CastelliAlpha RoS Light Jacket - Men's
Item # CST00ND
Alpha RoS Light Jacket
The RoS in Castelli's Alpha RoS Light Jacket stands for Rain or Shine, as in the jacket is wind- and waterproof but also breathes well enough to manage moisture when the clouds part and the sun shines through on a late-November day. Depending on conditions, the jacket is actually well suited to Castellie's suggested temperature range of 46 - 59 degrees Fahrenheit. We don't always trust vendor recs, and we know that seems like an extraordinary claim, but, well, it's an extraordinary jacket. If it's raining and windy, 50 is actually comfortable; if it's a bright winter afternoon, then temperatures in the mid-40s range are fine—though we should disclaim that some of us need a thermal baselayer to push down into the low-40s.
Gore's Windstopper 150 membrane is the key to the jacket's versatility, but Castelli's cycling clothing know-how is why it's ideally suited for serious cold-weather training and racing. Part of that is the inclusion of a rear panel of Castelli's Nano Flex Xtra Dry, a thermal material with a DWR treatment that dumps excess heat, improves breathabillity, and maintains a water-resistant surface across the entire jacket.
The Windstopper layer is separated from a thermal layer across the front panel, so you can unzip the protective shell but leave the thermal layer intact, letting you moderate exposure on long climbs without exposing your bare chest to a frigid, wintery blast. Skiers and alpinists use Windstopper indiscriminately: their goal is to stay warm and dry at all costs. Cyclists' needs, on the other hand, change over the course of a ride depending on intensity, climbing, descending, etc., so we need the protection to change with us in real time. The Alpha solves that problem.
- Castelli's most versatile jacket for training and racing
- Windstopper 150 membrane blocks wind and water without stifling
- Rear thermal panel breathes but keeps rain at bay
- Separate thermal mid-layer provides targeted warmth
- Race fit eliminates flapping material during tempo base miles
- Raw-cut hem and cuffs reduce bulk and maintain coverage
- Offset zipper enables single-handed use, reduces zipper overlap
- Born near the Dolomites, Castelli knows the needs of cyclists in winter
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What do you think about this product?
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April 30, 2020
Great addition to the wardrobe
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
Worth the price tag if you plan to ride throughout the year. I prefer to size up twice in Castelli as they run small and i have a long torso and brought a XL, for a fitted feel L works better. I've used between 35°F - 45° F in light rain and a breeze. Perfectly dry and warm, I'd recommend a base layer below 35 as the thermal insert covers the chest not arms. The collar and cuffs were great in blocking wind and rain.
Mark S.
April 17, 2020
perfect for early season rides
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- Large
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 150 lbs
it was an expensive up front cost, but i have found it to be all the layers i need between ~2° C (35° F) and ~10° C (50° F). toward the higher end of that temperature range over a multi-hour ride, i tend to get a bit hot. but i can un-zipper the outer layer and i'm good. i don't feel the wind at all. i also got caught in the rain once and the gortex kept me completely dry. i also like that i'm impossible to miss wearing the bright orange. i still can't get used the zippers on the left, but not a big deal. my chest/waist measurement from the size guide is more in line with a Medium but i sized up 1 size here and it fits perfectly.
Jon P.
March 12, 2020
Good Jacket for cold days
- Size Bought
- S
- Height
- 5` 6"
- Weight
- 130 lbs
This is a great jacket for colder days, however above 58~ degrees, it tends to get hot/sweaty. The ventilation in the arms is not great, as the fabric doesn't breathe well but the torso is excellent. It's a bulky jacket so unless your rear pockets are on the larger side, don't expect to roll it up and tuck it away. Things I love about this jacket, - the tapered elastic band around the armholes which ensures cold air doesn't enter. - the extra fabric on the back of the neck - the large zipper on the outer shell which makes zipping down jacket while riding w/ gloves easy - the breathable inner vest made of a mesh fabric - zipper on the front for cash and cards, nice accessibility - three jersey pockets in the rear Things that could be improved on. - large zipper on the inside vest. Sometimes difficult to unzip when wearing gloves since you can't feel it with gloves on. (it's a standard slender zipper.) - better ventilation in the arms All in all, i purchased this jacket on sale, and I am very pleased with my purchase. I recommend this jacket for riding in 40-58 degree weather. If you're riding in a climate where you average 60 degrees, you're probably better with nice vest and warmers
Chammad
November 20, 2019
PERFECT
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 5` 9"
- Weight
- 175 lbs
What can I say this is perfection!
