Italian apparel maker Castelli has unveiled three new additions to its winter riding collection, the Perfetto 4, Perfetto Pro and Gabba Pro, all built around an updated version of its Polartec AirCore fabric technology.
This marks the second outing for AirCore, which first appeared in last year’s Perfetto RoS 3. The material is produced using an electrospinning process and is free from PFAS chemicals, reflecting a broader shift across the outdoor and cycling apparel industry away from so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in weatherproof kit.
Castelli says the fabric has been refined further for this second generation, with the brand working closely alongside Polartec to fine-tune breathability and water resistance without adding bulk. The Perfetto and Gabba names will be familiar to anyone who has ridden through a British winter, as both have long been considered benchmark options for riders wanting protection in mixed conditions without overheating on climbs or during harder efforts.
For UK riders, the timing is notable. With autumn training blocks and early cyclocross and gravel seasons now underway, jackets that can handle drizzle one minute and a hard effort the next remain some of the most-used items in a British cyclist’s wardrobe. The move to PFAS-free construction also chimes with growing scrutiny of chemical treatments used in waterproofing across cycling and outdoor gear, an issue increasingly raised by riders and environmental campaigners alike.
Castelli has not yet confirmed full UK retail pricing or stockist availability for the new jackets, though the range is expected to filter through to shops as autumn stock arrives. Riders who found the original Perfetto RoS 3 a step up in comfort will likely be watching closely to see whether this second-generation AirCore fabric delivers a similarly noticeable improvement on the road.
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