Castelli Alpha
Comments
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I haven't got the label for mine anymore but basically 30 degree wash with non bio and it's be fine.
Cheers. And no fabric softener?
Probably inside out too?
I always use Halo sports wash on a 30c wash, and have never had any issues.
£8 for a years washing on hundreds of pounds worth of kit seems like good value to me.Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
Hi, having read this entire thread on the Alpha Jacket and having found one for a reasonable price of £125, I only have one question before I take the plunge
What would people say is the upper temperature that its still comfortable to ride in? I've seen a lot about people being comfortable below freezing but how long throughout the year are people using it?
[Looking for best bang for my buck in a jacket, the more I can use it the better, I am but a lowly peasant (uni student)]0 -
Hi, having read this entire thread on the Alpha Jacket and having found one for a reasonable price of £125, I only have one question before I take the plunge
What would people say is the upper temperature that its still comfortable to ride in? I've seen a lot about people being comfortable below freezing but how long throughout the year are people using it?
[Looking for best bang for my buck in a jacket, the more I can use it the better, I am but a lowly peasant (uni student)]
I run pretty hot so anything > 10 degrees and I am typically in short sleeves and shorts but that is pretty much the cut off for me wearing it. I'm from Newcastle though so been brought up to never wear a coat.
However I was amazed that I had to get it out the drawer last week for my commute which was freezing!0 -
I also find I run warm so found the jersey to get more use than the jacket last winter. I wouldn't wear the jacket around 6 degrees and above.0
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I also find I run warm so found the jersey to get more use than the jacket last winter. I wouldn't wear the jacket around 6 degrees and above.
Yep, sorry, my post referred to the jersey not the jacket. The jersey covered all my winter riding, really cold days I wore a base layer but it did the job amazingly.0 -
I also find I run warm so found the jersey to get more use than the jacket last winter. I wouldn't wear the jacket around 6 degrees and above.
Yep, sorry, my post referred to the jersey not the jacket. The jersey covered all my winter riding, really cold days I wore a base layer but it did the job amazingly.
I wore the jersey with a thermal l/s base layer all winter up here in Scotland and I generally run cold.
I had to send it back when all the stitching at the cuffs came away but will probably buy another this autumn0 -
Just ordered a Lime Alpha Jacket from Cycle Surgery for £150. Couldn't resist at that price, should complement my Jersey nicely meaning I have Autumn/Winter/Spring covered!0
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I decided to buy a rapha hardshell over the Alpha jacket last winter but I think I'll buy the Alpha jersey for this winter as I often found the Gabba too cold and the hardshell too warm at times last winter. The new Alpha Jersey for this season comes in some new colours too, a nice red one and a light blue and black one. Not available yet though.0
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I decided to buy a rapha hardshell over the Alpha jacket last winter but I think I'll buy the Alpha jersey for this winter as I often found the Gabba too cold and the hardshell too warm at times last winter. The new Alpha Jersey for this season comes in some new colours too, a nice red one and a light blue and black one. Not available yet though.
Just ordered the Red one. Looks like a nice colour.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Damnit, why didnt they do the red one last year!?! Shall not buy another... Shall not buy another... oh who am I kidding? M...u...s...t... t...r...y... t...o... r...e...s...i...s...t...0
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All I can say is the alpha has been the most sensible bit of cycling kit I've ever bought for riding in the UK, I'm going to need another just to give this one a rest.
Gotta love the UK spring & summer.Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
All I can say is the alpha has been the most sensible bit of cycling kit I've ever bought for riding in the UK.
I'll second this. Love mine to bits. Best cycling jacket i have ever bought.
I wish Castelli would release one with some type of reflective strips on the back for night riding though.0 -
Just noticed Rapha have the Pro team jacket in stock again, a rather washed out green which doesn't look great in the photos! So I think I'll get the Alpha Jersey and then maybe get the Pro team in December. I'm right in thinking the alpha Jersey would cover 12° to about 7° and the pro team for colder?I decided to buy a rapha hardshell over the Alpha jacket last winter but I think I'll buy the Alpha jersey for this winter as I often found the Gabba too cold and the hardshell too warm at times last winter. The new Alpha Jersey for this season comes in some new colours too, a nice red one and a light blue and black one. Not available yet though.
Just ordered the Red one. Looks like a nice colour.0 -
Yep. Spot on.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Just noticed Rapha have the Pro team jacket in stock again, a rather washed out green which doesn't look great in the photos! So I think I'll get the Alpha Jersey and then maybe get the Pro team in December. I'm right in thinking the alpha Jersey would cover 12° to about 7° and the pro team for colder?I decided to buy a rapha hardshell over the Alpha jacket last winter but I think I'll buy the Alpha jersey for this winter as I often found the Gabba too cold and the hardshell too warm at times last winter. The new Alpha Jersey for this season comes in some new colours too, a nice red one and a light blue and black one. Not available yet though.
Just ordered the Red one. Looks like a nice colour.