Rickey G.
November 10, 2019
PERFECT FIT!!
Worth every penny.
David A
November 10, 2019
AWESOME Light Jacket...
- Fit:
- True to size
The size is perfect. Castelli size works for me every time. The functionality, fit, quality and style are all present. Super comfortable and fits how it should for a cyclist. I even plan to wear this casually ;) as you might see.
David A
October 23, 2019
Great jacket
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit:
- True to size
This is a great jacket for a range of conditions. My last 4-hour ride started at a chilly 48 and the temperature crept up to 60 by the end of it. I was comfortable throughout; not hot and not cold. The fit is tight, as with all Castelli products but it fits my 6’4” swimmer’s frame well in XL, especially when you are leaned forward on the bike.
Vidvuds O.
October 21, 2019
nice jacket for the cooler days
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XL
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 165 lbs
great jacket for the cooler wet days. I use this into the high 30's low 40's +/- a base layer. runs a size small. on the really cold days I use the regular alpha ROS jacket with the insulation. both are nice pieces of gear and both run small! by comparison I wear a L in rapha and a medium in the showers pass gear. this is a euro cut for sure.
James C.
October 1, 2019
SUPER SMALL-REALLY REALLY SMALL
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Fit:
- Runs small
- Size Bought
- XXL
- Height
- 6` 0"
- Weight
- 195 lbs
Love the style, material, but way way way too small. I normally wear L in jacket, XL shirt, bought XXL. Sleeves small and will barely zipped. Does not come in 3XL, but I don't even know if that would fit comfortably. It's going back...
Chris B.
September 28, 2019
Great Jacket
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Wore this jacket over a long sleeve Prologo V (size L) jersey on a 46 degree sunny and windy morning on a high intensity ride. I was warm when I started and stayed cool enough the whole ride. The temp was 57 when the ride finished. Well cut to fit me. I’m 5’10 167lbs and would highly recommend this jacket. Jacket size XL.
Jon S.
April 9, 2019
New Favorite
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I know, it's not cheap, but just go buy it and thank me later. I can't find a better piece of cold riding gear -- Castelli got it right. I've rode in light sprinkles into the mid 30s, plus windy, 50+ deg temps. Folks, this thing works and is comfy too -- 100% wind/water protection. Above 50F, I ride w/ the outer zipper open, and it's perfect as you heat up. Think ski jacket pit zips, only much better functionality. Sizing is typical Castelli -- runs small for my non-Euro sized American bod. I can squeeze my 34 in waist and 42 in chest into an 2XL, but I went w/ 3XL so I could get a base layer in there and keep blood circulating. As usual, sleeves are a bit long (all brands).
Lee D.
March 4, 2019
What a Jacket!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- Runs small
I wanted visibility when riding in light rain and mountain biking, I need sunglasses when wearing my orange Alpha Ros! I had tried the Perfetto long sleeve jersey and found my arms and back got cold from sweat that did not evaporate. With more Nanoflex on the sleeves and back, the Alpha Ros is perfect. The front is much more wind resistant than my old Ibex cycling jacket. I don't like the second zippered internal vest, but I can wear it with a light wool long sleeve undershirt and long sleeve wool jersey down to 32 deg F. It is quite tight, even in XXL for my 36
cbratina
November 1, 2018
Fantastic
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Small
- Height
- 6` 2"
- Weight
- 155 lbs
This is such a great jacket. It is a very nice technical piece. I personally ride it down to 35 degrees here in the West. It works well with just a baselayer. You really can't go wrong with it. I highly recommend this piece of clothing for the fall and winter days.
Clayton Otto
mark T.
December 13, 2018
So your 6’-2” and bought a small? Really? Were you born with alligator arms?