The life of a DealCatcher is not easy. Like a deep-sea fisherman, the journey to find retail sustenance for you - our esteemed readers - is rough and unpredictable.

Within the DealCatching trade there are peaks and troughs, sometimes we'll find the most beautiful bicycles at bargain prices, other times we'll come up short and only muster a 2010 edition saddle reduced by 50p. But here at road.cc we're diligent, and we never return home from our internet-faring deal fishing trips without prize catches to offer you.

Today's no different. Two whopping bike deals from Raleigh and Specialized, Castelli's fantastic Entrata jersey at a 43% discount, more Fizik bar tape than you can wave a handlebar at, and an incredible sportive nutrition bundle from the guys at Science in Sport.

Chain Reaction Cycles

25% off Raleigh Militis Elite Road Bike 2015
WAS £999.99 | NOW £749.99

Packing a great set of RSP AC3.0 wheels, the Raleigh Militis ticks a number of boxes if you're looking for a racer that'll do the business while looking the business for a decent price.

A stiff, light frame delivers fantastic acceleration, and the SRAM S150 chainset means that at under £750 you'd struggle to go wrong.

Cycle Surgery

20% off Specialized Dolce 2015 women’s road bike
WAS £600 | NOW £480

The aluminium-framed 2015 Specialized Dolce will get you over the hills on your weekend rides, to work's door safely on your commutes, it'll even stretch to a long distance day in the saddle - all in comfort and style.

The Dolce runs Shimano's Clarice groupset, and a pair of AXIS classic wheels.

Wheelies

43% off Castelli Entrata FZ Short Sleeve Jersey
WAS £70 | NOW £39.99

Securing a solid 8/10 when we reviewed it back in May 2014, the Castelli Entrata - in our tester James Whateley's words - is a "comfortable, simple, high quality jersey that ticks all the boxes for pleasant summer riding."

What are you waiting for?

Hargroves

30% off Fi:zi:k performance bar tape
WAS £15.99 | NOW £11.19

Bar tape gets fairly old fairly quickly, especially when you're riding through the wet in the UK, and the tragedy of it is, so many of us don't even think to change our tape.

Well, why not take this as an opportunity to change that up? Is it time to feel the new tape under your fingers, Appreciate the added cushioning with every bump and pothole, or style-up your bike with a dashing new colour?

We think so. Pink all round?

Science in Sport

50% off the Sportive Pack nutrition bundle
WAS £31.99 | NOW £15.99

Finally, Science in Sport are back with their final round of Tour de France discounts, as their bundle offer comes to an end.

There are still some incredible bargains going, including this Sportive Pack, which covers everything you could possibly need - nutrition wise - for your weekend's excursion.

Castelli's Gabba waterproof jersey needs little introduction. Since it came out in 2010, it has taken the pro peloton, and non-fairweather cyclists by storm. And that's fair enough really, who wouldn't want to make their bad weather riding a bit more comfortable?

A quick recap: The Gabba is made from Gore X-lite plus, a lightweight windproof fabric with water-repellent properties. It's designed by and for pros, so the fit is tight and racy. It has a storm-flap at the rear to protect the rider from wheel spray.

Buy Castelli Gabba 2 jersey
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We're on the new and improved version now, imaginatively called Gabba 2. The biggest difference, and improvement, is the introduction of a wind flap for the full-length zip, keeping more wind and rain out than the previous version. The eyelets in the rear pockets have been replaced with mesh fabric at the bottom of the pockets for better drainage.

Other features have remained the same: the aero fit, reflective piping on the three pockets, full-length zip, high collar and gripper hem.

I guess by now it'll be clear that pros like this one for racing in foul conditions, but where does it fit in for those not racing? I like wearing it in any weather that doesn't involve sunshine: any combination of cloudy, windy and rainy. Even though it won't keep you dry in anything more than a shower, it will still keep you warm by virtue of it keeping the wind out. That collar is great at keeping you snug, and the storm flap keeps off the worst of the grime thrown at you from your rear wheel.

For me, it's best worn with a baselayer – the windproof material isn't the nicest next to skin. When it's a bit colder, it works well with windproof armwarmers, like Castelli's Nano Flex ones. Temperature range is a tricky one as it depends on wind and rain, but I'd say from about 8 degrees up.

Last time we reviewed the Gabba, in 2011, there was nothing like it on the market. Mat predicted that other manufacturers would be trying to copy it. That they have, in droves: Nalini, Gore, Endura and stolen Goat are among the brands that have a windproof jersey in their range.

Of these, I've only used (and reviewed) the Nalini, which is more towards the waterproof jacket end. Of the two, I prefer the Gabba. Jez has both a Gabba and a Stolen Goat Orkaan (which he reviewed), and reckons the latter out-Gabbas the former.

All I can say is that the Gabba 2 is a cracking all weather jersey, and I recommend to anyone riding in bad weather, even if it costs a fair bit.

The Gabba's claimed weight is 260 grams, though the size Large I tested weighs 304 grams on my scales. It's available in sizes Small to Triple XL, in black, red, yellow, green and blue, and is also available in a women's version.

Verdict

Still a cracker, even if it's not cheap

With the start of another autumnal week, the road.cc DealCatcher brings you another set of fantastic cycling deals, this time from Wiggle, Cycle Surgery, and Science in Sport.

Starting the set off is a mudguarded and disc breaked-up bargain from those chaps over at Charge, who, in conjunction with Wiggle, have knocked 40% off of their winter-in-the-city ready Grater 2 bike.

Aside from bargain bikes, we’re bringing you a half price long-sleeved Castelli Puro Jersey straight from the clinical deal mongers over at Cycle Surgery.

Closing off this round of deals are the nutrition nerds over at Science in Sport. SiS are celebrating their relationship with Team Wiggins, who are about to enter their first season as a fully fledged pro cycling outfit, by knocking some 50% off their Wiggins Bundle, their Strength and Endurance Bundles and more.

Wiggle

40% off Charge Grater 2
WAS £599.99 | NOW £359.99

Slapped with a mid-£300 price tag, this bargain Charge will see you through the winter months with cash to spare.

If you’re after an urban run-around or a winter commuter so your favourite steed isn’t obliterated by the brutal British winter, you’ll do a lot worse than the Grater 2, especially for this price.

The Charge Grater 2 has everything you could need in an around rown run-around. Mudguards, lightweight aluminium frame, puncture resistant Kenda Kwick tires, a Shimano Sora/Deore 9 groupset, and a set of mechanical Pro-Max disc brakes, will ensure you're reliably safe and comfortable on the city streets.

Cycle Surgery

50% off Castelli Puro Jersey
WAS £113.99 | NOW £56.99

The weather’s certainly turning, and I’m sure your lightweight short sleeved jerseys are slowly finding their way to the bottom of your riding clothes pile, ours certainly are.

