ALPHA RoS 2 JACKET

First ride in the Alpha 2 RoS today and it did exactly what I’d researched and hoped it would do. Sufficiently warm for a 1C start (with a very thin thermal base layer - I’d say at the limit of comfortable for me), amazingly very breathable when attacking some pretty steep climbs, and warm and wind proof on the descents and long flats. Temp maxed at 5C and the Alpha 2 RoS felt ideal then (maybe slightly warm at very high intensity - to give an idea of its warmth). By comparison my feet were numb all day! Size XL was perfect fit. I’m 84-85 kg ant 178. Not much room if you want to layer up but as described, no real need to. Will be my go-to all winter!

I needed a cycling wardrobe update after having my last Swiss made kit for what must be 15 years. I had never really been 100% happy even though the old kit was expensive when bought. I wanted a jacket for really cold weather and after being immensely impressed with my Perfetto purchase, I bought one of these Alpha RoS in the sales. I was not disappointed. When sub zero it is excellent. I use it up to 5/6 degrees with a Prosecco LS base layer with no problems over heating and it is good down to zero. Sub zero I pair it with a Flanders warm LS base layer and it is good down to -4/5 degrees. I haven't had it colder to see if it works in even colder weather, but I would be happy down to -10 degrees with it. I have read some criticism with the next being a little large. I figure it is so you can wear a neck warmer buff type Thermo head thingy, which I do. I like to ensure a layer around the neck and up to the cap so I use a Pro Thermal Head thingy as a neck warmer and where in a "tight neck" jacket, it may be constrictive, with the Alpha RoS Jacket, it is perfect. I cannot believe how good it is. I paid this price 15 years ago for my old Swiss jacket and the technology used in it is exceptional. I am so happy with my new Castelli kit. When I used to look out at the weather and it looked bad, I had some trepidation, now its like "bring it on". I just ride around with a smug look on my face knowing I am warm and comfortable.

Tolgo una stella solo perchè il colletto da un lato ha la zip più bassa e questo fa si che una volta chiusa la zip la differenza di altezza tra un lato e l'altro del colletto sia ben visibile e faccia difetto.
Stavo quasi per restituire la giacca al negozio online utilizzato per l'acquisto ma poi ho visto che in tutte le foto dei vari colori nel vostro sito la giacca presenta in tuttte le foto lo stesso identico difetto.
Non la restituisco quindi perchè ho capito che tutte le giacce hanno la stessa asimmetria in altezza del colletto ma rimango sorpreso da questo che è un difetto soprattutto estetico ma che non mi aspettavo da una giacca di questo marchio e a questo prezzo.
Non discuto il resto perchè è al TOP di una giacca da ciclismo studiata per temperature bassissime.

I've worn it with thermo base layer from -5°C till 5°C. Below -5°C another layer (long sleeve jersey).

I rode this morning 32F with a sleeveless base layer and sun sleeves, I was warm in fact a bit toasty. I had to unzip at the top after a hour, It breathes very well! Highly recommend this jacket.

Worn this jacket once so far on 28thJanuary 2023 in Northern England. The temperature was 5 degrees with light drizzle and wind, felt more like 2 degrees.
As soon as I put the jacket on it felt warm, I wore a thin base layer underneath and immediately felt the benefit of the built in vest which showed its use when climbing and zipping the outer to dump some heat. It kept me very warm and shed the light drizzle easily. Very high viz in the electric lime colour and I have no doubt this will be my go to deep winter road jacket, far warmer than my Perfetto RoS 2 jacket. The only thing I can find to moan about is that the sleeves are too long and there isn’t a built in pocket for my pump but I’m very impressed overall.
Highly recommended

E' una giacca perfetta, non si potrebbe esigere di più da una giacca da ciclismo per affrontare le fredde pedalate invernali. Anche con temperature sotto lo zero la indosso mettendo una termica a maniche lunghe sotto a parto per la mia pedalata.
Il tessuto gore-tex offre una traspirazione eccezionale che ti permette di rimanere sempre caldo e asciutto. Quando esce il sole o nelle salite più impegnative puoi sempre aprire la zip per prendere un pò d'aria e rimani comunque protetto dal gilet interno.
Super acquisto!

Favolosa

I have used this jacket for two cold, windy and damp New England winters already. Really shines below 40 degrees. Used in weather as cold as 16 degrees with only a jersey and long sleeve base layer. Lots of pockets (including a front zipper pocket) unlike other jackets out there. Fits like other Castelli garments (2 sizes larger than normal stuff). I am 5' 10", 163 lbs and wear an XL in this jacket (maybe they have adjusted the sizing in the past few years)

I can wear this jacket at sub-20⁰F with nothing more than an under armor tee underneath and still be warm.

This jacket is extremely well made and performs as described. I've ridden with it mostly in the mid 30s F up to high 40s F and felt very comfortable. The large vent in the back works well.

I rode today in 22F to 25F weather and it did a great job. I was really amazed at how well my chest felt in strong headwinds. I’m not good in cold weather but this jacket works so well, I’m actually not worried about the cold anymore.

Buy this jacket. Thank me later. :)

It was 19°F with gusty winds @ 25mph. Winter storm Elliott 2022. My base layer was a long sleeve merino wool shirt. I stayed nice and toasty on a 2 hour ride which was a mix of road and trail. This jacket exceeded my expectations for warmth and comfort. It has so much potential with proper layering. Completely cut the wind and cold. I was so impressed I came home and bought their “Estremo” gloves. I hope they perform as well as this jacket did. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this jacket. Road, Gravel, MTB, whatever. My only complaint is that the little zipper tab on the left side broke off on my first ride. Zipper still works, just no tab. But this jacket is so warm I can’t even drop a star because of the zipper thing.

Supremely comfortable and technically brilliant jacket. I’ve worn it in 4C damp weather with only a very thin short sleeve base and it works flawlessly. I was not too hot even at high intensity but I was just warm enough when leaving the house before being “warmed up.” I also own a Perfetto long sleeve but I prefer the Alpha ROS now as I can skip the thicker Flanders base I usually wear with the Perfetto in winter. The Alpha also fits better. The sleeves are a little bit looser but the chest is still tight enough to avoid flapping. Highly recommended. For the record I am 190cm and 87kg and the XL Alpha ROS fits me perfectly.