A defining product in Catelli’s range, the Gabba has always been a short-sleeved racer’s jersey for cool and rainy riding conditions. But the new ‘R’ version makes a statement towards promising skinsuit aerodynamics and credible moisture resistance in a single garment. 

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Castelli Gabba R hero, by off-road.cc

Advanced fabrics and smarter construction make the Gabba R more aerodynamic without compromising its ventilation or weatherproofing. The challenge of creating an ultralightweight and aerodynamic garment with weatherproofing was solved by some inspired Castelli fabric design. 

The significant material change with this new Gabba R is the switch from Gore-Tex to a Japanese-sourced polyurethane featuring hydrophilic properties. 

Manyfoul-weather jerseys and jackets are constructed with a polyurethane membrane, limiting garment flexibility and aero when shaped for the tightest fit. But Gabba R offers a skintight fit, breathability and weatherproofing. How? Castelli’s been smart about minimizing the Gabba R’s seams, allowing it to hold a tighter tension on the torso and arms. 

Castelli Gabba R detail, by off-road.cc

With fabric stretchability in every direction, the Gabba R might be skinsuit-tight for aerodynamic benefits, but it won’t constrain on-bike upper body movement. With a hydrostatic head value of 5,000mm, the Gabba R isn’t waterproof but it will repel rain on a ride and allow adequate ventilation. Catelli’s product planners have balanced the need for a foul-weather aero-riding garment with the reality of breathability. 

During testing, the Gabba R was 1% faster in a normal riding position, between 37- and 50km/h than the brand’s Sanremo BTW Speed Suit.

Available as both a short-sleeved jersey and a long-sleeve jacket, the Gabba R’s rear pockets feature a mesh backing to prevent moisture migration on a long ride in the ride. Cleverly, the jacket version’s forearm sections are made of fabric, helping to avoid that annoying polyurethane membrane stickiness when reaching into the rear pockets for a mid-ride snack. 

Catelli’s Gabba R provides a veritable short- and long-sleeve speed suit alternative for riders undeterred by weather and obsessed with aero.

The Castelli Gabba R will retail for €249.99 - around £215 - and is expected to hit shelves by the end of August/beginning of September.

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