Reviews over the

Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Light

Jack tested at temperature of 2°C (feeling temp -3°C). Thermal shirt underneath and it went fine. Nice fit too. I normally wear size M, but took the jacket in size L. Castelli is a bit smaller.

Pros & Cons

Super fit excellent fit top quality.

Pros & Cons

Last time this jacket was on with 2 degrees and a wind of 26m/s (feeling -2). And a morning ride of -7 and 20m/s (feeling -15). Must honestly say that in combination with a long undershirt this was on the warm side for the first mentioned ride, very nice then that the outer layer can be opened. On the other hand against the wind and in the shade with everything closed it was pleasant riding also for the second mentioned ride. In short, highly recommended for temperatures between -5 to 10 degrees (warmer still no experience) ... below zero also goes easily but then it will be a combo of basic/shirt and jacket.

Pros & Cons

Having used the Alpha RoS Light 6 times now, I can only draw 1 conclusion, and that is that this is a great product. Having tried a Beta RoS and found it too thin, I decided to spend a bit more money anyway, also based on the good reviews. I went for the Light version because it suits my own use: when it's (quite) freezing I don't cycle. Castelli states that the Light is suitable between 7 and 16 degrees, however that's assuming a regular undershirt. If you have a warm long-sleeved base layer on, it's fine up to just above 0. The lowest temperature in which I have used the jacket is 2 degrees with wind force 3-4, and that was fine, I never got cold for a moment. Below 0 would also be possible if you put on another layer underneath, for example a Perfetto Light. With temperatures around 8 degrees, you can get by with short sleeves, and if you increase the intensity considerably, you can unzip the under layer. This way, it remains usable until above 10 degrees, even if you pedal hard. Waterproofing is also fine, by the way. Drizzle has no chance, and in real rain it only comes through after an hour or so. The Goretex fabric makes cleaning a piece of cake: rinse the mud off your back in the shower, shake it dry, hang it out and put it back on the next day. Ideal... Furthermore, the pockets on the back are nice, especially the zip pocket on the side (and for once not on the back). In addition, it is a beautiful and exceptionally well-finished product in terms of quality, which makes it well worth its high price (I had to swallow). Great stuff that will not easily surprise you and allows you to cycle through the winter.

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons