Castelli says new Gabba R is 'faster' than its Sanremo BTW Speed Suit

Castelli has released a new Gabba short-sleeve jersey and jacket called the Gabba R which uses a new fabric built around water resistance, breathability and aerodynamics.

Billed as a race-oriented piece of rain gear, with the 'R' standing for race, the Gabba R is the latest iteration of the classic Castelli offering with a twist, as the range uses a brand-new construction with new materials and increased attention to the racing capabilities of the jersey.

This racing focus appears to have paid off, as Castelli claims that the new Gabba R tests faster than the Sanremo BTW Speed Suit, the aero road suit that the Castelli-sponsored Soudal Quick-Step uses.

“In a ‘normal’ road position, the Gabba R tests about 1% faster at speeds from 37 to 50 km/h, while in an extremely aggressive low position, the Gabba R is merely about 1% slower than the Sanremo BTW Speed Suit,” Castelli said in a press release.

“Comparing new and old Gabbas, the short-sleeve Gabba R tests 2.5% faster than the Gabba RoS 2, meaning that you’re saving 2 to 2.5 seconds per kilometre at 40 km/h.”

© Castelli

Soudal Quick-Step riders used the new Gabba R jackets during their Paris-Roubaix recon

Further cementing its racing credentials, it has been put through its paces in recent days by Soudal Quick-Step during their Paris-Roubaix recon too - if forecasts are to be believed, there's a good chance it'll taste some action during the race too.

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While the aerodynamic gains might be the central focus of the new kit, Castelli stresses that the Gabba R is still every bit the rain protector that the previous iterations are. In fact, water resistance is another element where Castelli claims the new Gabba R has made performance gains. The Gabba R is “functionally waterproof” according to Castelli which means it is not only resistant to weather, but it keeps the rider dry with a hydrostatic head rating of over 5,000mm.

Hydrostatic head rating is, essentially, how much water it takes to penetrate a fabric's water-resistant membrane. A 1,000mm hydrostatic head rating, for instance, means a column of water one metre high would be the maximum waterproof limit. A measurement rating of 5,000mm for cycling rain gear is on the upper end of the spectrum.

The flip side to waterproofing is fit and breathability, with fit also contributing to the aerodynamics of a piece of kit. Castelli claims that the new fabric construction has allowed for “100% stretch in every direction”. This stretch, paired with a tight racing fit, creates what Castelli considers the best solution to the factors which determine a rain jacket's success.

© Castelli

The new Gabba R jackets have a tight racing fit

With the tight, stretchy material, any moisture that does end up in between a rider’s body and the inside of the Gabba – which is often sweat produced by the rider – is trapped close to the body, allowing it to stay close to the body temperature of the rider to preserve a consistent body temperature instead of the irregular body temperature that moisture normally creates.

Castelli has also increased stretch and breathability by changing the seam construction in several areas. Normally, in waterproof gear, seams are taped to reinforce the most porous areas of the kit. Conversely, seam tape reduces the flexibility and breathability of a kit by adding fabric that is heavier and more rigid.

Castelli has solved this issue in two ways. Firstly, by reducing the number of seams, which aids aerodynamics as well. Secondly, by keeping some of the seams that are more sheltered from the elements, like under the arms, untaped to increase breathability without compromising the waterproof capabilities of the jersey.

That tight yet stretchy fit, paired with the relatively high water resistance, makes for a piece of kit that is designed for grim, cold, rainy rides where long-term warmth and speed are paramount.

The new Gabba R short sleeve and Gabba R jacket are available now on Castelli’s website for $299.99 and $349.99 respectively.