Gabba: expensive luxury or a great jacket worth the money?

TheBlaaMan · 26-10-2013 4:56pm #1

Any objective opinions out there from folk who have a Castelli Gabba?

There are lots of competitor jackets under €200, but the Gabba looks kinda cool - not sure if its race-fit lines will look quite so good on me, mind.

So, shell out on a gabba or save money and buy something else?

pelevin · 26-10-2013 5:15pm

I'm not a long-term cyclist at all so I'm not in a position to compare & contrast but I bought a Gabba convertible last spring from the ebay seller from the US below at a far lower price than available this side of the pond. I see at the moment there's only an XL one available. 162 euros after postage, the list price on Wiggle is 267euros. He seems to regularly have new stock in so there's a good chance there'll be more from that seller again soon.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/SHIPS-IN-24HRS-2013-GENUINE-CASTELLI-GABBA-CONVERTIBLE-JERSEY-JACKET-CYCLING-/171027090823?pt=US_Cycling_Clothing&var=&hash=item27d2024d87

I think it's a class piece of kit, light but very effective, & would definitely do the same again if I'd my time over. Not in a position though to offer thoughts on quality or not options by other brands. I'm 5ft 10, about 10 & half to 11 stone & got Large which was right sizing.

rab!dmonkey · 26-10-2013 6:22pm

I thought it was more like a jersey. Do you wear it with a baselayer? Has it ever been overwhelmed by rain?

pelevin · 26-10-2013 7:09pm

rab!dmonkey wrote: »

I thought it was more like a jersey. Do you wear it with a baselayer? Has it ever been overwhelmed by rain?

Heavier than a jersey, prefer to wear it with very lightweight Craft baselayer http://www.wiggle.co.uk/craft-cool-mesh-superlight-sleeveless-base-layer/

I've been in it in quite heavy rain but maybe not quite downpours but it's handled what I've experienced no bother. Completely windproof. Very versatile with the convert option but too warm even with sleeves off on warm summer days I'd say. Haven't had it thru a winter yet but I'd say with a little layering it'll easily cover all conditions. As I say, very light but certainly a jacket rather than a jersey, & when the Milan San Remo had snow blizzards this spring, the Gabba got a lot of renown for being worn by pro's across teams regardless of whether it was supposed to be team-kit or not.

TheBlaaMan · 26-10-2013 7:30pm

pelevin wrote: »

I'm not a long-term cyclist at all so I'm not in a position to compare & contrast but I bought a Gabba convertible last spring from the ebay seller from the US below at a far lower price than available this side of the pond. I see at the moment there's only an XL one available. About 165 euros after postage, I see the list price on Wiggle is 267euros. He seems to regularly have new stock in so there's a good chance there'll be more from that seller again soon.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/SHIPS-IN-24HRS-2013-GENUINE-CASTELLI-GABBA-CONVERTIBLE-JERSEY-JACKET-CYCLING-/171027090823?pt=US_Cycling_Clothing&var=&hash=item27d2024d87

I think it's a class piece of kit, light but very effective, & would definitely do the same again if I'd my time over. Not in a position though to offer thoughts on quality or not options by other brands. I'm 5ft 10, about 10 half stone & got Large which was right sizing.

DO they require any specific (ie careful) washing etc?

pelevin · 26-10-2013 7:39pm

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

DO they require any specific (ie careful) washing etc?

Just the usual kind of instructions on label: 30 degrees C, similar colours, no fabric softener or bleach.

slfcarro5 · 26-10-2013 7:44pm

http://www.shopslipstreamsports.com/shop-catalog/2012-garmin-sharp-gabba-config.html
Don't know if this will suit but you can buy the gabba with garmin logo for 149 dollars which is a bit cheaper than found else. May be worth a look if you don't mind having garmin written across the front

Harrybelafonte · 26-10-2013 7:50pm

slfcarro5 wrote: »

http://www.shopslipstreamsports.com/shop-catalog/2012-garmin-sharp-gabba-config.html
Don't know if this will suit but you can buy the gabba with garmin logo for 149 dollars which is a bit cheaper than found else. May be worth a look if you don't mind having garmin written across the front

Only in small?

Brian? · 26-10-2013 8:21pm

All Castelli gear is worth the money.

detones · 26-10-2013 8:43pm

Liking the look of that waterproof jersey. Hate wearing a rain jacket . Pricey all the same but if it does perform well it would worth it IMHO.

nailik · 26-10-2013 11:15pm

I have a short-sleeve Gabba, which I wear all the time. Even when it's not raining.
When paired with Nanoflex armwarmers, it is brilliant. Warm yet breathable, windproof and, while not waterproof, will keep you fairly dry in anything but the worst of downpours. Not to mention the fact it doesn't flap about like a sail like a rain coat.

