Castelli Rolls Out New Line at Interbike 2008

September 17th, 2008 by Ron Callahan View Comments

The Scorpion Rolls Out Ingenious Radiation Technology, Servizio Corse Custom Apparel, and a Dazzling Summer Line

PORTLAND, Ore. – Once again, the Scorpion’s nest will be a busy place at Interbike.

Following its debut at last month’s Eurobike show, Castelli’s new Radiation technology and Insolito Radiation Jacket will makes their first appearance in North American at the Interbike International Bicycle Expo, September 22-26, at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

But wait, there’s more: Castelli will also be announcing Servizio Corse, a new home for Castelli custom and team apparel. Servizio Corse is the result of an agreement with its Italian parent, Manifattura Valcismon, S.p.A., to market and manufacture team gear in the U.S.

Radiation Technology and the Insolito Radiation Jacket

Castelli Insolito Radiation jacket

Drawing on the immutable Laws of Thermodynamics, Castelli clothing designers have developed a ground-breaking fabric technology that takes advantage of the way the body creates, saves and loses heat. Called Radiation, the technology utilizes an ultra-thin, reflective material that maintains body heat without resorting to bulky layers of insulating material, such as fleece.

Castelli Radiation is unique to cycling (as well as to the entire outdoor recreation industry), explained Castelli Brand Manager Steve Smith, who led development of the technology. Radiation was such an advance it forced Castelli to re-think the way a jacket was constructed. Castelli is debuting the technology here at Interbike in the Insolito Radiation Jacket (MSRP $500) that features a removable Radiation liner (Radiation Vest, MSRP $120) – creating a unique, an all-in-one, 3-season jacket.

“Until now, the cycling industry has ignored heat loss through radiation, instead relying on bulky fleece to protect against conductive heat loss,” Smith explained. “No products have employed the concept of radiation to protect against heat loss. Until Castelli. Oftentimes, the most revolutionary inventions seem the most obvious in retrospect. Such is the case with Radiation technology.”

To put Radiation theory into practice, Castelli fabric engineers spent countless hours transforming an aluminum reflective NASA-type space-blanket material into a laminate suitable for apparel.

The upshot is a fabric that is extremely thin (measured in microns), captures and reflects body heat, and is perforated for breathability. Early on Castelli designers decided that a Radiation liner would be the foundation of a modular jacket design that would be versatile enough for fall, winter and spring cycling.

“It might not make business sense to market an all-in-one, year-round racket, but that’s what we’re doing,” said Castelli US President Greg Cowan. “With the introduction of Radiation, we have made a strong statement about Castelli innovation and performance, designing the best winter apparel possible.”

The Insolito Radiation Jacket (MSRP $500) features a removable Radiation liner, removable sleeves, removable hood, and zippered front venting. More importantly, the Insolito’s outer fabric employs the most breathable Windstopper fabric available from Gore, which adds superb wind protection to the Radiation liner’s warmth. The Insolito delivers remarkable warmth and protection regardless of what Mother Nature’s throws at the rider.

In addition to the Insolito Radiation Jacket (MSRP $500), Castelli also offers a women’s version, the Alamos Radiation Jacket (MSRP $400); as well as the Quantum Radiation Jacket (MSRP $400), which features all of the benefits of Radiation technology in a simpler design.

Radiation technology: Warm + Dry + Light = Perfect

+ warm

The body radiates heat, much like radiators in a home heating system. Moreover, that heat escapes from the body in five ways: radiation, evaporation, convection, conduction, and respiration. To protect against this kind of heat loss, Castelli laminated a light woven substrate to a perforated spaceblanket film. This film reflects back 80 percent of the body’s heat in a super-efficient, super-lightweight manner, and with a thickness measured in microns.

+ dry

Cycling jackets are always tricky. Since perspiration is involved, a balance must be maintained between breathability and protection. For the Radiation shell, we used highly stretchable Windstopper® X-Lite™ fabric, which is up to 10 times more breathable than our competitor’s windproof fabrics. A body loses up to three liters of sweat an hour. Sweat bogs a rider down, and non-evaporated sweat will make one extremely cold – so getting rid of sweat is a top priority.

+ light

As with all Castelli products, the Radiation collection is the lightest in its class. Simply put, we replaced the bulk necessary in other cold weather jackets with a revolutionary alternative to give the rider the ultimate riding jacket.

All-in-One:

This revolutionary heat reflecting insulation system is so thin it doesn’t need to be laminated to the outer windproof layer. By making it removable, Castelli was able to make a jacket that can be used in cold conditions with its liner and in mild conditions with the liner removed. Temperatures and applications include:

60-68° – Radiation jacket without liner, sleeves or hood becomes lightweight windproof vest.
50-60° – Radiation jacket with sleeves is a perfect lightweight Windstopper-stretch soft shell for wind and weather protection.
40-50° – Radiation jacket with heat-reflecting Radiation liner inserted for lightweight warmth.
25-40° – Add the zip-on hood for complete warmth without bulk.

