Knocking out a stiff climb always sounds like a good idea from the air-conditioned comfort of home, but we always forget how punishing a climb can be when the weather’s hot and the grade is steep. We might forget how much the last climb stunk, but Castelli has a better memory, so it designed the Climber’s Women’s Jersey to keep the heat turned down when the summer heats up. Castelli employs 3D fabric architecture throughout its line, and the Climber’s features Flusso 3D in the front and Strada Pro 3D in the back. Flusso is so light that you’ll hardly notice it, and Strada Pro is hyper-efficient but has a little more structure to support the three pockets on the back of the jersey. Both wick moisture and breathe exceptionally well to keep you cool and dry. Castelli also engineered the Climber’s with a built-in bustier lining for comfortable support. AirMesh armbands keep your sleeves in place and provide an aerodynamic fit, and the 3/4-length zipper reduces bulk and keeps the front of the Climber’s even sleeker and faster.

We’re well aware of the additional hardships and discomfort associated with riding during the winter months. We certainly don’t want our apparel to be our excuse for not getting out, so if you’re in the market for a thermal jacket that offers excellent protection during times of precipitation, take a look at the Women’s Alpha ROS Jacket from Castelli. It blocks the weather, but the outer layer and insulating layer are separate, so you can choose how much insulation and protection you need, even mid-ride. Part of the reason dressing for winter riding is so difficult is that we need to stay warm for most of the ride but if the pace picks up or there is climbing involved, we’ll quickly turn into a sweaty mess leaving our muscles feeling stiff and us shivering for the rest of the ride. From working with pros and from other garments it’s created, Castelli learned that a jacket with wind and water protection was necessary, but that protection could occasionally be too much. The Alpha ROS is prepared to pamper you with warmth and dryness this winter riding season. Castelli uses the requisite Windstopper 150 membrane and thermal insulation in the Alpha, but does so in two detached layers allowing each piece to do what it does best and further regulate temperatures while climbing. As you heat up, unzipping the shell lets the wind hit the jacket’s thermal layer cooling you off gradually instead of with an unmitigated arctic blast. The thermal layer insulates while breathing quite well so you get more of a thermostat and less of an on/off feel. It’s able to manage moisture continuously as you summit the climb keeping you dry as possible. At the top, simply zip up and head down without teeth rattling or shivering throwing you off your lines through corners. On the plunge down, you’ll appreciate the Gore Windstopper 150 membrane. The windproof three-layer, four-way stretch knit fabric with a water-resistant DWR coating keeps wind out and precipitation at bay. You’ll want …