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Castelli RFS jersey

8
£95.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Excellent jersey that’s made to very high standards; pricey but it looks super-cool
Weight: 
200g
Contact: 
www.saddleback.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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This jersey might be a tad pricey but it’s a lovely piece of kit and we just can’t get enough of the Euro Cyclist looks.

The RFS is made from Softflex fabric which is a light synthetic mix (60% nylon, 20% elastane, 20% polyester) that stretches easily in all directions, so you get a close, anatomic fit without any tightness. It’s not flat-stitched but it still feels silky smooth next to your skin, and it wicks sweat well without getting sticky and clingy as soon as you hit a climb. The fine knit means this isn’t as airy as some mesh-type jerseys, but it will certainly keep you cool and comfy on hot rides.

The hem and cuffs are made from Giro++ elastic which is a broad, single-thickness band that holds everything comfortably in place, and the zip is full length so you can open it right up for full ‘Alpine stage’ air conditioning when the going gets tough. A double zipper pull allows you to undo it from the bottom if you like – we never felt the need but, hey, the option is there – and a couple of small reflective tabs help you get seen.

The three lower-back pockets are elasticated and the side ones are angled slightly for easy access from the saddle, while an extra zipped pocket back there is plenty big enough for stashing your keys, mobile and a bit of cash.

And you know that white will make you faster, right? Okay, maybe not, but it might make you feel faster. If you want to be practical, you can go for the blue option instead.

Verdict

Excellent jersey that’s made to very high standards; pricey but it looks super-cool

road.cc test report

Make and model: Castelli RFS jersey

Size tested: white

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 184cm  Weight: 74kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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1 comments

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redthing | 14 years ago
0 likes

Castelli PBK astrada jersey is just as good and better value

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