If, in the process of fishing out your winter gear, you’ve discovered that you’re a little short on long sleeved jerseys, look no further than this number from Castelli.

The Puro Jersey features thermal fabric on the body to protect against those biting winds, newly developed stretch fabric which is warmer than standard elasticated fabric, which allows fantastic range of movement as well as fantastic insulation.

Finally, the full length zip, silicone waist gripper, reflective details and 3 rear pockets give this jacket fantastic adaptability to all conditions.

Science in Sport

50% off WIGGINS Bundle + other bundles
WAS £59.99 | NOW £29.99

Do you know which SiS product is Bradley Wiggins’ favourite. We didn’t until SiS smashed half of the asking price off of the bundle which bears the champion’s name.

GO Isotonic Energy Gels is the answer to that question, and this bundle packs a bunch of them. Plus some Rapid Recovery powder and an SiS 800ml Pro Yellow Bottle - all of the flavours are berry, which we can only assume is another choice made by Sir Wiggo himself.

That’s not all that’s on offer for this price. If you follow this link, you’ll come across a load of other bundles that have been discounted by 50% by the SiS guys. A Strength Bundle, and an Endurance Bundle also feature; so no matter what kind of training you’re after, there’ll be something for you.

The Castelli Donna Velo W jacket is a very lightweight bit of kit. Weighing in at 89g and packing up to the size of a fist, it is portable and practical. It protects against the elements, to an extent, and offers a good additional layer of warmth on cooler days.

Made from lightweight Forcefield micro ripstop fabric, the weight is one of the first things you notice about this jacket. The fabric is claimed to be water repellent, and this theory was well tested. Water rolled off when there was a light shower and it stood up well when I held it under the tap for a better test. It only got wet through after about 30 seconds of constant hard water hitting it. Considering it isn't waterproof, it holds up to a decent shower. And the lightweight fabric dries in no time too.

Find your nearest dealer here

Buy this online here

The shape is a race fit, which we expect from Castelli, so there is no annoying flapping around in the wind. It has a dropped tail to prevent any soggy rear ends as well, which is always a bonus. The Castelli logo is reflective, though it's quite minimal, and that is something it's lacking.

It is a very breathable fabric, which is brilliant. It can be used throughout autumn as something that will sit in your pocket, ready to come out if it gets a bit chilly or a shower starts. There's a mesh vent in the neck, which cleverly doubles as a stuff pocket for the jacket. You just stuff it into itself, making it easy to pack away quickly.

The fact that it's windproof is another tick in the box. It isn't getting any warmer out there, so you might actually use it a little bit more over autumn and spring than summer, which would help justify the price. It does genuinely add a lovely extra layer of warmth. I am not quite in the merino yet (Scotland), so paired it with a jersey and it made a big difference.

The price is on the high side for a windproof jacket, though shop around and you can get it up to £20 cheaper than rrp, but it is very well made, a great fit and something you can always carry with you 'just in case'. Probably better suited to the more frequent cyclist than the occasional bike user, to get your money's worth.

The only downside is the lack of storage, because it has none. But unless you go out without a jersey on, you will have other pockets so this isn't really an issue overall.

There is also a gilet version, if you don't want the full jacket.

Verdict

A packable, portable, windproof, fairly water-resistant jacket that packs a punch

The four-season cyclist can never have too many gloves, each pair covering a certain makeup of conditions. The Chiro 3 from Italian brand Castelli are perfect for this autumnal time of year thanks to their small bulk and windproofing properties keeping the mid-morning chills at bay. They are pricey, though.

They cost 60 quid! That's a lot of money for a pair of gloves, so they need to be pretty special to justify the price. Admittedly, there is a lot to like.

Find your nearest dealer here

Buy these online here

Holding them up, you can see they have a definite cut, shaped for your hands. All the fingers have a gentle curve to them and the thumb points directly down in front of the index finger in the same way as your own does naturally. All this makes a difference once you put them on, because all the material is in the right place so you don't get any bunching or creasing under the knuckles for example.

The cuff runs nicely up the wrist and it's a snug fit, though it could be tighter with a bit more elastane added to the mix. This would make them a little easier to get on as well as you do hear the odd seam being stretched past its comfort point at times. The hardwearing palm does extend up the wrist into a small tab to aid pulling the gloves on.

There isn't a whole lot of padding but it was never an issue for me as I tend to ride most of the summer bare handed anyway, but if you suffer from pressure on your ulnar nerve, for example, it might be worth thinking about whether the Chiros are for you.

You get some reinforcing around the thumb and index finger, positioned perfectly for those long, steady miles resting on the hoods. You also get a towelling snot/sweat wipe on the rear of the thumb panel.

Castelli claims a temperature range of 5-14°C and I'd say that was about right for me. Thanks to the Gore Windstopper fabric your hands certainly stay warm.

The only issue I had was with the liner which sits inside the glove. If your hands are sweaty, no matter how hard you try not to you will always drag it out with your hand when taking the Chiros off. Mid-ride this is irritating as it's a nightmare to get it back in position – not ideal if the temperature is low and your damp hands are getting cold quickly. And the fact that the Castellis wouldn't work with my smartphone screen meant taking them on and off was quite a common thing.

I was testing the large size (they come in XS-2XL) and the fit was pretty spot on all-round. My fingers are on the short and chunky side, though, so if you have long, slender digits you'll probably need to go up a size for length.

>> Check out our guide to the best winter gloves here

The finishing looks tidy and pretty robust, though I'll be interested to see how long the stitching in the high wear areas lasts throughout the winter – there is a lot of it running across the palm.

Overall, I like the Chiro 3s for their looks and fit, plus the fact that they are still quite slender in their design, so you maintain most of the dexterity you have sans gloves. Warmth levels are good for mild winter and early/late season days, so you should get a good deal of wear out of them. At rrp they are a bit pricey, though I have found them online at a couple of places for 40 quid (in limited sizes), which I think is a bit more on the money.

Verdict

Smart looking, warm and comfortable gloves but they can't quite justify their price

Bang at the top of its range of jerseys (and priced accordingly), Castelli's Alpha Wind Jersey FZ (full zip) is designed to allow you to extend the pleasure of being able to ride in just a thermal jersey to about 10 degrees colder. It has an unusual double-front design and works really well when used over a suitable baselayer, giving adjustable protection to your torso where you need it. A baselayer is key, though – without it I found that my arms got cold.

As well as being chock-full of tech fabrics and the sort of quality detailing that, frankly, you'd expect at this sort of price, the unique selling point of the Alpha Wind Jersey (unique, that is, if we're not counting a couple of other Castelli jackets with a similar construction) is the double front.

