The Castelli Unlimited Allroad Jersey is designed with a comfortable and relaxed fit rather than an aerodynamic focus. Even though the fit is casual, it is comfortable for extended periods of time and the pockets don't sag or bounce making it one of the best gravel bike clothing options in the Italian brand's range.
- Castelli Unlimited Entrata Jersey review
- Sportful Cliff Supergiara Jersey review
- Assos Mille GTC Jersey C2
Castelli Unlimited Allroad Jersey - Technical details and fit
Although there is no focus on aerodynamics, the Unlimited Allroad is said to have all the performance fabrics found in Castelli race jerseys, which is somewhat different for an Italian brand with a long history of focusing on racing. It does still have many traditional features, including three rear pockets and full frontal zip but also a few extra and alternative ideas.
One neat addition is the zipped rear pocket. I found this to be well placed and a good option for keeping important items such as a key, cards or cash but not big enough for most phones. The front zip is also partially covered, starting around 10cm from the bottom and carrying on to the top. The missing section at the bottom is done to make it easier to zip up and down.
The fabric has a recommended temperature range of 16-35 degrees C. It weighs 148g for a size S. I happily used the fabric below the minimum temperature threshold but considering our typical weather, this shouldn't reduce the number of days it may be worn.
The sizing chart provided by Castelli was accurate, providing a loose fit overall while being close enough to the body in key places to provide some support. The rear is not dropped as you would expect on more road/race-focused fitting jerseys but there is a minimal silicone gripper on the rear to help keep it in place.
The fabric is made especially for Castelli and comes from Borgini, another Italian company. According to the claim, it gives horizontal stretch with less vertical stretch, which is important for the area around the pocket to reduce bounce and sagging. The jersey comes in six colours, most of which are neutral with a few brighter options, and is available in sizes XS to 3XL, fitting chest measurements ranging from 88 to 115 cm (34- to 45in).
Castelli Unlimited Allroad Jersey - Performance
In warmer weather, the loose and comfortable fit kept me cool by allowing plenty of airflow, especially in the arm and neck areas of the sleeves. When it comes to wicking moisture away, the fabric did an excellent job, which could be important if you like riding with a rucksack.
The rear pockets are generously sized, but despite the fit and pocket size, the contents still felt safe and stayed in place. There was enough space to pack a lightweight waterproof, phone, and food for a long day in the saddle.
The area around the waist and chest is a little more fitted than the upper area and arms, and this helped it stay in place and not twist around, which can be a real frustration in looser-fitting jerseys. The zipped pocket was a useful addition, helping to keep valuables safe, and this is one element that does not feature on the Castelli Unlimited Entrata.
The YKK zip is broad, with a little cord acting as a puller to make it easier to find and use. Most of the zip is covered with fabric, perhaps aiming to hide the zip, although I feel it only draws more attention and makes the zip area stand out. The fabric does stay in place almost all the time, with the exception being a stiff breeze from the right, but this doesn’t affect performance at all.
The fit does not have a raised front or dropped rear, but this is only going to be a problem riding in the drops, where the front can bow out a little.
Castelli Unlimited Allroad Jersey – Verdict
The rear zip on the Unlimited Allroad jersey, which costs £115, is the only significant addition over the recently reviewed Entrata and costs £15 more. Although there are some small changes within the fabric, the performance is essentially very similar.
There are plenty of jerseys for less from other brands, such as the GORE Daily, and Vanelli Proline are both less than £80 with similar features. The pricing isn’t at the top end, with several other brands' jerseys exceeding £150, and these usually have a more race-orientated fit, including the 7mesh ashlu and Rapha Pro Team gravel being just a few.
As a more relaxed jersey, but one that still functions as you would hope and expect, the Unlimited Allroad works well, with big pockets, and the addition of a zipped pocket is the main benefit over the Entrata. It is expensive, and this is likely to be the biggest hurdle for many, assuming you are happy with the look of the zip.
Add comment