Castelli Transition – a simple solution to a common error

I'd argue that cyclists are currently making the biggest clothing mistakes. So why keep repeating them when a great solution is already available today?

What do I mean? We all still vividly remember summer, when a jersey and bib shorts were all you needed. That feeling of lightness and speed is something no rider wants to spoil with a jacket, let alone arm warmers. But all it takes is a cloud covering the sun or the sun dropping closer to the horizon, and the situation changes completely.

I often see riders wearing short sleeves in temperatures that, in my opinion, simply don’t justify it, and many of you probably know the consequences. What’s more, the older you get, the more noticeable these things become. 🙂

Simple pieces, with every detail carefully refined.

I don’t want to give up that “summer” feeling either. Fortunately, today we have excellent clothing that allows us to hold on to it for much longer while also protecting us from potential problems. In fact, entire collections are now designed specifically for these kinds of conditions.


The updated Castelli Transition collection, which we’ll take a closer look at shortly, fits perfectly into this category. I’ll introduce the key pieces, supplementing some of them with my own experience.

These are, essentially, highly versatile garments that can be used across three seasons. Given current weather patterns, it’s probably fair to say that they could become some of the most frequently used items in many riders’ wardrobes.

When Such a Simple Thing Surprises Me

The Transition collection is not a strictly defined product category; it also includes selected pieces from across the brand’s range. I used to think that a long-sleeved jersey made from lightweight summer material was something I would never need. After all, I had arm warmers, and beyond that, I could simply choose a jacket. As it turned out, I was wrong.

The most frequently used jersey in my wardrobe throughout the year was the Castelli Espresso LS 2 long-sleeved jersey. Apart from extremely hot days or races, I reached for it almost every time.


It won me over not only with its material but also with its fit. Sporty, yet not excessively tight. I can wear it directly against my skin, with a base layer, or even with a thin long-sleeved base layer underneath. Even the collar is just high enough to provide useful protection when temperatures drop, without feeling restrictive in warmer conditions. You’ve probably noticed where I’m going with this: versatility.

The Corretto jersey is aimed more at performance-oriented riders and is also available in a long-sleeved version. Its cut is significantly tighter, and it uses a firmer, more aerodynamic fabric.

Aria 2 - Light, Aerodynamic, and Very Packable

Another piece of the puzzle is an extremely lightweight microfiber jacket. There are no membranes involved; protection comes primarily from the tightly woven fabric. At the same time, it’s not a traditional windbreaker in the way most of us think of one. You’ll understand the difference best the moment you hold it in your hands.

The material is exceptionally soft and conforms to the body almost like a second skin. Most importantly, there’s none of the familiar flapping in the wind. Thanks to the properties of the microfiber fabric and the elastic mesh panels, you can ride in it for long periods without feeling as though you’re wearing an airtight plastic bag. The YKK Vislon double zipper further enhances practicality, providing easy access to your jersey pockets.

Simply put – it's not just a jacket you have to carry in your back pocket 99% of the time; quite the opposite.


A practical bonus is the integrated pocket, into which the jacket can be neatly packed. This keeps it better protected from moisture when I carry it in a rear jersey pocket, and it also fits perfectly into a bottle cage.

That’s a little trick I like to use when combining long climbs with fast descents. I was also particularly impressed by the colour options; there are several to choose from, and the photos show the burgundy version.


A more affordable alternative is the Transition Air jacket. Among other things, it differs in its fit, which is less race-oriented, and it is also slightly warmer due to the absence of mesh panels.

Its performance characteristics are otherwise very similar to those of the Ristretto jacket, meaning that at moderate intensity, you don’t have to worry about ending up completely soaked in your own sweat. Its primary purpose is not water protection, but rather wind resistance and maximum packability. A vest made from the same material is also available.

📌 Availability in the MTBIKER shop is expected in early October, with prices around €100 for the jacket and €80 for the vest.

Will I Even Use Long Summer Bibs?

I had a similar opinion about long bib tights as I did about the jersey mentioned earlier. The new Castelli Espresso TRNSTN model already carries the name of the Transition collection, and once again, I found myself rethinking a long-held preference for leg warmers.

Many of you already own the Espresso shorts, so you’ll know how stretchy and comfortable they feel against the skin. The long version provides just the right increase in thermal comfort, while the lightweight summer fabric helps prevent overheating when the sun comes out or temperatures start to rise.


The new bib straps and refined fit make them virtually disappear on the body. Overall, they feel even more comfortable than using leg warmers, where multiple layers of clothing overlap. The small rear pocket is also ideal for carrying keys, coins, and other small, heavier items that might otherwise bounce around or get in the way in your jersey pockets.


I didn’t start with these three items by chance, because as soon as the summer heat began to fade, they became my go-to pieces for most rides.

Perhaps the best test came during a recent holiday in Paganella, where we headed out for morning training rides with the guys. In many ways, it still felt like summer, but at an altitude of around 1,000 metres and in a mountain environment, temperatures hovered just above 10°C.

The clothing delivered exactly what I described in the introduction – the feeling of lightness I love about summer kit, combined with ideal thermal comfort. And when it came time to ride down the trail, I certainly stood out among everyone else dressed in full protective gear. 🙂


You can choose from four colour options, all designed to pair seamlessly with any piece from the Espresso collection. The bib tights are currently priced at around €170.

If you’re looking for even more versatility on colder days, the insulated Espresso Thermal shorts are an excellent option. Featuring an extended cut that reaches down to the knees, they bring back the concept of the popular Omloop model.

Looking for the Right Sweet Spot?

The DO.Di.CI jacket with the Ristretto membrane genuinely impressed me with how effectively it blurred the line between a jacket and a jersey. However, its extremely close-fitting cut may not suit everyone, which is why Castelli introduced the Sweetspot model.

It features a slightly more relaxed, yet still sporty, fit and was noticeably easier to put on. 🙂


It also differs in several details. For example, it features additional lining across the upper chest and shoulder areas, where exposure to cold air is greatest. The rear panel is cut longer, and there is an extra zippered pocket, making it ideal for carrying valuables that require a little extra security.


The recommended temperature range of 7–15 °C perfectly reflects the focus of this entire collection. There are four colour options available, and the price is around €220. You can find more details about the material’s properties in the DO.DI.CI jacket review mentioned above.

As you can see, we’re ultimately talking about a range of garments with exceptionally versatile characteristics. What I probably appreciate most is that they are all fundamentally simple pieces, with every detail carefully refined. I also greatly value the colour selection and how well everything works together as a complete system.

Let’s be honest—design plays a major role in cycling apparel, and as a long-time fan of the brand, I find the updated logo fresh and modern.

One more tip before we finish: the new, nicely tall socks featuring a blend of Primaloft fibres. They add just the right finishing touch and, most importantly, keep your feet comfortable without feeling too warm or too cold. And that’s exactly what it’s all about. 🙂