Castelli

I have been riding for many years and Castelli used to be one of the few cycling kits available that was decent. Years ago, they suddenly started making (as did many other companies) their products offshore. Sizing was the first problem, products were now at least 2 sizes smaller and the quality started to slip. I gave up and started shopping around more. I took a chance on these shorts and it reinforced my prior discoveries, the sizing was even worse and the quality too. the straps are not even reinforced with seams just thin 1 ply material-fragile at best. These shorts really are not for a serious riding probably ok for a weekend warrior though. Order at least 2 sizes bigger.

These are great lightweight gloves that like most Castelli products run slightly small.

I frequently use Pactimo products thanks to their discount program, but gloves are an area where their product is average. These Castelli gloves feel to be well manufactured, having survived multiple washes with no fraying threads, loss of color or cushion, incredibly breathable, mostly minimal padding (I strictly want gloves for sweat wicking). I love my Assos rsr gloves and I would say that the Castelli offering are a close second to them, and POC gloves a very close third. I will almost certainly buy more of these, unless those Assos rsr speed gloves go on a major sale. If you want thick gel gloves, these are probably NOT meant for you.

I live in the dry climate of Southern Colorado and almost immediately first ride I realized this was the wrong glove for this area. There is almost zero breathability your hands will get wet and stay that way this is made to keep your hands warm when wet like a wet suit it's the same material.

They kept my hands warm, but it's such a drag to have wet hands for no good reason. I could not wait to get these off and have never worn them again.

I bet they work great in the rain doing their job exactly as intended. Maybe it's a versatile glove for San Francisco Bay area climate, but I lean on this being a specialty glove only useful if it might actively rain during your ride.

Using Bib Tights reduces a layer of clothing for my legs. I used to use inexpensive thin tights under my shorts but it becomes a hassle to use and the seams can be uncomfortable on longer rides. Even though the Entrata is an entry level Castelli Bib Tight it is comfortable to wear and fits me perfectly. The material is stretchy yet provides good support with a nice pad. At 5' 10" 180 lbs. I use Castelli XXL Bibs and Bib Tights and they fit just right. I am a daily rider usually 1.5 hours. On colder mornings I had to balance the layers vs the temperature changes throughout the day. I found that I can tolerate warmer legs than too many layers on my upper body. As a result I have been using the Bib Tights much more than I first thought.