Rapha Pro Team or Castelli Espresso Due Jacket

ianeverton
ianeverton Posts: 231
edited November 2011 in Road buying advice
Right I am down to these two (Rapha Pro Team or Castelli Espresso Due Jacket) for my new winter jacket.

All input and help gratefully received please.

Thanks,
Ian

Comments

  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    Mavic
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
    Facebook? No. Just say no.
  • DrLex
    DrLex Posts: 2,142
    Some info on the Rapha here.
    Location: ciderspace
  • ianeverton
    ianeverton Posts: 231
    Yeah I read that thread last week, to be honest I am edging towards the Castelli because of the extra vents etc, however would like to hear from somebody who has one and wears it regularly to get their input before shedding out my cash.
    DrLex wrote:
    Some info on the Rapha here.
  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    Seriously, Mavic. Have a look at something like the Echappee, good vents on the sleeves etc, variable thickness under the arms. And about £130 or so.
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
    https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
    Facebook? No. Just say no.
  • jonbristol
    jonbristol Posts: 83
    Castelli all the way. Superb fit, great quality materials.
  • COVEC
    COVEC Posts: 213
    Ian,
    Have a check on my post on the other thread

    HERE
  • velojay
    velojay Posts: 44
    I bought a Castelli Espresso a couple of seasons ago. I love it. Warm, breathable and stylish. I have it in black with red collar which is maybe not quite visible enough. I would probably go with the red if I was purchasing again. The vents are great on those rides where it is not too cold. Perfect for the weather now as it happens.

    Unfortunately I have since lost weight and it is too big for me so I am considering selling it this year. Have you seen the Le Col kit? Their new Arcus Winter Jacket is awesome. I tried one on the other day, very stylish and understated. Perhaps check them out.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I've had an Espresso for 2 winters and whilst it is a nice jacket and has worn well - mine has white panels which have held their colour well, I need to wear it with another long-sleeve top for sub-zero conditions. Considering looking at the Mannagia for a little more warmth. The Gore Xenon SO windstopper also looks a good candidate - taped seams over the shoulder should make it more water resistant. Whatever, I'd stick to Gore fabrics as they tend to be the most durable - Assos stuff looses its colour IME and Rapha is more designed for looks off the bike, not on it.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • primalcarl
    primalcarl Posts: 579
    My Rapha Pro Team jacket arrived yesterday and it's lovely.
    www.csimages.info
  • racingcondor
    racingcondor Posts: 1,434
    Espresso Due gets my vote. I own several bits of Castelli kit and they're all great so far (tiny though so expect to go a size up). Very well made, very intelligently designed.

    I found Mavic and Assos too broad in the shoulders for a skinny cyclist like me. Both seem to be made for people who do those pointless other forms of excercise that build the upper body... :roll:
  • on-yer-bike
    on-yer-bike Posts: 2,974
    I guess it all depends if you like big logos everywhere and contrasting panels. Castelli should be paying us an advertising fee to wear some of their stuff.
    Pegoretti
    Colnago
    Cervelo
    Campagnolo

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