SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Specification

I wasn’t surprised to discover it’s a polyester/elastane mix- 78 and 22% respectively. However, it’s a very lightweight blend, the yarn incorporating factor 50 UV protection, which is pretty much total block. Ours was a vibrant orange, which flattered my tones, but silver/gray is the alternative. Both are offered in long sleeve versions, should you prefer total block and aren’t fond of, or tend to forget high factor sun screen on exposed skin.

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Continuing this narrative, there’s a slightly higher collar around the neck and longer sleeves, although the latter aren’t noticeably longer than other contemporary summer designs. Staying with the rear a moment, there’s the familiar four pocket terrace- three deep, stretchy mains with a zippered end for keys, change, small spare components. The main pockets feature some support around the bottom, and the cuffs are just stocky enough to accommodate a smaller LED.

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They will manage a full trade bottle. 750ml at a push, 600ml comfortably. I’ve left bottles to cages and filled the pockets with mini-inflator Muc-Off Airmach Electric Inflator Pro | cycling-not-racing, superzoom compact camera, house keys, and change. The hem features the obligatory silicone gripper, preventing gathering and creep that can strike when hunkered low on the drops for extended periods.

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Internally, flat lock seams run throughout, so sit gently against the skin, so no issues with unsightly branding. Raw cut sleeves complete this tactile checklist. Round the front, we have a full-length YKK zipper with a nicely proportioned tag and garage, to prevent accidental snagging when drawn fully closed. The front panels are lightly perforated, theoretically improving wicking prowess. Castelli suggests a temperature range between 20 and 38 degrees, which loosely speaking, covers late spring through to late summer evenings.

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Sizing/Fit 3.75/5

Very snug- think racing snakes. I’m blessed with a fairly whippet-like physique, although I’m broader around the shoulders than my build would suggest. Having tested the original Espresso, I defaulted to the large, which was a good, flattering fit, but in retrospect, might’ve gone for the roomier XL. For context, I stand 1m81, weigh 70 kilos and am proportionately short in the torso. This is my cautionary tale of complacency, not a criticism of Castelli’s sizing chart.   Designed for the height of summer, there’s no scope for all but the lightest of base layers. Most of us would be packing a micro jacket in case the weather turned unexpectedly bandit, so a very minor point.

 

Performance 4/5  

Ours arrived just at the cusp of a heatwave-perfect for assessing its properties. I was immediately struck by the fabric’s wicking prowess, even when maintaining a steady 22mph in very intense sun, with the zipper drawn fully home. Climbing hard, there was some tangible light misting around the usual places-pits, lower back and chest. The next descent helped evict this pretty convincingly.

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Ordinarily, I’d just drop the zipper halfway, but I wanted to see how potent moisture management was in more challenging contexts. This remained consistently good, right up to 36 degrees, which is pretty much my “by choice” limit. There’s not much separating it from the original Espresso in this respect but having alternated between the two over the course of a week, the UPF Jersey has a slight edge here- we’re taking eight minutes, rather than twelve for the misting to completely evaporate.  

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Dropping the zipper slightly improves this further and the snug cut means flutter and similar distractions are a moot point. Again, without wind tunnel and related testing equipment, aerodynamics are difficult to quantify, but I’ve only noticed the UPF jersey’s positive qualities in this respect, whether I’ve been cruising, climbing, or attacking the descents.

  

No hint of gathering around the back, even with pockets filled to the brim. Talking of which, I found the zippered end terrace a pain mid-ride, but it does at least keep valuables from shooting out into a verge. The terraced pockets do their thing very well, deep enough to entertain bulkier stuff, but with decent support around the base. OK, so there was some slightly annoying bob with a ¾ full 750ml trade bottle, but this wasn’t launched over my head, mortar fashion along lumpier lanes and indeed, bridleways, while Ursula and I were out exploring.

 

In these contexts, the longer sleeves not only offered some additional defence from the midday sun, they also protected me from thorns and similarly spiteful foliage, insects etc.  In particularly fierce sunlight, I’ve been inclined to don a buff, giving the neck some additional coverage and protection from sunburn and heat stroke.  

 

Odour control is pretty much as I’d expect from this end of the market. Given two, or three hours, I was aware of some additional saltiness around my sides, back, pits and chest. A reminder to guzzle water at regular intervals. Not something I’d do outside of a testing context, but I’ve deliberately worn ours for four successive days in temperatures between 28 and 34 degrees. By this point, I was aware of some low-level funk, but nothing that would have you slung out of the café.  

 

Properties that also lend the UPF to indoor trainer duties during the darker months. At the lower end of the temperature range, the fabric has retained sufficient heat to stop things turning chill. I’ve felt very temperate when it's been around 18 degrees, although anything lower and I’ve reached in it’s rear pocket for a micro jacket.  

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Durability/Care 3.75/5

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Given the price point, once I’d become confident with the thin fabric, I wasn’t surprised to discover ours wearing and washing well. Not so much as a loose thread, despite the diet of mixed terrain riding. I wasn’t surprised to discover some faint oily, localised patina around the front- telltale signs of roadside and post-ride tweaking and fettling. This is largely evaporating courtesy of some pre-wash soaking in soapflakes. Otherwise, I’ve bunged ours in the wash at 30 degrees. and it’s line dried in 15 minutes-at least with the mercury crossing into the high twenties.

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Value 4/5

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 At the time of publication, Castelli has a sale on and the Ultimate Sun Protection UPF is offered at £96.75, which represents excellent value for money. However, comparisons are best made with others at, or around the full rrp. Arguably, £129 is at the upper mid-range, but it's still an extremely competitive price point. The MAAP Training Jersey is £130 is also available in eight colours. It is also made from recycled fabrics, offers UPF50 UV protection and follows a very similar pocket configuration, including a longer zipper tag for the rear valuables pocket. The 7 Mesh Atlas Jersey Short Sleeve is £130 and available in three colours. UPV30+ UV protection and large pockets along with what they describe as a cut between mid and relaxed. 

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ASSOS Mille GTO Jersey C2 is £135, available in five colours and boasts “refined body-mapped panelling and newly developed textiles, in a cut appropriate for dedicated training or endurance cycling”. It also features a stabiliser panel for the rear pockets and UPF50 UV protection. Rapha Pro Team is £155. It features a suggested temperature range between 18 and 35 degrees, longer sleeves and four rear pockets. However, the fabric “only” offers UPF30 protection.

 

Summary

Ultimately, the Castelli UPF Jersey has performed consistently well across the board and in line with Castelli’s claims. I’ve enjoyed high levels of sun protection and rapid wicking prowess. Some would argue it’s a climber’s jersey and while it delivers exactly the qualities required, it’s far more versatile and has quickly become my go-to for hot summer rides, whether a 90-minute blast, or long, steady day rides. However, the rear pocket’s zipper tag could use a steroid boost and scrutinise Castelli’s size chart thoroughly before adding to cart.

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Michael Stenning

 

Verdict: 4/5 Pricey but Impressive jersey with horizons beyond the hottest days.

The world's best cycling clothing - Castelli Cycling

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