Castelli suits Bardelli – including the Alpha 150 Jacket
7/11/2025
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
The Alpha 150 Jacket by Castelli’s designed to allow you to cycle all winter long. According to the manufacturer, it’s best for cold to very cold conditions. I put it through its paces.
How cold is cold or very cold? It was five degrees this morning. Does that fall under cool, fresh or brrrrr? I don’t know. It definitely feels quite wintry to me. According to Wikipedia, «the apparent temperature is the ambient temperature as it’s perceived, which can differ from the measured air temperature due to various factors.»
So, it feels like winter (for biking) in the middle of autumn. And because it can be quite tricky to dress appropriately for riding a road or gravel bike in the colder months, here’s a short guide on the subject.
Layers are the key
Layering’s vital for cycling, whatever the season. But lower temperatures and colder wind chill in autumn and winter make it especially important. The thing is, wind chill (website in German) is the least of your worries if your clothes are flapping about in the wind while you’re riding. Because the cold creeps through the layers and you start to freeze. So, keep your clothes close.
Tight-fitting clothing not only keeps the cold out; it also retains the body heat you generate while cycling.
First layer: base
- Purpose: to remove sweat from the skin
- Material: synthetic or merino wool, no cotton (it absorbs moisture and wet = cold)
Second layer: insulation
- Purpose: to transport heat and moisture outwards
- Material: see above
Third layer: weather protection
- Purpose: to allow moisture to escape completely, but primarily to keep out wind, rain and snow. The key is the membrane – moisture should be able to pass through its pores to the outside, but not in the opposite direction.
- Suitable materials: Gore-Tex, Sympatex, etc.
Castelli Alpha 150 Jacket
Italian cycling apparel manufacturer Castelli recently announced a collaboration with American performance fabric pioneer Polartec. The partnership resulted in Polartec AirCore, a new material that promises phenomenal performance.
Castelli doesn’t spare the superlatives in descriptions of its new Alpha 150 Jacket (third layer) either. They call it the «best jacket for cold and very cold conditions», adding: «We set out to make the ultimate winter riding jacket […] so you can ride all winter long. Comfortably. No excuses.»
Polartec Alpha lining
In my opinion, the best feature of this 350-gramme jacket is its integrated Polartec Alpha lining. It acts like an extra vest, providing insulation while simultaneously wicking away moisture. Castelli delivers on its claim here.
Polartec AirCore membrane
The jacket’s outer layer consists of a breathable, 150-gramme (hence the product name) lightweight Polartec AirCore membrane, designed to ensure breathability and claiming to be «unrivalled in the industry». Castelli’s back at it with the marketing superlatives.
Back at home after a 90-minute ride, my first two layers are quite damp with sweat. But that’s alright, because I only notice when cleaning my bike. I never felt freezing cold in the saddle. But is that unparalleled in the industry? No, because plenty of other manufacturers’ products deliver the same performance – at a significantly lower price.
According to Castelli, the Alpha 150 Jacket’s made from recycled fibres and is PFAS-free. Its stretchy, close-fitting design makes it very comfortable. I hardly notice I’m wearing a winter jacket. However, in heavy rain, I’d opt for a rain jacket.
Additional features
- Top and bottom opening, smooth-gliding zip, covered for extra wind and rain protection
- Key/money pocket with zip front
- Three back pockets
- Reflective pieces on the underside of the pockets
In a nutshell
Castelli’s Alpha 150 Jacket: all that’s missing are the superlatives
I like Castelli products. Not just because the name rhymes with mine so nicely. The quality’s excellent. The Alpha 150 Jacket – which the manufacturer provided for testing – is no exception.
It keeps you warm and dry even in light rain. I especially love the built-in lining and how comfortable it is. However, the price does stop me in my tracks. If you buy it from Castelli, it costs 349 Swiss francs!
Apart from that, Castelli suits Bardelli. Just not his wallet.
Pro
- Integrated Polartec Alpha lining
- Made from recycled fibres and free from PFAS
- Stretchy, close-fitting design that’s extremely comfortable
- Can be unzipped from the top and bottom
Contra
- Horrendous price
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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