{"id":64895,"date":"2024-05-30T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/04ccddde-fa4a-4b04-a7f5-e5d76c4eee1d"},"modified":"2024-05-30T16:25:27","modified_gmt":"2024-05-30T14:25:27","slug":"first-look-castelli-says-no-to-backpacks-with-hydration-bladder-equipped-gravel-racing-jersey","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/first-look-castelli-says-no-to-backpacks-with-hydration-bladder-equipped-gravel-racing-jersey\/","title":{"rendered":"First Look | Castelli says no to backpacks with hydration-bladder equipped gravel racing jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Castelli’s jersey features a mesh pocket to fit a 1.5-litre bladder\u00a0 <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 30 May 2024 at 14:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Castelli\u2019s new Unlimited Pro jersey incorporates a mesh pocket that fits a 1.5-litre hydration bladder, saving the need to wear a dedicated hydration pack.\u00a0<\/p>

The jersey is the latest in Castelli\u2019s Unlimited multi-surface riding clothing line (the brand isn\u2019t a fan of the word \u2018gravel\u2019) and could prove just the ticket for shorter gravel races such as Unbound.\u00a0<\/p>

Although some riders have attempted to sew bladders into jerseys over the years, Castelli\u2019s offering is one of few mainstream efforts to incorporate a hydration pack into a jersey. Of course, there was the CamelBak VeloBak hydration jersey<\/a> released in 2010, but we weren\u2019t fully convinced of its performance.\u00a0<\/p>

Aero inspiration<\/h2>
This is first and foremost an aero jersey. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Castelli says the Unlimited Pro is inspired by its Aero Race 7.0 jersey, using the same Air_O Stretch fabric on the body for \u201cbreathability, comfort and performance\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>

The aero fabric is paired with dimpled sleeves, again for a wind-cheating advantage.\u00a0<\/p>

You get three pockets on the back of the jersey, in addition to a zipped valuables pocket.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Oscar
There’s an integrated hose loop. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Integrated loops at the shoulder keep a hydration hose in place and there\u2019s a silicone strip at the hem to stop the jersey from jiggling around.\u00a0<\/p>

Castelli says the Unlimited Pro jersey blends performance and aerodynamics, thanks to its race fit.<\/p>

\"Patagonia
Simply pick your 1.5l bladder of choice. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The brand claims a size-small jersey weighs 122g, and our size-medium sample came in at 124g.\u00a0<\/p>

Castelli says the jersey is suitable for temperatures between 18 and 35\u00b0C, rating the jersey\u2019s breathability and weight as 4 out of 5 on its scale.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Faster than a hydration pack\u00a0<\/h2>
\"Oscar
Dedicated hydration packs are the tried-and-tested option for gravel races. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Castelli doesn\u2019t provide any statistics with its aerodynamic claims, but BikeRadar contributor and former editor-in-chief, Ben Delaney, took the jersey into the wind tunnel at Silca<\/a> to find out how it performs.\u00a0<\/p>

Delaney tested the jersey with and without a bladder and also assessed a CamelBak Chase hydration pack.\u00a0<\/p>

Perhaps the most interesting statistic from this test is that at a 0\u00b0 angle, the jersey generated marginally less drag with the bladder than without.<\/p>

Delaney\u2019s testing also showed a CamelBak hydration pack caused drag, suggesting the Castelli jersey with a bladder would be your fastest option.\u00a0<\/p>

BikeRadar asked Castelli if Delaney\u2019s numbers stack up, but the brand has yet to comment.\u00a0<\/p>

Not just for racers?<\/h2>
\"Oscar
There’s more to this wacky jersey than meets the eye. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

While it may seem the jersey is targeted only at watt-saving gravel racers, it could be advantageous for the average consumer too.\u00a0<\/p>

In the right scenario, where you don\u2019t need the storage to hold other items such as food, clothes or spares, this jersey means you don\u2019t have to carry a sweaty pack on your back.<\/p>

\"Oscar
It’s perfectly fine to wear the jersey without a bladder if you so wish. – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

In fact, topping the hydration bladder up with ice-cold refreshing water will likely have the opposite effect, perfect for cycling in the heat<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

What\u2019s more, it\u2019s always easier to drink from a dangling hydration valve than to think about reaching for a bottle covered in nature\u2019s goodness.\u00a0<\/p>

If you\u2019re riding somewhere particularly remote, without access to water, you\u2019ll be thankful for the jersey\u2019s nifty water-carrying trick.\u00a0<\/p>

\"Oscar
Will time look back fondly on this jersey? – Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Will the Unlimited Pro ignite an integrated hydration pack<\/a> revolution or will it be forgotten like the CamelBak VeloBak? We\u2019ll have to wait and see, but with aerodynamics playing a greater role in gravel<\/a> and gravel racing<\/a> getting faster, we wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see some riders reaching for this jersey<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

The Unlimited Pro jersey will retail for \u00a3135 \/ $169.99 \/ \u20ac129.95 \/ AU$199 in both a men\u2019s and women\u2019s variant.\u00a0<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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