Castelli Alpha Ros 2 Light Jacket Review

The Castelli Alpha Ros 2 Light is the perfect do it all, year round road cycling jacket from Castelli. It’s designed to be worn in temperatures between seven degrees and fifteen degrees celsius. It offers great protection against wind and rain, using a combination of Gore-tex as well as Castelli’s in house developed materials and fabrics.

Those familiar with Castelli, will recognise the three rear pockets found at the back of this jacket. The three pockets on the Alpha Ros 2 Light jacket have laser cut drainage holes. Other features of the jacket include a front zipped pocket as well as an inside vest. Specification wise, this jacket uses Gore Tex Infinium Windstopper 150 material, which does a fantastic job of keeping the body protected from the elements. As this jacket is designed to be worn in mild temperatures, the back of the jacket has Castelli's own NanoFlex Xtra Dry fabric on the rear of the jacket, to maximise breathability.

The Alpha Ros 2 jacket is an ‘Alpha’ jacket, which means tha it features a two layer design - there is a warming layer on the inside of the jacket, as well as an outer layer which protects the body from the elements. This layering system, on the Alpha Ros 2 Light is a little like wearing a cycling jersey underneath a jacket. In fact, the Alpha Ros 2 light jacket internal layer is made from Castelli’s ProSecco Strada material, which is a Castelli summer jersey material.

Although not completely waterproof, this jacket has enough water resistance to keep riders dry in most weather conditions, and there is also a waterproof phone pocket to protect electronic goods whilst riding. The internal vest of the jacket works really well, allowing the rider to open the jacket should riding conditions or weather conditions require a cool down. There are taped seams across the shoulders, and there are highly effective silicone grippers on the lower back of the jacket.

This jacket fits well, it’s not overly tight and we regularly wear a base layer and jersey underneath this jacket. The fit of the jacket is aerodynamic and fitted in it’s shape - but it remains loose enough to fulfil it’s purpose as a comfortable jacket for all weather conditions.

Overall, this jacket is suitable for all weather conditions - from warm spring afternoons right across to freezing cold mornings, it’s a jacket which works hard for the rider, looks fantastic, is stylish and for most riders, is the only jacket they will ever really need.