Castelli offers an extremely comprehensive and sometimes slightly confusing number of high-end cycling jackets, all of which offer windproofing, warmth and water resistance in varying ratios. The Espresso Air Jacket is one of the newest entrants into this line-up, and sits between the popular Raddioppia and Transition jackets (amongst others), with warmth and breathability high on its agenda. There is a whole range of 'Espresso' products available, with the stated aim being to be 'the first kit you reach for any time you go to ride and not pinning on a number' according to Castelli's Director of Brand Strategy, Steve Chapin.
The Espresso Air is intended for cold-weather rides, between 0-10°C according to Castelli, and uses their new Ristretto fabric to provide ‘unparalleled breathability, dryness, and warmth’. It could perhaps be described as tending slightly more towards a very warm winter jersey rather than a jacket, but either way, I’d say it is at the base miles and winter training end of the spectrum rather than being intended for bad-weather racing or intense efforts like the Gabba or Perfetto.
