Castelli Alpha

robbo2011

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19723977#p19723977]redvision[/url] wrote:

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 think it depends on the base layer. I rode quite comfortably in the Alpha Jersey last winter at 0-3degC with an Assos Winter Plus base layer. And that includes longish 5-6km descents at high speed.

indyp

I wore the jersey for first time this week since Spring, and it's such a pleasure to ride in. I like it so much that I'm looking forward to wearing it this weekend!

itboffin

I need the jersey to go with the jacket, will out it on the list for santa

daniel_b

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19724119#p19724119]GrenW[/url] wrote:

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.

Bibshorts too I assume?

mm05

I'm looking for some size advice. I'm 5'10, ~66kg. I've been to try the alpha on (with my thickest base layer on) and both the small and medium fit me. The small is tight, although not uncomfortably, a bit like a summer Jersey. Whilst the medium doesn't appear to be too baggy either. What's the general consensus on sizing for this jacket? Is tight fine, or is a bit roomier more preferable, I honestly can't decide.

indyp

I prefer close fit so if it feels good when on bike, ie arms and back long enough and without feeling restricted then go small. I'm also between sizes xl/xxl and went smaller option and its perfect fit. If its the jacket then youd needn't worry about fitting anything other than single baselayer as they're very very warm!

grenw

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19724382#p19724382]Daniel B[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19724119#p19724119]GrenW[/url] wrote:

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.

Bibshorts too I assume?

Heheh he even has a headband like me!

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19724471#p19724471]mm05[/url] wrote:

I'm looking for some size advice. I'm 5'10, ~66kg. I've been to try the alpha on (with my thickest base layer on) and both the small and medium fit me. The small is tight, although not uncomfortably, a bit like a summer Jersey. Whilst the medium doesn't appear to be too baggy either. What's the general consensus on sizing for this jacket? Is tight fine, or is a bit roomier more preferable, I honestly can't decide.

Depends what you're going to wear underneath it. It should be snug though.

bendertherobot

Yeah, depends. If you're going light merino or something like a HH polypro top (itself tight) then snug is fine. If you're wearing a heavy merino or something like the Helly Hansen freeze, the next size up is better.

glasgowbhoy

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19724471#p19724471]mm05[/url] wrote:

I'm looking for some size advice. I'm 5'10, ~66kg. I've been to try the alpha on (with my thickest base layer on) and both the small and medium fit me. The small is tight, although not uncomfortably, a bit like a summer Jersey. Whilst the medium doesn't appear to be too baggy either. What's the general consensus on sizing for this jacket? Is tight fine, or is a bit roomier more preferable, I honestly can't decide.

Medium

bendertherobot

I'm considering getting the red one. Anyone interested in a black XL brand new with tags one at what I paid for it, before I return it?

dazz_ni45

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19726231#p19726231]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

I'm considering getting the red one. Anyone interested in a black XL brand new with tags one at what I paid for it, before I return it?

Will PM you now!

the_rover

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19726231#p19726231]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

I'm considering getting the red one. Anyone interested in a black XL brand new with tags one at what I paid for it, before I return it?

Same here Chris, as in going to get the red one. Let me know if you find any decent deals. Wiggle are out of stock in XL so I was going to what till they've restocked then get them to price match. ( there's usually a cheaper price somewhere ).

Cheers Stuart.

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19726324#p19726324]The Rover[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19726231#p19726231]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

I'm considering getting the red one. Anyone interested in a black XL brand new with tags one at what I paid for it, before I return it?

Same here Chris, as in going to get the red one. Let me know if you find any decent deals. Wiggle are out of stock in XL so I was going to what till they've restocked then get them to price match. ( there's usually a cheaper price somewhere ).

Cheers Stuart.

Red one was there earlier mun. In Xl anyway. 2 left at the moment. Remember platinum discount is 17% so it's £198 at the moment.

the_rover

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19726759#p19726759]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19726324#p19726324]The Rover[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19726231#p19726231]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

I'm considering getting the red one. Anyone interested in a black XL brand new with tags one at what I paid for it, before I return it?

Same here Chris, as in going to get the red one. Let me know if you find any decent deals. Wiggle are out of stock in XL so I was going to what till they've restocked then get them to price match. ( there's usually a cheaper price somewhere ).

Cheers Stuart.

Red one was there earlier mun. In Xl anyway. 2 left at the moment. Remember platinum discount is 17% so it's £198 at the moment.

Ah, I meant the jersey, didn't read your posts properly! I've got the mortirolo for the winter.