Find your nearest dealer here

Buy this online here

There are two separate layers across the front of the torso, each with its own zip. The outer, like most of the rest of the jersey, is made from a lightweight Windstopper 150, a water-resistant, windproof fabric from Gore. It's thinner and less insulating than the Windstopper X-Light Plus used in a Castelli Gabba, so to keep your core warm there's an inner layer made of Prosecco Stratus. On cold days you'd have both layers zipped up, but the idea is that if you're running too warm you can lower the zip on the outer to let some heat out while retaining the protection of the inner.

The double layer only covers the front, with the rest of the jersey more conventional in design. The back is made of a material called Nanowarm, fleeced on the inside with a nanotechnology rain protection panel on the outside. This panel is highly breathable, as your back doesn't generally need as much wind protection. A single layer of Windstopper 150 fabric is used for the arms.

Just like the Gabba, when it's cold the Alpha Wind is much more comfortable with a baselayer. Castelli says it's suitable for use between 8 and 15°C, which more or less matches my experience. Towards the upper end I was okay without a baselayer, but anywhere from about 11°C downwards I definitely needed one. I have other winter jerseys I can wear in colder conditions without needing a baselayer, so I think Castelli has missed the mark with its claims of this being a thermal top you can wear in colder conditions than other winter jerseys.

The shoulders and sleeves are where I found a baselayer was most needed. Lacking a fleecy inner surface, the Windstopper 150 doesn't feel especially cosy against the skin, especially if you're chilly. Stick a decent baselayer underneath and it's very comfortable, offering an effective barrier to the wind.

There's reasonable water-resistance too, thanks to a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating. I wore it for an hour in steady rain, after which my core was pretty dry thanks to the extra layer on the front, although the rain had made its way through the single-layer sleeves and wetted the baselayer I was wearing underneath.

Let's compare the Alpha to the long-sleeve Gabba, then, as they're priced similarly. I found the double-layer front section on the Alpha warmer than that on a Gabba, whereas the sleeves here offer less protection. I have both in a large size, and the cut is quite different. The Gabba was conceived by racers and has a real racer's cut with zero flapping around at speed. It's not restrictively tight but it sits closely and aerodynamically against the skin. The Alpha is fitted, but noticeably less close to the skin and more accommodating of a variety of body shapes. It feels less speed-focused than a Gabba.

While the Gabba would be my preferred choice for racing, I really like some of the details here. The collar is just lovely; made in two sections of soft and cosy fabric, it does a great job of keeping the chilly air outside without ever feeling constrictive. It's about the most comfortable I've found on a winter jersey. The sleeves are a good length, too, with very comfortable stretchy cuffs – no draughts here.

>> Check out our guide to winter cycling jerseys here

Around the back there are the regulation three pockets, plus a cute little key pocket with a stretchy flap across the top instead of a zip. Below the pockets, the dropped rear section of the jersey is really stretchy with a large silicone Castelli logo print on the inside. It clings to your hips, doing a cracking job of keeping the bottom of the jersey in place, even with the pockets loaded. Oddly, there are no reflectives at all. Generally Castelli does a decent job with well-placed reflectives so this is a surprising omission.

There's a further pocket at the front, with a water-resistant zip. It's big enough for a phone or for a couple of gels, and is a bit easier to reach than the ones around the back.

This, then, is a really well-made jersey for riding in the cooler months. The double-front design is a novel idea. Sure, you could achieve a similar flexibility with a gilet, but here it's all in one garment. It's not really a racer's top, as it's more generously cut and with less of a focus on aerodynamics. It's also not really a super-warm thermal jersey, which is how I'd have interpreted Castelli's claims for it. Don't write it off, though. Suitably layered-up for the prevailing conditions, it's a real pleasure to wear. It is Castelli's most expensive jersey, and if you're spending that sort of money, you'll be expecting a lot. It doesn't disappoint – the detailing is as good as any jersey I've used and the Windstopper fabric offers great protection for something fairly lightweight.

Verdict

Not the super-warm top Castelli says it is, but a great outer layer when you don't quite need a jacket

Seeing as the rain is holding off, here are a few deals that'll keep you warm in the drier conditions over the next few weeks - including a 13-hour Science in Sport flash sale!

On top of the three smashing deals that the DealCatcher has for you today, he's also spotted a flash sale over at Science in Sport. The deals end at midnight tonight and the stock on offer is limited, so hurry!

Leading the way on the other deals is a road.cc special third-off of this year's Giant Defy Advanced 3 from the guys over at BuyaBike.

Following that there's 20% off a superb pair of bib tights from Castelli, and an unbelievably cheap pair of overshoes from Decathlon to finish us off.

Science in Sport

An extra 20% off of clearance items with code CL20

You better be quick with this one. Not only do you have very limited time, there's very limited stock too - according to the guys over at Science in Sport.

The sale covers a bunch of their best selling clearance items. So, here's your chance to fill any gaps in your nutrition cupboard.

There are six categories of product on sale here: bars of the protein and energy variety, a mixed gel bundle,  two flavours of 500g tubs of energy drink mix, two 18-packs of 50g energy sachets,  two 18-packs of 40g electrolyte sachets, and a 500g tub of carb loading drink.

BuyaBike

30% off Giant Defy Advanced 3 2015 Road Bike
WAS £1199.00 | NOW £850.00

The Giant Defy Advanced will bring comfort, performance, and reliability to your bike rides in a way few sub-£1000 bikes can.

Obviously, it's the road.cc special discount from BuyaBike that puts the Defy 3 into this price category, but that's no reason to overlook its value.

For your money you'll be getting a Shimano Tiagra-fitted road bike, TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes, all hung on a fantastic entry-level carbon composite frame with beautifully comfortable geometry for those all-day rides.

Chain Reaction Cycles

20% off Castelli Sorpasso Bib Tights
WAS £140.00 | NOW £111.49

It's getting cold, we've established that.

If you want to be comfortable, not only on your bike, but in your day-to-day life over the next few months, you're going to need to protect your knees from the cold.

You've got a couple of options, but a number of us here at road.cc prefer bib tights to knee warmers.

We reviewed the extra thermal wind stopping Sorpasso bib tights in February last year. Our reviewer Stu Kerton's major reservation was the bib tight's lack of tummy protection.

These don't appear to suffer from the same restrictions. Snap 'em up if you're feeling chilly.

- Read more: Castelli Sorpasso Wind bib tights review

Decathlon

69% off B'Twin Lycra Cycling Overshoes
WAS £12.99 | NOW £3.99

Here are another option if you're feeling chilly at the moment.

We've covered significantly more expensive overshoes over the last couple of weeks in our DealCatcher articles. Sure, they offer some heavy-duty protection for when the weather gets really really miserable, but they're always more expensive than these Lycra overshoes from B'Twin.

