Castelli Prologo V Jersey

The Castelli Prologo V Jersey brings together great breathability, strong looks, and a comfortable fit to create a very good summer cycling top.

The Prologo is now in its fifth iteration, as you can probably tell from the V in the name. Castelli claims it's the closest to the fundamental ideals of what it wants a jersey to be, with the relatively broad claim of creating 'your favorite [sic] jersey' – a big claim. But does it live up to its reputation?

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Breathability is one of the main selling points of the jersey, with Castelli giving it 4/5 on its breathability scale. Here I agree with the Italian company. It has a large mesh vent running down under the arms and across the back, and the rest of the jersey is made from Stratus+, a two-layer fabric that lets heat out really well. The highest temperature I used it in was around 25°C, and it coped admirably. I would happily use this during an Italian summer.

The latest Prologo is a strong, clean looking jersey, with the red version I tested a bright and easily seen primary colour that hasn't faded at all in the six or so washes I have put it through. There is also a smart black band under the pockets, which helps it to blend into black shorts – a clever touch. There is also a shadow logo on the front, which I think looks really classy and doesn't make you feel like a walking billboard. There is also the scorpion logo on the left sleeve and central rear pocket.

Fit isn't totally relaxed but not what I would describe as a racing cut: it doesn't make you look like a kid wearing their dad's jersey but it also has a bit of give for those of us who enjoy a pint now and then. Fit is certainly Italian, meaning the large I wore was good for me – I'm normally between a medium and large for UK or US brands. Arm length is about average and certainly not an 'aero reaching your elbow' job. I approve – I find that the tan lines created when flitting between regular and aero arms can take away from the pride of the ruler-straight tan line all(!) cyclists crave.

Other features on the jersey include a full length zipper, which helps with ventilation if you need it, and a zip garage at the top to prevent chafing. There is also a strong gripper on the hem, keeping everything in place throughout, regardless of whether I have anything in the three well-sized rear pockets or additional zipped key pocket. Stitching isn't flatlock, but I didn't find any kind of discomfort even on long, hot rides.

It comes with an RRP of £80, which is about what I'd expect for a well-specced and good looking jersey. People will always say that XYZ is too much, but in this case I would be happy to pay up to £100 for something that performs like this.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer cycling jerseys

So is the Prologo V my 'new favorite (sic) jersey'? Possibly. I really like the subtle look, excellent ventilation and good fit, and Castelli has certainly put considerable thought into it. There isn't a whole lot not to like.

Verdict

A strong showing from the fifth generation of the Prologo jersey