There always seems to be a trade-off between wind/rain protection and breathability but newer fabrics like the one used here are closing the gap. I feel this leans more toward breathability as it does very well on heat generating climbs, and offers good but not bullet proof wind and rain resistance (mainly due to the back panels). The material is very stretchy and comfortable. I use it when the temps are around 55-65, which fills the gap between my thermal jacket and a vest/arm warmers. I looks better than I thought it would based on the photos. I always buy size L with Castelli (M for most other brands) and this fit me well with a good race cut like my other Castelli tops. If you want to wear more than a single layer underneath you may want to consider another size up.
I bought it, it was a touch too small, the color was darker than expected, and I returned it. I went for the Alpha instead, but I will likely get the Beta in the future.
SIZE: I'm 6'2', 200 lbs and the XL was too tight. I have an Aero RC jersey and a Perfetto ROS Convertible (prev gen) in XL, and they are a race fit for me - tight yet comfortable. The Beta is stretchy, so the XL technically fit, but it was uncomfortably tight. In the mirror, it definitely looked too tight, rather than race tight.
COLOR: The pictures on this website are accurate, but the Castelli site shows 'silver gray' as almost white. I took a gamble that the material would be on the lighter side, but I lost the bet. In person, it's more dark gray than light gray. I prefer lighter colors for visibility, so I chose not to get the XXL this year. Next year, if they update the color ways, I'll almost definitely get one. (High vis orange or primary yellow, please.)
The jacket itself is really nice. The sleeves are nice and long, so there is unlikely to be a gap to the glove. The material thickness hits that sweet spot between a long sleeve jersey without wind protection and a thicker jacket, like the Perfetto. One reason to size up-up is to allow room for a thicker base layer on colder days. Think of this as a very thin soft shell with the look of a long sleeve jersey, rather than a warm jacket. Very flexible! The materials and quality are top notch, as we expect from Castelli.
While I'm disappointed that the fit and color weren't right for me, I still gave it four stars. A simple exchange for an XXL would have gotten me the right size. I knocked it down from 5 to 4 stars for the lack of a brighter color. But if you prefer darker colors, this could be just right for those cool, in between days - and cold days with a thicker base layer.
I bought it, it was a touch too small, the color was darker than expected, and I returned it. I went for the Alpha instead, but I will likely get the Beta in the future.
SIZE: I'm 6'2', 200 lbs and the XL was too tight. I have an Aero RC jersey and a Perfetto ROS Convertible (prev gen) in XL, and they are a race fit for me - tight yet comfortable. The Beta is stretchy, so the XL technically fit, but it was uncomfortably tight. In the mirror, it definitely looked too tight, rather than race tight.
COLOR: The pictures on this website are accurate, but the Castelli site shows 'silver gray' as almost white. I took a gamble that the material would be on the lighter side, but I lost the bet. In person, it's more dark gray than light gray. I prefer lighter colors for visibility, so I chose not to get the XXL this year. Next year, if they update the color ways, I'll almost definitely get one. (High vis orange or primary yellow, please.)
The jacket itself is really nice. The sleeves are nice and long, so there is unlikely to be a gap to the glove. The material thickness hits that sweet spot between a long sleeve jersey without wind protection and a thicker jacket, like the Perfetto. One reason to size up-up is to allow room for a thicker base layer on colder days. Think of this as a very thin soft shell with the look of a long sleeve jersey, rather than a warm jacket. Very flexible! The materials and quality are top notch, as we expect from Castelli.
While I'm disappointed that the fit and color weren't right for me, I still gave it four stars. A simple exchange for an XXL would have gotten me the right size. I knocked it down from 5 to 4 stars for the lack of a brighter color. But if you prefer darker colors, this could be just right for those cool, in between days - and cold days with a thicker base layer.
I've worn this jacket several times, and find it terrific for temps down to about 50f while wearing only a thin baselayer underneath. I bet it would be fine for lower temps when wearing something more substantial underneath (note - I have the Alpha RoS 2 jacket for temps below 50f, however, I'd have no reservation riding with this jacket, and something thicker than a baselayer underneath with temps into the 40s, and maybe upper 30s ). The jacket is race cut, and I sized up one size to get a super fit. The fit feels great when on the bike. The pockets are reasonably deep, have ample room, and snap to the body for keeping things secure -- no issues holding stuff, and easy to get stuff in, and out. I've been in light rain with it only one time, and I my upper body remained absolutely dry. The fabric feels great to the touch, and breathes well. Overall, I am impressed with this jacket (and the Alpha RoS 2 as well.)
This is an excellent all-weather jacket for those cooler and even wet days. The jacket is well built, lightweight and does a great job. I don't live in the freezing north, but this is my go to for the few cold days we get here. My only complaint is the sizing chart is a joke. Based on my measurements, I could get away with a large, but in the end needed XX large. The cut on this jacket is very small, so order a size or two up. I would give it 5 stars but knock one off due to the small sizing.
I love this jacket, it is perfect for spring and fall days riding. With a thermal base layer the functionality is even broader.
Like all things Castelli, they run small (by American Standards)....so size up...!!!
Received my jacket and this is a race fit. Very happy with a baselayer or over a jersey. The build quality is fantastic, the Neoshell material stretches and it has pockets in the back. Looking forward to many miles wearing this.