For just under £4, you're getting an extra layer of wind and splatter protection, plus an extra layer of insulation.

So, here you go, cut down on your washing time and your toe defrosting time for £3.99. No brainer, right?

The Castelli Alpha is a very good windproof jacket that offers plenty of temperature regulation thanks to a clever design feature.

What is this 'clever design feature' of which I speak? Castelli has separated the insulation layer and the windproof layer at the front of the jacket.

Find your nearest dealer here

Buy this online here

The outer layer is windproof. Open it up and you reveal an inner layer that isn't windproof, it's made from a fleecy polyester/elastane. If you're still too hot you can open up this inner layer too and really let the cool air in.

The outer layer is made from Windstopper 150 which, as you'd expect from a Windstopper fabric, blocks cold air out completely. It's also highly water resistant. The Alpha isn't waterproof but it will keep you dry on those drizzly days that the UK does so well, and road spray just beads up on the surface and rolls off. Proper rain will gradually get through, first at the untaped seams around the shoulders and the fleecy neck, so you'll need to carry an outer shell if the forecast is looking really wet.

The inner layer, which extends across the front and down the tops of the sleeves, adds a lot of warmth, and much of the collar is fleece-lined.

The bottom of the body section and the cuffs are another fabric again. It's a really stretchy, raw-edged polyamide/elastane that is low bulk and fits closely.

All of the other fabrics are stretchy too, including the Windstopper 150, so the slim fit doesn't feel tight whatever position you're riding in.

Castelli gives the Alpha a temperature range of 0°C up to 12°C, and I'd say that's about right. Personally, I'd have to add a mid-layer for those lower temperatures, although I run cold. Maybe you'd manage with the jacket over just a baselayer.

Castelli's idea of keeping the windproof layer and the insulation layer separate works well to keep you ventilated, and a yoke vent improves breathability around the back. It's particularly impressive if you encounter a range of temperatures over a long ride or, more likely, your body temperature varies as you tackle different types of terrain, so you can stay comfortable whether you're climbing, descending, or riding on the flat.

What's the advantage over simply wearing a windproof jacket over a jersey? Well, the fact that the two layers are connected, along with the close fit, means there's very little flapping or billowing when you open the outer zip.

>> Check out our guide to finding the best winter cycling jacket here

The Alpha comes with three big pockets at the rear, elasticated binding around the tops helping to keep your stuff safely inside. There's a zipped pocket back there too for your phone, cash or keys.

You also get a little zipped pocket at the front, although I never got into the habit of using it. I just prefer to keep everything around the back where it's out of the way.

The YKK front zip on the outer layer comes with a storm flap over the front and an easy-to-grab puller, although the zip puller on the inner is a bit more fiddly if you're wearing thick gloves. Still, you're far less likely to want to adjust that one.

Verdict

Exceptionally good jacket that'll keep you comfortable across a range of temperatures

Castelli's Flanders Warm LS Thermal Base Layer (quite a mouthful, but there are a fair few Flanders in the range) is designed for keeping you warm during cooler weather, and focuses on keeping you sweat free. It works fantastically well at wicking and is very comfortable, but it's also pretty pricey.

The polyester material on the main body of the baselayer certainly felt great when pulling it on, as did the more mesh-like material under the armpits and the insides of the arms. Similarly, the flatlock stitching adds to the comfortable feeling of the garment.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

The fabric of the arms is slightly elasticated, which manages to avoid the baggy feeling you can get with this type of under layer. Castelli has done well to make a fabric that feels very like merino while maintaining the close fit that it's famous/notorious for. Saying that, sizing comes up well – you can go for your usual, not a size or two larger as with some Italian designs. 

I wore the baselayer predominantly with another Castelli product I had on test, its rather good SanRemo Thermosuit (review to come). The two make a great pair, but I found it also works really well with pretty much any long-sleeved jersey or jacket.

The Flanders really comes into its own on rides where you're working hard – and sweating hard as a result. Its wicking properties are really good, and considerably better than some other brands I've tried.

For me, and many others I expect, price is the big downside. Sixty quid is just too much for what is a fairly simple garment. I've had some really good jerseys on test that are considerably more versatile than a baselayer, while also being considerably cheaper. As such, I can hardly rate the Flanders LS as good value.

> Which baselayer should you buy? Read our guide here

It is a very good garment – it works fantastically well on rides where you sweat a lot in the cold, and the comfort is great, but that still doesn't really justify such a high price tag.

Verdict

Very good baselayer for days where you're working hard, but also overpriced

The DealCatcher's got some smashing cycling bargains for you all this afternoon! With over 50% off a Kona Zone One, and a set of CatEye lights and a computer we've got potential Christmas gifts galore for you!

A Castelli Gabba 2 short sleeved rain and wind jersey completes the set of three cycling deals in today's deal collection, and if you're after a little more protection from the elements, you really can't do much better.

Without any further ado, let's let the deals loose!

Wiggle

50% off Kona Zone One 2015 road bike
WAS £2599.00 | NOW £1299.50

Here you have a solid deal in the mid-range endurance bike carbon fibre market.

Running a Shimano 105 groupset, the Zone One will see you sail over hills for miles and miles and miles.

The tapered head tube and carbon fork give the bike's handling a boost, while the frame, which weighs in at under 1kg, also helps.

Evans Cycles

32% off Castelli Gabba 2 Short Sleeve Wind/Rain Jersey
WAS £139.99 | NOW £94.99

Castelli's Gabba jersey entered into legend when it became clear that pros were forgoing their brand commitments to wear Castelli's element proof jersey - with covered-up logos - because it performed significantly better.

The Gabba 2 is the upgrade to the jersey that made waves in the pro peloton, and it performs incredibly well.

So much so we gave it a 9/10 when we reviewed it back in September.

Here, read our review:

- Read more: road.cc's Castelli Gabba 2 review

Hargroves Cycles

56% off Cateye Light and Velo 7 Computer set
WAS £49.99 | NOW £21.99

Finally, grab an incredible bundle deal from the guys over at Hargroves Cycles.

You'd do well to find a bundle that includes a full bicycle's worth of lights, and a basic computer for just over £20.

The Velo 7 computer will give you speed, distance, and time data directly while you're riding, in your cockpit.

Quite the bargain, really.

When the weather turns a chilly — or starts to emerge from the frigid depths of winter — arm and leg warmers are a useful weapon in your bad-weather armoury.

Arm warmers can extend the time of the year when you can ear your favourite jersey, or add extra insulation under a jacket if your arms feel the chill. When the weather’s cool but not frigid, leg warmers can keep warm the bits of your legs that aren’t working hard while your thighs keep themselves plenty warm enough in shorts.

