Castelli Gabba to Sanremo Suit: A Decade of Racing Excellence Tested
The Castelli Gabba has reshaped the scene of cycling apparel since 2010, creating a clear divide between "before Gabba" and "after Gabba" eras. The original design aimed to solve pro cyclists' struggles with loose, ineffective rain jackets, and Castelli made it accessible to more people in 2011. The jacket's legendary status emerged during the brutal 2013 Milan-San Remo race, where about 70% of riders wore it. Many competitors even used black markers to hide rival logos.
The Castelli Gabba jacket's progress continued with several updates, which included long sleeve versions and the improved Gabba RoS 2. Castelli launched the latest Gabba R in April 2024 with thinner, more packable fabric. Wind tunnel tests prove it moves faster than a skinsuit. The Castelli Rosso Corsa Gabba jacket created a new product category called the "jerket" - a hybrid that combines jersey and jacket features for peak performance. The price tag of €249.99 (about £213) keeps it competitive among premium weatherproof options, and serious cyclists still call it essential gear for challenging conditions.
From Rasch’s Prototype to the First Gabba (2010)
The Castelli Gabba jacket's story started on the road with Norwegian rider Gabriel Rasch, not in a design studio. Rasch rode for the Cervélo TestTeam in 2009. He felt frustrated because professional cyclists didn't have good rain protection options. Recreational riders could add layers easily, but racers needed something that wouldn't affect their aerodynamic position or flap around.
Gabriel Rasch's DIY Rain Jacket Concept
Rasch decided to solve the problem himself. He cut the sleeves off a waterproof jacket and paired it with a thermal base layer. His makeshift solution addressed a vital need in professional cycling. Riders needed protection from rain and cold without losing their aerodynamic edge. His teammates noticed this creative solution as they faced the same challenges during unpredictable spring classic races in northern Europe.
The idea was simple yet clever. A form-fitting, water-resistant short sleeve jersey worked perfectly with arm warmers to regulate temperature. This adaptability proved ideal as conditions changed faster during early-season competitions.
Castelli's Early Prototypes and Team Feedback
Castelli's designers saw Rasch's innovative approach and worked with the Cervélo TestTeam to improve the concept. Riders tested prototypes in the worst possible conditions. The team employed Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric that balanced water resistance and breathability perfectly.
Rider feedback shaped the product directly. The team wanted specific features: a dropped tail to protect from spray, a close-fitting collar to keep water out, and minimal pockets to reduce water absorption. Designers created a garment that worked as part of a system with arm warmers instead of a standalone piece.
Why It Was Named 'Gabba'
The name "Gabba" came naturally from the development process. It honored Gabriel "Gabba" Rasch, whose creative thinking started the whole ordeal. Professional cyclists now associate this nickname-turned-product-name with the best bad-weather racing gear.
Castelli's first commercial Gabba release in 2010 changed how people thought about cycling clothing. Traditional garments served one purpose - jerseys for good weather, rain jackets for storms. The Gabba created its own category. It wasn't just a jersey or jacket but something new: a hybrid "jerket" that met racers' needs in challenging conditions.
The 2013 Milan–San Remo: A Turning Point
March 17, 2013 changed everything for the Castelli Gabba. A snowstorm turned into a marketing success story when the Milan-San Remo race plunged into chaos. Race organizers had to stop the competition at the 112km mark due to freezing temperatures, snow blizzards, and dangerous conditions.
Widespread Use by the Peloton
The brutal weather revealed something remarkable - about half the riders wore the Castelli Gabba jacket, many from teams without Castelli sponsorships [1]. Thomas Voeckler bought Gabbas at retail price for his entire Europcar team [2]. Other professionals got their hands on them through backdoor channels. Race winner Gerald Ciolek kept his Gabba on until the very end, just like third-place finisher Fabian Cancellara [2].
Matteo Montaguti battled through dangerous conditions in the day's breakaway. He later said, "From that moment on I never let go of my Gabba" [2]. The jacket proved it worked in extreme conditions, which turned it from a specialty item into must-have gear.
Effect on Public Perception
The Gabba's reputation exploded after this high-profile showcase. Road.cc called the jacket "the other winner of Milan-San Remo" along with Ciolek [2]. What started as a secret among professionals caught everyone's attention. Castelli's sales skyrocketed from around 700 units in its first season to roughly 7,000 after this defining moment [1].
