For a few seasons now, Castelli have been pushing their all-in-one cycling kit concept. This winter, the Italian garment makers have launched the Thermosuit, an all-weather version of the SanRemo Speedsuit, which mates their top-of-the-range shorts to the close-fitting aero jersey favoured by Castelli-sponsored pro teams.
The full-length tights finish at the ankle with tenacious grippers and a zip closure that has reflective detailing. The bibs feature the supremely comfortable Progetto pad and are lined with red Roubaix-style fleeced fabric.
Up top, the close-fitting jersey section has a wind-blocking chest panel (with a baffled zip) and a fleece lining on the back and arms. Despite this warmth-inducing lining the Thermosuit doesn’t get overly hot in mild conditions. The close fit and all-in-one design mean when the temperature drops you’re kept nice and snug, and we only felt the need to add a lightweight, rainproof jacket in particularly foul weather.
For low-light riding, Castelli have included hi-vis and reflective details. The one solid fluoro yellow arm adds a touch of style as well as plenty of visibility from the front. Being a European design, the hi-vis arm is curbside in the UK, which isn’t ideal. Out back, the Thermosuit has three pockets but we’d have preferred a few more reflective touches to match the front’s visibility.
At £250 (US$349.99) the Thermosuit is pricey but when you consider that tights of this quality would set you back around £150 (US$238), and an equivalent jersey/jacket around £160 (US$254), it doesn’t look quite so expensive.
Its one-piece construction also has the advantage of leaving no gaps around your midriff for chills to get in.
This article was originally published in Triathlon Plus magazine, available on Zinio.