Castelli Free Aero Race 4.1 jersey review

Castelli’s cutting edge clothing meets the marginal gains demanded by Team Sky. But rather than retiring its Free Aero Race 4 jersey when it improved on it for the racers, Castelli has reimagined it for the everyday rider. It retains its aero fabrics and excellent moisture management, while being easier to live with for the amateur rider looking for the best. It’s one of our favourite jerseys and part of our exclusive Editor’s Choice selection for 2018.

The original Castelli Free Aero Race 4.0 jersey was once Castelli’s top-spec racing-fit jersey. But when the newer Aero Race 5.1 jersey supplanted it at the top of the tree, rather than stop making the 4.0, Castelli tweaked its features to increase its appeal for a broader spectrum of riders.

>>> 15 of the best summer jerseys

Castelli says that the Free Aero Race 4.1 jersey still uses aerodynamic fabrics and cut, with a claimed saving of 12 watts at 40kph against a standard race-fit jersey due to its dimpled fabric on the front and the shoulders. The under-arm fabric also gets the aero treatment and is very stretchy for a close fit.

>>> Are aerodynamic fabrics worth it?

Although close, there’s enough stretch in the Castelli Free Aero Race 4.1 jersey that it’s comfortable not just for the racing snake. The fabric is also airy enough to provide plenty of airflow on hotter days, without being see-through. You still get quite close-fitting raw-edged sleeve grippers made of a thin mesh material.

>>> Castelli Free Aero Race Kit Version bibshorts review

At the rear, there’s a zipped valuables pocket in the Free Aero Race 4.1 jersey with a reflective zip puller, as well as reflective areas on the two outer open pockets. At the neck, Castelli has sewn in a backing strip behind the front zip to make it more comfortable. All the logos are printed rather than sewn on, so as not to upset the aerodynamics or irritate the wearer’s skin.

It all adds up to a very comfortable jersey for longer rides, not just for racing – perhaps the most comfortable we’ve tested. It’s available in sizes from small through to 3XL, so there’s plenty of size choice and the fit of the Free Aero Race 4.1 jersey is size-accurate for the general UK rider.