The Espresso Jersey sits within Castelli’s Espresso collection. This sub-division of their cycling clothing has a self-proclaimed aim to be ‘the first kit you reach for any time you go to ride and not pinning on a number,’ according to Director of Brand Strategy Steve Chapin. It’s geared toward performance, but not for racing, so it should be suitable for most of us mortals.
The range covers pretty much all the spring, summer and autumn bases from arm warmers to bib tights, with the only exception being waterproof and windproof outerwear. I’ve tried several pieces from the Espresso collection, such as the Thermal Jersey, and so far, found them all to be excellent, with a running theme of a good fit, great performance and understated aesthetics. Sizing has been consistent and decidedly un-Italian, so my usual options of medium tops and large bottoms have been perfect.
There are currently 10 block colours in the range for men with sizes from XS to XXL and 8 for women with sizes from XS to XL. Minimal branding is a theme across all the Espresso products and this jersey just gets a small shoulder logo and another on the rear pockets.
Construction
The Espresso’s Air-O Stretch fabric is at the lighter end of jersey construction with plenty of stretch and breathability from tiny pores in the material, giving it a weight of around 100g depending on size. The same Air-O Stretch fabric is used throughout the garment.
The sleeves are, inevitably, raw cut for a modern look although there is no silicone for grip, and the collar is a nice, mid-height - not restrictive but not indecent either. Both the front zip and the rear security pocket zip are made by YKK, assuring quality and longevity whilst I particularly like the plasticised pull loop on the front zip that makes it easier to grab on the move. Additionally, there is a quarter-length placket behind the top of the zip, to make it simpler to operate when letting a bit of air in (and perhaps to stop chest hairs from getting caught?).
The bottom hem has an elasticated rear with a printed silicone gripper and at the front is a 3cm deep, stiffened elastic band which I think really helps the aesthetics of the jersey (and made a decent fist of containing my post-Christmas podge).
The ride
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I liked the Espresso Jersey as much as I’ve liked the rest of the Espresso range, which is to say, a lot. I think the colour palette is great, and with so many colours to choose from I’d imagine most riders could find something that they fancied, and the simple aesthetic of the range as a whole appeals to me.
For me, the fit is perfect. At 186cm/74kg the medium was snug without being at all restrictive in the riding position, helped no doubt by the very light, highly stretchy Air-O Stretch fabric. There was very little excess fabric anywhere and it was simply easy to forget about the jersey and concentrate on riding (unlike the experience I had with the Madison Flux Men's Short Sleeve Jersey). Castelli makes some vague aero claims for the jersey, which I certainly can’t verify, but a close-fitting, unrestrictive jersey that doesn’t have any excess flapping material certainly feels faster and better than looser alternatives.
The pockets were set at the right height for easy access without drooping down over my bum when stuffed full and I’m always pleased to see a zipped security pocket having once left some house keys somewhere along a route when furkling in my pockets for snacks.
Fabric-wise, the Air-O Stretch did its job very well. Although the mid-teens temperatures in Spain didn’t trouble it much in terms of breathability, I also used the Espresso Jersey on the turbo trainer a few times - a much sterner test of moisture management. I was very impressed at how dry it was after a session in Watopia. Castelli gives the jersey a suggested temperature range of 18° to 35° which I’d agree with, perhaps making it a jersey for the warmer British summer days or one to pair with a gilet and arm warmers for cooler rides.
Value and Conclusion
I’d say that the whole Espresso range is pitched at the sensible end of premium price-wise. £125 for a jersey is certainly no bargain, but it is possible to pay far more for a jersey as well as considerably less.
A phrase I’ve used before in relation to Espresso products is ‘doing the basics well’, and this applies here too. A full-zip, 3-pocket jersey with raw-cut sleeves is certainly not ground-breaking or innovative on paper, but it's all about the execution. For me, the combination of fit and fabric makes the Espresso jersey brilliant to wear and ride in. Add in the multiple colour choices and the potential to mix and match with other items from the range and I think that Castelli deserves a pat on the back for the Espresso Jersey.