The cut of the Radiation jackets is specific for cycling – long at the back, short at the front. The arms are anatomically cut and don’t hang or restrict movement when stretched out on the bars. The light stretch of the Windstopper fabric moves naturally with your body and doesn’t restrict movement.

Fleecy under-helmet hood

The fleece-lined under helmet hood wicks unwanted moisture away very effectively and is easy to zip-off.

Chest vents

Reflective mesh lined vent zips lie to the side of the chest and are easy to open and close while riding for changing ventilation needs.

Main zip

The main zip features a zip garage at the top to prevent the zipper from rubbing against the neck.

Pocket detail

Four side pockets and two rear zipped pockets.

Sleeves

The Insolito Radiation Jacket features sleeves that are easy to unzip even while riding and to put away in the side pockets, creating a great mild weather riding top. Partially unzipping them works as effective venting too, giving this jacket the widest operating range of any available.

Castelli Introduces Raingear for Commuters

With its U.S. headquarters located in the Pacific Northwet …err…Northwest, it was only a matter of time before Castelli developed a line of high quality rain jackets showcasing the company’s unrivaled commitment to technical performance, style and performance. And that time is now.

Dublino and Amazzonia Rain Jackets

Castelli Amazzonia rain jacket

The heart of the new Dublino (men’s, MSRP $140) and Amazzonia (women’s, $140) Rain Jackets is Castelli’s own Torrent 3 Triple Laminate fabric – seam-sealed, waterproof and breathable. This fabric will keep riders dry and comfortable by repelling moisture yet allowing perspiration to escape. In addition to the Torrent 3’s performance, both the Dublino and Amazzonia jackets also feature a host of technical features the make them the perfect choice for commuting or serious winter training:

Reflective printing that delivers optimal visibility from all angles
Waterproof zippers; the front zipper is even reflective
Back vent light loop
Easy-pull Castelli reflective zipper tabs
Under-arm pit zips for ventilation
Magic Velcro
Inside iPod or cell phone pocket
Cuff gusset for increased airflow up the arm

Both the Dublino and Amazzonia come in a high-visibility Goldenrod color, a tasteful alternative to the hyper-vibrant “human highlighter” hue common to many rain jackets The Castelli word-mark, scorpion logo, and reflective stripes also set it apart. Moreover, the jackets feature a more-anatomical fit for a sleeker, more stylish profile compared to bulkier “commuter” jackets.

Goccia Rain Jacket

Castelli Goccia rain jacket

With the Goccia (MSRP $80), Castelli offers commuters and cyclists a simpler rain jacket that still delivers excellent rain protection and visibility. Made from Castelli’s Torrent waterproof fabric – seamsealed, of course – the Goccia also features reflective graphics, zipper piping and zipper taps, plus a back vent light loop, and under-arm pit zips.

Color is Castelli Yellow Fluo, with black shoulder patch, reflective stripes, and a scorpion logo…of course.

Castelli US Launches Servizio Corse, offering Technically Superior Custom and Team Apparel

Castelli Servizio Corse jersey

Custom and team apparel from Castelli has a new home: Castelli USA has launched Servizio Corse, entering into an agreement with its Italian partner to market and manufacture team gear in the U.S., announced Castelli USA President Greg Cowan.

As of September 1, 2008, Castelli USA is the sole provider of custom Castelli apparel in the U.S. Previously, custom Castelli apparel was available through Squadra US.

“Never before have such innovative and technically advanced products been available to teams and clubs,” explained Cowan. “Servizio Corse (which means ‘home for team equipment’ in Italian) will import fabrics and chamois directly from Italy and produce locally in Portland, Oregon. Teams and clubs now will be able to enjoy Castelli quality and performance clothing, even our Rosso Corsa products, proven in the professional peloton by the Saunier Duval Team.”

Drawing on Castelli’s legacy of creating the highest quality apparel, Cowan is confident that Castelli Servizio Corse apparel will be superior to competitors’ products in the team and custom apparel marketplace. For example, all Servizio Corse shorts and bibshort will use Castelli’s acclaimed AC or KISS pads, acknowledged as the industry’s finest, Cowan said.

Servizio Corse also will offer first-rate apparel and team kit graphic design services. The quality of Servizio Corse custom and team gear will equal that of Castelli in-line production – no cutting corners for custom apparel. Sizes are available from XS to 3XL; orders will require a minimum purchase. Honors for the first-ever Servizio Corse team kit goes to PrestoVelo-bicycleattorney.com cycling team, based in Portland.

For more information on Servizio Corse, contact Peter Kukula at 503-222-3500 x12, or sales@castelli-us.com.

Castelli Women’s Apparel for Summer 2009

Castelli Summer 2009 product line offers a dazzling array of women’s apparel, from the latest Niki Gudex line to a new, stylish collection of feminine jerseys and shorts, the Castelli Donna collection.

“Again, we have designed and engineered each of these garments with great care to suit the most demanding of female cyclists,” explained Greg Cowan, president of Castelli-US. “When female riders, from weekend warriorettes to elite racers, choose to ride in the Castelli scorpion they expect the best in style and performance. And we deliver.”