That’s especially useful on autumn and spring days that start cold and warm up. When conditions improve you can peel off arm and leg warmers and stuff them in your bag or pockets. Bringing that versatility to your outfit makes arm and leg warmers an essential part of your cycling wardrobe.

Fabrics

Arm and leg warmers are usually made of some sort of insulating fabric that’s thicker than the usual Lycra or jersey material. The most common is a fleece-backed Lycra called Roubaix which traps air against your skin to keep you warm. Super Roubaix, as the name suggests, is a thicker, warmer version of the same idea.

Arm and leg warmers are also made from knitted fabrics, usually some sort of polyester or Merino wool for maximum warmth and luxury. These are often thicker and warmer than Roubaix, and if they’re knitted in one piece they don’t have the seams that some people find annoying.

A big step forward in the last few years has been the introduction of water-repellent fabrics that help keep you dry. Rain beads off Sportful’s NoRain line, Castelli’s NanoFlex and dhb’s Rain Defence fabrics. Water gets through them eventually, but they’re a good first line of defence against damp weather.

You can also get thinner arm covers that protect against the summer sun without adding insulation

Grippers

Most warmers use silicone strips to grab your skin, although some very carefully-designed models manage to stay up without it. Some also have silicone on the outside to grab your shorts legs or jersey sleeves to keep them in place too.

Length

Arm warmers are all supposed to be long enough to reach from your upper arm to your wrists, though some manufacturers do offer different sizes to accommodate longer or shorter arms. But as well as shorts-to-ankle leg warmers, you can also get knee warmers that end mid-calf and turn your shorts into three-quarter length tights. If you find it’s your knees that really take the brunt of cold weather, you may find this surprisingly comfortable.

Here are a dozen of the arm, leg and knee warmers we've reviewed and liked over the last few years.

Prendas Ciclismo Merkalon Special Edition arm warmers — £7.95

The Prendas Meraklon arm warmers are basic but they do a good job and come at an amazingly cheap price.

They're essentially tubes of polypropylene (58%), nylon (40%) and elastane (2%) with a ribbed top and a more tightly woven cuff section at the bottom. A little more air gets through than with fleecy Roubaix fabrics but they're warmer than skinny Lycra warmers – they split the difference between the two. We found them a good option for typical spring/autumn conditions.

Read our review of the Prendas Ciclismo Merkalon Special Edition arm warmers

Craft 3D arm warmers — £17.99

As arm warmers go, the Craft 3Ds are at the upper end of the scale, both in the design and technology that has gone in to them and in price. They are nevertheless amazingly good value in terms of versatility, usefulness and all-round ride comfort.

They kept our tester’s arms pleasingly warm on even the coldest days. You really don't notice you are wearing them. The silicone grippers at the top of the arms do the job effectively but unobtrusively, the material is soft to the touch and there is nothing to itch or scratch.

Read our review of the Craft 3D arm warmers

Find a Craft dealer

DeFeet Kneekers knee warmers — £17.99

DeFeet Kneekers are seamless knee warmers. High in comfort and stretch, they're are ideal for autumn cycling.

They’re made from a single seamless tube of Coolmax/Lycra material. They're longer than most knee warmers and that means they can cover the legs well above and below the knee, providing extra insulation on cold autumn rides.

They provide good protection from the cold and rain without any hint of overheating. There’s Aireator mesh in the back panel, which improves heat regulation and also contributes to the comfort, but allowing extra flexibility.

If you want a bit more warmth, there's a Merino wool version too.

Read our review of the DeFeet Kneekers knee warmers

Find a DeFeet dealer

Polaris RBS arm warmers — £18.99

Polaris's RBS (really bright stuff) arm warmers keep you cosy with their thermal lining and visible with their reflective trim.

The biggest issue our tester had was that they didn't match with anything in his wardrobe, unlike classic “goes with anything” black arm warmers, but they are certainly warm, and provide a decent degree of protection from chilly weather and wind. They are quite tight though, with secure silicone grippers. That’s good if you have skinny arms, not so great if you’ve got guns from another sport.

Read our review of the Polaris RBS arm warmers

Find a Polaris dealer

Castelli Thermoflex arm warmers — £19.99

The advantages of Castelli's Thermoflex arm warmers are individually small, but they all add up to create one of the most comfortable, best fitting sleeves on the market.

The Thermoflex name comes from the fabric. It's a medium-weight fleece to trap a layer of warm air against the skin which it does well providing plenty of warmth in temperatures ranging from mid-single figures to the low teens.

The best thing about the Thermoflex Arm Warmer, though, is the fit. They are anatomically shaped during construction — a pre bent elbow if you like — and the fabric is super stretchy so it fits closely and moves with your arm. This means there are no creases or rucks in the material, better for comfort and aerodynamics.

A neat addition is the silicone grip on the outside at the top to grip your jersey sleeve.

Read our review of the Castelli Thermoflex arm warmers

Caratti Thermal knee warmers — £20

Carratti have designed these knee warmers for cooler weather, with a breathable thermal fleece inner that keeps rider-generated heat close to the legs, the 80/20 nylon/elastane fabric performs well, and we experienced no problems with breathability on warmer days. The fabric is wind resistant and has shrugged off light showers.

Read our review of the Caratti Thermal knee warmers

dhb Regulate leg warmers — £22

We haven’t tested this exact incarnation of dhb’s well-priced Roubaix, leg warmers, but we liked the very similar Pace Roubaix model.

Those were excellent, with five separate panels to give an 'anatomical' shape - ie, they've got a bend half way down, to match the bend in your leg, and silicone grippers round the inside of the ankle cuff, and around the inside and outside of the thigh cuff so they don't slip down from under your shorts to reveal that annoying and very unstylish inch of bare skin.

With an identical feature set, we’d expect these to be just as good, and the price is very reasonable.

Read our review of the dhb Regulate leg warmers

Oneten Roubaix leg warmers — £23.99

Oneten’s Roubaix leg warmers made of 80% polyester and 20% Spandex and feel very well made. The brushed inner is soft on your skin, while the outer feels robust and smooth. The spandex helps with the elasticity, making them good for a range of leg lengths.

There are silicone grippers at the top and they work well to keep them up.

A simple tube of fabric with a single seam make them very comfortable to wear. They have the Oneten logo on the base of the leg offering some reflective visibility.

Read our review of the Oneten Roubaix leg warmers

Find a Oneten dealer

Castelli Nanoflex knee warmers — £28

Castelli Nanoflex kneewarmers combine two handy functions, keeping your knees both warm and dry. The fabric incorporates silicone filaments that keep the rain out, causing it to bead on the surface and be moved away by the wind.

The inner is a fleecy lining Roubaix style that is very soft to the touch and keeps your knees warm even when the rain eventually gets through. The Thermaflex fabric does exactly what the title suggests, flexes and moves with your leg while travelling through the pedalling motion.