Did I mention it also looks badass?

_Skitso_ · 27-10-2013 11:13pm

nailik wrote: »

I have a short-sleeve Gabba, which I wear all the time. Even when it's not raining.
When paired with Nanoflex armwarmers, it is brilliant. Warm yet breathable, windproof and, while not waterproof, will keep you fairly dry in anything but the worst of downpours. Not to mention the fact it doesn't flap about like a sail like a rain coat.

Did I mention it also looks badass?

Same here, have the short sleeve. Wear it all the time with a base layer and maybe more when the temps get lower. Probably add a good pair of arm warmers soon to complete the package like nailik has. Have had it out in heavy showers and no issue, likewise had it out in basking heat and didn't melt.

I have a buy once buy well view on things which I agree can sometimes end with me spending a lot and maybe not getting value but with the Gabba I'm very very happy I indulged.

Bambaata · 30-10-2013 4:37pm

Glad to see a topic on this and thanks for the ebay link

I was wondering if anyone could comment on the sizing (seems the usual -go 1 larger than normally wear) and the warmth of the jacket versus jersey. Im just wondering which is going to get most use. Am i right in saying the jacket with detachable arms is still too warm May/June to August/September and really would only be for outside of those months. If you were to put a number on it what temperature would you think is the starting point at which the jacket even with arms taken off is too warm? I really need a good jersey/jacket but cant decide between the two. I know there the option of buying both but it seems that would be mega overkill!

slap/dash · 30-10-2013 8:25pm

Yeah, I'm considering the short sleeve jersey and use with bas layer/ATM warmers.

If anyone can confirm that sizing is typical, that would be great. Mostly wearing xxL in vermarc and nalnini, so is that the same for castelli?

slap/dash · 30-10-2013 8:26pm

Lawls at iPad text correction: base layer and arm warmers

BryanL · 30-10-2013 10:07pm

Gabba is great for light rain and windy wet days. But it's not a waterproof jacket, it's very breathable, windproof and fairly waterproof.
it's great for racing in rain but you'd get cold and wet with it on the commute in "proper rain".
I have a long and short sleeve and would use them year round when conditions allow.

TheBlaaMan · 30-10-2013 11:25pm

FWIW, the cheapest site for the jacket is certainly that eBay link, but I wonder what the risk of Customs slapping an import charge and then VAT might be....I can see the convertible jacket is just over €200 at the Italian site http://www.all4cycling.com/ with free shipping and that really puts CRC, Evans and Wiggle in the shade. Note though that Wiggle have £40 off with code (MONEY-OFF-2) for a purchase over £200 till 4pm tomorrow, so that would bring the price back to about €215, shipping now extra with Wiggle

pelevin · 30-10-2013 11:28pm

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

FWIW, the cheapest site for the jacket is certainly that eBay link, but I wonder what the risk of Customs slapping an import charge and then VAT might be....I can see the convertible jacket is just over €200 at the Italian site http://www.all4cycling.com/ with free shipping and that really puts CRC, Evans and Wiggle in the shade. Note though that Wiggle have £40 off with code (MONEY-OFF-2) for a purchase over £200 till 4pm tomorrow, so that would bring the price back to about €215, shipping now extra with Wiggle

I certainly won't claim anything about risk, just that in my case from that seller everything went perfectly smoothly & swiftly with no extra charges. Seems to be some huge discrepancies in pricing all right.

pelevin · 30-10-2013 11:55pm

Just searched out of interest and at

http://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/pn1882.html

it states:

"C. Consignments of Negligible Value
Consignments not exceeding an intrinsic value of €150 may be imported from outside the EU without payment of Customs Duty. Intrinsic value is the value of the goods alone and does not include insurance and freight)."

That would seem to give the all-clear in this case.

Brian? · 31-10-2013 12:05am

Bambaata wrote: »

Glad to see a topic on this and thanks for the ebay link

I was wondering if anyone could comment on the sizing (seems the usual -go 1 larger than normally wear) and the warmth of the jacket versus jersey. Im just wondering which is going to get most use. Am i right in saying the jacket with detachable arms is still too warm May/June to August/September and really would only be for outside of those months. If you were to put a number on it what temperature would you think is the starting point at which the jacket even with arms taken off is too warm? I really need a good jersey/jacket but cant decide between the two. I know there the option of buying both but it seems that would be mega overkill!

