Castelli Squadra

The Squadra Stretch outer fabric keeps the wind out on cool weather rides or long descents, while the stretch inserts ensure that the jacket fits close to the body and doesn't flap. Coated ripstop nylon on the front, back and sleeves to keep the wind out. Tightly knitted stretch inserts on the sides and sleeves ensure a perfect fit. High collar to keep out draughts. Reflective trims on the chest and lower back for visibility in low light conditions. This is a modern interpretation of the wind jacket that you keep in your jersey pocket for a long descent or put on for the first hour of riding until it gets warmer. Such jackets used to be a simple affair - a nylon shell - but the lack of elasticity meant it had to be cut rather generously to fit all body shapes, both on the bike and before and after the ride. This completely defined what a wind jacket should be and how it is constructed. Inserts were added to the sides and sleeves in a very stretchy but tight knit material, allowing the jacket to have a modern, close-to-the-body fit for aero gains on any terrain. And it actually traps more heat than a jacket that flaps around. These are kept compact so they take up very little space in a jersey pocket. The stretch panels are treated to repel water, which helps in light mist, but it's not intended as a true rain jacket.