Read our review of the Castelli Nanoflex knee warmers

Stolen Goat Orkaan Weather Proof Arm Warmers — £28.49

These arm warmers are from Stolen Goat's Orkaan winter range are made from the same material as their bib tights, so you get a comfortable brushed inner surface and a degree of protection against the cold and wet. They have a section of reflective Pixel material which is a great idea, giving some much needed side visibility for night-time riding.

They always stayed safely tucked inside the jersey sleeves, helped by elasticated cuffs at each end with a silicone Bioracer pattern on the inside.

Read our review of the Stolen Goat Orkaan Weather Proof Arm Warmers

Castelli Nanoflex Leg Warmers — £39.99

Castelli's Nanoflex Leg Warmers are well designed and comfortable with the added bonus of being water repellent, thanks to the Nanoflex fabric. It keeps road spray and showers out but harder rain does work through, especially through the bit at the front of your knee that you stretch repeatedly as you pedal. But the point is, these feel like any other leg warmers in terms of feel and breathability – like most, they're made from nylon and Lycra – so there's no down side to that extra water repellency.

Nanoflex aside, these are good leg warmers in their own right, coming with just one flatlock stitched seam up the back, which I haven't found at all irritating. The elasticated gripper has silicone on the inside to hold it against your leg, and on the outside to keep it in place against your shorts. I've never had any trouble there. A YKK zip at the back makes getting them on and off easy, even over your shoes.

Read our review of the Castelli Nanoflex Leg Warmers

Rapha leg warmers — £50

Most leg warmers are much of a muchness but these from Rapha are well made with some high-quality features.

They’re made from Roubaix fabric, an ultra-soft blend of polyamide, polyester and elastane that’s stretchy with a fleecy inner face. It feels great next to your skin, is highly breathable, and provides enough warmth for most autumn/winter conditions, although it’s not windproof.

Each leg is made from three separate panels and is constructed to give a slight knee bend that minimises bunching as you pedal. The ankle zips allow you to get them on and off easily over your shoes if the temperature changes mid-ride – a definite bonus – and they come with pullers that snap into place to avoid rattling and zip guards behind to keep them comfy. Silicone grippers top and bottom hold them in place perfectly.

Read our review of the Rapha leg warmers

The Castelli Nanoflex Pro Bibtights are a warm (but not windproof) and water resistant choice for the cold weather, offering great breathability and freedom of movement.

We reviewed Castelli's Nanoflex bib tights here on road.cc a couple of years ago and rated them highly. These are even better thanks to extra layers of fabric in strategic areas and an upgraded seatpad. 

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy these online here

You might well have heard of Nanoflex before because Castelli uses it extensively across its range. It's the brand's fleecy, stretchy Thermoflex fabric, a warm polyamide/elastane mix that's given a coating of silicone 'nanofilaments'. This makes water roll off the surface rather than soaking in.

That claim might well have your BS detector buzzing, but Nanoflex really works. It doesn't make the fabric waterproof – heavy rain will get through – but you'll stay dry in drizzle, and road spray won't soak in.

The best bit is that Nanoflex doesn't feel like most other water-resistant fabrics, it just feels like a brush-backed Roubaix material – stretchy and breathable. Other brands have similar fabrics.

Compared with the original Nanoflex bib tights that we reviewed (updated Nanoflex 2 bib tights are now available), the Nanoflex Pros have a double layer of fabric over the seat and the centre of the lower back – the area that's right in the firing line of spray from the rear wheel if you don't use mudguards – and also over your quads and knees.

In the past, I've found that water is most likely to get through Nanoflex where it moves, so that extra layer over the knees is welcome. And as well as offering more water resistance, the second layer adds insulation to the most exposed areas at the front of the tights. You definitely notice that, especially in a cold wind when these tights are noticeably warmer than the original version.

The fronts of the lower legs are made from a waterproof fabric that's highly reflective. These areas aren't very breathable but, personally, I don't sweat a great deal through my shins and I don't think anyone else does either, so that's not really an issue.

Castelli gives these a temperature rating of 6-18°C. I feel the cold but I'd never go out in these at 18°C; I'd sweat gallons. I'd say about 14°C would be about the top limit. I agree with 6°C as the lower limit. Below that and I'd want something with completely windproof panels.

> Check out our guide to the best bib tights and trousers here

The other key feature to talk about here is the Progetto X2 Air seatpad. It really is excellent, with multi-density, multi-thickness foam, viscous padding, and a smooth, perforated layer next to your skin. It performs superbly however long you're in the saddle.

The Nanoflex Pros are finished off with slim, stretchy straps, YKK ankle zips, and silicone grippers that hold them in place well.

Verdict

Warm, water-resistant tights with great breathability and an excellent seatpad

You're Christmas ready, right? Your presents are wrapped and safely stowed away under the tree, which means you can start drinking mulled wine, dancing around the house to Christmas songs, and exploring the early boxing day sales.

While we can't provide you with wine or Christmas music from our South West recluse in road.cc Towers, we can point you in the direction of some excellent Boxing Day sales - starting with Chain Reaction Cycles.

Two bargain wheelsets, two jerseys, and a jacket feature in this deal round-up, plus if you spend over £75 on sale items and use the code 'SALEJAN' you'll get a tenner off your bill.

35% off Easton EA90 SL Road Wheelset
WAS £759.99 | NOW £493.98

The Easton EA90 SLs are a stiff, lightweight wheelset which could be the perfect addition to your bike build as you roll into 2016.

For the full set you're looking at 1,580g, which is more than reasonable considering these wheels are tubeless ready.

At 17.5mm for the internal width, the wheels are wide, but not hugely so considering the growing trend for wider wheels. They also offer fantastic stiffness which gives them a true roll, especially when you compare them to other similarly priced wheels.

35% off Shimano Ultegra 6800 Wheelset
WAS £329.99 | NOW £214.99

When we review anything on road.cc we don't just take into consideration each product's performance, we look at their position in the market and the price point.

So, when a product like the the Shimano Ultegra 6800 wheelset passes across the DealCatcher's desk over £100 cheaper than they were when they received an 8/10 review on road.cc they're an automatic inclusion in the deal round-up.

Our man Dave Atkinson reviewed these and said that they're "good all-round wheels for training and racing. They're strong, and tubeless-ready."

 He also said that at their RRP they'd be "a decent upgrade to the stock wheels on a mid-level road bike." So, surely at this price they're a no-brainer if you're looking to upgrade.

30% off Castelli Free 3 Jacket
WAS £175.00 | NOW £122.99

We've not really seen the worst that winter usually has to offer in terms of riding conditions, and at this point can we really be sure that any investment in super cold gear is going to be worthwhile?

This Castelli Free 3 Jacket will keep you warm in all autumnal and early winter conditions, which appear to be the conditions that we'll be riding in for the foreseeable.

