Castelli Gabba

brettjmcc

I hear good things about these jerseys and from what people have said the material is quite stretchy?

I quite fancy one, as my wife still owes me part of an XMAS present, so it wouldn't be that expensive for me...

My problem is that I am not a traditional cyclist shape, in that I am wider round the chest. So I measure more like an XL on the Castelli chart on the chest and a L on the hips and waist. The problem also comes with arm size, that I normally have a problem with tight arms.

Would the gabba stretch? I was thinking of getting the convert jacket. Thanks

Brett

daviesee

I got the Gabba non-convert.
As a guide, I am no race snake coming in at 5'10" and 13 1/2 stone. I take a tight L or loose XL in Rapha. I am a tight XXL and a loose XXXL in the Gabba. It does stretch and I would assume that it is intended to be snug for a race fit.

I cannot praise this jacket enough. I got the yellow one as my wife doesn't like me going out as a ninja cyclist and I have used it between sub-zero and 10 degrees with just a L/S base layer. The wind stopper definitely works as do the vents. I have used it in heavy drizzle, showers, snow and came out dry. No experience of a heavy downpour yet.

brettjmcc

Thanks Daviesee,
I'm currently 175lbs (12 1/2) and 5'7", but losing slowly for summer (I want to be under 12 for summer). My problem is that I am am 42" jacket and 33/32" waist. So I normally have to go for tight and stretchy on the top or the waist ends up quite flappy.

Monty Dog

I have a Gabba convertible - size small, so can't really offer sizing advise. Fabric is quite stretchy, but because you have a double layer over the shoulders, it can be quite tights if you haven't got twiggy arms. I like it, particularly as I'm no fan of flappy nylon - I often wear it with a pair of Fluido tights and the whole ensemble is pretty good at fending off road spray. Long back and flap fits right down over your bum. The thinner material means it's more suited to spring/autumn rather than deep winter. I'm waiting for warmer weather to try it with armwarmers - it does get a little damp inside, so might get be warm once it gets above 15 degrees or so.

brettjmcc

Thanks both, I've ordered the XL based on the fact on what you have said and that the BR review of the long sleeve version said most riders would have to upsize. It should be here in a day or two so will keep others posted if interested on size of fit etc.

Crispyapp

brettjmcc wrote:

Thanks both, I've ordered the XL based on the fact on what you have said and that the BR review of the long sleeve version said most riders would have to upsize. It should be here in a day or two so will keep others posted if interested on size of fit etc.

Yep pls do. I am also v interested in 1 they do seems amazing and the reviews 2nd that... The problem with castelli is the size, it's so small. Good luck with the sizing and do come back to us with an update.

Enjoy

brettjmcc

So, the Gabba arrived and... I've ordered the next size down. The XL is a good fit, but both myself and my friends reckon I could try the L to see how that fits. For Castelli, I found it to be quite large and relatively roomy. I tried on some Pima FZ SS jerseys last year and I could only get into the XL with my shoulders and arms, but the waist ended up being to flappy. With the material onthe Gabba it has plenty of stretch room. The L will be in on Tuesday, so will provide an update then

brettjmcc

So here's my update. I picked up the L last night and have gone for that. Remarkably its not as much as of a step down as I have experienced from trying on some other Castelli products in the past; either that or my plan is slowly working to reduce my arm size...

I get to try it tomorrow morning as I have a day off and the wife says I am allowed out before taking the kids swimming WHOOP

Now as for a slightly more detailed review. To set the scene again, I take a 16.5" collar and a 42S jacket, so I am no race snake up top, which has been my problem in the past getting into cycling tops, because I generally have to go to sizes that then are too long in the body or big round the waist.

The Gabba is IMO a great fit for me, not that I will be wearing much under it. Arms on the SS piece are tight but not constrictive and the length has come up well and sits well. The fabric is very stretchy as others have noted and I can already see this will be my regular go to item. As a reminder again, I've gone for the convertible.

The other thing is that I have already worked out how to easily remove the sleevs on the move. The zips are free and easy moving at the moment; getting them on may require me to pull over though. Now to that point, they are handed, which is great - but it means that it leaves one of the sliders on the jacket itself, which then sits on your collarbone, it may be a pain, I'll find out when I ride if it will or not, some may not like the aethetics.

Also tried to take some photos in the mirror, as the wife said she wouldn't take them, boo

Ride update tomorrow


Untitled by Brett-GT40, on Flickr


Untitled by Brett-GT40, on Flickr

slowandsteady

Where did you find the best deal?

Grill

My LBS did a Castelli order for staff and allowed me to jump on it. My Gabba jersey will be here next week

blablablacksheep

I've got the short sleeve version as I hate long sleeves on hard rides

The jacket is brilliant, easily the best wind stopper material around (dare I say its better than my gore jacket...)
Size is hard as its a racing fit and I'm no cyclist... I have upper body strength the horror!

Mine is XL, and fits tight but good.

brettjmcc

Slowandsteady, I got it at Evans, but it looks like they are sold out now. I got it on the recent deal with an extra 15% off, so ended up paying only £148 for the convertible, which isn't bad, as I think they retailed at 220 or something.

Their prices are pretty good for the SS and LS at the moment too.

racingcondor

I'd imagine arms will be the biggest struggle for fit.

Other than that if you can get one at a price you're willing to pay I'd jump on it. The waterproofing is good enough, windproofing is excellent and because it's impregnated rather than a waterproof layer it's much more breathable than anything else I've got for the weather conditions. Vary your baselayer and you can wear it from 7-8C and wet down to freezing and dry.

It's very versatile and very comfortable, best £70 I've spent (thank you PBK clearance!) on bike wear.