Castelli Trasparente Jersey Review: The Jersey Your Jackets Will Envy

As we go through our final weeks of winter weather in New York City, we have been testing out some of our new Castelli kit. One of Lucia’s early favorites: the Transparente 4 jersey.

CASTELLI TRASPARENTE 4 JERSEY REVIEW: THE GOOD

• Fit - This is a really well tailored piece that is both forgiving in terms of elasticity, while holding a flattering shape. I tend to prefer to wear tighter fitting cycling gear, but this piece seems like it would also fit well as a roomier piece that could layer over a thicker base layer or thermal jersey underneath.

• Thin & Lightweight - The first thing you’ll notice when you pick the jersey up is how soft, flexible, thin and light it is. It feels practically weightless on. I’m not so much talking about this from a weight weenie perspective (268g for those who do care), but more from a comfort and freedom of movement perspective. The last thing you want when you’re out on a long ride or suffering in a race is to feel like you’re bundled up in a stiff bulky snowsuit.

• Warmth & Wicking - Despite how thin the fabric is, the jersey is very warm. The front facing parts of the jersey are made of Polartec NeoShell® fabric which is water and wind proof, while the back is a fleece-like Nano Flex Xtra Dry material that wicks sweat really well. I was able to race in this jersey over a light baselayer in mid 30 degrees (F) temps, and down to the mid 20s quite with an added vest. The breathability and wicking is key as often it’s our sweat getting stuck against our bodies that makes us cold when we stop moving.

• Subdued Styling - Castelli has in the past gone pretty loud with its logos and designs, but this piece features much more subtle logos and comes in a couple bright (teal and pink) and a couple “NYC” (black and gray) colorways. It would not look out of place as an off the bike layer.

• Well Made - This piece is just designed and made well. The zippers and seams feel sturdy and the lines and finishes are clean. Pockets are easy to reach and there are 3 full sized ones, even in smaller sizes.

CASTELLI TRASPARENTE 4 JERSEY REVIEW: THE BAD

• At $239.99 retail, it is pretty expensive for a jersey, even a long sleeved one. But, if you think of it additionally as a super versatile, multi-season jacket wind and rain replacement, the price tag makes a lot more sense.

• No zippered pocket for keys or small loose valuables. I definitely worried about my singular airpod getting jostled out of a back pocket, but they' are deep enough and the fabric having just the right amount of elasticity, that things held in place.

CASTELLI TRASPARENTE 4 JERSEY REVIEW: ADD2CART?

While the sticker price definitely caused some initial hesitation, in comparison to other super high end luxe cycling kit on the market and given its versatility, comfort and flattering look, I now believe this piece is a really great value. It’s been my favorite go-to for winter rides, and I expect to be wearing it well into the warmer months. Add2cart endorsed.

ABOUT THE TRASPARENTE 4 JERSEY:

From Castelli: FITS LIKE A JERSEY, PROTECTS LIKE A JACKET
The fabric combinations are closer to those of our Transition Jacket, but the fit and lightness are more reminiscent of a jersey. It's one of those pieces that is hard to classify. The front facing fabric on torso and sleeves is Polartec®'s spectacular NeoShell® fabric that is wind and waterproof while being very breathable and stretchy. The back in Nano Flex Xtra Dry provides water repellency while letting heat escape. You'll certainly use it in conditions where you used to resort to a jacket, but you'll look and feel light and nimble like on a jersey day. The slim cut makes it look like you're just cheating the weather report.

Product Features

• Windproof front on lightweight thermal jersey for cool conditions

• 4 way stretch wind and water proof breathable Polartec® NeoShell® fabric front for lightest-weight wind protection

• Nano Flex Xtra Dry back for ventilation and water repellency

• YKK® Vislon® zipper for easy adjustment while riding

• 3 rear pockets with reflective panel

• 8°-16°C / 46°-60°F

• Weight:268 g

Disclosure: Castelli is one of TBD’s partners and I used my TBD Team discount to purchase this piece. But we wouldn’t recommend a product if we wouldn’t happily pay full retail for it.