The silicon waist gripper will prevent any unwanted midriff exposure,  and the Windstopper X fabric will protect you from any stiff January breezes.

20% off Castelli Free 3 Jersey
WAS £90.00 | NOW £71.99

With another eye on warmth, but without any thermal obsessions you'd expect to see in kit you'd normally be looking at at this time of year.

Similarly to the Free 3 Jacket above, this jersey features silicon grippers at the base to protect you from unwelcome under-jersey breezes.

The implementation of Warmer X-Stretch fabric on the sleeves and back panels is geared towards insulation and warmth in a way that most stretch fabrics aren't.  

20% off Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain Jersey
WAS £100.00 | NOW £79.99

Finally, if you're looking for something to keep the relentless rain away from your skin in the new year, this Sportful Fiandre jersey could be just the ticket.

We reviewed the NoRain's sibling, the Sportful Fiandre Light Wind Jersey back in January, and tech editor Dave Arthur loved it.

A 9/10 and a fantastic review leads us to put a fair amount of trust in Sportful's anti-rain offering.

At £80, plus the extra £10 off if you use the SALEJAN code, you're looking at a slamming deal.

The DealCatcher's been busy scouring the retail landscape for deals that'll get your juices flowing. Today he's found a selection of bikes, shoes, jerseys, jackets, and bib tights.

Our deal man at road.cc gets the ball rolling over at Chain Reaction with a great deal on a Raleigh's mid-market endurance bike: the Revenio 3.

We move onto JE James after that, where they're selling a Gore infused waterproof and windproof professional standard Specialized jersey for 58% off - that's a saving of £115.

Wiggle and Hargroves Cycles follow JE James with some Castelli clothing. Wiggle are offering Castelli's Sorpasso bib tights at a 30% discount - in case the weather finally drops - and Hargroves are offering 20% off the Castelli Passo Giau Jacket.

Finally, Evans Cycles have sliced 20% off the asking price of their rather spectacular Republic LX leather road shoes.

Chain Reaction

44% off Raleigh Revenio 3 2015
WAS £899.99 | NOW £499.99

Finding a comfortable bike upon which you're happy to spend all day can be an expensive endeavour.

The Raleigh Revenio 3 ticks the endurance boxes and quashes any qureies you might have about price at the same time. 

Sporting Shimano's midrange 105 groupset, a carbon fork, a tapered head tube and geometry that's been improved for comfort, the Revenio 3 will see you riding faster and longer than you'd expect from a sub-£500 bike.

JE James Cycles

58% off Specialized Pro Winter Part Gore WS Jacket
WAS £200.00 | NOW £84.99

It's wet, it's dry, it's cold it's mild. It's been dificult to predict the weather this winter, let alone choose appropriate clothing.

This 3-layer softshell jacket from Specialized should see you right no matter what the elements are throwing your way.

Awindstopper membrane, a warm inner layer, and a soft water resistant outer layer mean that in the face of anything but the most extreme conditions, you'll be safe in this.

Wiggle

30% off Castelli Sorpasso Bib Tights
WAS £140.00 | NOW £97.99

Cold knees are the worst, and in the winter months bib tights can be a better solution to that problem than knee warmers.

We reviewed the extra thermal wind stopping Sorpasso bib tights in February 2014. Our reviewer Stu Kerton's major reservation was the bib tight's lack of tummy protection.

These don't appear to suffer from the same restrictions. Snap 'em up if you're feeling chilly.

- Read more: road.cc's Castelli Sorpass Wind Bib Tight review

Hargroves Cycles

20% off Castelli Passo Giau Jacket
WAS £149.99 | NOW £120.00

The Castelli Passo Giau is something of a cycling fabric patchwerk quilt. A variety of wind stopper fabrics on the upper chest, shoulders, sleeves, and lower chest, will make cycling in blowy conditions a breeze...

With reflective details, three external pockets, and a high comfortable collar, the Passo Giau'll see you right as we move into the windier months.

Evans Cycles

20% off Giro Republic LX Road Shoe
WAS £149.99 | NOW £119.99

Class. That's the first word that sprung into the collect head of those present in the road.cc office when the DealCatcher stumbled across this deal.

The Giro Republic channels some classic cycling style into a modern shoe. Giro talk about comfort, confidence, and style when describing the Republic.

The supple elegant leather upper and stout nylon sole provide fantastic traction and comfort when walking, as well as comfort while riding.

They're the perfect commuting option, whether you're style conscious or not.

When you think of a speedsuit you tend to imagine a suit designed in the wind tunnel with the only focus being on aerodynamics. That's not the case with the Castelli Cross Sanremo Speedsuit. Castelli has actually produced an incredibly comfortable and well designed suit with cyclo-cross firmly at its core.

Castelli's Sanremo Speedsuits have been around for a while now, often getting high praise for their comfort and design (check out Mat's review of the 3.0 here). This cyclo-cross-specific version is tailored to enhance the suit's range of motion purely for this demanding discipline.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

In reality it is still the simple formula of a race cut jersey and shorts sewn together at the back while leaving the front open, but the changes are in the detail. The stretchy Nervato fabric under the arms allows flexibility for shouldering the bike while still being breathable, and the seams on the shoulders have even been rotated to remove any pressure points when shouldering the bike too. The use of Thermoflex fleece fabric for the upper body keeps you warm during the coldest of winter rides.

There's no doubt that comfort has been kept as a priority, and it shows. The Kiss Air seat pad is excellent even on long rides, and the single-piece shorts construction means fewer seams to worry about causing aggravation. The leg fit is tight but not overly so, with Castelli's Body Paint shorts which are supposedly 'more aerodynamic than if you weren't wearing anything at all', but I can't say I tested that theory!

Practicality-wise it is also surprisingly good. The full-length zipper has a large tab making it easy to use even when your hands are covered in mud or you have gloves on, and the addition of two large rear pockets gives the suit plenty of versatility, meaning it can and probably should be used for other winter rides.

Another plus was the warmth of the suit. The fleece fabric, combined with three-quarter-length arms and a high neck line, kept the body temperature up even when I was taking it easy. Granted, this winter has been warmer than most, but I rarely needed more than a gilet over the top to feel comfortable on some road rides. Equally, the ventilation was good enough to stop you from over heating when at max effort or racing.

> Want to get better at cyclo-cross? Here are some pointers from Dave Smith

The main pitfall seems to be the price, as it often is for the high end items. For £190, it's an expensive piece of kit, but there is no doubt you are buying quality. Bearing in mind you are effectively getting a high-end pair of shorts and jersey, it's probably not far off what you would have to spend anyway. Plus, with its versatility, you certainly won't just be using it for 'cross.

