Castelli

The Castelli Fedele is unusual in that it's thicker and warmer than most short-sleeve jerseys which makes it a useful option for spring, autumn and cool summer morning/evening rides.

The Fedele is made from Castelli's Thermoflex Lite fabric which is a brush-backed polyester. It's a mid-weight fabric, not far off the kind of thickness that you sometimes find on long-sleeve winter jerseys. It's in no way windproof – it's not that dense – but it's thick enough to provide considerably more insulation than a standard summer jersey.

'Pioggia' is the Italian word for 'rain' and that tells you what these overshoes are all about. They're made from a polyurethane-coated fabric that won't let water through. And when I say that it won't let water through, it really won't. I scrunched one of these up and left a pool or tap water in the fabric and it was still there a day later. Of course, that's not real-world testing but, believe me, water doesn't soak through here.

Yes, Castelli's Fluido bib tights are expensive but they're also incredibly good at keeping out the wind and also protecting you from rain and road spray. You'll be amazed at the performance, these are the best bit of clothing I've tested in ages.

Castelli's Risvolto Winter Cap provides enough warmth for most winter conditions and comes with a stowable flap to cover your ears and the back of your head.

You can just about wear it under a helmet but you're making life hard for yourself there because it's not especially low profile. No, this is a hat that's aimed at those who ride without a lid.

I know what youre thinking, and youre right: £230 is a big old wedge of cash to spend on a bike jacket. But then the Castelli Espresso Due is a really high-quality piece of clothing with some excellent cold-weather features behind its cool looks.

The Espresso is made from Gore Windstopper X-Fast fabric. You probably know about Windstopper, and even if you dont, the clue is in the name. This fabric blocks out cold air completely so you can build up your warmth inside. This version has the added advantage of being very stretchy too.

These Diluvio overshoes from Castelli cost a bit more than most but they're warm and well made.

Like many others, they're 3mm neoprene which is thick enough for plenty of insulation. Just as important for keeping your feet warm, that neoprene extends well over the sides and round to the soles. You get a hole for your cleat, of course, and another at the heel for grip when walking to and from your bike, but that little bit of extra coverage compared to a completely open-soled overshoe makes a big difference.

This new jersey from Castelli really is something different. The Gabba is made from a windproof and waterproof fabric that's breathable enough that you stay comfortably sweat-free when you step up the intensity.

Castelli's Chiro Due gloves are good-quality mid-weight gloves for cool autumn/winter days - although not for the very coldest rides.

The Chiros owe much of their performance to the fact that they're made from a Gore Windstopper fabric throughout - and that includes the cuffs. No cold air gets through it. Plus, although these gloves aren't designed to be waterproof, no rain gets through the Windstopper fabric either. It can soak through the seams but not through the fabric itself.