The terrible weather lasted through that spring season. Wet conditions at Gent-Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, and the Giro d'Italia showed off the Gabba's value through extensive TV coverage [1].
Sharpie Pens and Brand Visibility
Riders boldly broke sponsorship deals in a way nobody expected. Black Gabbas appeared throughout the peloton with Castelli logos quickly covered by markers [3]. This amazing product loyalty gave Castelli a rare marketing chance.
Castelli made a brilliant move in 2014. They released the "Gabba Pro Edition" - just like the standard Gabba but packed with a black marker pen. They added a clever tagline: "Pros know you can't race without a real Gabba" [4]. This limited edition playfully nodded to the underground movement that turned a specialized cycling jacket into essential racing gear.
Evolution of the Gabba: From Original to Gabba RoS 2
The Castelli Gabba went through major technical improvements across several generations after it became popular. What started as a niche product grew into a complete family of weather-resistant cycling gear. Each new version built on and improved the original design.
Castelli Gabba Long Sleeve and Perfetto Line
The short-sleeve Gabba's early success led to new products. Castelli launched a long-sleeve Gabba a few years later to help riders stay warm in cold weather. The product line matured and Castelli changed its naming system. The long-sleeve option became the Perfetto (Italian for "perfect"), while the Gabba stayed as the short-sleeve version.
Riders could now pick the right level of protection based on temperature and rain. The Perfetto works just like a long-sleeve Gabba that covers more conditions thanks to its full arm coverage.
Gabba RoS 2: Breathability and Fit Enhancements
Castelli marked the Gabba's 10th anniversary in 2019 by adding the "Rain or Shine" (RoS) label to its weather-resistant collection. This fifth-generation Gabba RoS 2 uses two different Castelli-exclusive GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® fabrics:
- The front, shoulders, and sleeves use warmer, 100% waterproof material
- The back features lighter, more breathable, stretchier fabric
The "2" in the name points to specific upgrades: a YKK® Vislon® zipper that opens both ways, better reflective elements, shoulder seams moved for improved water protection, and bigger pockets for more storage. Riders said earlier models felt too tight, so Castelli made the chest, shoulders, and biceps areas more relaxed.
Castelli Rosso Corsa Gabba Jacket: Race-Ready Features
The newest versions keep the Gabba's racing heritage while adding modern tech. The Castelli Rosso Corsa Gabba jacket stands as their premium racing model. It comes with fully taped seams for complete waterproofing and stretch wrist closures that keep water out.
Today's version offers much better weather protection than the original while keeping its revolutionary breathability. The jacket's performance fit gives riders more room where needed, striking a perfect balance between aerodynamics and comfort. This makes it essential gear for serious cyclists who ride in unpredictable weather.
The New Gabba R: Performance, Fit, and Value
Castelli showed their sixth generation of the legendary foul weather jersey—the Gabba R—in April 2024. This complete redesign takes a different path from earlier versions and puts aerodynamics on par with weather protection.
Wind Tunnel Testing and Aero Gains
The Gabba R makes a bold claim backed by the largest longitudinal study in wind tunnels. The jersey tests about 1% faster than Soudal Quick-Step's Sanremo BTW Speed Suit at speeds between 37-50 km/h in a "normal" road position [5]. The numbers flip in very aggressive positions, where the Gabba R runs just 1% slower than the dedicated speed suit [5].
The short-sleeve Gabba R beats previous models with these improvements:
- 2.5% faster than the Gabba RoS 2 (saving 2-2.5 seconds per kilometer at 40 km/h) [6]
- The long-sleeve version beats the Perfetto RoS 2 by 3.5% [6]
- Performs 4.5% better than traditional rain jackets [6]
Waterproofing vs. Breathability Trade-offs
The Gabba R moves away from total waterproofing to what you might call "functional waterproofness." The jersey's hydrostatic head rating tops 5,000mm [5], which blocks driving rain while letting your skin breathe. Castelli skipped full seam-sealing to keep the jersey's stretch. They only sealed critical areas: shoulders, armholes, and back [6].
Ground Testing in Harsh Conditions
Pro riders reported mixed results—some stayed completely dry, while others saw tiny amounts of water get through [7]. The Gabba R stretches 100% in every direction [5]. This creates a snug fit that maximizes aerodynamics without limiting movement.