Finally, a word of warning. Make sure you get the sizing right. As with most skin suits, they tend to come up small and the Cross Sanremo Speedsuit is no exception. Even at 5ft 7in and weighing in at 62kg, I found the small extremely tight. In fact, it was so snug that the zip would irritate my neck enough that I usually had to ride with it slightly open. You have been warned!

Verdict

A comfortable, warm and surprisingly versatile speedsuit

Castelli has hit the mark with its lifestyle Meccanico Puffy Jacket, designed for mechanics and leisure time in cold, wintry conditions – keeping you warm and looking good when off the bike.

If there's one thing you can expect from Castelli, it's great Italian style. The Puffy jacket, which has emerged alongside other top-line lifestyle garments from the likes of Rapha and Vulpine, has it in spades. A decently slim-fit cut presides, so those of a cycling build won't get lost in it, while the panels are nicely distributed all-round with nice touches like the Castelli branding on the shoulder.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

Inside, you'll find a fleece back and synthetic down filling providing the insulation against the elements – and these combine to be very good at keeping the wind off and the heat in. Cuffs are well tapered too, alongside a nicely designed neckline, which helps keep the wind from sneaking down into the body of the jacket.

Castelli says the jacket is perfect for temperatures reading 10°C and below, and we tend to agree. We'd not be surprised if it functioned well in near-freezing weather too, which is high praise considering the bulk the Meccanico Puffy Jacket name implies, but in reality doesn't have.

The jacket also comes with a hood – always useful, though it doesn't detach from the neck. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I found it well shaped and not at all heavy. This meant there was no bunching or annoying hanging around the ears when bent over, so I hardly noticed it at all when not using it.

One thing it won't protect you against, though, is rain. The fabric used on the exterior of the jacket is quite flimsy to the touch, and although this brings with it lightness, it won't be keeping out water at all – which raises the concern that, should you get caught in a sudden downpour, it might damage the synthetic down filling inside.

That said, Castelli itself claims the Puffy Jacket will fit underneath a waterproof layer such as a rain shell, which given the lightness and svelteness of the Puffy's construction, is very much a practical reality.

> Check out our guide to the best clothing to keep you warm on the bike here

In terms of pockets, you'll find two in the traditional places. This bare minimum requirement helps to keep the jacket's lines clean, but I can't help thinking a breast pocket or two wouldn't have gone amiss – if you wear it while tinkering with your bikes in your shed, extra places to keep tools on your person are always going to be useful.

Castelli has priced the jacket at £180 – which, like most Castelli products, is on the expensive side. That said, if you're after a quality, good-looking, warm dry-weather jacket that fits well (for a cyclist!), then compared against other premium brands in cycling and wider lifestyle ranges, it's not at all bad and worth considering.

Verdict

Lovely cold-weather jacket, with a stylish cut. Just avoid using in the rain without a waterproof layer over the top

The Castelli Gara Midweight Glove is a premium bit of kit for cooler, windier, damper days, and with good looks and features it justifies the premium price tag. The fit is spot on for my hands, and with the right size choice you can use a liner glove underneath without compromising the fit.

Castelli makes sizing pretty easy: just wrap a tape measure around your knuckles and there you go. At 23cm I'm on the cusp between Medium and Large. The pair tested were Large, which you'd think would be a bit loose, but no – with my hand flat, the area across the palm was stretched tight away from the skin, meaning when wrapped around a handlebar there was no excess fabric to bunch up. Finger length was correct as well, with my 9cm middle finger fitting nicely into the 9.5cm middle of the glove.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy these online here

As befitting a glove designed for cooler, windier days, the cuff length is generous – from the base of the middle finger to the Windstopper outer cuff is 19.5cm, and to the stretchy Nanoflex inner cuff 22cm. This is a glove that will make apologies for that jacket or jersey you purchased without checking the sleeve length when on the bike...

The back-of-hand is Gore's Windstopper X-Fast fleece-backed fabric, which promises to block wind and shrug off light rain. The palm is a synthetic suede, with a 'microsuede' layer over the thumb for snot- and glasses-wiping duty. Castelli suggests either as a use case, so make sure you decide which hand is for which in advance or things could get messy.

There are silicone grippers on the index and middle fingers as well as the thumb, and a small padded area covering the bony bit at the base of your palm.

Branding on the black and as-tested 'Anthracite' (grey) colours is minimal – just a subtle 'Castelli' across the knuckles, which is reflective at night when hit at the right angles. There's a fluoro model for those seeking a brighter outlook. The Castelli scorpion is relegated to the grippy dot on the heel of the palm.

Hands on

As someone who has a veritable drift of gloves on the garage shelf after years of trial-and-error, with a history of cold-weather misery and borderline Raynaud's Disease I come at cold-weather testing with some apprehension. Fortunately, the Gara Midweights hit the spot from the very first ride.

The fit of the large size glove on my 23cm hand meant I could wear a thin merino liner underneath on days of 10°C or a bit lower, but as it warmed up, taking out the liner gave a still-snug fit and tactile experience for shifting, braking and wandering about the bar. When operating 11-speed Ultegra levers I never had to second-guess finger position or the amount of pressure required – the thickness of the finger material and the silicone grip strips keeping me in contact with the mechanicals.

The standout feature has to be the Nanoflex inner cuff, extending 1-2cm further out than the main cuff. Depending on the number of layers worn, the inner cuff could go against the skin or over a baselayer, with the outer cuff folded back to then accommodate a first or second layer, then folded over the whole lot for a super-snug seal. The cuff length means you'll never risk showing an unsightly forearm gap, even stretched out full aero.

As the Gara is a single-layer glove, when you need to remove it there's no liner to pull inside out and require stuffing back into place. Even when hot after a hard ride or damp from a bit of rain, it felt comfortable and was easy to remove or replace.

> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling gloves here

Regarding rain, I'd say the Gara glove works in a similar to the windproof and mildly water-resistant Castelli Gabba jersey – if you can get away with just the Gabba, you probably don't need a liner under the Gara either. No, the Gara isn't waterproof and drops did soak into the fabric after a while, but if you kept moving and there was a break in precipitation for a bit, the fabric kept on with the job in hand. Well, for me anyway, and I run fairly cold.

Let's face it, gloves are very much a personal-preference bit of cycling kit. For my hands, the Garas worked with a liner at 5-12°C, on cloudy and a bit rainy days, and up to about 18°C by themselves, maybe with patches of sunshine. Those blessed with decent circulation should find the headline 6-12°C comfort range about right.

Although £50 is a hefty price tag, having used the Gara from late-summer through autumn into... more autumn, for easy and hard rides, I reckon they're worth it. Pairing with cheap, easily-stashed merino liner gloves will extend the use case even further.

Verdict

An excellent choice for cooler, damper days with the odd shower, and they look good too