Depends how hot you run...I'd go colder for both (but the general princliple applies)0 -
I've been wondering, as well, whether there's any mileage in sizing up. My XL is very close fitting. More so than the XL Gabba. I wonder how big an XXL would be. There will generally always be a base layer and, sizing up would let a heavier winter layer in there. Meaning it could be even more versatile.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
The sizing on these Italian made jackets is truly 'jokeful' !!
My Sportful Fiandre Light No-Rain jacket is XXXL, and is comfortable on me, snug, not too tight, but not roomy either !
Thats for someone who normally gets L or perhaps XL in UK clothing, or even cycling gear. (45" Chest)
Ok I aint waif like, but I aint Hulk like either !0 -
Yep sizing is insane so go and get one on before you buy, my alpha is snug with anything other than a base layer underneath, but then its meant to be like that.Rule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
Just wondering if there is any merit in having both the jersey and the jacket?
I wore the jersey last year and layered up on colder days but am after another winter jacket so I can rotate them. Is there a significant difference between between the jersey and the jacket?0 -
Just wondering if there is any merit in having both the jersey and the jacket?
I wore the jersey last year and layered up on colder days but am after another winter jacket so I can rotate them. Is there a significant difference between between the jersey and the jacket?
I believe so. I have both. The extra lining in the arms is essential for winter days IMO.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Just wondering if there is any merit in having both the jersey and the jacket?
I wore the jersey last year and layered up on colder days but am after another winter jacket so I can rotate them. Is there a significant difference between between the jersey and the jacket?
I believe so. I have both. The extra lining in the arms is essential for winter days IMO.
Thanks, that is the decision made.
£200 seems to be the best price around at the moment. I could have swore they were cheaper last year!0 -
Just wondering if there is any merit in having both the jersey and the jacket?
I wore the jersey last year and layered up on colder days but am after another winter jacket so I can rotate them. Is there a significant difference between between the jersey and the jacket?
I believe so. I have both. The extra lining in the arms is essential for winter days IMO.
Thanks, that is the decision made.
£200 seems to be the best price around at the moment. I could have swore they were cheaper last year!
Take a look around ebay - you should be able to shave that price considerably even for a new one from the outlet of an established shop0 -
Just wondering if there is any merit in having both the jersey and the jacket?
I wore the jersey last year and layered up on colder days but am after another winter jacket so I can rotate them. Is there a significant difference between between the jersey and the jacket?
I believe so. I have both. The extra lining in the arms is essential for winter days IMO.
Thanks, that is the decision made.
£200 seems to be the best price around at the moment. I could have swore they were cheaper last year!
Take a look around ebay - you should be able to shave that price considerably even for a new one from the outlet of an established shop
Not at the moment. Did I mention mine was £135? My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Just wondering if there is any merit in having both the jersey and the jacket?
I wore the jersey last year and layered up on colder days but am after another winter jacket so I can rotate them. Is there a significant difference between between the jersey and the jacket?
I believe so. I have both. The extra lining in the arms is essential for winter days IMO.
Thanks, that is the decision made.
£200 seems to be the best price around at the moment. I could have swore they were cheaper last year!
Take a look around ebay - you should be able to shave that price considerably even for a new one from the outlet of an established shop
Not at the moment. Did I mention mine was £135?
Thanks for rubbing it in!0 -
They were as low as £100 at one point - peak season for sales now I guess :?
I was, and am, chuffed to bits with my jersey (which had it's first outing on Saturday, since Winter) for £78.Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
Same here, chuffed with my jersey as well but Im liking the look off the new red one. Think I'll treat myself when my size comes back in stock at Wiggle.
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Just wondering if there is any merit in having both the jersey and the jacket?
I wore the jersey last year and layered up on colder days but am after another winter jacket so I can rotate them. Is there a significant difference between between the jersey and the jacket?
I have both too and while the jersey is good for now and a few degrees cooler I prefer the jacket when you get down below 5 degrees. The arms and body are noticeably warmer.0 -
I have both as well.
I echo the previous comments, the wind jersey is excellent but below 5c you will want the jacket.
It is expensive, but worth every penny.0 -
I have both as well.
I echo the previous comments, the wind jersey is excellent but below 5c you will want the jacket.
It is expensive, but worth every penny.
I'd echo this.
I had the jersey last year and there were days around 5oc and below I was struggling with the cold until I got warmed up by riding hard. I got the Alpha jacket this year and this monring at 4oc in Fog it felt much better than the jersey would have at that temp. Living in Scotland the Jacket is required over the jersey.0 -
My Alpha jacket has just had its first outing. Possibly a little warmer than it's intended for (10 degrees but a 15mph northerly) but it performed well. Only had a string vest underneath.
Not once did I feel too hot or too cold. Just over 50 miles, just over 3 hours. Unzipped the outer part on one longish climb but more for the hell of it to be honest. Could have happily rode on without unzipping.
Decent amounts of pockets - keys in front, phone just fitted in zipped pocket out back and plenty of room for everything else. Pockets are very/too high though - difficult to even grab a gel or bar out of them unless you're stopped.
Never once rode up and the cuffs are great, working nicely even with lightweight gloves with next to no wrist coverage.
Can't see me wearing much else for the next 5 months or so.0