Thanks anyway.

Cheers

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19700661#p19700661]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

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.

And, to answer this, surprisingly, or perhaps not, they are different sizes.

The Alpha Jersey measures, near as damnit, 22 inches pit to pit in XL size.

The Alpha Jacket measures slightly less than 22 inches pit to pit in XXL size.

I will endeavour to measure the XL Jacket before I send it back but it is noticeably tighter than the jersey.

rowlers

This thread just tempts me daily!
I'm undecided between the alpha jersey, the sportful fiandre light wind jersey and sportful R&D jersey.
I'm also undecided on size. I'm 5'6" 75kg, so quite stocky. L or XL?

apreading

The Alpha jersey is alot warmer than the fiandre

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19728026#p19728026]rowlers[/url] wrote:

This thread just tempts me daily!
I'm undecided between the alpha jersey, the sportful fiandre light wind jersey and sportful R&D jersey.
I'm also undecided on size. I'm 5'6" 75kg, so quite stocky. L or XL?

Should be L.

Just get L and XL from Wiggle. Use paypal. Do pay after delivery. Just ensure you get 1 back within 14 days.

itboffin

It's time to wash mine I'm hoping its not going to lose all of its water resistance, anyone have any tips?

mfin

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19728874#p19728874]itboffin[/url] wrote:

It's time to wash mine I'm hoping its not going to lose all of its water resistance, anyone have any tips?

Yeah, no softeners, use Nikwax techwash, or even cheaper DP Liquid Soapflakes.

gotwood25

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19728897#p19728897]mfin[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19728874#p19728874]itboffin[/url] wrote:

It's time to wash mine I'm hoping its not going to lose all of its water resistance, anyone have any tips?

Yeah, no softeners, use Nikwax techwash, or even cheaper DP Liquid Soapflakes.

I use a standard non-bio powder and every few washes I use the Nikwax Wash In to give the water resistance a bit of a kick. Used the Techwash but its expensive and I didn't think it cleaned very well.

rowlers

First ride out in my Alpha this morning.
WOW, Supremely comfortable, never too hot or too cold. Worn with a very lightweight base layer only...
Temp approx 14C, wind in my face on the way back.

luv2ride

I continue to be tempted but don't think I have a suitable "gap" in my kit wardrobe; Gabba s/s, Sportful R&D wind jersey (roughly equivalivent to the Alpha?) and today had my first ride out in this little bargain I picked up from Evans for £115:

Marvellous piece of kit! Lack of bib straps certainly adds to the comfort.

itboffin

First ride of November yep in the alpha, that's 11 months were I've worn the alpha once or more, my gabba jersey hasn't been worn once, I found the gabba gilet more than enough for drizzle / light rain then its over to the alpha for anything more serious.

Question is how cold before the alpha isn't useful? I've ridden in a couple of high single digit temps but without stopping and keeping the pace high.

northcliff66

I wore my Alpha all last winter down to 3 degrees which is the point I get scared of frost and dont ride outdoors.

On the coldest days I wore a DHB baselayer with the wind protection on the front, and a light gilet as well.

This year my plan is the same. No need for any other jackets.

We ride a mix of intermittent high pace and zone two cruising.

itboffin

Wore my Rapha hardshell just now, cold until you put the hammer down then boil in the bag.

Alpha wins hands down

sabgla

hi all
need a bit of advice about the Alpha jacket vs the jersey. I need to get something warmer for the winter - cycle round and about Glasgow. I am normally pretty warm.

Will the Alpha jersey (with a baselayer) be enough? Worried I might be too warm in the jacket. But the jacket is more waterproof (4 dots on the castelli site) which is definitely a plus.

Can you wear the jacket without a layer underneath? or is that not comfortable.

ta!

SAB

bendertherobot

Both are comfortable without a base lawyer. The jacket moreso because the sleeves are lined. I wore the jersey today at 7 degrees. It's fine without a base at that. It's not fine at 0 degrees. Or when you start off at minus figures. But, with a good heavy layer, it's possible to that could get away with a jersey MOST of the winter IF you run warm.

bendertherobot

I confess, I've never worn the jersey in driving rain before. Rain yes, damp yes, but not driving rain.

It really is better, quite considerably, than the Gabba.

Monty Zoncolan

I've worn the Alpha jersey down close to freezing with a long sleeved base layer underneath. Rides of say 50 to 60 miles at around 17 mph average. No rain. It was perfectly comfortable in those conditions although I started to feel the cold when stopped for a minute or so, e.g at traffic lights.