Looking to pull the trigger on a decent winter cycling jacket ,definitely need some type of wind proof front section with fleece lining and a soft fabric .
Looking at Castelli Perfetto or Gabba 2 as options .No issues moving up to Rapha Proshell but definitely don’t like the hard fabrics .
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated so I can extend my riding season in South West Ontario Canada .
I don’t own those but I do have the Castelli Alpha jacket. The Alpha is very warm in cold conditions and I love it. The Perfetto is supposed to be an upgrade over the Gabba.
Neither of those options will keep you sufficiently warm below 45 degrees. Well possibly when worn together with a full merino wool base layer and/or if you’re riding HAM
I recommend the Elemento or the Senza for temps under 40 together with a 100% merino wool base layer. The ‘wind’ base layer from Castelli has a wind proof front.
There is no reason to buy Rapha other than to show everyone how much money you have and can afford to waste.
I use the Gabba 2 paired with the Castelli short sleeve wind stopper base layer. I mainly climb in the mountain ranges (SoCal) during the winter and this has worked down to about low 40’s going up but it still leaves me shivering, descending with the wind chill in the low 30’s. I suppose it depends what your cold weather acclimation is and at what intensity you plan on riding.
Used the Gabba for winter riding (Michigan) and XC skiing. Great jacket with chest zips to open if you overheat. I bought one size larger than normal to layer underneath.
Castelli Perfetto and Gabba/Gabba2 are essentially the same thing, and they will NOT be able to let you ride in SW Ontario winter weather even with a lot of layering (used to live in London and I know how cold/wet/windy it could get during winter). It may be able to get to 0C, but not much under that. For SW Ontario, you would be better off investing in a proper winter jacket: windproof and insulated.
This is horrible advice the best bet is layers for the cold weather, it adds versatility and works.
I use a hard shell and layers year round (down to -20C) for my commute and normal riding and there is no way I would ever go to an insulated jacket.
For the op pick the one that Will allow you to layer under it, that will work best for winter riding.
Ben
If you need something for a super wet winter - Rapha Hard shell has seen me through 3 Welsh winters and is bomb proof. Worth the £ for its longevity and water shedding.
This is horrible advice the best bet is layers for the cold weather, it adds versatility and works.
I use a hard shell and layers year round (down to -20C) for my commute and normal riding and there is no way I would ever go to an insulated jacket.
For the op pick the one that Will allow you to layer under it, that will work best for winter riding.
Ben
What company and models of clothing are you currently wearing as layers? I currently have a thermal compression base layer and a canari jacket with removable sleeves. The jacket keeps me warm but it’s not form fitting so lots of flapping in the wind. Any suggestions on what to replace it with?
There is no reason to buy Rapha other than to show everyone how much money you have and can afford to waste.
I really don’t understand this comment. It is usually stated by people who haven’t worn Rapha kit.
I picked up a Pro Team winter training jacket for about the same as a Gabba long sleeve in the recent sale off offer. Rapha kit is well made and backed up with solid customer service and repair service.
I’ve owned a fair bit of Castelli and currently have a Gabba SS and Pocket Liner jacket. The finish of the Rapha gear is a different level. Add to that you don’t have to dress in primary colours with 80s era designs and I think it’s worth what small premium exists.
What Rapha gear do you own?
As others have said a gabba won’t keep you warm on its own once it gets near freezing.
I either layer a vest or softshell over it.
Once it’s really cold the Castelli Espresso jacket is great. Check Castelli website they’re temp ranges they they put on items is normally pretty accurate.
I have an Espresso jacket & love it. It gets me through Chicago winters no problem, but is breathable enough to work well on a day like today (45° morning commute, 60° evening commute).
The key is proper layering. Craft baselayers are amazing.
If it’s going to be a nonstop monsoon, I throw a rain shell over it.
I live and ride in SW Ontario year round.
I can’t speak to the Perfetto, but the Gabba 2 is fantastic. It has great windproofing, but it doesn’t have much in terms of insulation, so on cold days you may need a few base layers. My one knock on it, is the zipper on the neck bugs the hell out of me.
I have 2 other winter jackets that I love (I XC ski alot, so I need variety). The Rapha Windblock LS and the Giordana FR-C. The FR-C fits a little looser, but if it is really cold, I can stack base layers and be incredibly warm. The Rapha just feels and fits perfectly.
If you are not anticipating any moisture, you are right on with a soft vs. Hard shell jacket.
As others have said, Perfetto / Gabba will not be warm enough (despite them being good pieces of kit).
Self Promotion: Check out our Soft-shell line. Either the Escape for a slightly looser fit with subdued aesthetics or the Pursuit for a closer fit.
They’ll do a better job of mixing windproof and warmth with breathable than the Castelli’s.
I wore a Gabba2 during Norseman this past summer, and it was insufficient to keep out 39F heavy rain with strong winds. I was soaked. It’s just not very waterproof. It’s fine on dry days down to about 32F/0C if it’s dry.
I have and like the Sportful BodyFit Pro WS. With a polypro or wool layer + a wool dickie, it works down to 20 degrees.
I live in the same region as you.
Rapha Classic is a great jacket
I wear it anywhere from 5C to -10C on the road and down to -20C mountain biking. Just a matter of swapping base layers around.
Just a summer mesh base layer is good until about 0, then just use different thicknesses/numbers of layers as the temp drops more.
It’s got pit zips + a high collar with offset zipper so you can vent heat quick, big pockets, ass flap (that can be pulled/stowed with 1 hand), and stretchy but snug wrist holes so that wind doesn’t leak up your arms.
Would you have any thoughts on whether the PI Pursuit Jacket could also work as a skimo jacket, mainly in-bounds doing hot laps or in a race? Any idea if smaller skins would fit in any of the pockets? BTW, I wore the Pursuit short sleeve jersey and bibs this year and thought these were the highest quality wear from PI yet for summer. So comfortable, great stretch and feel.
There is no reason to buy Rapha other than to show everyone how much money you have and can afford to waste.
I really don’t understand this comment. It is usually stated by people who haven’t worn Rapha kit.
I picked up a Pro Team winter training jacket for about the same as a Gabba long sleeve in the recent sale off offer. Rapha kit is well made and backed up with solid customer service and repair service.
I’ve owned a fair bit of Castelli and currently have a Gabba SS and Pocket Liner jacket. The finish of the Rapha gear is a different level. Add to that you don’t have to dress in primary colours with 80s era designs and I think it’s worth what small premium exists.
What Rapha gear do you own?
Per the initial quote, this response to Rapha isn’t uncommon. Choice of appearance does send a social signal, and people are free to like or dislike said signal, but the last thing you could knock Rapha for is quality. My Rapha gear has been used the most, washed in the washing machine the most, and has maintained it’s shape wonderfully over time. Castelli represents a solid sweet spot of value. I have several of their items as well, and am very happy with them.
That said, I am looking forward to upcoming sales on Rapha gear.
As others have noted in this thread, beware of “winter” cycling jackets based on European winters, or somewhere farther south.
In Canada we need warm, more than wind and waterproof.