Castelli Alpha 150 Cycling Jacket Review

Pros: Soft supple comfort, warmth, versatility with integrated vest, mobility/articulation, windproofing, shirt like feel with jacket protection, breathability, lightweight, bright visible colors (if that is what you are seeking, or more muted if that is your preference), unbeatable style

Cons: Price (though you absolutely get what you pay for), Fit might be a little tricky if you are not built like a World Tour rider.

Features and Tech:

Fit: Tailored

Outer layer made from Castelli’s exclusive 150 g Polartec® AirCore™ electrospun air-permeable membrane that gives industry-leading breathability, yet entirely blocks out the wind, is water resistant and is very soft in feel.

The Polartec® Alpha inner liner vest provides significant insulation at extremely light weight with excellent moisture management.  The sewn in inner vest (not removeable) really is genius, as it is so soft and snug, adding significant, breathable, insulative warmth, yet can be unzipped entirely as the temperatures warm.

Top- and bottom-opening YKK® Vislon® zipper for easy sliding, covered for additional wind and rain protection.

The front zipper has a nice grippy loop that is easy to locate and operate, even with thick gloves and on the fly.

Zippered key/money pocket on front side

The Alpha 150 has a traditional 3 rear pocket design.  The pockets are deep, voluminous and carry gear securely.

There is reflective piping at the bottom of the pockets for added visibility in low light or dark.

The sleeves have an inner and outer cuff that fit snugly around the wrist, interact smoothly with gloves and keep out any drafts.

There is a rubberized strip at the back of the hem that is really grippy and helps prevent the jacket from riding up, as well as around the sides extending to the front zipper for 360 waist grip.

Fit and Style:

Being an Italian brand, I suspected that the Alpha 150 may run on the small side, so I requested a large, one size up from my usual size medium.  I am 5’9” and 140-145lbs, with a very short torso and long arms, so I was glad that I upsized, as I feel that it fits well without being constricting or floppy, with just enough room for layering underneath.  The length is good giving full coverage protecting from drafts and back tire spray, while the arms are sufficiently long for covering the wrists and extending to the upper hand (working very well over or under gloves depending on the glove).  Castelli is at the top when it comes to styling, I would dare say the best looking cycling clothing on the market.  The Alpha 150 is no exception and the orange colorway is particularly sharp.  I prefer brighter colors for maximum visibility and this jacket delivers!  If the orange is too loud for your tastes, it also comes in yellow, black and purple.

Performance:  The Alpha 150 is exceptionally well crafted, using the finest materials, making for the most high performance cycling jacket that I have ever used.  The Polartec AirCore outer layer does a phenomenal job blocking the wind and retaining heat, while maintaining a surprising amount of breathability.  I admit that I have not been able to test in the rain, as A). it has not rained during my test period and B). I just don’t ride in the rain, but holding the sleeve under the faucet seems to ward off the water quite well.  I think the Alpha 150 would hold up in the rain sufficiently if you were to get caught out, but if I were truly dedicated to riding in a wet climate, I would add a full on waterproof shell.  Comfort is off the charts, as the inner vest is so soft and warm, the materials are soft and supple, so much so that this jacket feels more like a long sleeve jersey than it does a jacket.  The fit is excellent (size up a full size) and I like that it stays put without riding up and the cuffs are really smooth and keep the drafts out.  Castelli rates the temp range from 28 – 50 degrees F and I agree with that.  I have ridden in temps in that range with just a long sleeve merino blend baselayer and was comfortable down to around 30 degrees, but any colder and I would add another layer underneath.  Even in temps over 50 and up to 60, it was a touch toasty, but was largely dependent on whether I was climbing or not.  High output climbing, it was definitely too warm, even fully unzipped, but if just cruising the flats at a moderate pace or especially downhills, then I was comfortable.

Conclusions:  The Alpha 150 is the highest quality, most well crafted, best thought out, highest performance cycling jacket I have ever used and I would highly recommend it for any rides in temperatures from ~30-50 degrees F / -1C- 10C , and in colder conditions with more layers, but is of limited utility in temperatures over 50.  For dedicated wet weather riding, I would probably add a waterproof shell.  $420 is a lot of money to spend on a cycling garment, but you are for sure getting the highest quality and performance money can buy.

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Castelli Alpha 150