The jersey's close fit helps with warmth too. Any sweat stays warmer because it's closer to your body, which means less wind chill than other jackets [5].
Is It Worth the Price?
The Gabba R costs €259.95 for short sleeves and €299.95 for long sleeves [8]. That's not cheap, but think about what you get: top-level aerodynamics, weather protection, and amazing packability (it folds down to orange-size [9]). You might save money since this one piece replaces several others by working as both race gear and weather protection.
Conclusion
The Castelli Gabba ranks among the few pieces of cycling gear that changed the sport forever. Gabriel Rasch's homemade solution transformed how riders deal with bad weather. The iconic 2013 Milan-San Remo race proved its worth when riders broke their sponsor contracts just to wear it.
From the original model to the RoS 2 and now the Gabba R, each version has improved this breakthrough design. The newest model shines with its aerodynamic features and tests faster than specialized skinsuits in some conditions. The €259.95 price tag might raise eyebrows, but it delivers value with its adaptability to different weather conditions.
Riders at all levels have welcomed the Gabba because it fixes a real issue rather than creating an artificial one. Cyclists used to face a tough choice: stay dry but overheat, or stay cool but get wet. That dilemma no longer exists.
The Gabba's biggest achievement in its 10-plus year run might be creating a new gear category. "Jerket" sounds strange, but this concept has become must-have equipment for dedicated cyclists worldwide. Castelli didn't just make better cycling gear—they changed what riders expect from their equipment.
FAQs
Q1. What makes the Castelli Gabba jacket unique in cycling apparel? The Castelli Gabba jacket revolutionized cycling gear by combining the properties of a jersey and a jacket. It offers protection from rain and cold without compromising aerodynamics, addressing a crucial need for professional cyclists racing in unpredictable weather conditions.
Q2. How did the Gabba jacket gain its legendary status? The Gabba jacket became legendary during the 2013 Milan-San Remo race, where about 70% of the peloton wore it despite harsh weather conditions. Many riders even covered competitors' logos with black markers to use the Gabba, showcasing its effectiveness and popularity.
Q3. What improvements does the latest Gabba R offer compared to previous versions? The Gabba R, launched in April 2024, features thinner, more packable fabric that wind tunnel testing shows is faster than a skinsuit. It offers improved aerodynamics, breathability, and a balance between waterproofing and comfort, while maintaining the Gabba's signature weather protection.
Q4. Is the Castelli Gabba jacket worth its premium price? While the Gabba R is priced at €259.95 for the short sleeve version, many consider it worth the investment due to its versatility. It functions as both high-performance race wear and emergency weather protection, potentially replacing multiple garments in a cyclist's wardrobe.
Q5. How has the Castelli Gabba influenced the cycling apparel industry? The Castelli Gabba has created a new product category in cycling apparel, often referred to as a "jerket" (jersey-jacket hybrid). Its success has redefined cyclists' expectations for gear performance, inspiring other brands to develop similar weather-resistant, aerodynamic clothing options.
References
[1] - https://www.rouleur.cc/en-us/blogs/desire-journal/castelli?srsltid=AfmBOorChwNPF7BQbOeuadq26iOUdvICw0DarpTTNxTWDGV5npGP9O9S
[2] - https://saddleback.co.uk/blogs/journal/castelli-gabba-tenth-anniversary?srsltid=AfmBOor-Zefv_L5uaQorkfvS5QTTs4xm9pDVKbcfQGYJHnVlS5_OrRh8
[3] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/castelli-gabba-ros-jersey-review
[4] - https://road.cc/content/news/115253-castelli-launches-gabba-pro-edition-jersey
[5] - https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/gabba-r?srsltid=AfmBOopab2Z_dfQpO_WXn_STHsPhpo6JN4mhrKzqk-FkwNVMMm_8PC-G
[6] - https://www.gravelcyclist.com/bicycle-tech/castelli-introduces-gabba-r-the-sixth-generation-of-the-gabba-takes-foul-weather-protection-to-a-new-level/
[7] - https://bikeboard.cc/eng/castelli-gabba-r-review-th10859
[8] - https://escapecollective.com/review-castelli-gets-racy-with-the-new-gabba-r/
[9] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/castelli-gabba-r-jacket-review
