Castelli’s Rosso Corsa Classic Gloves definitely are just that, classic. They have everything you need and nothing you don’t; they are simple and do exactly the job that I want from a pair of gloves. They look classy too, which goes some way to justifying the price.

  • Pros: Well-positioned padding, lovely fit, breathable
  • Cons: We’ve tested some very good gloves for less than 20 quid

The Rosso Corsa Classics are lightweight and slender, and that starts with the padding. There is enough of it, and it’s been placed in just the right place to prevent pins and needles.

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You get a section that runs below the fingers before passing down between the index finger and base of the thumb, then running across above the wrist to protect the ulnar nerve.

I’ve been testing a carbon fibre integrated stem and handlebar setup which is very stiff, and because of the flat tops you don’t cover them in bar tape. The Rossos have just enough padding to take the sting out without being overly bulky and muting the ride sensation. You also get a small section of padding on the thumb for comfort when your hand is positioned on the hoods.

castelli_rosso_corsa_classic_cycling_glove_-_palm.jpg
castelli_rosso_corsa_classic_cycling_glove_-_palm (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

This latest version has an updated Clarino palm which is a soft, suede-like material that’s comfortable against the skin.

The back of the hand is a polyester/elastane mix which provides a close fit, and with the centre section being mesh your hands don’t overheat either, as long as you have a good breeze passing over the top. A nice touch is the embroidered logos, which you know no matter how much you wash or wear them aren’t going to peel off.

The fit is close so they don’t require any Velcro strap or fixing at the wrist which I like, as that can lead to irritation especially if your arms get sweaty.

There is plenty of room around the fingers, plus they are quite short so if you aren’t blessed with pianist length digits they won’t catch behind the knuckles.

The Rossos are easy to get on and off thanks to a longer tab at the bottom of the wrist, and for removal they have a little tab between the middle fingers. It’s unnoticeable when riding but is just enough to help ease them off at the end of the ride.

> Read more road.cc reviews of cycling mitts here

For the money, the quality is as good as you’d expect. The stitching is neat and tidy and all of the fabrics feel robust to stand up to a good few summers of riding.

Now £37 is pretty pricey for a pair of mitts, and we’ve seen some very good ones for a lot less. Altura’s Sportive 97 Mitts, for example, scored very highly with their £19.99 price tag. On the flip side, though, David absolutely loved the Sportful R&D Cima Gloves, and they cost £35.

The Castellis are really good, and I wouldn’t be averse to paying full whack; if you can find them for less, they are a great value.

Verdict

Surprisingly simple gloves for the money but they do everything you need in total comfort

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Castelli Rosso Corsa Classic Cycling Glove

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the product is for

Castelli says, “This glove has already become a classic, but we felt we could make it just a little bit better. The features you love are still there, like the reticulated gel padding, the great fit, the mesh back and the great styling. We’ve updated the palm with ClarinoTM synthetic for an even better fit and a smoother finish on your hand, and we’ve updated the thumb wipe area with microsuede and removed the embroidery. It’s destined to stay a classic and to become your favorite glove.”

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Castelli:

Palm with gel padding / silicone print for grip

Easy pull-on design

Easy-off central pull tab

Microsuede wipe panel

Sizes XS to XXL (7.2″ to 10.2″)

Colours – White/Black, Black, Red

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

No issues at all from machine washing although they come up just as clean by a quick hand wash.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very comfortable for long rides and short blasts alike.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Great fit.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Quite pricey.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

I really like the simplicity of the Rosso Corsas and that they do everything very well. A great fit and very comfortable, with a quality finish, it’s just the price that brings them down a notch.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month’s test bike  My best bike is:

I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed