Roughly half the Elemento uses Castelli’s new 7x(AIR) fabric, said to be around seven times more breathable than Windstopper fabrics. There’s a tall, snug Thermoflex collar, and the wrists are zipped.
The stretchy new fabric gives a perfect cycling fit with room for a jersey beneath, although the slim cut meant we had to choose a size bigger than usual. The sleeves and body fit closely with no bunching or flapping, and a wide elastic waistband holds the rear in place.
The zipped wrists can be secured over gloves or opened for ventilation, and there are three large drop pockets with a smaller zipped one on the right side. A zipped chest pocket is useful too. With only black available in the UK for now, you’ll be relying on the small reflective tab on each hip for visibility after dark.
On dry, cold days, the Elemento is incredibly comfortable, with a plush fleece lining that means you can get away with just a base layer. Chill winds never get through, and it dispels heat superbly well. It’s not one for really wet days, though, as all that quilting will leak.