Castelli, and the fit warning
Castelli have been making cycling clothing in Italy since the 1930s, and their kit is cut for the position you are actually in on a bike rather than for standing around. Sleeves are long, the back is dropped, and the whole garment makes more sense folded over the bars than it does on a hanger.
The important practical note: Castelli run slim, even by European standards. Riders regularly size up one from what they wear in other brands. This is the single best reason to buy their kit in a shop rather than online.
What is here, and when to wear it
Espresso bibshort and jersey — the core summer kit. The bibshort is the piece worth the money; the chamois is what makes hour four bearable.
Prima 2 bibshort — the same idea at a friendlier price, and an honest first proper bibshort.
Espresso vest — windproof at the front, breathable at the back, packs into a pocket. For the descent off Suikerbossie when you have stopped generating heat.
Squall shell jacket — the winter and wet-weather layer.
Knee warmers and toe covers — the small pieces that extend the season. Cape winter mornings are rarely cold enough for full winter kit, but they are absolutely cold enough that bare knees hurt.
Layering, not thickness
The mistake is buying one heavy jacket. Cape Town weather moves too much for that — you overheat on the climb and freeze on the descent.
A jersey, arm or knee warmers and a packable vest cover a far wider range than a single thick garment, and you can shed layers into a pocket as the day warms.
See the wider clothing range, and gloves. Sizing questions are much better answered in person — come and see us.
