This Castelli product is a rep sample. It has not been worn, just hung and handled. Excel was offered the opportunity to purchase a large set of samples- essentially one item of each in rep size and colorway. All items have been inspected and approved for sale, and come with standard Castelli warranty protection. If you see something you like, remember there is only one, don't hesitate!

Perfetto. Perfect. Such was the description riders gave the Gabba Long Sleeve Jacket. In this new generation, Castelli decided that Perfetto worked for them, and renamed the design as such. The race ready, lightweight, aerodynamic jacket, with excellent protection from Gore® Windstopper® X-Lite Plus fabric has been updated with fit refinements, better breathable water and wind protection, laser cut drain holes in the pockets, and a redesigned rain flap that sits better and closer the body. Of course many of the true Gabba features carry over as well. Perfetto, indeed.

In some ways, the Perfetto Long Sleeve is actually a protective long sleeve jersey. Many riders eschew other layers, rocking just a baselayer underneath depending on the weather and temperature conditions. But when you are considering fit and function, it helps if you think of it as a jersey. The 4-way stretch of the X-Lite Plus fabric ensures a snug, though compliant fit and it is aided by the thinner, highly breathable, lightweight Castelli Nano Flex fabric panels under the arms. X-Lite Plus has the exceptional wind blocking capabilities Windstopper is known for, and excellent water repellency that has been enhanced with additional liquid application. When you need to go out to train hard in the cool and wet, the Perfetto gets the job done. A fine brushed fleece inner face is soft and comfortable, serving to offer mild insulation (that seems warmer due to the highly effective blocking of onrushing air), and through movement ensures that moisture is lifted off and released through the Gore membrane system.

Fit is perhaps a bit more generous than the Gabba, with the stretch assisting, but make no mistake, this is an aggressively cut, Rosso Corsa piece for fit cyclists who require and desire the aero fit. The full zip is ultra-reliable YKK Vislon, and a windflap offers extra protection over the top. A silicone gripper at the waist holds the Perfetto Long Sleeve in place and the three-section pro pocket is race jersey worthy, and still holds the essentials. We are thankful for the laser cut drainage holes. When a fabric blocks water as well as the X-Fast Lite Plus, the water has to go somewhere, and filling the pockets isn't exactly optimal. The new splash flap is also a big improvement. It hugs the body better, offering true protection. The front-side zip vents are perfect for managing excess heat for when the effort level goes through the roof, or when a patch of wet tarmac catches a window of sun.

The Gabba Long Sleeve was about as highly regarded as any cycling product of the last decade. In this new generation, as the Perfetto, Castelli truly improved upon the "classic" Gabba. While we are sure new fabric advances and pro feedback still to come will bring refinement to the Perfetto Long Sleeve, by and large, it is the perfect protection layer for serious Fall/Spring cycling at the highest levels of the sport.