Niki Gudex Collection

After two successful years, Ms. Gudex, the Aussie mountain bike racer and fashion designer, has created her third signature Niki Gudex line with Castelli. With stylish performance as Niki’s goal, she hits the mark again with a fashionable, colorful and feminine collection.

Melbourne Dress

A dress? That’s right, a dress. A first for Niki, this stylish outfit features Castelli cotton-like Softlex fabric and a separate short liner that boasts Castelli’s proven KISS seat pad. With a bodyhugging fit, the Melbourne is spectacular and functional – guaranteed to spin heads as the rider spins her pedals.

Then there is the Niki Sexy Top and its sidekick, the Niki Sexy Short. Constructed of Softlex fabric, the Sexy Top features an open-back, selfcontained bra, rear pocket, and body-hugging fit. The Niki Sexy Short employs a KISS pad and soft-touch elastic waistband, and reflective flags.

Yes, the Niki Sexy Top and Short live up to their names – while delivering traditional Castelli comfort and performance

* * * * * * * * *

In addition to Niki Gudex, Castelli women’s wear also includes Rosso Corsa and Donna offerings, all showcasing the best in stylish women’s performance cycling apparel, including. Here’s a more detailed look at tops, shorts, bibs, socks and accessories:

Jerseys and Tops

Castelli’s flagship Rosso Corsa line includes the women’s Magnifica Jersey and Sleeveless Jersey. This striking jersey is the lightest jersey Castelli has ever created for women – weighing less than half of a traditional jersey thanks to its SG0.6 fabric. This fabric is soft and virtually waterproof; sweat dries before it even enters the fabric.

Design details are also impressive: skeleton construction creates a virtual backpack to support rear pockets, full-length zipper, three pockets with zippered key pocket, and a body-hugging fit. Available in Black/White and White/Pink/Fluo, sleeved and sleeveless.

Diamante Jerseys and Tops

This new collection is stunning, combining feminine style and cycling performance as only Castelli can. Four styles of Diamante Jerseys and Tops are offered, traditional short-sleeve and sleeveless jerseys; a scoop-necked Diamante Top and a dramatic Diamante Spaghetti Top. All four Diamantes feature Castelli Softlex fabric and feature two rear pockets. The jersey utilize a 25cm full zipper and body hugging fit.

The Diamante Top and Spaghetti deserve special mention, as their feminine style is unique to women’s cycling fashion. The scoop-necked Diamante Top is cooler (and more fashionable) than a traditional top, and the Spaghetti Top is flat-out gorgeous, sure to draw attention.

Desiderio Jersey

The simple and elegant Desiderio Jersey (jersey and sleeveless) is made with Castelli Softlex that provides a body-hugging yet comfortable fit. Each feature three rear pockets, safely flags and a 20cm zipper.

Prologo Jersey

The Prologo Jersey (sleeved and sleeveless) features Castelli’s Stratus fabric with Prosecco treatment (dual layer, 100 percent polyester) that uses a multifilament inner layer to transport moisture to the microfiber outer layer for maximum evaporation. Prologo details include mesh insert on the back for cooling, X-spand elastic arm openings and three rear pockets.

Alba Jersey

The Alba Jersey comes in two different fabrics – Stratus or Softlex – and graphic designs – solid or attractive sublimation print design on the shoulder. Three rear pockets and reflective safety flags are common to both styles.

Protagonista and Sentimento Jersey

If bold, whimsical graphics suit your taste, the Protagonista and Sentimento Jerseys are a perfect fit. Both feature Castelli Procool Plus fabric with Prosecco treatment, as well as three rear pockets and rear reflective flags. And the graphics are Italian style at its best, stylish and fun.

WOMEN SHORTS

Truly Free Bibshort

Castelli designers fine tuned the famous Rosso Corsa women’s Truly Free Bibshort. The front of the bib is cut away and re-shaped, allowing female riders to stay cooler, more comfortable without the bibs around the chest.

The Truly Free Bibshort also uses a new Giro+ silicon leg gripper that allows maximum circulation. The fabric has been improved, too: Energia Micro Fabric with Prosecco on the sides and back for a controlled stretch. Again, a unique Castelli AC female seat pad applies space-age cooling technology directly to that most sensitive of areas. A Truly Free Short is also offered.

Shorts, Bibs and Knickers

Castelli is known for quality shorts, and the Castelli Donna offerings continue that tradition. The Visio.1 Short features Action Micro Fabric, a KISS+ women’s specific seat pad, eight-panel construction, and Giro+ silicon leg grippers. The Zen Due Short comes in two leg lengths – 15cm and 18cm – plus as a Knicker. The Zen features Affinity Lycra, KISS women’s pad and no inner leg seams. The Irresistible Short utilizes Softlex fabric, colorful inserts, and KISS pad, of course. Finally, the Cocoon Due Short and Knickers are made from Softlex fabric with KISS seat pad.

For more information on Castelli cycling apparel, contact Castelli USA, 1723 SW Taylor St., Portland, OR 97205, 877-324-7448, or visit Castelli on the web at www.castelli-us.com.