Castelli’s Espresso 2 Vest is designed for just that. Intended for use in temperatures between 12-20°C (53-68°F), the Vest isn’t completely windproof. Instead, Castelli uses a stretch-woven fabric on the front that blocks wind but still allows a controlled amount of airflow to prevent sweat from being trapped. The back of the vest utilizes the lightweight fabric of the Espresso 2 Jersey for extra breathability.
Castelli says this fabric combo allows it to compress into a compact size that occupies just half of a regular jersey pocket. The primary update to the Espresso 2 Vest is a wide range of new colorway options.
- Temp range: 12-20°C (53-68°F)
- Weight: 135g (men’s), 124g (women’s)
- Sizes: XS-3XL (men’s), XXS-XL (women’s)
- Colors: Black/White, Chestnut, Garnet, Ivory, Metallic Blue and Shadow (men’s), Black/White, Clay, Garnet, Ivory and Shadow (women’s)
- RRP €130,00 | $155,00 | £135,00
Availability
All of Castelli’s new and updated Espresso garments are available now, just in time for the “transition period.” Head to the Castelli website to learn more or find a dealer near you.