Castelli

Sanremo 3.0 Speed Suit - Men's

As much as we love the clean lines of a skinsuit, its wind-cheating properties and muscle revealing cuts, they just aren't practical to wear for races other than timetrials. There are no pockets, save a teeny radio pocket and if you have to relieve yourself mid-ride or race, well, be prepared to moon the passing crowd. Castelli knows your woes and they went to work to create a once-piece skinsuit that features the functionality of a two piece jersey/bib short. The Sanremo 3.0 Speed Suit is the latest version of this innovative concept. 

The Castelli Sanremo 3.0 was constructed from Castelli's Body Paint Lycra and Aero Race 5.0. The Body Paint lycra is essentially a seamless, one-piece construction. Whereas conventional thought is that the more panels a cycling short has the better they fit, Castelli took a step back from this. It engineered a single piece of fabric so that it functions like multiple panels. This was done by variable knit structures within the fabric itself. A seamless short means there is no chafing and it fits like a second skin. Hence the name "body paint." And while Castelli could have extended the Body Paint up to the jersey portion, it chose instead to use its Aero Race 5.0. This fabric is also designed with maximum aerodynamics in mind. In fact, the 5.0 version shows a 12% watt improvement in the wind tunnel which makes it the fastest fabric ever designed by Castelli. It is extremely form-fit, like the Body Paint, but is also breathable to keep your core temperature regulated. And, improved fit keeps the side panels in tension to allow for improved airflow.

Yes, the fabric technology of the Sanremo is impressive. But, it's the cut and design that are actually patented by Castelli. Unlike a traditional skinsuit which features a single piece, Castelli has stitched the Aero Race jersey to the Body Paint shorts. And while this seems odd, it accomplishes several things. First, it allows the rider to unzip the jersey for additional cooling without it becoming a cape, and second, it keeps the three rear pockets, yes you read that correctly, in place, even when full. The design also allowed Castelli to remove the bib straps, which can chafe after hours and hours in the saddle. Finally, and most importantly, it makes the Sanremo Speed Suit the fastest road racing kit in the world. And, if you're worried about having to doff it to answer Mother Nature's call, not to worry; the front of the jersey is not stitched to the shorts. And, yes, Castelli did field tests, and it is fully functional as a way to relieve yourself, even on the bike.

No matter how comfortable the construction of the suit is, without the proper insert, it wouldn't last long in the peloton. Castelli used its Progetto X2 Air chamois in the Sanremo. This multi-density pad features support in the sit bone area where you need it and padding around soft tissue. A perforated layer added to the pad helps to ventilate and keep nether regions cooler by allowing air to flow directly onto the surface fabric. The fabric that sits directly against your skin is four-way stretch, seamless, anti-bacterial layer designed to move with you, reducing any bunching and friction. Finally, perforated viscous inserts were added under the sensitive ischial and perineal pressure areas so that you receive additional protection no matter how many hours you spend in the saddle.

The Castelli Sanremo 3.0 Speed Suit is available in sizes Small to XXX-Large and in White/black/red and Black/lime/white.