If you go the jacket route I recommend this:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-mortirolo-due-jacket-1/

Started wearing mine once the temp went below 15C, a great jacket. At the moment I'm just wearing an aldi compression vest underneath it. It's water resistant but not water proof so I carry a rain cape as well.

When it gets colder, below 7 or 8 I reckon, I'll wear layers under the jacket. Probably a long sleeve base layer.

The tax man · 31-10-2013 12:48am

Bobshop.de have the non-convertible version in sizes M to 2XL for €179.95 + shipping(9.95)
€200+ will get you free shipping.

I have it in a large and I have to say the size guide is fairly accurate.
I'd usually take a chest size between 38" to 40" depending on brand. I'd describe the large in this top as race fit.Tight but not restrictive and I'm only going to have a base layer underneath so it's perfect. Nice arm length.
I'm 5'11" 75kgs.

TheBlaaMan · 03-11-2013 6:38pm

Order placed. Now the wait..........:)

TheBlaaMan · 11-11-2013 1:17pm

Arrived this morning. 8 days from order on eBay via US. Looks nice, fits nice (XL: 80kg, 185cm, 100cm chest). Great price

pelevin · 11-11-2013 3:08pm

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

Arrived this morning. 8 days from order on eBay via US. Looks nice, fits nice (XL: 80kg, 185cm, 100cm chest). Great price

Glad it all went smoothly.

Bambaata · 11-11-2013 4:59pm

Sounds like we're similarly built so am interested to hear on how it fits once you get a chance on the road. Just wondering can many layers go underneath etc

dermabrasion · 11-11-2013 8:39pm

I've the x-large. I'm 40-41 chest. It fits snug. Wore it over the feather beds on the crappiest, howling, rain-like-a-sandblaster type of day. I had a craft merino base layer: it did exactly what it said on the tin.

skerry · 18-11-2013 9:55pm

Just wondering how ye're getting on with the Gabba's so far folks. I'm thinking I might put in a word for one for Christmas. Want to use it as a winter jersey so I'm thinking of going with the long sleeve or the convertible.

I have a Santini Magic Jacket (think that's whats it's called) which was waterproof enough at the start but had it out for a wet spin Sunday and it didn't do much, seems a few washes haven't done it any favors.

Just wondering if ye think the Gabba is as good as it's supposed to be or are there better options out there and it's all just very good marketing.

Also I'm about 5'11" and 68kg (ish) so I'm thinking a Large would work, any opinions? I take a Large in Giordana jerseys not sure if Castelli is similar fit.

The tax man · 19-11-2013 12:25am

I was out in mine on Sunday in the rain and it held up surprisingly well. I thought the weather had turned too bad for it to cope on it's own but it did.
I didn't have a choice anyway as I went without a rain jacket.

Most of my route had a headwind so at times I was getting a good pasting with rain. Also went over a few climbs into the mist and rain.
I only had a Prendas heavy weight base layer underneath it and was kept warm all day.

Front of jacket after 2hrs in the rain. Water had stopped beading on the shoulders and parts of the arms but I still wasn't wet inside.

skerry · 19-11-2013 9:54am

The tax man wrote: »

I was out in mine on Sunday in the rain and it held up surprisingly well. I thought the weather had turned too bad for it to cope on it's own but it did.
I didn't have a choice anyway as I went without a rain jacket.

Most of my route had a headwind so at times I was getting a good pasting with rain. Also went over a few climbs into the mist and rain.
I only had a Prendas heavy weight base layer underneath it and was kept warm all day.

Front of jacket after 2hrs in the rain. Water had stopped beading on the shoulders and parts of the arms but I still wasn't wet inside.

Thanks for that Tax Man, proper hard ba$tard pic there. Was out in same conditions on Sunday but my Santini just wasn't up to the task. Felt cold, especially when the pace wasn't high and I was in middle of group, and didn't keep water out long.

Did you go for the longsleeve version or the convertible?

The tax man · 19-11-2013 10:35am

I have the long sleeve version.

pelevin · 19-11-2013 11:25am

skerry wrote: »

Also I'm about 5'11" and 68kg (ish) so I'm thinking a Large would work, any opinions? I take a Large in Giordana jerseys not sure if Castelli is similar fit.

I'd be pretty similar size-wise & have a Gabba convertible in Large which I'd say is right for me.

Gabba: expensive luxury or a great jacket worth the money?

Comments